#China #Shanghai #SK Chemicals #ECOTRIA CLARO #CLARO CR70

SK Chemicals Strengthens Presence with Circular Packaging Materials at China Beauty Expo

In its pursuit of enhancing sustainability in the cosmetics sector, SK Chemicals participated in the recently concluded China Beauty Expo 2025, held from May 12 to 14 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC). The event, acclaimed as Asia's largest beauty fair, attracted over 400,000 visitors from more than 80 countries, presenting an ideal platform for global beauty brands and supply chain stakeholders.

This year marked the 29th iteration of the expo, showcasing over 3,200 exhibitors with around 10,000 brands. SK Chemicals, a leader in the copolyester segment within China, highlighted its initiatives with the theme "A Solution Available for a Sustainable Future," focusing on commercially viable circular materials for cosmetic packaging.

Among the standout products showcased were premium skincare packaging options developed in collaboration with international cosmetic brands. These presented a favorable reception from visitors, emphasizing the shift towards utilizing recycled materials and enhancing the recyclability of packaging after use. Featured items included skincare bottles, cream jars, compacts, and various closures created with ECOTRIA CLARO, a copolyester designed to be classified and recycled within the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) stream. Moreover, the display introduced CLARO-CR70, a new offering that combines recycled content with recyclability, utilizing post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials to create a product that maintains quality and mechanical strength comparable to traditional options.

These advanced materials not only meet the aesthetic and mechanical requirements of high-end cosmetic packaging but also provide superior transparency, particularly beneficial for products where presentation is crucial. In comparison to conventional plastics like PET, these copolyesters offer an optimized visual appeal crucial for premium applications.

CLARO-CR70, specifically containing up to 70% of PCR, was first introduced in 2024 in collaboration with global luxury packaging firm Toly. The commitment to sustainable practices was further evident with partnerships established with notable businesses such as Estée Lauder and COSMAX to innovate sustainable plastic packaging options.

In addition to the copolyester products, SK Chemicals unveiled other sustainable innovations tailored towards beauty applications. SKYPET CR, a circular PET, is ideal for larger personal care products, while ECOTRION, a 100% bio-derived polyol, is intended for use in puffs and faux leather accessories.

Kim Eung-soo, Head of the Green Materials Division at SK Chemicals, articulated the implications of cosmetic waste, noting that nearly 60,000 tons of cosmetic packaging are discarded globally each year, with about 90% remaining unrecycled due to the complexities involved in separating mixed materials. He underscored the commitment to leverage circular recycling technologies based on depolymerization processes, aiming to foster a closed-loop sustainable ecosystem for cosmetic packaging in collaboration with various stakeholders.

Through initiatives such as these, SK Chemicals is not only paving the way toward a more sustainable future in cosmetics but also aligning itself with the growing demand for environmentally responsible practices in an industry faced with increasing scrutiny over waste management and sustainability. The positive feedback from the China Beauty Expo reinforces the company's position as a frontrunner in presenting innovative packaging solutions that marry aesthetics with ecological responsibility, setting a benchmark for others in the sector.

As SK Chemicals continues to forge partnerships and develop sustainable options, it remains a key player in driving forward the conversation around environmentally friendly practices in the beauty industry, subsequently impacting both consumer choices and industry standards.