Polymers are used in various cosmetic products, used by cosmetic chemists to create high performance products. From natural to synthetic and silicone based, polymers are used as film-formers, emulsifiers, thickeners and protective barriers.
According to the company, the new Innovation Center houses a cutting-edge laboratory, an interactive product display and a modern training facility, where customers can collaborate with PolyOne's technical and marketing experts to accelerate development.
The facility is located in a hi-tech industrial park in the JinQiao Development Zone in Shanghai.
"We continue to invest in Asia so that our customers can innovate and grow, and that's exactly what will take place through improved collaboration at our advanced, new Innovation Center," says Robert M. Patterson, chief executive officer, PolyOne Corporation.
Activities will include regional and global R&D projects, focusing on high-growth end markets, such as healthcare, packaging, transportation, electronics, and consumer goods.
Commenting on PolyOne's recent growth and success, Rob Bindner, vice president said; "Our commitment to customers in Asia has never been stronger. This is clearly evident in our continued investment and success with regional and multi-national customers who rely on PolyOne for specialty solutions and services."
Working to improve its expertise
Polyone has worked to improve the blending of its UV protection for all polymer packaging products in recent years, providing better protection for a variety of cosmetic and toiletry products from sunlight damage.
The effects of sunlight exposure to cosmetic and toiletry packaging has been known for years. Leaving a product out in sunlight for just a few minutes can inhibit its efficacy or trigger an equally harmful effect on the formulation's volatility.
UV protection for polymers has been around for a number of years to try and combat this problem, but constant improvements to the technology are being made to make it even more effective.
Considering the costs associated with packaging, PolyOne told Cosmetics Design that providing this type of protection is minimal - usually just 5 cents per piece of packaging.