Materials science company Xampla’s new consumer brand Morro has collaborated with skincare brand ELEMIS on plastic-free biodegradable packaging for the cosmetics industry.
The project aims to see left-over plant waste from ELEMIS product ingredients turned into biofilm, with the long-term goal of replacing single-use sachets used to package samples of its skincare products.
Based on Xampla’s Morro materials made from plant feedstocks, over a six month period the companies will turn ELEMIS’ plant waste into heat sealable biodegradable films that can replace single use plastics.
Sachets are a popular format for consumers and brands alike, however, there has so far been an unmet demand for plastic free alternatives to traditional multilayer barrier sachets.
The project has been supported by a grant co-funded by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and Innovate UK.
Morro’s natural materials will be extensively tested to demonstrate its market capabilities when used with ELEMIS products.
This new collaboration reflects the growing trend for upcycled ingredients and sustainability in the beauty industry, as consumers increasingly seek out products with minimal environmental impact.
Xampla chairman Pete Hutton commented: “Our collaboration with ELEMIS unlocks significant potential for the cosmetics industry, where waste materials are transformed into solutions to replace plastic sachets.”
ELEMIS co-founder and chief product and sustainability officer Oriele Frank added: “What we find so exciting about this project with Morro is how utilising waste from left-over plant material can potentially tackle one of our key packaging dilemmas.”
