[Courtesy of Cosmax]
SEOUL -- Cosmax, a cosmetics original development manufacturer in South Korea, will work with Around Blue, a domestic producer of eco-friendly materials for cosmetic containers, to develop bioplastic containers with cross-linked cellulose, a new polymer material produced using biomass raw materials, which are based on plants and agricultural crop residues.
Absorbent cellulose is used to produce diapers, catamenial napkins, tampons, nursing pads, wound dressings and other incontinence products. Cross-linked cellulose fibers are characterized by their high absorbent capacity and their high resiliency in wet and dry states. Around Blue produces crosslinked cellulose (CLC).
Many degradable plastic products have failed to attract attention because of their weak durability, while some bioplastics are very brittle compared to those made from fossil fuel. CLC is suitable for use as a cosmetic container, unlike other bioplastics that decompose quickly due to excessive emphasis on biodegradability, Cosmax said, adding that various prototypes based on CLC materials would be developed and commercialized in the first half of next year.
"As the top priority of the global cosmetics industry is the circulation of eco-friendly containers and resources, Cosmax will take the lead in developing eco-friendly cosmetics in cooperation with various companies and institutions," Cosmax CEO Lee Byung-man said in a statement on October 25.
The accumulation of plastic waste has become a serious global problem. South Korea has stepped up research into bioplastics. In August 2022, Hanwha Solutions, a chemical and energy company affiliated with South Korea's Hanwha Group, joined a green campaign to commercialize eco-friendly cosmetics containers using waste plastic recycling materials, in cooperation with Kolmar Korea and Yeon-U, a domestic cosmetics container maker.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
