Wood: natural advantage

Wood has always been perceived as the most noble of materials. Adding a wooden cap to perfumery and cosmetics products instantly increases their luxury value. Beyond aesthetics, however, in a world where waste is an issue, recyclability and sustainability have become key drivers among those responsible for developing packaging for beauty brands. Wood, one of the most sustainable materials on the planet, is therefore poised to make a mark in the sector.

Wood is the only material that is considered 100% renewable. When derived from a sustainable source and compared with other
materials such as plastics and aluminium, wood's life cycle analysis (LCA) is outstanding, as minimal non-renewable energy is used
during its harvesting, processing and maintenance. Even when used on small scale items like perfume bottle caps, wood produces
negligible residues. Large off-cuts are processed to make sheets of fibreboard, while shavings are repurposed for biomass fuel or
animal bedding.

Sustainable sourcing
So how can packaging producers and professionals be assured that the wood they purchase comes from a sustainable supply? Like many other industries such as food and textiles, the timber sector is governed by a set of certifications. These emerged in the mid-
1990s as a response to communicating sustainable forestry management (SFM) to a wider audience. There are currently more than
30 certification bodies worldwide and the largest is the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, or PEFC.

A PEFC certification, which is applied for on a voluntary basis, covers the entire Chain of Custody, from harvest to delivery. Companies that buy PEFC-certified products can be assured that at least 70% of the material comes from forests that meet or exceed PEFC benchmarks. In addition to quantifying standards in SFM, the certification also covers International Labor Organisation (ILO) criteria on forced labour, minimum wage, and age and other factors.

Responsible manufacture
Of course it will only be a responsible manufacturer who continues this chain of accountability. Technotraf, a Quadpack company, is a pioneer in manufacturing wooden components for the beauty packaging industry. Situated in Northern Spain, the company created the wooden cap for the Burberry Touch perfume in 2001, and went on, in 2012 to conceive numerous innovative solutions for prestige brands, including just recently an elegant, sculptured compact shell for Guerlain.

Working only with PEFC-certified wood, Technotraf's woodturning and computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling machines are capable of working the material into an almost infinite variety of forms, sizes and thicknesses. Being such a versatile material, wood can be finished in many different ways, including smooth, matte and even weathered or distressed patinas. Laser engraving, hot
stamping, silk screening and pad printing can further elevate any wood-based packaging concept to one of eco-luxury and beauty.

It is worth noting that, contrary to popular opinion, wood - even PEFC-certified wood - is not an expensive material to develop.
Compared with making a mould, creating a prototype in wood is straightforward and energy and manpower-efficient - a further
boost to its eco-credentials.

At Technotraf, all these processes adhere to standards respectful to the environment, and all residues are used for by-products such as MDF (medium density fibreboard), animal bedding and combustible fuels.

Benefits for beauty brands
Of course, all this happens behind the scenes, and for many the real question is, what will the use of wood bring to the consumer? Most would agree that, by default, wood lends a product a sense of luxury, timelessness and elegance. Recent launches have shown that wood is no longer the sole domain of the male market. Many innovative companies, both prestige and masstige, have explored it.

For makers of natural beauty products, the presence of wood in their packaging can help towards an ECOCERT organic accreditation,
according to a set of standards for the natural cosmetics industry created in 2003. To be considered for the certification, the packaging, as well as the product inside, must be of a biodegradable or recyclable nature.

Even for 'non-natural' brands, the addition of a wooden component will add sensory appeal. Natural wood in the indoor environment has long been associated with an improved quality of life and, lately, we have seen signs of this durable and versatile material being put to 'non-traditional' and unexpected uses such as bicycle and sunglass frames, watches and even tablet cases.

In the recent past, the trend has been for harsh, 'high-tech' metallic surfaces. The return to wood is therefore a logical reaction to this,
meeting calls from the 'responsible consumer' for environmentally friendly alternatives.

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