Finnish companies Lumene and Sulapac collaborate to become one of the world’s first to sell water-based cosmetics in sustainable packaging that leaves no traces behind

Lumene and Sulapac routinely use material sidestreams in their innovations and draw inspiration from the no-waste reality of Finnish nature in their effort to build a future of sustainable cosmetics globally.

Finnish cosmetics company Lumene and Finnish material innovation startup Sulapac have collaborated on a pilot project to package two of Lumene’s most popular skincare products Nordic-C [VALO] Glow Reveal moisturizer and Nordic Hydra [LÄHDE] Intense Hydration 24H moisturizer.

After four years of scientific development and testing, consumers will be able to experience their favorite moisturizers packaged in an innovative jar made of industrially compostable material that does not harm the environment and is manufactured sustainably.

“Up until now, the main challenge of using bio-based material in jars has been the fast evaporation of moisture, which is why it hasn’t been deemed a workable solution for water-based cosmetics. Through this pilot, we are making an investment towards the future of innovation in the cosmetics industry,” says Essi Arola, Head of Research and Development, Packaging at Lumene.

The products will be packaged in Sulapac jars made from FSC-certified (FSC® C158142) wood chips from industrial side streams and plant-based materials. The inner lining of the jar consists of the world’s first barriertechnology for cosmetics made of industrially compostable material that protects the sensitive cosmetic product and, in contact with natural microbes, eventually falls apart without leaving traces behind.

Originating from the Nordic country known for its pristine nature, both Lumene and Sulapac routinely use side stream materials from other industries in the manufacturing of their products.

Cloudberry seed oil and cloudberry seed extract are some of the ingredients used in several products in Lumene’s skincare collections. Growing naturally in the delicate and protected swamp environments of Finland, the berries must always be collected by hand for commercial or private use.

“We obtain cloudberry oil from the press cake leftover in berry juice production from several local companies. It brings a significant sustainability advantage: the berries don’t have to be picked just to supply the cosmetics company. By using side streams, we also promote local partnerships and reduce waste,” elaborates Arola.“We have utilized ingredients developed from side streams of the food and forest industries in our production for two decades already, and our ambition is to become carbon neutral by 2025.”

The design philosophy of Sulapac is to mimic nature – similarly to a same-size piece of wood left on the forest floor, Sulapac jars can be digested by naturally occurring microorganisms and break down into carbon dioxide, water and biomass, leaving no traces behind.

“Lumene is an iconic Finnish brand with ambition for international expansion. Our philosophies of respecting natural resources and a strong science-based approach complement each other very well. Sulapac’s mission is to together save the world from plastic waste, and we need like-minded, purpose-driven brands and companies to join us on this journey. Powerful brands also pressure decision-makers to invest in laws and regulations, which support the widespread development and adoption of sustainable solutions replacing plastics,” points out Dr. Suvi Haimi, CEO and Co-founder of Sulapac. 

The products will be available internationally on Lumene’s online store and in selected stores in Finland.

 

Further information

Suvi Haimi, CEO and Co-Founder
suvi.haimi@sulapac.com, +358 44 029 1203

Antti Valtonen, Head of Communications
antti.valtonen@sulapac.com, +358 40 729 4793

 

About Sulapac
Sulapac® is an award-winning, patented, bio-based alternative for conventional plastics. It accelerates a plastic waste-free future with sustainable materials that are beautiful and functional. Like nature. The Helsinki-based company was founded in 2016 by Dr. Suvi Haimi, Dr. Laura Tirkkonen-Rajasalo and Dr. Antti Pärssinen. Its investors include CHANEL and Sky Ocean Ventures. Sulapac was ranked one of Europe’s 100 hottest startups by WIRED UK in 2018, 2019 and 2021, and one of the Nordic startups to watch in 2021 by Sifted, backed by the Financial Times. Join the forerunners. Together we can save the world from plastic waste.

About Lumene
LUMENE is the leading natural beauty brand with Nordic roots, considered the industry pioneer in sustainability and Nordic preservation. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Finland, LUMENE is a leading natural skincare and makeup business that develops and distributes beauty products across its international markets. Lumene has an established presence in Finland and Sweden, UK and the U.S., with expanding operations in other Scandinavian markets and China. LUMENE Group has over 400 employees and the turnover in 2021 was over 74Meur.

 

Get to know Sulapac’s beautiful, functional and sustainable material solutions.