MYSIA3: The Future Starts Now, Press Day 21-10-21
The future starts now, which is why Alba®1913 is committed to…
1. Eco-Friendly Packaging
We are replacing the packaging of all our cosmetics and essential oils with more environmentally friendly alternatives. The Alba®1913 natural cosmetics line was established in 2013, based on the traditional formulas developed by Mieczysław Rychlicki – the grandfather of the company's current CEO, Łukasz Rychlicki. The Alba1913 brand design draws inspiration from the aesthetics of the early 20th century. From the very beginning, the aim was to move away from the decorative elements typical of the cosmetics industry and return to the simplicity of the past. Pre-war Alba packaging was primarily typographic, mostly without illustrations, relying on clear and straightforward communication.
The main goal of our ongoing packaging redesign is to maximize the use of recycled materials and materials that can be recycled indefinitely, such as glass and aluminum. We strive to eliminate unnecessary packaging elements, including cardboard boxes for larger products, additional leaflets inside boxes, and multi-material components that are difficult to recycle.
At Press Day, we are presenting, among other things, new rPET bottles (introduced in PURO hotels across Poland in January 2022) and cardboard packaging made from recycled paper (for smaller products, typically under 100 ml or 100 g). Our gift bags and even workshop materials are also made from recycled paper without plastic lamination!
2. Natural and Vegan Ingredients
We select the highest-quality plant-based ingredients for our products. This year, we eliminated the use of nourishing beeswax without compromising the properties of our iconic products, such as our galenic hand and foot creams (with new packaging and formulas launching in late November and early December 2021). Instead, we have found plant-based alternatives, including rice wax, Japanese berry wax, sal tree resin and squalane.
As of this year, all Alba1913 formulas are fully vegan, as confirmed by certification from the Viva! Foundation.
3. Solar Energy and Resource Conservation
For us, being environmentally conscious involves packaging, raw materials, water consumption, deforestation and CO2 emissions.
We have invested in solar panels, which were installed this summer on the roof of the office and warehouse facilities at our headquarters in Suchy Las, near Poznań. Thanks to this investment, Alba®1913 is now powered by the Sun! We are hoping for plenty of sunny days this autumn, and preliminary estimates suggest that as much as 85% of the energy we consume annually will come from this source.
Additionally, we offer end-of-line sales through our official sales channels to prevent products from going to waste. In the dedicated Less Waste section at www.alba1913.pl, customers can purchase cosmetics at discounts ranging from 30% to 70% during the final six months before their expiration dates.
Furthermore, some Alba®1913 formulas are entirely water-free. Our upcoming product line will also be water-free, with its launch dependent on the start of a grant awarded to us for introducing new products to the American market.
We also ensure that residues of certain cosmetic products that enter the sewage system because they need to be washed or rinsed off are readily biodegradable.
4. Sensitivity and Friendship
We continue to believe in good design, art and long-lasting relationships. Alba®1913 proudly supports the career of the exceptional pianist Georgijs Osokins and the activities of the Julian Cochran Foundation.
In the Polish market, we present fragrances created by our friend, American entrepreneur Ron Robinson. After 40 years of running his business in California, he decided to capture the essence of the Los Angeles experience in perfume bottles and fragrance diffusers under the Apothia Los Angeles brand.
In November, we will also introduce a selection of products from our sister brand ARGOL™ at our boutique on Mysia 3. These products have been successfully exported to Japan for several months. They feature water-free, vegan formulas based on an innovative natural alternative to petroleum jelly and essential oils, without any added water.
5. Celebrating Moments and Rituals
A new addition to our autumn-winter collection is an essential oil blend featuring a dominant pine note and a warm touch of cinnamon. We invite you to discover Alba®1913 Purifying Essential Oil No. 21 for aromatherapy or sauna use.
For Halloween evening, or perhaps even an entire Halloween weekend, we suggest treating yourself to something sweet… a sugar body scrub! Instead of "Trick or treat," why not choose "Treat yourself!"?
During Press Day, we also invite you to join our aromatherapy workshops, which we will continue hosting at PURO hotels until the end of the year.
These hotels are home to Prisma SPA facilities, where treatments using our natural cosmetics are offered daily. We encourage you to experience their effectiveness and beneficial properties for yourself!