Since the initiative began, The Green Line concept has become a new way of working for HK Cosmetic Packaging and REBHAN, the companies working under the Certina Packaging Group. The companies have built a comprehensive portfolio of sustainable solutions, becoming experts in the field of new environmentally conscious materials and technologies.

The Green Line is not a limited range of products but an extensive collection of sustainable developments with the potential to be applied across all product lines. HK and REBHAN offer expertise and advice on material selection, production, decoration and recyclability, helping brands reach their own sustainable goals.

The Materials

Choice of material is crucial when acting sustainably, so the Certina Packaging Group caters for a range of different product requirements with a selection of eco-conscious materials.

HK and REBHAN can offer products completed in a variety of (FDA Certified) Bio-based materials that mainly derive from carbohydrate-rich plants such as Corn and Sugar Cane, where the material has been sourced from the wastage created during food production.

In addition, HK also develops packaging using Sulapac®, a Wood-based biodegradable material that is impermeable to air and repellant of oil and water. Consisting of wood chip and naturally degradable adhesives, this green packaging solution comes with a time guarantee, matching the shelf life of most naturally produced ingredients.

Furthermore, REBHAN is one of the pioneers in the use of Eastman Cristal™ One E, a recyclable option for extrusion blow moulding.

REBHAN mainly uses this innovative material in the area of ​​thick-walled bottles and flacons to create brilliant, crystal-clear packaging with the look and feel of glass, albeit without the associated disadvantages.

With bottles made from Cristal™ One E, REHBAN is providing the market with 100% recyclability, durability, and stability, as well as absolute brilliance.

Other eco-conscious materials include rHDPE and rPET, from both mechanical and chemical recycling processes. These choices greatly reduce the use of virgin materials, taking a step closer to a circular economy.

Production

The Green Line considers the packaging’s production as another way to increase its sustainability factor.

 An example of this is Co-Extrusion, where the structure of the packaging has been designed with 2 to 3 different layers. Thin layers of virgin material are used in combination with thick layers of PCR material to ensure chemical resistance and maintain an attractive appearance.

This can also be achieved in reverse by using thin layers of PCR. There are a variety of Co-Extrusion combinations that can be achieved, all depending on the needs of the customer.

Reducing the overall weight of the product to make lightweight packaging is another common practice in the companies’ production. Standard products have been redesigned and produced with less material, while still keeping the same level of functionality and design.

Many products, including multi-part products such as jars, are now being produced in mono-material, making it far easier for consumers to recycle the pack after use without having to disassemble. 

Another way we see the production of the product enhancing sustainability, is in refillable products. Both HK and REBHAN offer their own refillable ranges of bottles and jars. The collection has been developed with a new refill system that is user-friendly and perfect for the cosmetics industry. The jars and flacons are as sustainable as they are innovative with a range of decorative services available to further enhance the visual impact.

HK and REBHAN have even taken into account how coloring the products can also be eco-friendly with new research and advancements. The companies provide for example carbon black-free pigments, which means packs can be recycled and sorted by NIR detection systems even if they are black. 

Colorful packaging can also be accomplished by sustainable means, as shown by recent research conducted by REBHAN. The study shows colorful designs could still be achieved using HDPE grey recyclate, proving a striking design need not come at an environmental cost.

Certifications                                                         

REBHAN has been recognized by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) who attests to the traceability of the plastic granules used in manufacture.

REBHAN and HK cosmetic packaging have been awarded the EcoVadis certificate in silver for their sustainable policies and practices, placing them in the top 25 percent of evaluated companies.

Both companies are continuously working on new environmentally friendly developments for their packaging solutions, supporting The Green Line: sustainability for all products.

For more details and developments from The Green Line contact Certina Packaging Group