09.05.08
A Little Something Extra
In talking to industry experts for this month’s feature on trends in the fragrance market, reviewing the finalists for HBA’s IPDA awards and looking ahead to presentations at Luxe Pack Monaco, I’m once again amazed at the perpetual stream of packaging innovation announcements that cross my desk.
With fragrance, it appears that a well-known name and a captivating scent are no longer enough to win over increasingly savvy consumers always looking for a little something extra—be it gallery-worthy flacons, customized sheaths or portable vials that mesh with an on-the-go lifestyle (and airline regulations).
As I wrapped up the story, I took a few minutes to go through my mail—and discovered three additional fragrance innovations.
Clinique has taken perfume and packaging to a new level of portability with its upcoming holiday launch of crayon-colored fragrance pencils—complete with a chunky sharpener. Ideal for gift giving, they’re sure to add a new twist to sharp-looking accessories for a purse or backpack.
Now in development are two other ingenious ways to package aroma. Portuguese researchers have reportedly found an eco-friendly way to embed fragrance microcapsules into clothing fabrics. While a lemony scent is the only current offering, the technology is sure to answer the call for fragrances that don’t have to be reapplied. And speaking of technology and answering the call, NTT DoCoMo is said to be working on a mobile “fragrance kit,” a perfume playlist of sorts, which can be sent over your cellphone, using a portable aroma generator.
Of course that little something extra ranks high in cosmetics and skin care packaging, too, and in “Smooth Applicators” and “No Ordinary Tube,” contributing editors Christine Esposito and Leah Genuario, respectively, flush out the latest technologies and accessories that are meant to draw consumers’ on-shelf interest and at-home loyalty.
I look forward to seeing you at HBA and Luxe Pack—and learning about all the little extras you’re working on.
