Can aesthetics and sustainability coexist? The answer comes from Vetronaviglio’s research work, the Bareggio-based company specialized in the industrial production of plastic and glass primary packaging for cosmetics, make-up, perfumes and fragrances, and pharmaceuticals, that is set to participate in PCD Paris shortly.
“The market requests are increasingly more orientated towards sustainability with particular attention being paid to PCR materials and to the challenge of maintaining the aesthetical aspect of packaging as if it were made of virgin materials – illustrates Bettina Solito de Solis CEO and Operation Manager -. To meet these demands and offer customers an idea of the result that will be obtained, even just in the initial phases of a project, Vetronaviglio devised “color palettes” that will give a clear preview of color rendering based on different PCR percentages utilized (up to 100%)”.
One of several sustainable packaging solutions made by Vetronaviglio is the 250ml plastic bottle “BOSTON” with its “VENUS” fliptop, made completely of PCR plastic. “The same solution can also be created as monomaterial plastic packaging, combining the needs of the cosmetics industry with the environmental need to simplify waste disposal”.
SUSTAINABILITY ON DISPLAY IN PARIS
The ECOGLASS collection of bottles and jars is made of PCR Glass using the minimum quantity of glass necessary (glass weight reduced by 60% and external volume reduced by 40%) guaranteeing, at the same time, the same robustness of a “standard” glass bottle/jar while adding the huge advantage of being ultralightweight as a bonus. “Which means lighter shipments, fewer CO2 emissions for transport and the least possible amount of glass for manufacturing which in turn means less energy and fewer materials used in the production process– emphasizes Solito de Solis -. What’s more, this collection can also be accessorized with PCR plastic droppers, caps, and covers”. Everything is produced in the factory on the outskirts of Milan where new eco-friendly packaging solutions are continually being studied with FSC-certified wood accessories that are available in different types of wood (ash, birch, wenge). Products that will be on display at the Paris fair at stand A51.
But Vetronaviglio’s sustainability doesn’t finish here: Important “green” choices have also been made with regards to transport packing: “The company switched from using plastic packing tape to paper tape, and R-PET is preferred over PS for blister (or thermoformed) packs used to contain the products – conclude the CEO and Operation Manager-. Our intention is to keep pushing forward, we’re also thinking up new projects for the future and focusing on processes that are increasingly based on sustainability, with the goal of including all phases of packaging creation”.