P&G’s innovative pump dispenser design marks a significant step forward in the development of sustainable packaging solutions for the beauty and personal care industry. The majority of components in traditional pump dispensers are made of polyethylene or polypropylene, which are recyclable materials. However, pump assemblies also often contain a steel spring, making it difficult for the pump dispenser to be recycled in existing recycling streams. This presents a significant challenge in the push towards circular economy and reducing waste in the beauty and personal care industry.
To address this issue, P&G has developed a pump dispenser made entirely from plastic, including a plastic spring, which does not need to be disassembled to be recycled. Replacing the steel spring with a plastic alternative is not straightforward, as plastic springs have different mechanical and chemical properties to steel springs. For example, they have a lower elastic modulus and can lose stiffness over time due to repeated use.
P&G’s recently patented design incorporates the plastic spring into the lid, preventing damage to the spring and avoiding plastic leaching into the product. Additionally, the design measures at heights that fit on retail shelves, allowing for branding to be maintained without redesigning the bottle. The complete utilization of recyclable plastic also facilitates recycling in a single stream without disassembling the pump dispenser.
This development by P&G is part of a growing trend in the beauty and personal care industry to move towards sustainable packaging solutions. Berry Global previously developed a 100% polyolefin 2cc dispenser containing no metal parts, while Henkel repackaged its Pril handwashing liquid in a 100% recycled PET pump dispenser bottle. These initiatives aim to promote circular economy and reduce waste in the industry.
In conclusion, P&G’s innovative pump dispenser design represents a significant step towards sustainable packaging solutions in the beauty and personal care industry. The development of a recyclable pump dispenser made entirely from plastic, including a plastic spring, presents a practical solution to the challenge of recycling pump assemblies. By addressing this issue, P&G is helping to promote circular economy and reduce waste in the industry.
