#South Korea #Seoul #Eco-Friendly #Clean Beauty #Kolmar Korea

Kolmar Korea's Commitment to Clean Beauty

Kolmar Korea, a leading global ODM cosmetics manufacturer, is firmly reinforcing its commitment to clean beauty through a series of innovative developments centered around sustainable practices. With a focus that spans eco-friendly packaging to the enhancement of research and development (R&D), the company is on a mission to ensure a greener future for the cosmetic industry. As a testament to its success, Kolmar Korea was recognized by TIME magazine, placing 125th on the list of "World's Best Companies for Sustainable Growth 2025," standing alone as the sole South Korean cosmetics firm featured.

Eco-Friendly Packaging Innovations

A significant highlight of Kolmar Korea's sustainability efforts is its innovative approach to packaging. Back in 2020, the company made waves with its groundbreaking paper tube, the first eco-friendly packaging to make its way into commercial production within the cosmetics industry. Notably, this product resulted in an 80% reduction in plastic usage, while also being designed for straightforward separation of materials for recycling. Sturdily crafted, the paper tube can support weights of over 50 kilograms. Following this, in 2023, the firm introduced a mineral paper stick, achieving an impressive 86% reduction in plastic usage. This stick allows consumers to apply the product without waste by removing layers of paper as they use it, thereby balancing sustainability with convenience.

In April of this year, Kolmar Korea also debuted a paper pack with a one-hand pump dispenser, drawing inspiration from milk cartons. Fully recyclable, this packaging offers user-friendly features along with the eco-conscious qualities demanded by consumers today. These innovations have garnered international acclaim, with the paper tube, the mineral stick, and the one-hand dispenser winning several prestigious awards, including the IDEA, iF Design Award, and Red Dot Design Award.

Research and Development for Clean Beauty

Beyond packaging, Kolmar Korea is pushing forward the clean beauty narrative through its raw materials and formulations. In 2022, the company innovated an environmentally-friendly extraction method utilizing sunflower seeds, cranberries, and borage, which decreased carbon emissions by 83% while enhancing the efficacy of active ingredients by 870%. This method was applied to their Clean Beauty sunscreen launched in 2023, which received the "Green Technology Product" certification from the Korean Ministry of Environment, highlighting the product's sustainability.

Additionally, in a remarkable move, Kolmar Korea replaced microplastics found in its colorful cosmetics with natural silica, a mineral known to improve skin texture and control oil, thus enhancing stability while promoting functional and sustainable beauty solutions.

Commitment to Sustainable Production

Kolmar Korea doesn’t stop at innovative products; it is also dedicated to sustainable production measures. In alignment with the K-RE100 initiative, the company has committed to utilizing 100% renewable energy by 2050. Their main facility in Sejong has seen a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions, approximately 143 tons, thanks to the expansion of solar panels in 2023. Furthermore, Kolmar Korea is striving for 'zero waste to landfill', systematically enhancing recycling rates and reducing landfill disposal through dedicated management.

This comprehensive approach to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, TIME magazine acknowledged Kolmar Korea’s leadership in eco-compatible business practices by including the firm in their rankings as the only K-Beauty representative committed to sustainable growth.

A company spokesperson expressed, “The development of eco-friendly technologies is not a short-term achievement but a fundamental business strategy for improving the sustainability of the entire industry. We will continue to showcase our leadership as a promoter of sustainable growth in the global beauty sector.”

Conclusion

With its innovative spirit and robust commitment to clean beauty, Kolmar Korea is paving the way for a more sustainable future in cosmetics. Through its eco-friendly initiatives, the company embodies a balance between high-quality beauty solutions and environmental responsibility, setting a benchmark for the industry as a whole. As they continue their journey, Kolmar Korea remains dedicated to not only enhancing beauty but also fostering a sustainable world for the generations to come.