The single-wall pack has a minimalist yet sleek design. Thanks to the PE material, Ultra Solo’s slim silhouette can have a high-gloss finish, while a variety of decoration options make it adaptable to any brand identity. Available in 15ml, 30ml and 50ml, it allows for easy top filling.

Airless technology ensures that dosage is a perfect 0.15cc per stroke — never more nor less, regardless of the pressure applied. The sealed environment protects the formulation from external contamination, reducing the need for artificial preservatives. The pump system also allows consumers to use it at any angle, with consistently excellent performance.

All of Ultra Solo’s components — cap, pump engine, actuator and bottle — are PE. As such, the whole product boasts 100% recyclability, certified by leading European assessment institute cyclos-HTP*.

“We are aiming for greater recyclability in our product development,” explains Quadpack Category Specialist Alejandra Isern, “and nothing is easier to recycle than a mono-material pack. Ultra Solo is also our first airless solution in PE, expanding the range of materials in our airless portfolio.”

As with all products in Quadpack’s catalogue, an Environmental Report for Ultra Solo is available, with life-cycle assessment and other impact data, to help brands achieve their sustainability goals.

*Certification valid for Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.

Meeting high standards

The new material was developed in close collaboration with GEKA’s long-standing partner WIS-Kunststoffe. It consists of at least 95% recycled PP plastic, is completely odorless, and has been tested according to several strict international standards aimed at both the cosmetics and food production sectors. This includes EU (No) 10/2011 (food contact), EC 1223/2009 (cosmetic products), REACH (no) 1907/2006 and California Proposition 65.

The material’s ability to meet these high standards opens new horizons for the packaging of products such as water-based mascaras. Previously, the exacting quality and suitability requirements for components that come into contact with the cosmetic, such as the thread part and bottle, ruled out the use of PCR PPs. Now, for the first time, the packaging can be made entirely from recycled material.

GEKA and WIS-Kunststoffe worked to ensure that the new material is optimized for use in cosmetics packaging. This means the material is color-neutral, allowing for a broad spectrum of shade and effect combinations that could not be achieved with conventional recycled packaging.

As the new material does not have the usual impurities or require added color batches, it offers consistency and vibrancy in hues that were previously hard to maintain. For beauty brands it is opening up the horizon of design. Cosmetic brands can now use complex effects such as metallic sheen or chrome without compromising on brilliance or having to use excessive amounts of pigment. As the material acts exactly like virgin PP, it provides unprecedented color brilliance and guarantees absolutely no loss of visual effect.

This color stability and vibrancy means that cosmetics businesses can switch packaging components previously made from standard PP to the new recycled material without altering any of their existing branding.

A ground-breaking material

Huong Bister, Head of R&D at GEKA, says, “This ground-breaking PCR PP material allows the cosmetics industry to drive sustainability without sacrificing performance, functionality, or quality. While many manufacturers have used PCR in packaging before, this is the first PCR PP that is safe to use in direct contact with the cosmetic itself.

“Traditional PCR materials can struggle with muddied appearance and compatibility issues. These concerns do not apply to GEKA’s new PCR PP. Brands don’t need to sacrifice their beautiful design concepts to be a sustainable option. It will hold vivid colors just as the virgin material would, from piano-black to pure white.”

The eco-friendly design by Tata Elxsi has resulted in significant sustainability metrics:

• 25% savings in total costs
• 20% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
• 17% improvement in truck loadability
• Yearly reduction of 128 metric tons in plastic use
• Utilization of 60% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic via multilayer molding

This design initiative stands out by achieving an impressive 15% reduction in plastic usage per 400ml pack compared to the previous design, demonstrating a dedicated commitment to sustainability and innovation. The design was meticulously crafted into the final pack through careful engineering without compromising on intent or function.

Additionally, virtual engineering techniques were employed to optimize the design. Specifically tailored to appeal to Vatika's predominantly female customer base, the product showcases a refined silhouette, achieving a perfect balance between aesthetic allure and practical utility.

"Our design reflects Vatika Naturals' commitment to sustainability and natural ingredients, creating a fresh brand identity through natural motifs in shampoo and conditioner packaging," said Shyam Sunder B K, Chief Designer, Tata Elxsi.

“At Tata Elxsi, sustainability is more than an objective; it's at the core of our design ethos. We strive to create solutions that deliver exceptional user experiences while being ecologically responsible. Every design decision is a step towards a future where technology and sustainability are in harmony.”

“With this change, Vatika’s design quotient has elevated to multiple levels above industry benchmarks. Just another step into offering consumers with visually appealing, user-friendly, and sustainable packaging,” said Nishant Sukumaran — Marketing head, Dabur International, Dubai.

To learn more about Tata Elxsi, please visit tataelxsi.com.

Wave2cc’s 28/410 neck is compatible with Berry Agile Solutions’ extensive choice of 150ml to 750ml bottles, which are available with up to 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET and HDPE. This enables manufacturers and product developers to create a pack solution tailored to their unique requirements, including a variety of printing and finishing options.

Alongside its sustainability benefits, Wave2cc combines a modern, eye-catching design with maximum user-friendliness and convenience. Complete with an easy-to-handle wide pump actuator, the dosage settings on Wave2cc can be easily adjusted to suit individual needs, helping deliver accurate amounts of product with each use and minimizing waste. A clockwise and anticlockwise locking system adds further to Wave 2cc’s flexibility.

The dispenser’s robust construction delivers reliable, long-term performance, offering an ideal solution for e-commerce packs by preventing accidental spills during shipping. As a result, Wave2cc has achieved ISTA 6* e-commerce approval for bottles from 200ml to 1 liter.

“We believe Wave2cc tunes into the packaging wish list of personal care product consumers by providing effective dosage in convenient and reliable amounts,” said Joe Horton, Product Line Director for Berry Agile Solutions. “Through Berry Agile Solutions, companies of all sizes now have the ability to meet these needs with a standard solution that can be personalized to individual brands.”

Learn more about Wave2cc dispensing closures.