"Packaging priorities in Asia are not as different as you think," says industry expert

In this, the fifth edition of Cosmetics Design’s ‘Voice of the Industry’ series, the polymer expert reveals that although packaging priorities on different continents may certainly alter, due to more interaction between the markets recently, there are no significant differences when it comes to sustainability to report of.  

‘Requirements tend to apply on a global scale’ ​ 

“This segment really is a global one, and although there may be some differences they aren’t so pronounced. Our approach with our products is one that is global, and we don’t see very significant differences between Asia, Latin America and Europe​,” Milazzo explains.

The concerns, he informs us, are quite the same because moulders in Asia are attempting to work with European brands, and likewise, EU companies are exporting to Asia, so they are interconnected.

“Perhaps if we look at it in a very strict way there is a bit less concern for sustainability in Asia, but I don’t think it’s that black and white​,” he adds.

The global marketing manager points out for example, that European brands sourcing their products from Asia have requirements that the materials are retrieved in a sustainable manner similar to how they operate – so the partnership is based on both sides having in or around the same goal.

Although Europe remains DuPont’s core market, Milazzo says the Asian and Latin American markets are growing rapidly in terms of demand for its specialist caps and multi-layer extrusion blow moulded applications.

DuPont’s own efforts to move with the times…​

The Switzerland-based company has been catering to the cosmetics industry since the 80s, and has in recent years, been developing more bio-based polymers for skin care and perfume packaging in order to keep up with changing priorities and demand within the industry.

The packaging expert mentions as sustainability becomes a growing concern for the sector, it is something all companies have had to take into account, and is not just about recyclability but trying to address overall issues pf a company on a corporate level.

“It certainly makes business more challenging, especially in the area of polymers​. In our efforts, we have created the likes of polyester type materials like Sorona which is 35 per cent bio sourced​.”

However, Milazzo says developing more environmentally friendly polymers haven’t come without their challenges; “Most biopolymers certainly have sustainable aspects but don’t have the same level of properties or​ aesthesis as standard polymers​.”

Here, the expert discusses DuPont’s advances in technology in recent years and what it plans to focus on for the future.

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