Bio-On launches bioplastics for eco-friendly cosmetics formulation
The event took place on 18th and 19th of May and attracted top management delegates from companies such as L’Oreal, L’Occitane, Cargill, Clariant and Yves Rocher – making it an ideal platform for Minerv PHA Bio Cosmetic.
The landmark event was being billed as a pivotal meeting for the industry, and one of the biggest topics on the agenda was the environment and the sustainability profile of newly developed products.
Presenting a different kind of microbead
In its presentation, Bi-On’s executives said that its new product attracted significant interest at the event because it hit on these important conference topics: product sustainability, product safety for children, preservatives in cosmetics products, possible replacement of microbeads, “green” Vs conventional products.
Microbeads are widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulation as thickeners and stabilizers in products such as lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, eye-liner, nail polish, creams, shampoo, foam bath and even toothpaste.
But perhaps they are best known as the key ingredient in skin care ‘scrub’ products, providing the exfoliating effect for deep cleansing.
All about biodedradability
However, Bi-On says the development of its new bioplastic microbead came about because of the rising scientific evidence that, after being rinsed off and entering waterways, where they become a permanent part of the natural marine life cycle because they are non-biodegradeable.
Countless studies have illustrated how such plastics are damaging the feeding environments for marine life, particularly because plankton are consuming the plastics, thus introducing them to the entire fresh and sea water food chain.
This threat has led to many countries worldwide slapping future bans on the formulation of microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products, including Canada, Australia and the USA.
Decomposes to form a nutrient for marine life
And although many companies have come up with ingredients made from natural alternatives such as nut shells, coconut husks and coffee grounds, Bi-On believes Minerv BPH is a highly sustainable because it actually decomposes into a nutrient for some micro-organisms present in nature.
"We are very pleased with the amount of interest we have received from multinationals in the sector," explains Bio-on Chairman Marco Astorri,
"Bio-on has given an important signal because with Bio Cosmetics it offers cosmetics manufacturers the immediate possibility of responding to demands from consumers for natural, sustainable and non-polluting products."
