As a leading producer of glass packaging for cosmetic products, Gerresheimer is committed to driving sustainability in the sector. Gerresheimer has been successfully producing glass with a high proportion of post-consumer recycled (PCR) material for over 10 years in Momignies, Belgium. In 2019 Gerresheimer started producing PCR glass at the Tettau site in Germany. By using recycled glass, new high-quality cosmetics packaging can be produced, thus helping preserve natural resources. As the market leader in PCR glass production of cosmetics packaging, Gerresheimer is driving circularity and resource savings every day.
Real PCR glass
“We have been using real PCR glass for cosmetic packaging for over 10 years now, making us market pioneers,” says Nicola Balena, Vice President Global Business Management Cosmetics Moulded Glass. “Our PCR glass packaging has won over many of our customers seeking to improve their packaging sustainability without trade-offs. We are committed to the circular economy and only produce cosmetics packaging with the highest PCR glass content.”
Optimal Supply Chain Agility
The flint-glass furnace in Momignies is producing PCR glass into cosmetic glass around the clock and the whole year. The site in Tettau followed in 2019.
Pushing the limits of recycled content in cosmetics glass packaging
As part of its commitment to circular economy, Gerresheimer has worked hard to reduce the proportion of raw materials (sand, calcium oxide, and sodium carbonate) used in its clear glass to just 45 % of the materials melted in the furnace. The glass composition has been audited and certified by Belgian company RDC environment, which also completed a full life cycle assessment (LCA) of Gerresheimer’s recycled glass. This LCA was then reviewed by Quantis, expert in sustainability for cosmetics packaging. They also meet the requirements of the EU legislation and the newly established Spice Initiative.
Providing sustainability benefits without aesthetic trade-offs
Glass bottles and jars are the go-to primary packaging material for many cosmetics products because they look elegant and convey quality while safely protecting their contents. Glass is also a 100% recyclable raw material, meaning it can be turned back into glass many times over in a circular system. Moreover, the higher the proportion of recycled glass is used, the less energy is needed for production. This means the amount of recycled glass used at the Momignies site leads energy savings at the production stage compared to non-recycled glass. Glass is made from silica sand, sodium carbonate, and calcium oxide as well as dolomite, feldspar, potash, and metal ions for coloration. Using recycled glass in cosmetics packaging saves energy, natural resources and reduces carbon emissions while still conveying quality and elegance.
Gerresheimer as a partner for the cosmetics industry
Gerresheimer offers a portfolio of innovative glass and plastic packaging for perfumes, cosmetics, and body care products. It boasts standard shapes as well as customized packaging based on individual requirements. As a leading partner of the selective cosmetics, masstige, and mass markets, the company offers sustainable and state-of-the-art technology, individual finishing and decoration techniques, and a wide range of materials, including recycled materials, to produce high-quality packaging solutions.
Source: Gerresheimer website
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