#China #Shanghai #SK Chemicals #China Beauty Expo #ECOTRIA CLARO

SK Chemicals Strengthens its Role in Cosmetic Packaging at the China Beauty Expo

In a significant move to enhance its market presence, SK Chemicals unveiled its latest advancements in cosmetic packaging at the China Beauty Expo 2025, which took place from May 12 to 14 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. The expo, now in its 29th edition, is recognized as Asia's largest beauty trade show, attracting over 400,000 visitors from more than 80 countries. The event provides a platform for various cosmetic brands and supply chain stakeholders, focusing on trends, technologies, and products that lead the industry.

SK Chemicals, a leading player in the polyester market in China, showcased its commitment to sustainability with the slogan "On-Hand Solution for a Sustainable Future." The company's exhibition highlighted a range of skincare containers developed in collaboration with global cosmetic brands, emphasizing the use of commercially available circular materials designed for cosmetic packaging. Notably, the product line received enthusiastic feedback from attendees, showcasing SK Chemicals’ innovative approach to eco-friendly packaging.

Among the showcased products were high-end skincare bottles and lotions, cream jars, foundation cases, and cosmetic caps, all crafted from ECOTRIA CLARO, a copolyester specifically formulated for recyclability within the PET stream. Additionally, they introduced CLARO-CR70, a new material that provides the same performance as CLARO but is produced with recycled content. This circular copolyester contains up to 70% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material, significantly contributing to the establishment of a closed-loop plastic recycling system.

The materials presented not only offer compatibility with a wide range of container formats but also fulfill the mechanical strength and aesthetic quality required for premium cosmetic packaging. Unlike conventional plastics such as PET, copolyesters deliver superior transparency, even in thicker-walled containers, making them ideal for high-end applications where visual presentation is crucial.

In the spotlight was also the SKYPET CR, a circular PET suitable for large-volume personal care product packaging. Additionally, they presented ECOTRION, a 100% bio-based polyol derived from plants, utilized in makeup sponges and synthetic leather accessories.

Kim Eung-soo, head of SK Chemicals’ Green Materials Business Division, emphasized the global challenge of cosmetic container waste, noting that approximately 60,000 tons are discarded annually, with around 90% not being recycled due to difficulties in material separation. He stated, "By leveraging our circular recycling technologies based on depolymerization, we aspire to build a sustainable closed-loop ecosystem for cosmetic packaging through active collaboration with our partners."

Previously, in October 2024, SK Chemicals had already made headlines by launching cosmetic containers made from CLARO CR70 in partnership with luxury packaging company Toly. Their ongoing efforts in 2023 included protocols with Estée Lauder, Yonwoo (a subsidiary of Kolmar Korea), and COSMAX, a prominent original design manufacturer (ODM), to develop sustainable plastic containers.

As awareness of environmental issues grows within the beauty industry, SK Chemicals positions itself as a leader in adopting sustainable practices in cosmetic packaging. With these innovations, they are poised to shape the future of beauty product packaging, emphasizing both aesthetics and environmental responsibility, a vital trait for brands on the path to sustainability.

In conclusion, the China Beauty Expo 2025 served as a crucial platform for SK Chemicals to showcase their commitment to sustainability in the cosmetics industry. By focusing on circular economy principles, the company not only advances its market position but also paves the way for a greener future in beauty packaging.