#China #Shanghai #SK Chemicals #Eco-Friendly Packaging #China Beauty Expo

SK Chemicals Elevates Cosmetics Packaging with Sustainability

In a significant step toward sustainable practices in the beauty industry, SK Chemicals recently took center stage at the China Beauty Expo 2025, held from May 12-14 at the renowned Shanghai New International Expo Center. This event is celebrated as Asia’s largest beauty trade fair, attracting over 400,000 visitors from over 80 countries and featuring more than 3,200 exhibitors. SK Chemicals, under the leadership of CEO Ahn Jae-hyun, showcased its latest innovations in cosmetics packaging that focus on circular recycling materials.

A Commitment to Sustainability

SK Chemicals entered the expo with a strong commitment to address the growing environmental concerns linked to cosmetic containers. With the tagline "On-Hand Solution for a Sustainable Future," the company emphasized its role in pioneering commercially viable circular materials designed for cosmetic packaging. The beauty sector has been grappling with the challenge of recycling, as approximately 60,000 tons of cosmetic containers are discarded globally each year, with 90% remaining unrecycled due to issues with material separation.

Visitors to SK Chemicals' booth experienced a range of premium skincare packaging solutions, including bottles for skin and lotion, cream jars, and compact cases. A highlight was the introduction of ECOTRIA CLARO, a copolyester material designed to be fully recyclable within the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) stream. This high-performance material is coupled with another innovation, CLARO-CR70, which contains up to 70% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and maintains the capability to be recycled post-consumption.

Innovations on Display

Among the numerous products showcased, attendees were impressed by the transparent and durable design of the cosmetic packaging, which not only meets aesthetic demands but also tackles functionality. Copolyester materials were presented as superior alternatives to traditional plastics, providing outstanding clarity even in thicker walled packaging, making them ideal for upscale cosmetic products.

Furthermore, the company revealed other sustainability-focused materials, such as SKYPET CR, which caters to large-volume body care packaging needs, and ECOTRION, a 100% bio-based polyol derived from renewable resources and used for cushion puffs and synthetic leather accessories.

Partnering for a Sustainable Future

Kim Eung-soo, head of SK Chemicals' Green Materials Business Division, highlighted their innovative approach, stating, "By leveraging our depolymerization-based circular recycling technologies, we aim to build a sustainable, closed-loop ecosystem for cosmetics packaging through active collaboration with our partners." This approach not only demonstrates SK Chemicals’ commitment to eco-friendly practices but also includes strategic partnerships with leading global beauty brands such as Estée Lauder and COSMAX, aiming to push the envelope in sustainable packaging solutions.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Cosmetics

As sustainability continues to be a priority, especially in consumer-driven markets like cosmetics, SK Chemicals is leading the charge with its innovative packaging solutions. By presenting a feasible approach to circular materials at a prominent trade event like the China Beauty Expo, the company not only strengthens its market position but also sets a precedent for the industry to follow.

In a world eager for sustainable solutions, SK Chemicals is poised to transform the cosmetics packaging landscape with their circular-focused innovations, allowing beauty brands to offer not just quality products but also contribute to a greener planet.