Kolmar Korea Boosts Clean Beauty Vision with Innovative Eco-Friendly Solutions
Kolmar Korea's Commitment to Clean Beauty
Kolmar Korea, an ODM cosmetics company based in Seoul, is setting new standards for clean beauty in the global cosmetics industry. With a strong emphasis on eco-friendly practices, the company is innovating across multiple fronts, including packaging, sourcing, and sustainable production processes. The aim is to enhance its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management and offer consumers safe, effective products that have minimal environmental impact.
Innovative Eco-Friendly Packaging
One of the standout features of Kolmar Korea's approach is its trailblazing eco-friendly packaging solutions. The company made headlines in 2020 by launching the first successfully commercialized paper tube in the beauty industry, which reduces plastic usage by an impressive 80%. Designed for easy separation of materials, this packaging can withstand hefty weights of up to 50 kg of product.
In 2023, Kolmar Korea continued to push the envelope by introducing a paper stick made from mineral paper, which cuts plastic consumption by 86% and allows consumers to use the product without any waste. A key innovation unveiled in April is the one-hand pump paper pack, which resembles a milk carton and integrates a pumping function. Made entirely of recyclable materials, this packaging promotes user convenience while aligning with the eco-conscious values of today’s consumers.
These groundbreaking packaging innovations have attracted global accolades. Their paper tube and stick both won prestigious awards, including the IDEA, iF Design Award, and Red Dot Design Award, establishing Kolmar Korea as a leader in sustainable packaging.
Advancements in Raw Materials and Formulations
Beyond just packaging, Kolmar Korea is also committed to advancing clean beauty through better raw materials and formulations. The brand introduced an innovative extraction method in 2022 that uses natural ingredients such as sunflower, lingonberry, and starflower, achieving an impressive 83% reduction in carbon emissions while increasing the efficacy of active ingredients by 870%. This method was incorporated into their clean beauty sunscreen, earning the “Green Technology Product” certification from South Korea’s Ministry of Environment.
In an effort to further clean up their product offerings, the company replaced microplastics in its color cosmetics with natural silica, known for its benefits in pore care and oil control. This move not only enhances product performance but also prioritizes sustainability.
Sustainable Manufacturing Practices
Kolmar Korea’s dedication to clean beauty extends to its manufacturing practices. The company joined the K-RE100 initiative in 2022, with a goal of using 100% renewable energy by 2050. In 2023, significant expansion of solar facilities at its Sejong plant resulted in a reduction of approximately 143 tons of CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, the establishment of a dedicated division focused on achieving zero landfill waste aims to enhance recycling protocol and minimize waste.
Recognition and Future Directions
The transformative measures implemented by Kolmar Korea have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, they were honored with a position on TIME magazine's