1 mins
Can beauty products turn into ‘paper’?
University of East Anglia
Professional Beauty UK reports that a new technology developed by university researchers can turn moisturiser into small discs of paperlike material.
This breakthrough from the University of East Anglia (UEA) means that 98% of the water in beauty products like moisturiser, sun cream, shampoo and conditioner can be removed. Users simply need to add a drop of water to the paper-like disc to rehydrate it instantly.
The researchers believe this technology could potentially revolutionise the beauty industry by dramatically reducing both its carbon footprint and packaging waste. And, it also removes the need for preservatives in these products and improves their shelf life.
Lead researcher Professor Sheng Qi, from UEA’s School of Pharmacy, said: “Most cosmetics and toiletries contain up to 95 per cent water, leading to heavy units by volume and bulky packaging. Every year, 120 billion units of cosmetics and toiletries are packaged and shipped globally, so the industry has a huge carbon footprint.
“The technology that we have developed uses a no-heat process to transform a range of water and oil-based based beauty and skincare products into paper-like discs.”
This process allows up to 98% of water to be removed, while preserving the stability of delicate active ingredients.
“Above all, it dramatically reduces their carbon footprint, which is better for the environment. We hope it will help the beauty industry achieve Net Zero carbon targets and sustainability goals, without compromising product quality and performance.”
UEA has partnered with PBL Technology, which is leading on the commercialisation of the patent-pending DRIES technology. For commercial enquiries contact info@pbltechnology.com
(Source: Professional Beauty UK)