TotalEnergies and CooperVision have taken their more than 20-year collaboration a step further by introducing ISCC Plus-certified polypropylene into blister packs for certain CooperVision contact lenses. Under CooperVision’s "Plastic Made Better" program, TotalEnergies supplies certified renewable polypropylene implemented via a mass balance approach. The bio-certified polymer is derived from the processing of renewable feedstocks, primarily sunflower and rapeseed oils, at TotalEnergies’ bio-refinery in La Mède, France. By using mass balance, the environmental benefits of the renewable inputs can be allocated across the value chain, which enables CooperVision to improve the environmental footprint of its packaging without altering the original materials or compromising performance. The ISCC Plus-certified polypropylene is part of TotalEnergies’ RE:newable range. According to a cradle-to-gate life cycle analysis conducted by TotalEnergies, RE:newable polypropylene grades can allow a reduction of 2.3 kg CO2eq per kilogram of polypropylene when replacing its fossil-based equivalent from TotalEnergies. The company positions this collaboration as supportive of its ambition to produce one million tons of circular polymers in 2030.
Mass balance and certification
ISCC Plus certification and the mass balance methodology are central to the approach. Mass balance allows TotalEnergies to allocate the environmental benefits of renewable feedstocks across the value chain. This enables the use of certified renewable polypropylene in existing blister pack formats, without altering materials or performance, for selected CooperVision lenses.
"This collaboration to Coopervision’s 'Plastic Made Better' effort demonstrates how TotalEnergies supports the sustainability ambitions of a long-standing partner. Enabling the valorization of bio-certified polymers in high-value applications, such as in the medical device sector, also showcases our commitment as a company to promote the circular economy and fully supports our ambition to produce one million tons of circular polymers in 2030," said Olivier Greiner, Vice President Polymers Europe & Orient at TotalEnergies.
"At CooperVision, we are taking steps to minimize our environmental impact and operate more sustainably," said Aldo Zucaro, Senior Director of Corporate Responsibility at CooperCompanies. "Working with TotalEnergies to support our 'Plastic Made Better' effort means our customers and patients can participate in our sustainability journey by just choosing participating CooperVision contact lenses."
