Starfish Mask Packs Target Global Market With Eco-Friendly Tech

As environmental, social and governance (ESG) values spread, a growing number of consumers are seeking eco-friendly products. Companies that fail to align with sustainability values face an increasingly difficult path to survival. Startup StasTech is leveraging eco-friendly technology to produce cosmetics aimed at the global market. The company plans to pioneer overseas markets by combining K-beauty technology with environmental protection values. StasTech recently completed a full rebranding of its skincare brand LABOPE to meet global market standards and launched new mask pack products, according to industry sources on Sunday. The key differentiator of StasTech's cosmetics is that the main ingredient is collagen extracted from starfish. Founded in 2017, StasTech originally developed eco-friendly agricultural materials using starfish and other marine organisms. The starfish the company focuses on is an invasive species that feeds on coral reefs, the habitat of marine life. As starfish populations grow, coral reefs decline, resulting in increased carbon dioxide emissions. This is why many countries incinerate thousands of tons of starfish to control their populations. StasTech has developed and sells a de-icing agent made from starfish. The product is based on the structural components of starfish and needs only to be added at a concentration of 1–2% to conventional de-icing agents. The additive adsorbs onto metal surfaces as a corrosion inhibitor, forming a protective film. It reduces corrosion rates compared to conventional de-icing agents and strengthens concrete. The more this product based on the invasive starfish species is used, the more it contributes to climate protection. Going further, StasTech extracts collagen from starfish to manufacture cosmetic ingredients and finished products with high skin permeability. Collagen is generally difficult for the skin to absorb. The company developed a technology that effectively delivers collagen to the dermal layer and applied it to starfish-derived collagen. When StasTech launched its first cosmetics in 2022, the lineup centered on a premium skincare line featuring intensive anti-aging and elasticity care, and a professional care line focused on managing skin composition. At the time, the company conducted a live commerce broadcast with a Chinese wanghong (influencer) with more than 3 million followers and sold out all products within 30 minutes. Having confirmed the potential for success in global markets, the company plans to adjust its cosmetics product lineup this year to suit overseas markets including China and the United States and launch a full-scale global push. The two newly released mask packs are available through major online channels including the official website, Naver Smart Store, Coupang and Hwahae, as well as offline channels such as duty-free shops at Incheon International Airport. "LABOPE is a brand that extends innovative technology born from solving environmental problems into consumer experiences," StasTech CEO Yang Seung-chan said. "We will spearhead our global market push with these new mask packs and set new standards in the global skincare market based on starfish-derived collagen and our delivery technology." StasTech has raised a total of 24.3 billion won ($17.8 million) in investment from POSCO Technology Investment, CKD Venture Capital and others.

Starfish Mask Packs Target Global Market With Eco-Friendly Tech

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