Japanese cosmetics company KANEBO has chosen Eastman’s Cristal One IM812 speciality PET [polyethylene terephthalate] resin for the overcap of its Generating Essentials treatment lotion.
The company required a material for a thick-walled black overcap that could satisfy both design and performance needs, especially because of the cap’s heavier build.
According to a statement from Eastman, Cristal One IM812 passed drop impact tests and retained the necessary strength after post-mould painting.
The material can be used in injection moulding and is intended to offer transparency and toughness for cosmetic packaging components.
Eastman added that Kanebo chose the resin in part because it is recyclable in the PET recycling stream.
While compliance with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was not an immediate requirement for a product sold mainly in Asian markets, the company opted for a material that fits with expected future regulatory direction.
Eastman cosmetics and personal care packaging marketing manager Tara Cary said: "Kanebo's adoption of Cristal One IM812 in its product cap is meaningful to Eastman.
"This commercial example shows how Eastman's materials can help beauty brands address the challenge of combining sustainability with uncompromised appearance, durability and function."
Kanebo also plans to broaden the use of Cristal One Renew IM812 in future products.
Kanebo's parent company Kao and Eastman have worked together for many years.
Their relationship has developed through joint work on Eastman material developments, with Kao relying on Eastman’s technical support and materials knowledge for cosmetic packaging.
Kanebo designer Shinsuke Magai said: "Rooted in Kanebo's 'Progress Care' philosophy and our message, 'Going beyond beauty, Kanebo heightens hope', this lotion reflects our approach to supporting skin through different stages of life rather than focusing on anti-ageing.
"We wanted the packaging to bring that philosophy to life through a design that conveys both refinement and progression."
In a separate development last year, Medipack incorporated Eastman’s Eastar 6763 Renew copolyester into its new medical-grade thermoforming film.
