"Before the Glass Polymer, the cosmetics industry only had the choice between thick-walled clear bottles made from glass, or shatter resistant but thin and squeezable clear bottles made from plastics. Now the Glass Polymer combines the benefits of both types of material," said marketing manager for Eastman Specialty Plastics Vincent Gugumus.
Eastman claims that its Glass Polymer resin is cost-efficient and flexible making it possible for cosmetic companies to produce transparent thick-walled and blow-moulded containers.
"As people travel more personal care products need to be available in small, light-weight containers. The Glass Polymer not only offers these advantages - it is virtually unbreakable - so there is no danger of damage to luggage or clothes, there is no loss of contents and there is less risk of personal injury. Containers made from the Glass Polymer are even safe in children's hands," said Gugumus.
Cosmetics companies such as Parlux, Matis, Victoria's Secret and Merle Norman have pioneered Eastman Specialty Plastics' polymers in their product packaging.
"The Glass Polymer was really the only material that was capable of achieving the clarity, wall thickness and chemical resistance required to produce a bottle for our fragrance. We conducted several 'fitness for use' tests on The Glass Polymer and it tested favorably for chemical resistance," said a spokesperson for Parlux.
The packaging for Parlux's new Ocean Pacific cologne encorporates Eastman Chemical Company's Glass Polymer copolyester.