Subtle Energies has unveiled a major step in its sustainability journey, moving its iconic Night Queen Double Cream and Divine Passion Double Cream from glass into Vivomer, a plant-based biopolymer developed by sustainable packaging innovators Shellworks.
The new 90g packaging is fully biodegradable and home compostable, with the brands also removing the plastic lid entirely. Once empty, the packaging can be placed in a home compost or general household bin, where it is designed to biodegrade without leaving microplastics or petrochemical residue.
The move follows a partnership between Subtle Energies and Shellworks that began in 2022, when the Australian wellness brand was searching for a genuine alternative to conventional plastic.
Unlike many materials marketed as sustainable, Vivomer is made using natural microbes fed on plant waste. It is plant-based, vegan and petroleum-plastic free, while being designed to withstand the water, heat and performance demands required of luxury skincare packaging. The material is TÜV Austria certified home compostable and is designed to biodegrade in landfill conditions. According to Shellworks, it can completely break down within one to five years, depending on environmental conditions.
The packaging change builds on Subtle Energies’ wider sustainability programme, which saw the brand remove 80% of plastic from its range in 2023.
Two signature treatments, reimagined
The first products to make the switch are two of Subtle Energies’ signature body treatments:
• Night Queen Double Cream combines rich natural butters with rare jasmine varieties, rose and sandalwood to deeply nourish and soften the skin.
• Divine Passion Double Cream is a rich, intensely hydrating treatment featuring saffron, patchouli, mogra and sandalwood, designed to revitalise dry and stressed skin.
Nick Irani, CEO of Subtle Energies said: “We are thrilled that we can finally do this, and that we are launching it with The Shellworks. It has been a partnership a long time in the making. Our global partners and friends at Six Senses introduced us back in 2022. What drew us in was the science, not the story. For years we had looked for a material that was truly biodegradable, not one that merely sounded sustainable or depended on facilities most people will never reach. Vivomer was the first that met our standards for performance, for integrity and, honestly, for beauty.”
Moving our double creams into this packaging, is only the beginning. What Shellworks is doing feels like the next stage of our own evolution, and we cannot wait to see what more they do and produce. We do not usually speak about this work, but this one felt important, for our community and for other brands who might be encouraged to do the same.
The new Double Cream 90g Collection is available online at subtleenergies.com.au and through selected luxury spa partners worldwide.
