Ocean Plastic: The Sustainable Revolution in Cosmetic Packaging
01 Industry Trends: The Market Potential of Ocean Plastics
Ocean plastic pollution has become a global environmental challenge. It is estimated that millions of tons of plastic waste enter the oceans each year, seriously threatening marine ecosystems and even impacting human health through the food chain.
In response to this challenge, the international market demand for ocean plastics is steadily increasing.
Research shows that the global revenue from ocean plastics was about $2.62 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach nearly $4.97 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.6% from 2025 to 2031.
This data shows that the ocean plastics market is experiencing strong growth.
The recycling of ocean plastics not only addresses the pollution problem but also creates economic value.
In Zhejiang’s “Blue Cycle” project, recycled ocean plastics are certified internationally and converted into low-carbon, eco-friendly recycled plastic pellets.
These certified ocean plastic pellets are priced more than twice as high as traditional recycled plastics, and products made from them also have higher added value.
02 Innovative Applications: From Waste to Beauty
Using ocean plastic in cosmetic packaging is no longer a distant concept. Many companies are already putting it into practice.
At the 2025 European Tube Manufacturers Association (ETMA) awards, sustainable packaging took center stage.
Several companies were awarded for their innovative designs, highlighting the industry's growing focus on eco-friendly materials.
Among them, Germany’s Linhardt company won the Sustainable Development Award for their Cien Sun Care Tube, produced for Lidl. The product is made from 100% recycled plastic and ultra-light seals, making a breakthrough in eco-friendly packaging for sunscreen products.
The recycling process of ocean plastics is also highly innovative. In the “Blue Cycle” project in Zhejiang, fishermen bring back plastic waste collected at sea to shore-based recycling stations.
The plastic waste is then sorted, compressed, and turned into plastic blocks, which are sent to pelletizing factories to produce plastic pellets.
This process not only reduces ocean pollution but also provides additional income for the fishermen involved in recycling.
03 Technical Challenges: Turning Pollution into Resources
Converting ocean plastics into high-quality cosmetic packaging materials faces numerous technical challenges. After being submerged in seawater and exposed to UV radiation, the molecular structure of ocean plastic degrades, resulting in lower performance compared to virgin or land-sourced recycled plastics.
Additionally, ocean plastics are often mixed with other waste materials, making the collection and sorting process complex.
Zhejiang Blueview Technology uses digital tools to track and trace every step of ocean plastic waste collection and recycling, ensuring that the plastics eventually become internationally certified low-carbon, eco-friendly raw materials.
This traceability provides cosmetic brands with quality assurance when using ocean plastic.
In terms of recycling technology, chemical recycling offers new possibilities.
For example, Mitsubishi Chemical Group built a new chemical recycling facility in November 2024 with an annual processing capacity of 20,000 tons. The facility uses technology from Mura Technology, a UK-based company, to decompose waste plastics in supercritical water at high temperature and pressure, generating recycled oil.
04 Brand Opportunities: A Win-Win for Sustainability and Business
For cosmetics brands, using ocean plastic packaging is not just an environmental responsibility but a strategy for differentiation in a competitive market.
An increasing number of consumers, particularly the younger generation, are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products.
Cosmetics brand ALBION plans to release new products using recycled plastics as containers by the end of 2025.
This move responds to market demand for sustainable packaging and showcases the brand's commitment to environmental protection.
In addition to ocean plastics, the cosmetics packaging industry is exploring other eco-friendly innovations.
For example, Emballator has introduced the Twist Off Recap small-dose tube, made with up to 52% certified post-consumer recycled plastic. The packaging material complies with European cosmetic regulations, is up to 10% lighter than traditional squeeze tubes, and is 100% recyclable.
05 Future Outlook: A New Model of Circular Economy
The use of ocean plastics in cosmetic packaging represents a significant step in the industry’s transition to a circular economy.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) passed the draft “2025 Marine Plastic Waste Action Plan” in January 2025, with goals to reduce plastic emissions from fisheries and shipping by 2030.
This international action plan will drive global efforts to combat ocean plastic pollution in a more systematic way.
In the future, the recycling and utilization of ocean plastics will increasingly rely on technological innovation and cross-sector collaboration.
From designing more easily recyclable cosmetic packaging to developing more efficient plastic recycling technologies, and building better recycling infrastructure, the entire industry chain must work together to achieve a true circular economy.
The story of the Blue Cycle is unfolding across the globe. On the coast of Zhejiang, a fisherman points to a neatly sorted pile of plastic bottles and says, “These plastics are collected and then turned into recycled materials.” This not only improves the marine environment but also creates extra income for local fishermen.
For cosmetics brands, ocean plastic packaging is not just about fulfilling an environmental responsibility; it’s also a bridge for connecting with the new generation of consumers. When consumers hold a product labeled “Made from ocean plastic,” they are not just purchasing a product—they are endorsing and contributing to a sustainable future.
