INEOS Debuts 70% Recycled Polypropylene for Cosmetics Packaging

INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe has introduced a new polypropylene grade containing 70% recycled material for cosmetics packaging, expanding its Recycl-IN portfolio as brands face rising pressure to cut plastic footprints without sacrificing performance, the company said in recent product disclosures.

The launch comes as cosmetics makers accelerate the shift toward post-consumer recycled content to meet brand pledges and emerging regulatory expectations in Europe and beyond. Data published by industry groups show packaging accounts for the majority of plastics used in personal care products, while recycled polypropylene has lagged virgin material in high-spec, contact-sensitive uses due to quality constraints.

INEOS said the new grade, branded rPP1025C, uses a hybrid approach that blends mechanically recycled polypropylene with proprietary “booster” polymers. The material is engineered for thin-wall injection moulding and fibre extrusion, targeting components such as caps, jars, mascara housings, deodorant roller balls and dispenser parts. The company said stiffness, heat resistance and optical properties remain comparable to virgin polypropylene, enabling a direct substitution in existing production lines. INEOS estimates the grade delivers a carbon footprint around 35% lower than conventional virgin PP.

Safety and traceability remain a central concern for recycled content in cosmetics. INEOS said the recycled feedstock used in rPP1025C is certified as post-consumer recyclate under RecyClass and complies with ISO 14021 environmental labelling standards. The material is also covered by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration No Objection Letter, supporting its use in contact-sensitive packaging.

Industry observers note that hybrid polymer strategies are gaining traction as a practical route to higher recycled content in premium applications where purely mechanical recyclate often falls short. Analysts say the ability to offer natural colour, high scratch resistance and “virgin-like” colourability is particularly important for cosmetics brands, where aesthetics and shelf appeal are tightly linked to brand value.

The new grade is the second Recycl-IN hybrid developed by INEOS specifically for cosmetics packaging, following an earlier product that gained commercial uptake. The wider Recycl-IN range spans rigid and flexible polyolefins used in sectors including automotive, construction, packaging and textiles, reflecting broader demand for drop-in recycled solutions across industrial markets.

Looking ahead, market participants expect competition to intensify as polymer producers race to scale high-PCR materials that meet both regulatory scrutiny and brand expectations. Observers note that consistent access to quality recycled feedstock and cost competitiveness will be key factors shaping adoption rates over the next few years.

Source: INEOS

SUNSHINE Spotlight: INEOS is betting that hybrid polypropylene with high recycled content can bridge the gap between sustainability targets and the performance demands of premium cosmetics packaging.