Why Sulapac® is Revolutionizing Sustainable Packaging for Cosmetics

Introduction: The Sustainability Challenge in Cosmetics

For years, the cosmetics industry relied on glossy, single-use packaging, which has led to a massive plastic waste problem. Every year, millions of containers are tossed out, many ending up in landfills or oceans, only making the environmental crisis worse.

And here’s the kicker: these plastics take centuries to break down and, when they do, they turn into harmful microplastics that pollute ecosystems and marine life.

But things are changing. With sustainability on the rise, what was once the norm is no longer cutting it. Consumers are pushing for change, and with new packaging waste regulations like the PPWR, there are now stricter standards for all types of packaging.

Coming into full force in February 2025 across the EU, the PPWR makes it clear: brands must step up and rethink their packaging strategies to stay compliant and meet evolving consumer expectations.

The upside? Over 70% of consumers are actually willing to pay more for eco-friendly options. So, switching to sustainable packaging isn't just good for the planet, it's a smart business move too.

The demand for scalable, planet-friendly solutions has never been stronger, and it will only continue to grow. Luckily, innovative solutions are also on the rise. EnterSulapac, a game-changer in sustainable cosmetic packaging.

Today, we'll explore how Sulapac® is transforming the beauty industry and why it's the go-to solution for brands looking to embrace sustainability without sacrificing quality.

What Is Sulapac®?

Born in Finland in 2016, Sulapac was created with a clear mission: to save our planet from plastic waste. Designed as a new standard for sustainable materials, Sulapac's innovative biocomposite replaces conventional plastics (like petroleum-based) without compromising on beauty or functionality.

Made from a unique mixture of plant-based binders and biocomposite such as wood chips and mineral clay, Sulapac® gives out a natural and premium feel to your products.

Sulapac® is a bio-based material with a low carbon footprint, contributing to climate change mitigation by substituting fossil-based carbon with biogenic carbon. It is also fully biodegradable, breaking down naturally without leaving permanent microplastics behind, ensuring safety for both your product and the planet.

At Nissha, we believe in driving sustainable change, which is why we've formed a strategic global partnership with Sulapac Oy. Through this collaboration, we produce and sell a range of molded products made from Sulapac® in our manufacturing facilities, helping to expand the reach of this innovative material.

Overview of Sulapac® Materials

Sulapac® is a 100% bio-based material made from a mix of naturally sources materials (i.e. wood chips and mineral clays) and plant-based binders (bio-polymers).

The wood chips are carefully sourced from sustainably managed forests in Northern Europe, ensuring that our forests are preserved for future generations. Many of the chips also come from waste generated during timber processing, further reducing the environmental footprint.

Now, what makes Sulapac® stand out is that it’s a biocomposite material, meaning it combines different raw materials to enhance their individual strengths. In this case, the combination of wood chips and bio-polymers offers both functional and environmental benefits that can't be achieved with a single material.

Sulapac® is fully biodegradable and industrially compostable, leaving no harmful microplastics behind when it decomposes. It's also certified by BPI and meets EN13432 standards.

Sulapac® is molded using standard injection molding processes, with successful handling largely dependent on the optimization of tooling and production parameters. Fine-tuning these factors is crucial to achieving the best results.

Nissha excels in delivering high-quality products made with Sulapac, ensuring the material reaches its full potential through precise production standards.

The material also comes in various textures, depending on the size of the wood chips, allowing for different design options. You've got options like:

• UniversalThis one's made with fine wood powders, giving it a smooth, sleek, and beautiful appearance that's perfect for a wide range of uses.
• PremiumCrafted from coarser wood chips, this texture has a more rustic, natural look that adds a luxurious touch to your product.
• SolidA unique blend of natural mineral clay, this material provides a ceramic-like touch while maintaining 100% bio-based content and compostability.

These products are both dishwasher and microwave safe, combining elegance with practicality. And with these different textures, you've got plenty of creative freedom while still keeping it eco-friendly.

Sulapac® has a premium look and feel that stands out from typical plastic alternatives.

Why Sulapac® Chooses “Plant-Derived” Materials

Sulapac® uses plant-based materials to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. Traditional plastics like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are made from petroleum, which are a non-renewable resource that contributes to high carbon emissions.

Meanwhile, Sulapac® is up to 100% plant-derived, with some grades made entirely from plant-based materials. The inclusion of bio-polymers improves moldability during production while ensuring that the material is biodegradable, industrially compostable, and organically recyclable.

Additionally, Sulapac® has low carbon emissions when evaluated through a Cradle-to-Grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which covers the entire journey of the material – from production to end-of-life, including landfill and biodegradation.

And while plant-based materials release some carbon during production, they also absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, helping to balance emissions. Plants also regenerate much faster than petroleum, making them a more sustainable option overall. This is why Sulapac® prioritizes plant-derived materials over petroleum-based ones.

By 2025, Sulapac aims for 50% of its main raw materials to be recycled or sourced from side streams, further lowering the carbon footprint of Sulapac materials.

This is a significant step towards the company's long-term goal of achieving 100% recycled or side stream content in the future, enhancing its commitment to sustainability and the planet.

Features That Set Sulapac® Apart

Our jars are crafted from Sulapac materials, offering a sustainable and premium solution for cosmetics and dry food packaging.

• Various sizes available7ml, 9ml, 50ml, 150ml, and 200ml, catering to different packaging needs.
• Bio-based materialMade from wood chips and plant-based binders, these jars are 100% bio-based, reducing the carbon footprint.
• Food contact safeOur jars comply with EU Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 for food contact safety, making them ideal for dry foods and cosmetics.
• Minimalistic designEspecially for the 50ml jars, the design minimizes material use, making it an eco-friendly option while maintaining a premium look and feel.

These jars provide an elegant, eco-conscious packaging solution, aligning with your sustainability goals without compromising on design or functionality.

Why Sulapac® Is Revolutionizing Cosmetic Packaging

A study found that 62% of consumers are willing to change their shopping habits to reduce environmental impact. For beauty brands, this shift in consumer behavior highlights that the time to act is now.

As consumer demand for sustainable packaging grows, Sulapac® stands out with a range of benefits that go beyond aesthetics. Let's explore some of the key features that make it a game-changer for the beauty industry.

Aesthetically Appealing, Customizable and Functional

Our jars are made of Sulapac material and seamlessly combine beauty and function. With its unique combination of composite materials, our jars offer a natural, premium feel that instantly elevates your product.

The ceramic-like hardness enhances the luxurious touch while ensuring the durability that cosmetic brands require. Not only do our jars boast external textures crafted from wood chips and mineral clays, but the 50ml jars also feature superior water-barrier properties on the inside, making them ideal for water-based cosmetic ingredients.

These jars provide a sustainable, elegant packaging solution with eco-friendly benefits, perfect for both cosmetics and dry foods. Whether you’re aiming for sleek minimalism or a textured look, Sulapac® has you covered.

In addition to the classic natural brown, we offer eight other color variations, giving you the flexibility to match your packaging to your brand's unique style. This way, you can create something visually striking without compromising on sustainability.

Biodegradability Without Sacrificing Durability

Sulapac® biodegrades naturally, leaving no microplastics behind. Unlike conventional plastics, which can take centuries to break down and create harmful microplastics, Sulapac® is industrially compostable.

It breaks down safely into water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter. You get the durability you need for your products, without compromising the environment.

Support for Circular Economy Goals

Sulapac® is helping pave the way for a circular economy in packaging. Made from 100% bio-based materials, including sustainably sourced wood chips and plant-based binders, it reduces plastic waste and works in harmony with nature.

Even in end-of-life scenarios such as landfilling or incineration, the total carbon footprint (Cradle-to-Grave) is significantly lower compared to fossil-based plastics like PET or PE. Through biodegradation, the jars naturally return to the environment.

Suitable for Water-Based Cosmetics

The 50ml standard container is crafted using insert molding with a Sulapac® barrier that's water-resistant, making it ideal for higher moisture formulas.

Despite its water resistance, the container is composed of 98% bio-based materials, keeping an ultra-low carbon footprint while remaining eco-friendly.

The container is designed to be biodegradable, ensuring minimal environmental impact at the end of its life.

How Cosmetic Brands Are Using Sulapac®

Sulapac is changing the game in the beauty industry by providing brands with an eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging option that doesn't skimp on style or performance. More and more cosmetic brands are making the switch to Sulapac® for its sustainable materials, natural look, and premium feel.

Let's take a closer look at how this product is being used in the beauty industry today:

Forest Spa Finland

Forest Spa Finland has always trusted Sulapac packaging for their supplement jars and has received praise more than once for their packaging choice from their customers. That's why they decided to trust Nissha's new option made of Sulapac® for water-based products like their latest facial cream.

Made from materials sourced from nature, Sulapac® perfectly embodies the harmony between sustainability and Nordic well-being. Its natural origins perfectly complement Forest Spa Finland's philosophy, reflecting the purity and essence of the forest, where beauty and sustainability go hand in hand.

Together, the timeless and premium finish of our Sulapac® jars, combined with its sustainability aspects, made it an easy choice for Forest Spa Finland.

HiQ

HiQ Nature, known for its eco-friendly and sustainable Korean ginseng products, chooses Sulapac® packaging to align with their commitment to the environment.

By using Sulapac® from our Biocomposite Series, HiQ ensures that their premium products are not only of the highest quality but also packaged responsibly.

Sulapac® offers the ideal balance of sustainability and functionality, helping HiQ meet their eco-friendly goals while delivering clean, powerful ginseng products to their customers.

1001 Gewürze Spice Jars

1001 Gewürze, a Hamburg-based spice manufacturer, sought packaging that matched their commitment to sustainability for their packaging rebrand.

The Sulapac® refillable containers was the perfect solution. Made from biodegradable natural fibers, these jars are durable, food-safe, and environmentally friendly, aligning perfectly with the brand’s values and needs.

Now the new packaging provides customers with an even more sustainable product experience, while enjoying a variety of different spices!

Shea Butter Case

Sulapac® is also used for packaging products like shea butter or lip balms, providing a natural, rustic texture that aligns with the earthy, natural ingredients inside. This type of packaging not only enhances the product’s appeal but also ensures that the packaging is biodegradable, helping brands reduce their carbon footprint.

The small jar size makes them perfect for travel sets, making them ideal for short business trips. This allows customers to enjoy their beauty products with confidence, knowing that both the product and its eco-friendly packaging are suitable for use at home or on the go.

Challenges in Scaling Sulapac® Packaging

Adopting Sulapac® requires adjustments to existing production processes, such as aligning with its unique injection molding specifications. This can necessitate upfront investment in new equipment and staff training.

However, strategic partnerships, such as those with Nissha, are expanding access to Sulapac® by offering expertise and global support to brands.

As the industry continues to embrace sustainable packaging, these collaborations are key in facilitating a smoother transition for businesses looking to use Sulapac® packaging without compromising on their environmental goals.

The Future of Sustainable Cosmetics with Sulapac®

As consumers become more eco-conscious, the demand for sustainable packaging is growing, particularly in the beauty industry. Sulapac® is leading the charge in meeting this demand, offering cosmetic brands the opportunity to adopt packaging that aligns with today's sustainability-driven market.

More and more, consumers are looking for brands that prioritize the planet as much as they do product quality. In fact, studies show that a growing number of shoppers are willing to switch to brands that use eco-friendly packaging. This shift in consumer behavior is driving a demand for innovative, sustainable materials like Sulapac®.

As Sulapac® continues to evolve, with new developments like improved water resistance and a broader range of colors, the future looks bright for brands adopting these materials.

By offering packaging that's not only functional and beautiful but also biodegradable and plant-based, Sulapac® paving the way for eco-conscious packaging in cosmetics.

Final words

Who knew saving the planet could look this good? Sulapac® is completely reshaping how the cosmetics industry approaches packaging. As eco-conscious consumers take the lead and sustainability becomes a top priority, cosmetic brands have no choice but to embrace this innovative solution.

Choosing Sulapac® isn't just about sustainability, it's a commitment to reducing plastic waste while still delivering luxury and functionality for your products and consumers.

Whether you're a global cosmetic brand or an eco-conscious shopper, the choice is clear: Sulapac® is a promise to future generations, helping create a better, more sustainable world.