VPI creates a 100% recycled polypropylene refill for L’Occitane

Reusable or refillable solutions have been at the core of L’Occitane en Provence’s strategy ever since the brand launched its first eco-refill in 2008.

For their latest project, L’Occitane entrusted VPI, a French specialist in injecting plastic parts for the luxury industry market, to make a refill from 100% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) polypropylene (PP) material.

The 100% PCR PP cup of the Ultra Rich Body Cream Shea Butter refill thus helps to preserve natural resources, to support recycling sectors while reducing the environmental footprint of the whole supply chain thanks to the lightness of the material.

“The use of 100% recycled PP and the creation of the cup represent genuine technological strides through which VPI has demonstrated its ability and commitment. It has been a truly impressive feat by VPI, on behalf of L’Occitane, to manage and ensure the traceability of batches of recycled material and expertly produce a 200ml container all within a tight turnaround time,” said the supplier in a statement.

User-friendly use

Close work between the brand’s and VPI’s teams - which involved studying the design of the grip and perfecting an unsnapping and re-snapping closure - led to the invention of a new user-friendly and pleasant mode of use. The refilling cup contains 200ml and is heat sealed after filling. At the first purchase the tub fits in an aluminium packaging and then stands alone for reloading.

"We at VPI are honoured to work with committed companies such as L’Occitane en Provence. We are grateful to the teams on site who think ahead about eco-design and, when it comes to developing and mass producing products, invest so that they can oversee wonderful, genuinely eco-designed projects. We are proud to have been able to complete such deep research on recycled materials and to have helped bring such ambitious action plans to fruition," said Marc Beltrami, VPI’s Head of Sales.

"This refill solution enables us to substantially reduce our dependency on plastic. Compared to the old product, it accounts for an annual saving of more than 40 tons. It also helps us to fulfil our ambition of using Post-Consumer recycled plastic. VPI’s teams rose perfectly to this challenge," said David Bayard, the Packaging R&D Manager of L’Occitane en Provence.

Source: premiumbeautynews.com