Aditi Basu, Marketing Head at Future Market Insights07.05.22
In the past, packaging has taken over the major industries, especially cosmetics, around the globe due to the significant role it plays in product protection. Now, several factors, such as technological advancements in the cosmetic industry and rising consumer demands are contributing to the rapid growth of the packaging market.
Next-generation packaging is an aggregation of three types—active, intelligent packaging, and modified atmosphere packaging, which all offer benefits such as traceability, extending a product's shelf life, and more.
According to Future Market Insights, the global next generation packaging market will witness growth at a CAGR of 6.1% between 2022 and 2032, reaching $49.3 billion between 2022 and 2032.
What's the role of next-generation packaging in the cosmetic industry—and how will packaging chnage? Read on.
Latest Trends in the Cosmetic Packaging Industry
The cosmetics industry is driven by appearance and aesthetics. From the manufacturing units to the stores, packaging helps gain attention. It can change the overall design, feel, and look of the product.The safety of the product while in transit is also a priority, and an effective packaging solution ensures the safety of the product.
The following trends have taken the cosmetics packaging market by storm.
1. Recycled Materials and Refillable Containers
In today's times, consumers are driven by environmentally friendly options. Consumers’ consciousness regarding harmful packaging waste and use of recycled and recyclable packaging and materials has increased. Studies suggest that every time you throw out a tube, bottle or tub of your favourite product, you're adding to the 120 billion units of packaging that is thrown out every year.
In an effort to reduce cosmetic packaging waste and ensure more sustainability, the adoption of recycled containers has risen dramatically. In addition to sustainability, the use of recycled materials sends a message loud and clear to the customers. The brand is able to convey that it cares about the increasing environmental concerns. Moreover, using recycled packaging saves costs incurred by the manufacturers and the product turns out comparatively less expensive for the customer.
In April 2022, Olive Natural Skincare, ‘Certified Natural’ skincare from New Zealand, reached Zero Carbon by the independent agency Ekos in that country. The Ekos Zero Carbon certification ensures that the operation has measured and offset 100% of its CO2 emissions. The brand also celebrates its water neutral manufacturing practices and recyclable packaging. All of the Olive Natural Skincare boxes, bottles, tubes and jars are recyclable. They are also making progress in sourcing recycled (PCR) plastic packaging.
2. Airless Packaging Technology
Prioritization of health and wellness objectives has led to notable changes in the global cosmetics industry. This shift in enhanced skincare has prompted cosmetic giants to upgrade their product portfolios. This has also necessitated the need for effective packaging solutions that maintain product integrity, while appealing to the eyes of the most discerning of consumers.
Keeping this in view, organic skincare brands have risen to meet the demand for airless packaging as the preference for convenient packaging has grown. Airless packaging looks very stylish and is developed using high-tech systems. The technology contributes to sleek ergonomically designed pumps, which are convenient for dispensing skincare and cosmetics. Airless dispensing systems are very essential to protect a formula as they are engineered in a way to keep active ingredients potent and natural formulations safe.
As the demand for airless packaging continues, more and more brands are expected to come out with more innovative developments that fulfil the needs of “clean” beauty brands. For instance, in September 2021, Quadpack, the manufacturer and provider of packaging solutions for the beauty industry, launched a new airless product family allowing custom shapes with minimum lead time and reduced investment, using 15% less plastic.
The brand created a new range of airless solutions with the aim to help brands to better express their identity through packaging while protecting their formulas. Dubbed “Canvas Airless,” the new range offers the ability to explore “never-before-seen” shapes in airless products. The latest launch also makes shape customisation of airless pumps possible.
3. Sustainable and Greener Cosmetics Packaging
Ismail Sutaria, Packaging Consultant, Future Market Insights, in the whitepaper based on Intelligent Packaging, stated that, “The global market for intelligent and sustainable packaging is experiencing steady growth driven by gradual but robust commercialization by food and beverage, healthcare, and cosmetic companies, with intelligent packaging expected to account for 5% of total packaging by 2030.”
Packaging that is used to meet the environmental health goals is categorized under this umbrella. From handwritten tags to laser printed labels of the cosmetic items, anything that helps in keeping the environment safe comes under the sustainable and greener cosmetics packaging. The materials that are used under this category of packaging are unconventional and challenging but a better option as a whole. Metals like aluminium and stainless steel fall under the category of environmentally friendly packaging owing to the fact that they consume less energy to get recycled.
In 2021, Libo Cosmetics launched its newest eco-friendly collection, Como Beauty Stick. The Como beauty stick uses Lake Como from Italy as the inspiration to signify the importance of sustainable beauty. Made with 100% aluminium, the beauty stick can be reused, recycled, reformed and reprocessed endlessly while retaining its quality. In addition, the beauty stick can reduce up to half the amount of carbon emission when recycling into a new product. The vivid and sleek design complements Lake Como and brings a sense of uniqueness to the customers.
The Future of Cosmetic Packaging
In recent years, minimalism has become all pervasive. It is a way of reflecting and thinking that “Less is more.” Minimalist product design and packaging tells consumers a lot about your product. Minimalist product packaging delivers confidence and speaks a lot about the high-quality product inside. A simple and straightforward packaging and labelling helps consumers in developing a better and clear understanding of ingredients and product performance.Looking forward, minimalism is projected to be a significant part of the next generation cosmetics packaging. The current consumer inclination towards greener cosmetic packaging coupled with the willingness to pay more for the products is further driving the market. Next generation cosmetic packaging serves both the key purposes- offering a sense of pampering alongside catering to environmental responsibility.
