The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) and the supplier of specialized materials Eastman have announced a global memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will allow ELC to take significant steps towards its objectives of sustainable packaging by 2025. Through the agreement, ELC and its portfolio of brands will begin to incorporate packaging solutions enabled by molecular recycling Eastman's portfolio and Renew resins with up to 100% of certified recycled content.
This is the first sustainability-based agreement between Eastman and a highly regarded beauty firm and will help drive greater use of recycled and / or recyclable plastics in luxury cosmetic packaging.
"Our suppliers play a critical role in helping The Estée Lauder Companies move forward and think outside of the box about sustainability," he said. Roberto Magana, Senior Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies. “Eastman's molecular recycling technologies and Renew product portfolio will help drive the company's sustainable packaging goals while maintaining the aesthetics, safety and high-quality performance of our prestigious products. We are looking forward to collaborating with them.
Eastman's portfolio includes a recently introduced line of molecularly recycled polyesters produced through its Advanced Circular Recycling. These sustainable resins, which include Eastman Cristal ™ Renew and Eastman Tritan ™ Renew, are manufactured using up to 100% recycled content certified by International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) and they are chemically indistinguishable from their inherited counterparts. They demonstrate the same high quality and ease of processing of virgin polymers with the clarity, gloss, color compatibility and durability demanded by cosmetic packaging, while offering premium recycled content.
The MOU will promote ELC's focus on its sustainable packaging goals. The company has committed that, by 2025, between 75% and 100% of its packaging will be recyclable, refillable, reusable, recycled or recoverable. In addition, the company will increase the amount of post-consumer recycled material in its packaging by up to 50% in the same year.
"We are proud to partner with The Estée Lauder Companies, one of the world's most iconic prestigious beauty companies and a true leader in sustainability," he explained. Scott ballard, Vice President and General Manager of Eastman's Specialty Plastics Division.