Biopolymers and tubes: for environmentally friendly packages

For a long time, cosmetic tubes followed the same recipe: functionality, simple aesthetics and a touch of luxury to stand out on the shelf. But that's no longer enough. Consumers' perspectives have changed and so have their expectations.

Biopolymers are emerging as an innovative and responsible answer. Made from renewable resources, they offer an alternative to fossil-based plastics while maintaining performance and visual appeal. More than that, they are helping to redefine the future of packaging: one that combines respect for the planet with the high standards of premium brands.

The cosmetic tube, often underestimated, is becoming an exciting field for experimentation. Tangible proof that sustainability and design can go hand in hand.

What is a biopolymer? Definition and key benefits

Biopolymers degrade naturally without releasing microplastics into the environment and meet both the aesthetic and functional requirements of the beauty industry.

Unlike conventional petroleum-based plastics, they are part of a circular logic and support more environmentally friendly production cycles.

But their appeal goes beyond their natural origin. Biopolymers offer excellent versatility in cosmetics, particularly for tubes: they are resistant to the products they contain, light, easy to mould and of impeccable aesthetic quality. They make it possible to create packaging that combines technical performance with an environmental commitment.

Premium brands are increasingly attracted by the ability of biopolymers to reflect strong values:

✅ They are renewable: they are derived from plant-based raw materials, reducing dependence on fossil resources;

✅ They are compostable or biodegradable, depending on the formulation, simplifying responsible end-of-life options for packaging;

✅ They are conformable, allowing for a variety of finishes - from natural matt to ultra-smooth - to enhance sensory appeal;

They also help reduce carbon footprints, especially when combined with local production or short supply chains.

Why choose biopolymer cosmetic tubes?

Beyond being a sustainable alternative, biopolymer cosmetic tubes represent a true evolution in the way brands approach their packaging. In addition to the positive environmental impact, this choice offers a valuable combination of technical performance and creative possibilities. The result?

Packaging that lives up to the formulas it protects and perfectly matches consumer expectations.

Let's take a look at the key benefits of biopolymer packaging.

tubes emballage cosmétique biopolymères​

Carbon footprint reduction

One of the clearest benefits of biopolymers is their natural origin. Derived from renewable sources such as corn starch or wood waste, biopolymers reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions throughout the product lifecycle.

By choosing a biopolymer tube, brands are fully committing to a circular economy model and reinforcing their environmental promises. It's a powerful selling point for increasingly ethical consumers.

Compatibility with sensitive formulas

Biopolymers also offer excellent performance. Thanks to their advanced technical properties, they're perfect for sensitive cosmetic formulations such as moisturisers, serums or targeted treatments.

Their smooth inner surface ensures product stability and preserves the quality of active ingredients. In addition, biopolymers offer high resistance to temperature changes and external stresses, ensuring product integrity from first use to last.

Customised design and strong differentiation

For brands that want to stand out, biopolymer tubes are the perfect fit. Whether it’s custom colour palettes, matte or glossy finishes, or high-definition printing, they offer total creative freedom.

Even better, the pleasant texture and subtle detailing create a sensory experience that makes an impression from the first touch.

To go even further, mPackting offers frameworks that unlock the full potential of biopolymers, with a truly creative approach:

  • Capless – a cutting-edge solution that integrates the closure mechanism directly into the body of the container, improving both product design and user experience;

  • Woodpse – a refined combination of wood and biopolymer for closures that unite authenticity and high performance;

  • Woock – a hybrid structure blending the warmth of wood with the modernity of biopolymer. Ideal for brands looking to assert a distinctive identity.

plastic polymer

How mPacking is helping brands make the transition

Switching to biopolymers for your cosmetic tubes is a real shift in packaging thinking and we understand how important every detail is.

Backed by the Minelli Group, renowned for its mastery of sustainable materials and precision manufacturing, we guide brands every step of the way. From initial concept to final production, our process is smooth, integrated and designed to ease the transition to more responsible packaging.

Here's how we work with you:

✅ Co-design: we turn your idea into a real concept, balancing design, sustainability and technical requirements;

✅ Rapid prototyping: we use precision tools to test and refine every detail for a flawless result;

✅ Material selection: we help you choose the biopolymers that best suit your formulas and brand identity;

✅ Integrated production: with in-house manufacturing, we ensure quality and traceability at every step;

✅ Customised finishes: colour, texture, tactile effects... we personalise each tube to make it a true object of desire.

Ready to Rethink Your Cosmetic Packaging?

At mPackting, we turn your sustainable ambitions into elegant, concrete solutions. Let’s talk about your project and explore the full creative potential of responsible packaging. Contact mPackting today.

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