—When will it truly become viable for beauty packaging?
As sustainability continues to shape the global packaging landscape, Ocean-Bound Plastic (OBP) has emerged as a promising solution—particularly for brands aiming to reduce plastic pollution while enhancing their eco-credentials.
But as we speak with beauty and personal care brands about future packaging plans, one thing is clear:
The gap between "concept" and "real-world use" of OBP remains significant.
Today, OBP is being applied mostly in:
Bottles for shampoos, body washes, and household cleaning products
Select skincare packaging (mostly outer containers or limited-run items)
Mailer bags, cartons, and secondary packaging with lower aesthetic requirements
Brands like REN, L’Oréal, and Unilever have incorporated OBP into specific collections—mostly in small-scale or pilot launches aimed at sustainability storytelling.
Despite growing awareness, OBP still faces both material and market limitations:
Contamination: OBP often contains salt, organic residues, and debris—difficult to fully clean
Poor processability: Lower melt index and unstable flow properties make it hard to mold or blow
Unstable appearance and odor: Greyish tint and potential marine odor can be off-putting in beauty products
Traceability barriers: Certifications like Zero Plastic Oceans require strict sourcing and documentation, which adds cost and complexity
Inconsistent raw material supply due to seasonal, geographic, and policy-related factors
Higher costs compared to PCR or virgin resins
Low compatibility with standard packaging production lines
Mixed consumer perception—particularly in high-end segments that value pristine aesthetics
Based on our research and conversations across the supply chain:
2025–2026: OBP will likely remain a niche material used for storytelling or trial-size products
2027 onwards: Only with meaningful breakthroughs in odor control, stabilization, and cost reduction will OBP be viable for mainstream beauty packaging
A common misconception is that OBP is biodegradable. In reality:
OBP is mostly recycled PE, PP, or PET—not designed to break down naturally
True biodegradable materials like PLA or PHA often lack the barrier strength and shelf-life needed for beauty products
Most packaging has a shelf and usage cycle of 6 to 24 months, during which biodegradable materials may deteriorate prematurely
We believe sustainability should focus more on:
Recyclability
Closed-loop reuse
Material transparency and traceability —rather than simply being "degradable."
At PYC, we have not yet launched packaging using OBP materials. However, as a supplier dedicated to sustainable solutions, we’ve been actively tracking its potential and limitations.
Researching OBP, PCR, and bio-based blends for performance and feasibility
Staying connected with certified OBP material suppliers for future-ready options
Offering small-batch prototyping with recyclable materials to support low-risk testing
Helping clients assess sustainability realistically—balancing marketing, technical, and regulatory needs
We believe true innovation happens not by chasing trends, but by turning insight into action—step by step.
We see OBP as one part of a much broader shift toward sustainable packaging. But scaling it responsibly means understanding both its promise and its current boundaries.
If you're exploring sustainable packaging for your beauty or wellness brand, we'd love to connect—whether it's to share insights, materials comparison sheets, or ideas on where to begin.
Contact us at PYC for thoughtful, honest discussions around what’s possible—today and in the near future.
Have you used OBP in your product line? What were your biggest challenges? Let’s exchange ideas via email.
Email: hello@pyc365.com
