Bioplastics in Packaging: From Niche to Necessity

By Levy Carlos De Campos

When you think of bioplastics, you probably imagine coffee cups or food trays. But here’s the twist: they’re making their way into the cosmetics industry too.

Think of shampoo bottles, cream jars, and cosmetic caps — all produced through injection molding. Traditionally, these were made from PP or PE. But more brands are now testing PLA, PHA, and other bioplastics to give their packaging a sustainable edge.

Why cosmetics first?

• Consumers in beauty care already expect eco-friendly packaging.

• Premium brands can absorb slightly higher material costs.

• Injection molding of bioplastics works well for rigid, elegant shapes like jars, lids, and dispensers.

The current hurdles:

• Bioplastics can still struggle with heat resistance and durability.

• They’re more costly than conventional plastics.

• Global waste streams aren’t fully ready to handle compostables.

But here’s the shift:

• Material innovation is closing the performance gap.

• Costs are dropping as production scales up.

• Consumer demand + regulation are pushing companies toward real change.

That’s why cosmetics is becoming a testbed for bioplastic injection molding — proving that sustainable packaging isn’t just possible, it’s profitable.

The question isn’t if shampoo bottles and cream jars will be made from bioplastics.

It’s how soon they’ll be the default.

Packaging of the future is renewable, elegant, and circular — and bioplastics are leading the way.

At CRW Slovakia, we are already developing such parts. We’re working on different fronts with the newest bio materials to fully support our customers’ needs in this area.