In this article, Rob Carr, managing director, Stephenson, discusses not only how these products can assist soap bar manufacturers in terms of timesaving, successful trial runs, and end-to-end solutions during the formulation and testing phase, but also highlights impressive sustainability and environmental benefits - from idea to final product.
Are bars redefining personal care?
With the effect of climate change under scrutiny, consumers are becoming more aware of ongoing requirements for greener living and sustainable practices in the beauty and personal care industry, and this is placing demand to the sector to respond with solutions. This doesn’t just apply to brands and manufacturers. Every product choice a consumer makes is important, particularly when considering their daily hygiene and beauty routines.
While shoppers are spoilt for choice when it comes to product formats, we are seeing the debate between traditional soap bars and liquid soap continue to grow, particularly when considering the environmental benefits that can accrue when switching from liquid products to solid bars. It is therefore not surprising that its popularity is on the rise.
One of the main reasons is growing consumer awareness around the benefits that go beyond convenience and efficacy to embrace broader sustainability issues including water preservation and plastic-free packaging of products.
This is opening new avenues for consumer engagement around product alternatives for liquid shower gels and facial cleansers and the possibilities are vast when it comes to developing soap bars in different formats. This trend will continue to pave the way for new and more sustainable product development in the beauty and personal care industry.
Water savings in perspective
One of the biggest impacts on the sales growth of solid bars in personal care is the desire to protect water resources.
The beauty and personal care industry is often listed among the top contributors to water use, water pollution, and wastewater. It is estimated that in 2020, the industry consumed 10.4mn tonnes of water globally with rinse-off products in the hair care, bath, and shower categories responsible for over half of the total water used in personal care product formulations. These products may also contain up to 95% water, while bar soap and some make-up products may contain only traces of water or none at all. 1
When examining the ingredients of soap bars and liquid soap, soap bars often boast a simpler, more natural composition. Liquid soap often requires additional chemicals and preservatives to maintain its form, texture, and shelf life. In addition to contributing to production complexity, these additives and chemicals can also have adverse environmental effects on aquatic ecosystems.2
According to Natrue, the international non-profit association committed to promoting and protecting Natural and Organic Cosmetics globally, waterless cosmetics can also boost the performance of a product. Removing water from a formulation often provides more room for beneficial ingredients, such as botanicals and essential oils, which could lead to greater efficacy.3
Euromonitor also notes that global concerns over scarcity are intensifying and will remain among the top ten environmental priorities in the next five years. An estimated 56% of professionals now report that their companies plan to invest in water-related initiatives leading up to 2027, while more than 44% of consumers are aiming to use less water, whether in their capacity or in the products they engage with to have a positive impact on water security in the future.4
Waterless products can also have a benefit when we look at costs. These products are often more stable and less prone to microbial growth – potentially reducing the amount of trialing required. In addition, waterless products have a massive benefit when it comes to the supply chain as they are concentrated and therefore smaller and lighter to transport.5
Limiting plastic packaging
Another area where solid bars can have massive benefits is in terms of plastic reduction. Brands and consumers are actively looking to reduce plastic packaging and in particular, the use of single-use plastics found in liquid soap, shampoo, and body washes. There is immense pressure on personal care brands to shift up a gear on sustainability performance and positioning.
It is estimated that up to 45% of consumers have a more positive opinion of brands that limit their plastic packaging, while 67% believe that companies should be responsible for end-of-life disposal of the product they manufacture – a great incentive to look at product and packaging alternatives.6
Soap bars are the ideal solution. These products are typically packaged in minimal, often recyclable or biodegradable paper packaging. In contrast, liquid soap is usually housed in plastic bottles. When these bottles have pumps, this can further add complexity to recycling efforts as the production and disposal of these mixed-material plastic containers can contribute to pollution and be detrimental to marine life.
As it currently stands, consumers and industry are struggling to recycle plastic packaging post-use and the situation remains poor around the world. The top countries in the world – Germany and Korea – only achieved 65% and 59% of plastic packaging production being recycled in recent years respectively. This contrasts with paper, metal, or glass, which frequently exceeds 80% recycling rates in Western economies. The answer must therefore lie in replacement product technologies such as solid soap bars.7
Formulating with extruded soap & syndet bases
As we see product development in solid bar formats moving away from traditional applications such as soap and cleansing bars to include shampoos, conditioners, scalp bars, shaving bars, deodorants and even intimate care products, we believe that the future of extruded bases and syndet solutions that facilitate these new products are solid.
At Stephenson, we have a wide range of extruded bases and syndet solutions, including our new Syndopal® Natural MB – ideal in the development of a variety of niche products that offer great functionality and labelling claims, including organic and RSPO certification. We aim to add value at every step of your formulation journey, particularly around product requirements and volumes.
We all need to work together to make sustainability a reality. It could be as simple as moving your formulation from liquid to bar soap. Sometimes traditional products can be the most innovative!
References:
1. Waterless Beauty: Exploring Opportunities Beyond Compliance - Euromonitor.com
2. Water in cosmetics: a dive into water-free beauty | NATRUE
3. Water in cosmetics: a dive into water-free beauty | NATRUE
4. Waterless Beauty: Exploring Opportunities Beyond Compliance - Euromonitor.com
5. 4 Reasons to Launch Waterless Personal Care Products | Stephenson (stephensonpersonalcare.com
6,7. What Country Recycles The Most Plastic | Plastic Expert