SK chemicals is expanding its presence in the cosmetics packaging market by promoting circular recycling materials designed specifically for beauty products.
The company participated in the China Beauty Expo 2025, held from May 12 to 14 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC). This marks a significant move as the event is Asia’s largest beauty trade show, attracting over 400,000 visitors from more than 80 countries. With more than 3,200 exhibitors and 10,000 brands, the expo connects global cosmetics companies and supply chain players to highlight the latest trends, technologies, and innovations.
Holding a leading market share in China’s copolyester sector, SK chemicals presented under the slogan “On-Hand Solution for a Sustainable Future.” The focus was on circular materials already available for cosmetics packaging, aiming to drive the industry toward a more sustainable future.
SK chemicals showcased a variety of premium skincare containers developed in collaboration with global cosmetic brands. These included skin and lotion bottles, cream jars, compact cases, and caps made with ECOTRIA CLARO, a copolyester that can be sorted and recycled within the existing PET recycling stream. Another highlight was ECOTRIA CLARO-CR70, a material combining post-consumer recycled (PCR) content with recyclability after use.
These materials are engineered to maintain the mechanical strength and high-end appearance required for luxury packaging. Unlike traditional plastics, copolyesters offer superior transparency, even in thick-walled containers, making them ideal for premium cosmetic applications.
CLARO-CR70, introduced last year, contains up to 70% PCR content. It supports a closed-loop recycling system by using recycled plastics as raw material while remaining recyclable after use.
In addition to ECOTRIA products, SK chemicals also featured SKYPET CR, a circular PET for large body care packaging, and ECOTRION, a 100% bio-based polyol derived from plants, used in cushion puffs and synthetic leather accessories.
Kim Eung-soo, Head of SK chemicals’ Green Materials Business Division, highlighted the importance of such innovations:
“Nearly 60,000 tons of cosmetic containers are discarded globally every year, with about 90% left unrecycled due to the difficulty of separating mixed materials. By leveraging our depolymerization-based circular recycling technologies, we aim to create a sustainable, closed-loop ecosystem for cosmetics packaging through collaboration with our partners.”
Previously, in October 2024, SK chemicals introduced cosmetic containers made with CLARO CR70 in partnership with global luxury packaging firm Toly. In 2023, the company also signed MOUs with Estée Lauder, Yonwoo, and COSMAX to further develop sustainable plastic containers.
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