A look at European cosmetics fashion packaging

According to the latest study of the Freedonia Group, a market research institute in the United States, the demand for cosmetic and toiletries containers in the United States will increase at a rate of 2.4% annually until 2005, reaching more than 20 million units worth US$3 billion.

The report “Cosmetics and Toiletries Containers” believes that the stable launch of products, especially for the men’s, teens and children’s markets, will boost the demand for packaging containers. According to the report, plastic containers will maintain its dominant position and grow faster than other materials. In addition, skin care products will also have a strong market growth. Folding cartons will benefit from the growth of hair products.

(a) Technical developments

The COSMOPROF, the world's largest cosmetology trade show this year in Bologna, Italy, was presented in March this year to show industry insiders the latest trends in cosmetic packaging worldwide.


1. Simulating plastic for thick-walled glass containers

Thick-walled plastic containers, which are already very popular, will continue to grow. Many people in the industry attending the show believe that transparency is a major trend in cosmetic packaging. Higher transparency and wear-resistant plastic resins make it possible to cast more glass-like PET or other material containers.

Heinz Plastics is an improved plastic product that simulates glass jars. According to the supplier, their introduction of heavy PET, a type of injection stretch blow molded container bottle, was first achieved in the industry with a 3 mm thick wall, with crystal-like clarity and a glass-like appearance. Brightness.

2. Fashion scent packaging changes

Fragrance packaging, regional preferences and classic modern packaging will continue to coexist in the international fragrance market. Glass packaging, the design of glass fittings, and the design combined with other materials (such as plastics and metal elements), make the creation still endless.

According to Crisbisbal, a glass container manufacturer, packaging trends in different regions will differ. Customers in the Middle East prefer more complex and colorful packaging, while European customers prefer classic, elegant and elegant packaging.

The fragrance industry is turning to add more colors to packaging containers, such as the 7 bottles of YSL and the Violet bottle of Calvin Klein. According to the person in charge of Saint-Gobain Desjonqueres (SGD), the shape of the package is still very abstract, but the application of colored glass (spraying) is increasing.

3. High-tech dispensers

In scent packaging, pump design is becoming more and more sophisticated due to the application of low profile pumps. The Valois` Compact is currently the smallest pump (with the smallest pump core size). In cosmetics, the soft and smooth pump drive has a very good market. Some cosmetics, such as Revlon's Age Defying Makeup, have been transformed from glass caps to plastic bottles and innovative pumps.

The introduction of better product dispensing pumps is also a different method from other products. Seaquist Closures pushes the SimpliSqueeze valve dispensing system, which used to be used only in beverage packaging. Once opened, the contents only come out when the container is squeezed.

Airspray International Inc.'s foam dispensing pump has also been a great success. The company's waterproof pump was designed specifically for bathing, catered to children's love to bring shower products into the bathing environment. The company expects this foam pump to expand from hand soap to bath products, shampoos, and skin care products.

4. Innovation

Cosmetic packaging innovation is also reflected in other areas. Techpack has established an innovation center near Paris so that new concepts and production samples can be quickly devised. The company also stated that by understanding the different requirements for women's make-up in different locations (such as in cars), the cosmetic packaging they design and manufacture is very targeted.

Techpack launched a series of unique beauty products packaging. For example, Slim, a very narrow cosmetic case, can be opened 180o, and the width is just right for the user to see both eyes at the same time. A mascara brush and an eyeliner are attached to the hinge of the package, and half of the bottom of the box is a two-tone eye shadow, and the eye shadow brush is embedded in the groove.

Gibo, an Italian supplier of plastic tanks and containers, demonstrated the first flip-top can packaging and roll-on containers. Since it is not necessary to free a hand to hold a separate cover, it is easy to use with one hand. This patented single-piece can also has the advantage of one injection molding without assembly.

According to reports, the company has also recently established a partnership with CCL Plastics. CCL will represent North American flip-top jars and roll-ons.

Italy Global Tube has also introduced a new concept of tube containers to meet consumer demand for cosmetic packaging that is portable and convenient. The Combi Cap includes a main hose with a sunscreen foundation and other products, and a cover with other products such as lip balm or concealer.


5. Economical accessory assembly

Innovation and quality are very important, but the price is also critical in cosmetic packaging. The quick way to reduce costs is to use packaging packaging to customize the packaging by decorating and coloring. DieterBakicEnterprises (DBE) has a series of original packaging containers that can be colored, textured, and decorated to achieve a unique look. In addition, there are a series of different lids to choose from.

The Baralan Group, headquartered in Milan, Italy, offers a variety of decorative services in addition to glass and plastic containers. At the show they also demonstrated the rapid transformation of the original container containers into custom products.

(B) The rise of sample packaging
Cosmetic samples are growing rapidly. In a market where consumers are hesitant to purchase a new product, distributors have turned their attention to mini free sample packaging, which helps consumers decide whether to purchase a sales pack. Especially for markets with well-recognized brand recognition and one-off samples, if the packaging is clean and competitive, it represents the quality of the products and helps the sales of new and existing brands. Consumers will convert quick satisfaction into purchases.

1. Shiseido's eye-catching packaging

A sample of the latest 2ml mascara Distinguish Mascara samples from the famous cosmetics company Shiseido is an example. Together with the applicator stick, the main container production and assembly of the product is the same as the 8 g sales package.

The barrier packs provided by Flexpaq, which is responsible for the packaging structure and packaging, have a long service life and an attractive pattern. The bag film manufactured by Avenir Print Service in France is an adhesive composite layer, followed by polyester, aluminum foil and linear low density polyethylene.

According to reports, Shiseido distributes a considerable number of samples throughout North America and parts of Asia. Nearly 600,000 have been shipped worldwide. Due to the very good protection of the product characteristics of the pouch package, there is almost no weight loss.

2. Flexible packaging samples stimulate new sales

Chanel also introduced Chanceā, a sample of unit dose bags. The circular packaging of this high-grade fragrance series not only has structural innovation, but also captures the world's packaging trends. Chance launched for young women, packaging is very different from its historically famous black and white packaging, the main pattern of a product using elegant pink. Introduced by the root, this round pouch was introduced in August 2002 and is currently being thrown into use.

The bag is made from sheet-fed paper supplied by Flexoq of the Ileos Group and processed at the Amcor Flexibles factory in Europe. The bag is an adhesive composite layer, from the outside to the inside: polyester, aluminum foil, polyester, linear low-density polyethylene, and built-in Chanel body moisture.

The 3 1/2-in. diameter packaging bag was made on a forming-filling-sealing machine established by Klökner in the early 1980s. The machine first heats the bottom and sides of the web, then dispenses them and seals them with an easy-to-open score.

Under strict control, webs come out of the machine into the die cutter. Then, the individual bags are fed into the electric conveyor belt by manual packing.