Leading manufacturer of solid format bases and natural ingredients for the personal care sector, Stephenson, is continuing in its drive to lead the way for limiting the use of packaging in personal care products.

Coinciding with the global Plastic Free July movement, the Yorkshire-based business continues to use product innovation and expert insight to help personal care brands and manufacturers address the problems associated with plastic packaging.

Research* carried out this year found that 61% of global consumers believe the increased use of plastic packaging is necessary since the COVID-19 pandemic for safety reasons. 72% of global consumers still believe plastic has average or above recyclability relative to other materials. 52% of consumers stated they would pay more for a product if it came in recyclable packaging.

Stephenson’s manufacturing focus on syndet production and solid formats provides the ideal choice for manufacturers and brands seeking gentler, more effective and environmentally friendlier cleansing products. Stephenson has launched four new Syndet products this year alone, adding to its established Syndopal syndet range, comprising a solid conditioner, cleanser, solid shampoo bar and premium solid shampoo bar.

The newest addition to the range, Syndopal SHC 600-MB is currently the only extruded solid conditioning base available on the personal care market. Created specifically for manufacturing ultra-mild luxurious solid conditioning bars, it is silicone free, cationic allowing for smooth conditioning and Certified Sustainable RSPO-MB.

More than five years of research and development led to the groundbreaking manufacture of Syndopal, a first for the global personal care market, resulting in the creation of the first ultra-mild, 100% soap free, pH 5.5 base noodle. The range of products introduced this year represents the first to be released since Syndopal 300-MB revolutionised the syndet market in 2019.

Syndets are environmentally friendly as they contain less water and can be packaged without plastic. They are also biodegradable, breaking down naturally without harming the environment.

Solid format products represent a much more eco friendly format than liquids. As solid format products are concentrated, they are made with very little water compared to liquids made using between 80-95% water. Liquid formats require plastic packaging, which can contribute to plastic waste. Solid formats do not require any plastic packaging and can be stored in reusable containers. 

Following the launch of its first solid shampoo conditioning bar, Stephenson showed its commitment to sustainability in the personal care market. The bar is a ready-made solid conditioner base and a product innovation designed to help consumers reduce the use of plastic containers and use less water during hair washing. 

Tim Pulleyn, marketing manager at Stephenson, commented: “Plastic Free July demonstrates that everyone can make a positive difference by examining buying habits and considering how to cut unnecessary waste at home. The bathroom is often the worst offender in the house with many products traditionally packaged in single-use plastics.

“Solid soap bars such as shampoos are growing in popularity yearly, mainly due to increasing consumer awareness and changing preferences for more natural and plastic-free personal care products. With this as a motivating factor, consumers seek to stop buying packaged shower gels and go for plastic-free alternatives like bar soaps and recyclable pouches. In an effort to reduce their carbon footprint, personal care brands are increasingly turning to concentrated and waterless products to help minimise environmental impact.

“Sustainability continues to be a key business driver for Stephenson as consumers continue to look at ways to limit their plastic packaging use and save water. Plastic Free July provides the perfect opportunity for us as a business to work closely with the personal care sector and consumers to remind them of their and our collective responsibilities.” 

Plastic Free July is an initiative that aims to unite and educate about the effects of single-use plastics and how to get by living without them. The movement calls on manufacturers, businesses and consumers to work together to make communities cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable.

Find out more about Stephenson’s Syndopal range here.

About Stephenson

A world leader in solid format bases and natural ingredients for the personal care sector, Stephenson’s pioneering range of soap bases, syndets, emulsifiers, and solubilisers are used by leading brands and product manufacturers across the globe. Twice winner of the prestigious Queen’s Award for Export, over 80% of Stephenson’s business is now conducted overseas. 

From its research and manufacturing HQ in Leeds, Stephenson’s expertise embraces world-class product development. Established in 1856, vast experience combines with Industry-leading innovation to help continue the evolution of the global personal care market through the creation of quality, disruptive products designed to enhance the overall customer experience. 

For more information, visit https://www.stephensonpersonalcare.com.