Global specialty materials company Eastman and Kolmar Korea, a global leader in cosmetics original development manufacturing, have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance sustainable innovation across the beauty industry.
Readily biodegradable materials
At the center of the collaboration is Eastman’s Esmeri technology platform, including Esmeri CC1N10, a cellulose ester micropowder designed for color cosmetics applications. Built on more than 100 years of cellulose ester innovation, Esmeri represents Eastman’s latest advancement in materials that meet both performance and sustainability requirements in the beauty and personal care markets.
Esmeri CC1N10 is readily biodegradable according to OECD 301B guidelines and complies with EU Regulation 2023/2055 governing synthetic polymer microparticles. As brands prepare for tightening global regulations on microplastics and polymer particles, access to compliant alternatives without sacrificing sensory performance or formulation stability has become a strategic priority.
“Esmeri is a key solution to challenges that brands face today in meeting regulatory requirements and rising consumer demands for innovative products that continue to deliver exceptional performance,” said Travis Smith, executive vice president at Eastman. “Kolmar’s end-to-end manufacturing capabilities and global reach will be integral in scaling access to Esmeri and other personal care innovations.”
Towards market-ready solutions
Leveraging its R&D infrastructure and deep formulation expertise, Kolmar Korea will translate ingredient innovation into scalable, market-ready products.
Eastman and Kolmar Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance greener color cosmetics (Photo : Eastman)
While the initial focus is on Esmeri technology, the MOU also opens the door for collaboration across Eastman’s broader personal care portfolio. Beyond color cosmetics, Eastman also supplies ingredients for applications spanning skin care, sun care, hair care, and fragrance — areas where brands increasingly seek multifunctional ingredients that enhance feel, stability, and overall product performance while aligning with sustainability goals.
“Through our products and brands, we continue to offer differentiated beauty solutions that integrate cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, which is what makes Esmeri a great fit for our portfolio,” emphasized Han Sang-keun, vice president and chief technology officer, Kolmar Holdings. “We are excited to collaborate with Eastman to combine their unique technology with our global consumer insights and deep expertise in K-beauty to accelerate sustainable growth for both companies.”
The Eastman–Kolmar agreement reflects a broader trend in the personal care industry: closer collaboration between ingredient innovators and finished product manufacturers to deliver efficient and sustainable solutions at scale.
For beauty brands, the real challenge is delivering long-term sustainability without compromising aesthetics, sensory appeal, or effectiveness.
