Discussing sustainable packaging involves focusing on non-polluting materials, efficient production models, comprehensive recycling, and ultimately, reducing the environmental footprint. Today’s cosmetics consumers demand sustainability that goes beyond skin surface-level considerations.
While sustainability may appear to be a recent trend, at Virospack, it's been a core commitment throughout its history. The company not only prioritise creating inherently sustainable products, like choosing eco-friendly materials, efficient production models, recycled glass and recyclable plastics to minimise the carbon footprint, but also ensure sustainability throughout their entire lifecycle and beyond. All of this while still offering exceptional quality, design and customisation options.
For example, Virospack takes pride in being one of the leading suppliers with the lowest levels of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in Europe, for the metallisation process and sputtering technology used in droppers, bottles, and packaging components decoration. This ensures a high-quality and visually appealing finish while upholding its commitment to environmental responsibility. We continuously invest in research and development to minimise solvent use in our products and paints, reducing emissions wherever possible. Additionally, Virospack holds ISO, EMAS, ISCC and GOLD certifications from Ecovadis.
Virospack presented this year a plant-based dropper cap innovation, developed in partnership with the German company Rezemo. This innovation uses the new Forewood® material, which replaces conventional plastic and is free of fossil substances while maintaining the same functionality and performance.
The Forewood® material combines the best of both worlds – the combination of wood fibers and biopolymers enables the production of unique materials that are 100% bio-based and contain no fossil-origin substances. The Forewood® materials convey their sustainability through their natural appearance and allow their properties to be flexibly adapted to different cosmetic packaging requirements. Renewable, infinitely available, and environmentally friendly, wood fibers combine perfect sustainability properties with beneficial effects on the Forewood® material, such as a natural look and improved mechanical performance. Replacing fossil resources with renewable raw materials is the idea behind 100% bio-based polymers. These polymers enable the material to be shaped by forming a malleable matrix around the wood fibers.
The innovation is certified by sustainable forestry (PEFC). It is composed of a biodegradable biopolymer, 100% compostable and plant-based, with 0% fossil resources, which reduces the CO2 footprint. In addition to all these eco-powered benefits, it is possible to embrace the power of customisation as well, so important for brand positioning and final product design, with Virospack in-house custom decoration and finishes for the cap and bulb parts. To be in direct contact with the product, without compromising the structure of the material, the best option to this Plant-Based cap is using in the dropper kit a pipette with a Tenite: Biobased Plastic > 40%.
Another very interesting partnership by Virospack this year is the collaboration with BrightSideUp Upcycled Lighting Desing, launched at Milan Design Week 2024. The BrightSideUp was proud to showcase the innovative lighting fixtures made using glass residue from Virospack. This partnership highlights the versatility and quality of Virospack's glass products, demonstrating their potential beyond traditional packaging applications.
BrightSideUp, known for its creative approach to upcycling and lighting design, seeks to provide functional and aesthetically pleasing solutions for glass production companies' material streams. By repurposing glass residue as a source material for upcycled designs, BrightSideUp creates stunning and sustainable lighting artworks. Their services range from large custom-made installations to concept development for smaller units, all offered through their upcycling platform contributing to a more sustainable future. Furthermore, BrightSideUp collaborates with local art academies and design schools to develop designs and co-produce them in social work centers.
This project is part of a European Union initiative aimed at promoting the value of upcycling and fostering collaboration among EU countries. Virospack is proud to support BrightSideUp in their mission to promote sustainability and innovation in the design industry.
“Through these initiatives, we strive to lead the industry in promoting eco-friendly practices, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, and driving continuous innovation. Our dedication to these principles will help ensure that Virospack remains a trusted and forward-thinking partner in the cosmetic packaging industry.” - Aïda Rodriguez, CEO.
Virospack believes that joining forces through innovative projects with companies seeking solutions for a more sustainable future, is the best way to reposition the role of packaging providers in the consumer goods business.
