At Novsus, we believe sustainability doesn’t start with recycling, but much earlier—with material selection. That’s why we work with what others discard: agricultural by-products like rice husk, which we transform into viable technical solutions for the cosmetics sector.
A study conducted by LEITAT, within the JANELS-TARPEAR project, confirms what we’ve been advocating from the start: Oryzite is not only functional, it also tangibly reduces the environmental impact of packaging.
Who is LEITAT?
LEITAT is a technology center with over 100 years of experience, specializing in applied research, industrial innovation, and sustainability. Their work bridges science and industry to create real-world solutions with positive impact.
What was assessed?
The study analyzed four different cosmetic jar compositions incorporating various percentages of Oryzite, compared to a reference jar made from conventional plastic (100% PP).
The analysis used a rigorous Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), following ISO 14040 and 14044 standards, using SimaPro software and the Ecoinvent v3 database. The environmental impact was measured from raw material extraction to end-of-life, focusing on climate change, measured in kilograms of CO₂ equivalent per kilogram of packaging.
Compositions studied:
- 70% Polypropylene (PP) + 30% Oryzite
- 90% PP + 10% Oryzite
- 50% PP + 50% Oryzite
- 40% PHA + 60% Oryzite
- Baseline: 100% PP
All life cycle stages were evaluated: raw materials, manufacturing process, and end-of-life (landfill, incineration, recycling, and composting—in the case of PHA).
Key findings
- The most environmentally favorable composition was 50% PP + 50% Oryzite.
- Recycling proved the most beneficial end-of-life scenario for PP+Oryzite biocomposites.
- Composting, feasible with the PHA blend, showed potential but involved impacts from biopolymer production.
- Formulations with higher plastic content generated more emissions, especially when incinerated.
Main conclusion
The higher the percentage of Oryzite in the packaging composition, the more positive its environmental impact. This results from a double advantage: significantly less plastic is used, and CO₂ emissions throughout the product life cycle are reduced.
In other words, increasing Oryzite content not only improves material sustainability—it transforms packaging into a driver of decarbonization for the cosmetics sector.
What is Oryzite?
Oryzite is made from rice husk, an agricultural by-product that does not compete with food industries, as it is unsuitable for human or animal consumption. Its plant-based origin gives it the ability to store biogenic carbon—CO₂ captured from the atmosphere by the rice plant during growth.
This carbon remains stored in the material throughout its useful life, effectively reducing net emissions associated with the packaging. Each kilogram of packaging that incorporates Oryzite provides a carbon credit of 1.58 kg CO₂ equivalent, significantly improving its overall climate footprint.
What this means for the cosmetics industry
At Novsus, we develop custom biocomposites with Oryzite because we know the cosmetics industry needs solutions that are functional, sustainable, and traceable.
Beyond its technical feasibility, Oryzite directly contributes to more sustainable packaging. Since it is a globally available agricultural by-product, it does not require additional resource extraction or compromise other industries.
A revolution here to stay
This study demonstrates more than a one-time environmental improvement in packaging. It confirms something deeper: a revolution in how materials are made and products are designed.
Using biocomposites like those developed with Oryzite is not a trend—it’s a paradigm shift connecting innovation, sustainability, and responsibility.
At Novsus, we believe this transformation is not optional: it’s the only path forward if we want a future for cosmetic packaging. That’s why we work to accelerate this shift from the source, designing biocomposites that not only reduce impact but redefine what we mean by raw materials.
Want to be part of this sustainable revolution and help design the future of cosmetic packaging?
Contact us to discover how our Oryzite-based biocomposites can drive your packaging toward a truly circular economy.
