WILDSMITH is proud to introduce Vivomer - a new type of biobased compostable packaging created from natural microbes, that breaks down entirely without a trace - in HOME COMPOST, in SOIL and in LANDFILL - after use.
Our first introductions in Vivomer packaging are bestsellers - ACTIVE REPAIR COPPER PEPTIDE CREAM and CERAMIDE REPAIR BALM - available now online, this will be a mindful transition across all retailers as our glass jars sell through.
A further four products – ACTIVE REPAIR NOURISHING CLEANSING BALM (100ML), SUPER HYDRATING OVERNIGHT MASK, DUAL ACTION EXFOLIATING TREATMENT and DOUBLE CLAY REFINING MASK will also be introduced in the new Vivomer format throughout 2025.
WHAT IS VIVOMER?
100% home compostable packaging
Vivomer is 100% vegan, HOME-COMPOSTABLE packaging created by Shellworks, the responsible packaging experts.
Crafted from a BIOPOLYMER made by microbes which occur naturally in soil and marine environments, Vivomer carries the strength and resilience of plastic, with none of its lasting harm. Naturally pigmented, beautifully functional, and stable throughout its use, Vivomer exists in COLLABORATION with NATURE.
At the end of a product's life, nature takes it back. In your home compost, in soil, in landfill – naturally abundant MICROBES recognise it as nourishment, breaking it down until NOTHING REMAINS but the earth from which it came.
HOW IS VIVOMER MADE?
It all starts in a cell
In nature, some MICROORGANISMS which occur naturally in soil or marine environments have the ability to build up granules which behave like a polymer, or natural plastic.
These cells are grown in the lab using FERMENTATION, a similar process to how cheese is made.
Once grown, the polymer-like granules within the cells are extracted and used to create formulations with petroleum-free ingredients like NATURAL DYES and additives.
These materials are then transformed into packaging using standard plastic manufacturing equipment.
Our packaging partners SHELLWORKS consider the entire ecosystem in the creation of Vivomer, including product weight, mono-material assemblies and decoration to ensure the end product is as LOW-IMPACT as possible.
HOW TO RECYCLE VIVOMER?
WHAT DO I DO WITH MY EMPTY PACKAGING?
Vivomer packaging is 100% stable in use, but when your product is finished, the best way to dispose of it is in your home compost.
If that's not an option, Vivomer can be placed in general waste because it's safe to incinerate and will biodegrade fully in landfill.
1. After 12 weeks in a home compost environment, Vivomer packaging will show visible signs of breaking down, while thinner areas may already have been completely consumed.
2. After around 52 weeks in a healthy home compost, Vivomer packaging has completely broken down into natural constituents that contribute to compost.
AVAILABLE NOW IN VIVOMER
THE SAME EFFICACIOUS FORMULAS, NOW IN VIVOMER
ACTIVE REPAIR COPPER PEPTIDE CREAM: Our award-winning ACTIVE REPAIR COPPER PEPTIDE CREAM is a powerful moisturiser that delivers clinically proven results.
CERAMIDE REPAIR BALM: Soothing multi-purpose CERAMIDE REPAIR BALM instantly calms and soothes whilst reinforcing and strengthening the skin barrier.
IS VIVOMER 100% STABLE?
Yes. Vivomer is 100% stable and sterile in use. Only when it comes into contact with natural microbes in compost or soil will it begin to break down. These microbes do not exists in sufficient quantities in human environments (your bathroom for instance) for biodegradation to begin.
WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE HOME COMPOST?
Do you have friends or family who compost at home? You can pass empty Vivomer packaging on to them. Otherwise you can safely dispose of Vivomer in your normal household waste where it will biodegrade in landfill without releasing harmful microplastics or chemicals.
CAN I ADD VIVOMER TO THE FOOD WASTE BIN?
Currently in the UK compostable packaging isn’t accepted by council food waste collections. If you are outside of the UK, please check with your local authority if they accept compostable packaging.
IS VIVOMER AS STRONG AND SAFE AS PLASTIC?
Vivomer is strong, durable and safe. It looks, feels and acts just like a ‘normal’ plastic, until its end of life when if disposed of in home compost or general waste it will break down naturally without a trace.
WHEN WILL MORE PRODUCTS BE AVAILABLE IN VIVOMER?
Rest assured we’re working on this. Throughout 2025 it’s our aim to introduce a further four products in Vivomer packaging, to minimise waste these will be introduced when the sell through of existing glass packaging allows.
IS VIVOMER PACKAGING REFILLABLE?
Currently, no. Due to the compostable nature of the material it’s not yet possible to offer refills in Vivomer. However, our WILDSMITH SKIN BATH AND BODY range does include refill options.
