Element Materials Sciences launches E-PHA for Beauty Packaging
Element Materials Sciences has resourced an innovative bio-based material to replace ABS in beauty packaging: E-PHA.
Element Materials Sciences, the branch dedicated to sustainable R&D of Element Group USA, is releasing a new biopolymer called E-PHA, sourced from bio-fermentation, compatible with cosmetics applications replacing ABS, PE or PP.
PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) is the only material that is industrial and home compostable, as well as soil and marine biodegradable and food-grade compatible for safe use in cosmetics packaging. In an Industrial composting facility, PHA will degrade with under controlled conditions (humidity, bacteria and microbes, temperatures, etc.) at 58°C. At Home, it can be composted in gardens or landfills at 28°C. In soil, in a field or in the forest it will degrade at 25°C, and in marine condition, E-PHA will degrade at Sea at 30°C.
The PHA developed by Element Sciences is available for injection molding as well as blow molding and thermoforming applications. It is 100% sourced from bio content and can come in a high-gloss surface finish for luxurious touches in beauty packaging. It can be used as a replacement to ABS thanks to its sturdy design properties. Its cost is in line with industry standards and can be easily integrated into cosmetics ranges.
“ It’s a major step forward in the beauty industry. We believe in reducing our carbon impact by replacing fossil-based materials in cosmetics applications with truly biodegradable solutions. However we found that the vast majority of solutions on the market are not really applicable in the beauty sphere. With E-PHA, we have now developed robust solutions that will answer the needs of brands and consumers,” explains David Pina, Director of Design & Innovation at Element Group USA.
E-PHA for injection molding
E-PHA is ideal for cushion compacts, cosmetics jars & spatulas as well as cosmetics caps & closures for make-up and skincare application. It replaces ABS offering similar properties and processability. It can directly be converted into existing ABS molds, limiting manufacturing investment and increasing production turnaround.
For jars & spatulas, E-PHA is a great replacement to PP material reducing the use of fossil-based plastics for a 100% biobased packaging (PLA, PHA, Soy ink). It can be printable without the need for processing.
E-PHA can also be implemented into cosmetics caps and closures production, for ABS replacement in existing molds since it offers similar manufacturability and finishes. E-PHA can also be easily post-processed for matte finishes for instance.
E-PHA for blow molding
E-PHA is manufacturable into Bottles using blow molding technology (DBM and ISBM) for skincare, bodycare and haircare applications. It is hot fillable due to high HDT which makes it suitable for lipstick cases, and it has a higher impact strength than PLA. E-PHA also offers better processability than PLA.
E-PHA for thermoforming
E-PHA can be thermoformed for secondary packaging inner wedge for a 100% biobased solution, so it easily replaces PP. This material has a higher durability and impact strength than PLA, which reduces breakage during transportation and storage than PLA.
E-PHA for coating and adhesive
The Element Sciences biobased material can be used in extrusion paper coating, for deodorant or other bodycare paper sticks, as well as emulsion paper coating for dedicated containers.
E-PHA is surface water and oil-resistant, offers a higher repulping rate since it does not degrade paper fibers and has a low Color Penetration. It also has a higher durability compared to PLA since it is home and industrially compostable (PLA is only industrially compostable and will break down in certain conditions and in a longer time span than PHA).
About Element Group USA
“The fluidity of innovation and creativity in motion.”
Founded in 2017, by Ulrich Lerissel and Nick Gardner, Element Group US is a global resource for innovative, sustainable packaging solutions within the color cosmetics, beauty, skincare wellness and home care industries. A full-service company, Element Groupr USA manages the process of development, from concept through design and manufacturing in collaboration with long-term partnerships throughout the world.
Composed of four divisions :
Element Beauty Group (Turnkey and Full-service solutions),
Element Design (Innovative Design & Engineering),
Element Sciences (Sustainability & Materials Innovations).