Aptar Beauty’s Flagship Pumps Transition to Full-Plastic Design for Enhanced Recyclability

At Paris Packaging Week (January 28-29, 2025), Aptar Beauty will unveil a significant step forward in sustainability, as the dispensing systems specialist transitions two of its flagship pumps to fully plastic designs. This innovation aims to preserve the iconic designs and flawless functionality of these pumps, all while maximizing recyclability.

Aptar Beauty’s commitment to enhancing recyclability dates back to 2021, when the company introduced the first single-material pump made of 100% polyethylene (PE). Building on this, the company is now expanding its offering to include two best-selling personal care dispensing solutions in a fully recyclable format.

Aptar Beauty’s Flagship Pumps Transition to Full-Plastic Design for Enhanced Recyclability
The new Advance collection is centered around next-generation pumps made entirely from polyolefin plastics. This collection includes the GSA Advance dispensing pump and the PZ Advance spray pump, both tailored for body and hair care applications. These solutions are crafted using polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) — plastics from the polyolefin family, which are compatible with the main recycling streams, ensuring that they remain highly functional while offering enhanced recyclability.

“The main challenge was to maintain a design as close as possible to that which made the original versions successful, while replacing the metal spring with a plastic solution of identical quality and reliability,” said Delphine Bony, Marketing Manager Beauty & Personal Care EMEA at Aptar.

Both pumps feature all-plastic (PP and PE) cartridges, and extensive tests have ensured robustness and user comfort. In partnership with HDPE, PP, or PET bottles, the pumps have received a ‘Highly recyclable’ certification from independent certification agency Institute CYCLOS-HTP. Additionally, they are POM-free and compatible with Post-Consumer Recycled Resin (PCR).

Aptar Beauty’s Flagship Pumps Transition to Full-Plastic Design for Enhanced Recyclability
The GSA Advance dispensing pump is designed for personal care products, delivering a smooth actuation force and a precise 2 cc dose. Its plastic spring outside of the dosage chamber ensures compatibility across a range of formulas, including water-based and high-viscosity products. The GSA Advance is also interchangeable with the original GSA dispensing pump, maintaining the same aesthetic components and actuators. The modular design offers infinite customization options to help brands differentiate their products.

The PZ Advance spray pump, also made from polyolefin plastics, delivers a 190 mcl dose and is ideal for a variety of viscosities, including demanding oily formulas. It is particularly suited for sun care and on-the-go usage. An optional non-detachable tamper-evident seal adds an extra layer of security.

Both pumps incorporate a twist-to-lock system that secures them in either the open or closed position, making them perfect for portable, on-the-go use. This design also eliminates the need for a cap, further optimizing their utility for e-commerce and omnichannel distribution.

Aptar is also enhancing GSA Advance with an optional e-clip (made from PP, also available in up to 100% PCR), providing added protection during transit. Production for GSA Advance will begin in March 2025, with manufacturing capabilities extending to North America. The PZ Advance spray pump is expected to follow in Q2 of 2025.

“We want to disrupt the market with this innovative range of high-performing, all-plastic pumps, which are all based on consumer-proven products and feature an iconic design,” said Luigi Garofalo, Global Category Director Personal Care and Home Care at Aptar. “These pumps complement our offer of mono-material solutions such as the Future dispensing pump, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and functionality.”