How Superga Beauty is innovating to boost the sustainability of promotional items

Reducing the number of physical prototypes by using 3D modeling during the creation phase is what Superga Beauty now offers within its luggage activity, focused on the manufacturing of promotional pouches, bags, and other accessories often used for promotional purposes.

According to the company, a 3D model can be created in 48 hours, versus about two weeks for a physical prototype. Compared to the 2D models previously used, the advantage of 3D is its realistic rendering: it reveals material details—such as the grain of synthetic leather or the fibers of a textile—can show the object from different angles, and simulate the functioning of its closure system.

Presented as a decision-making aid for brands, this tool also provides ecological benefits compared to physical prototypes, which require manufacturing materials and transportation means.

Smartphone version of the LCA tool created by Quantis for Superga Beauty ©Superga Beauty

Progress via LCA tools

This is part of the supplier’s eco-design approach initiated several years ago when it developed a LCA tool for the items it manufactures in collaboration with Quantis. The system is now systematically used in luggage. Moreover, it has evolved as LCA data can now be delivered via a smartphone app and a QR code to scan on a given product.

CO2 emissions and water consumption related to the manufacturing of materials and closure systems (zippers, buttons, etc.), decoration, packaging of the item, transportation, and finally the end-of-life management system of the product are among the measurements taken. In the luggage sector, the most impactful point of an LCA is the raw material. Transportation is less significant, especially given the lightweight and compact nature of a product like a toiletry bag.

A return to made in Asia?

Such learnings can encourage brands to opt for distant sourcing, particularly from Asia. “After the COVID crisis, there was a strong demand for relocation to France from French brands, but that is less the reality today as cost issues have taken precedence. We are returning to Asia, where, it must be said, the manufacturing possibilities are very broad, and where materials are also produced, materials that must be carefully chosen to reduce their weight in the LCA,” comments Emmanuelle Raux, Technical Development and Supply Chain Director at Superga Beauty.

For luggage, the company works with partner manufacturers located mainly in Italy, India, and China. Regarding its main activity, which is the manufacturing and packaging of perfumes and cosmetics, it has its own production sites in France.