a zero plastic box, it’s possible!

The law of February 10, 2020 on the fight against waste and the circular economy gives France the objective of achieving “the end of the marketing of single-use plastic packaging by 2040”. A major challenge for cosmetics companies when it comes to making gift boxes to attract consumers, without using plastic or other materials that make their packaging non-recyclable.

More than ever, the R&D departments of the cosmetics companies are committed to CSR approaches in order to be able to offer their customers solutions to this major challenge in the design of the pack but also of its decoration.

boxed set :

Although the option of recycled/recyclable plastic exists, we wanted to focus on cardboard, a material sometimes feared for its strength and quality. But today, making a 100% cardboard box is possible!

– For the tank, it will be wise to use a thick and rigid cardboard – more than 800 gsm – which will resist to external shocks. And to put an end to cloche lids and their large PET windows that let the products show: the best alternative will be to use a cardboard sleeve with cut-outs around the products.

– After the base, comes the problem of having a wedge strong enough to hold in the box products sometimes heavy – glass – and bulky. It may be necessary to use double-fluted cardboard wedges. Transport and drop tests will be essential to find the best type of cardboard to use to have a solid wedge adapted to the products in the box. And if despite all this, the wedge remains too fragile, it will then be necessary to bring reinforcement by placing a thick paper wedge cover on top. Solidity and support of the products guaranteed!

the settings : 

Cosmetics companies are often looking for shine and glitter to catch the eye of the consumer in a context of very strong competition, especially during the holiday season. To do this, they use hot stamping in large quantities. But this method is far from being the most CSR since it involves the installation of a polyester film… During our assignments, we have identified 2 alternatives to this method:

• Metallic pantone or the addition of mother-of-pearl/sequin in the color: this solution will be the most economical but sometimes limited by its glossy rendering which will not be as flashy as hot stamping
• Metallization transfer: this is the most CSR alternative to hot stamping, which allows the application of a metallic film by removing its polyester layer. This gives an optimal shine to a box that will remain without plastic. A set of satin or glossy varnishes applied on top will allow to obtain different desired effects (matte metal, imitation hot stamping etc).

Metallization transfer is an innovative alternative to hot stamping at a similar price, which is not yet widely offered, and is based on a specific know-how that holds great promise for the transition to plastic-free packaging.

results:

A 100% cardboard, 0% plastic and 100% recyclable box

54 tons of plastics saved on all our client’s 2021 boxes (20%)

Boxes made in France

Logistics and transport services are to be reorganized to match this first success in order to move towards net zero.