When talking about plastic and synthetic materials, there is no avoiding the topics of sustainability and environmental protection. This applies equally in the cosmetics industry. Sustainability is more important to consumers than ever. But it’s important to know that not all plastics are equal.

Not only have consumers become more environmentally aware in recent years, they are also much more aware and knowledgeable about these issues. In the cosmetics sector, this means that consumers are scrutinizing ingredients, companies’ sustainability strategies have become part of the purchasing decision and, in addition to their own needs, consumers are also focusing more on nature and the environment. 

These days, whenever plastics, microplastics, and polymers are talked about or written about in relation to a cosmetic product, manufacturers, consumers, and retailers see red. Nobody wants products with these types of ingredients any longer. Regulatory bodies also now play a major role in product development. Environmentally harmful substances are seen as potentially criminal, and some polymers, defined as microplastics, are facing prohibition. 

This is a situation that the BASF Personal Care business has been dealing with for years. We apply our experience and passion to our research and our work on product solutions, so that we can satisfy our own desire for sustainability while still achieving high product performance combined with product quality. 

Research is always a challenge, as is meeting customer requirements. On the one hand, new products are expected to be as bio-based, biodegradable and sustainable as possible, but on the other, they should also perform just as well as established products.