Packaging injection molder AptarGroup Inc. is launching what it touts as a fully recyclable mono-material pump for beauty and personal care products, called Future.
The all-polyethylene pump was designed on the basis of the principles of eco-design to facilitate recycling, according to Christophe Marie, the company's product sustainability director.
While traditional pumps may contain different materials, including metal components that can in some cases complicate the recycling process, the Future pump is made from one of the most common materials used to make bottles, considerably enhancing its recyclability.
"The ideal situation for the complete value chain is to have mono-material packaging where the container, the closure or dispensing system is made from the same material family. This was the big challenge our innovation team overcame with the development of Future," Marie said in a news release.
Future is certified by Cyclos-HTP, the institute for Recyclability and Product Responsibility, and recognized "A" by RecyClass, a cross-industry initiative that works to establish a harmonized recycling approach and traceability in Europe. RecyClass recognition applies for an undecorated clear or white pump.
Marc Prieur, president of Aptar Beauty + Home, said the product took more than two years to design, engineer and test.
AptarGroup is publicly traded and based in Crystal Lake, Ill. The company is the fifth largest injection molder in North America, according to Plastics News data.
The Future pumps are available using post-consumer PE. Company is introducing the product at the ChangeNow 2021 Global Summit on May 27.
"Our ultimate goal was to have the final consumer be able to take their body lotion, shampoo or shower gel and easily put the empty packaging in their recycling bin. This way, it enters a circular life cycle and can be turned into another product," Sabine Bouillet-Lubot, global strategic marketing director for Aptar Beauty + Home, said in the release.