Cambridge tech enables ELEMIS to launch plastic-free innovation for cosmetics industry
UK skincare brand ELEMIS has struck a partnership with next generation plant materials brand, Morro – recently launched by Xampla in Cambridge – to launch innovative new biodegradable sampling sachets.
The project aims to replace polluting plastic traditionally used in one-use sachets with biofilm created from left over plant waste.
The collaboration is supported by PlasticFree.com and research backed by funds from BBSRC, EPSRC, and Innovate UK.
The gamechanging solution is based on Xampla’s proven Morro materials made from plant feedstocks and over the next six months the partners will utilise their expertise to turn ELEMIS’ plant waste into heat sealable films that can replace single use plastics.
Sachets are a popular format for consumers and brands alike but there has so far been an unmet demand for plastic-free alternatives to traditional multilayer barrier sachets.
The collaboration reflects the growing trend for upcycled ingredients and sustainability in the beauty industry as consumers increasingly seek products with minimal environmental impact.
Oriele Frank, co-founder and Chief Product & Sustainability Officer at ELEMIS said: “ELEMIS continues to innovate and investigate new ideas, and partners wherever possible with organisations that can help move the dial on key environmental or social challenges.
“What we find so exciting about this project with Morro is how utilising waste from left-over plant material can potentially tackle one of our key packaging dilemmas too.
“This project further reflects our commitment to finding new opportunities to have a positive impact on planet and people throughout our value chain.”
Ex-Arm executive Pete Hutton, chairman at Xampla, added: “Our collaboration with ELEMIS unlocks significant potential for the cosmetics industry, where waste materials are transformed into innovative solutions to replace plastic sachets.
“We are proud to have pioneered our breakthrough material using plant feedstocks and we are looking forward to developing this research further with ELEMIS.”
The partnership was facilitated by PlasticFree.com, founded by Sian Sutherland, co-founder of A Plastic Planet. Sutherland commented: “We are proud to have united two forward-looking British companies that, together, can steer us away from plastic packaging with entirely new materials, created from discarded waste.
“This is the kind of inventive and collaborative approach that is required to create change in the industry and to facilitate the next generation of packaging.”