Beauty Packaging: Brivaplast has been in business for more than 50 years. What is your company’s philosophy for innovation in the cosmetic industry?

Stefano Vanoncini: We strongly believe that innovation will be the future of our business and the cosmetic industry. We constantly invest the 9% of the total turnover in HR, innovation and technology.

We innovate in applicators—fiber brushes, plastic brushes and flock applicators—packaging, decorations and materials and we protect them through patents. Finding something new in a very crowded business is not easy, but thanks to our continuous research, we are always able to launch new application solutions.

BP: Your company is a leader in the mascara sector and it represents about 70% of your revenue. Tell us about Brivaplast’s focus on mascara–why does it represent such an important area of business for your company? 

SV: Mascara remains a specialized packaging area and there are only a few players in this segment. Our mascara brush knowledge, coupled with our formula matching expertise, is seen by many customers as essential in assisting their ultimate selection. This includes our numerous patents for wipers and customized applicators. Our non-stop conveyor belt of new products and concepts continues to create many market benefits for our customers.

BP: Brivaplast moved to a new industrial site located in Ornago (east of Milan) nearly a year ago. How are you using this new space and how has this new facility impacted your business?

SV: We decided to manage the sustainability theme by using green materials and also by reducing the energy used to produce our products. We have implemented 7000 m2 of solar panels that produce 35% of our annual energy consumption; we have added an energy efficiency system that provides -33% of fossil resources exploitation than the year before. Thanks to all these improvements, we have obtained the ISO 50001 Energy Management System, the ISO 9001 Quality Management System and also the silver medal with Ecovadis for the CSR.

BP:  Let’s talk about your latest packaging development: the R-PET line. 

SV: We have developed an entire line made with recycled PET; we call it “This is my second life!”. The line was awarded “Most Innovative Product” at the Polo Innovation Day Innovation Awards. The bottles are made with 100% R-PET originating from the recycling chain of plastic water bottles while the ABS used for the caps is derived from 50% internal industrial waste. We also used a varnish to decorate the packages comprised of 40% of renewable ingredients: resins and petrochemical solvents are replaced with resins of vegetable origin and bio-solvents.

BP: What exciting developments are upcoming for Brivaplast?

SV: We’ll continue to invest in R&D in order to find the most innovative solutions to support our customers. Sustainable materials are a key factor to win in the future, and our effort will be concentrated on this research. We have in our portfolio a lot of packaging solutions, not only mascara. We want to be recognized not only as a mascara supplier but also for fluid lip products and concealer. We also have something completely new, but it is top secret now—you’ll discover it next March!