Sustainable Packaging Innovations: Supply Side - part1 - Eco Anxiety/Eco-Boredom
Our annual packaging innovations trend report highlights the most innovative and interesting sustainable beauty packaging design concepts and initiatives launched in the last 12 months from niche to mass and luxury brands that have caught our attention.
Our Sustainable Packaging Design Innovations & Key Trends 2024 report is split into three parts:
- Eco Anxiety/Eco-Boredom or Eco-Fatigue - see article below
- Packaging Disappearance - READ HERE
- Bio Inspiration - READ HERE
*this report feature products launched in January to October 2024.
Macro Trends
re/sources has identified three big macro trends in 2024:
- Eco Anxiety/Eco-Boredom / Eco-Fatigue (sensorial / tactile / immersive / inclusive / easy recycling): Bored of the pressures of sustainability, consumers are increasingly seeking beauty products that provide excitement and entertainment with sensorial, holistic and 360 circular design that taps into the mind-connection.
- Packaging Disappearance (refillable / keepsake / reusable / luxury vessels): Packaging is no longer just a transportation device or a protective/ application tool, but a keepsake object with value. This trend is all about removing the waste element of packaging and creating a beautiful design piece that can last a lifetime.
- Bio Inspiration (upcycled / recycled materials / marine bioplastics / algae / mushroom / bacteria): Packaging inspired by the natural world and living organisms to ensure the preservation and regeneration of nature and its biodiversity.
Click here to read the full report on each of the three macro trends.
Key Packaging Trends
Eco Anxiety/Eco Boredom
- Conscious Creativity: brightly coloured packaging to boost mood.
- Enhanced Performance: protective packaging to preserve ingredients inside.
- Sus-ensorial Design: highly tactile or decorative design to elevate the senses.
- Easy to Recycle: simple to dissemble design for recycling.
- Inclusive Design: packaging featuring universal design applications.
- Sustainable Packing Initiatives: new in-store packaging refill and recycling schemes.
Pure Kiss
About
A fully recyclable, mono-material lipstick made entirely of PET. Its sleek, square shape features the innovative Unigreen mechanism: a 3-part, 100% PET system with a smooth swivel-torque for easy, secure refills. Compatible with various formulas, PURE KISS offers brands a customizable and sustainable solution to support their environmental goals.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
- 100% PET and fully recyclable
- Refillable
- Fully customizable
Supplier: Albéa
Location: France
Release Date: May-24
Link: https://www.albea-group.com/products/pure-kiss
MR3 Sustainable Jar
About
This jar is Recyclable, Recycled and Refillable. This sustainable packaging is made up of 3 fully customizable pieces:
- Glass jar with high transparency and weight at its base, to increase the premium feel of the final set.
- PP cap on the inside and PP or R-PP PCR on the outside
- Refill bucket made of PP and available in PCR materials and in the % that the client desires (up to 100%)
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Fully customizable (jar, bucket and cap)
Completely recyclable, recycled and refillable
Supplier: Molpack
Location: Spain
Release Date: May 2024
Silicone Eye Patch
About
The Silicone Eye Patch is a reusable food-grade silicone mask for the eye area. It reduces water loss, for better hydration of the eye contour and optimizes active ingredient absorption by creating a favourable environment for them to pass through the skin barrier. It holds serums and creams in place, reinforcing their effectiveness. It's water-washable and infinitely reusable, helping to reduce the use of disposable products.
It can be customised in terms of shape, decoration and even packaging.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Infinitely reusable
Highly customizable
Supplier: Taiki
Location: France
Release Date: June 2024
Link: https://www.taikicosmetics.com/en/masks-patches/138-reusable-silicone-eyepatches.html
inspire
About
This concept showcases the Rechargeable Mechanical Pencil Jumbo – a chubby version of its predecessor with significantly refined mechanics and cartridge. The “inspire” product range promises reduced waste and increased product value.
It comes with a lead of 6mm diameter, available in two vegan and clean textures for eyes and lips. The eyeshadow pencil is offering an ultra-soft and gliding application. While the lipstick pencil is nature-based, boasting a semi-gloss finish and high coverage with less ingredients for maximum impact.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Refillable, vegan and nature-based
Customizable
Supplier: Faber-Castell
Location: Germany
Release Date: March 2024
Skin Activator Rollerball
About
TNT Group manufactured the packaging for Westman Atelier’s Skin Activator Rollerball. A patented concept, its magnetically-retained removable stainless steel ball offers unlimited fluid movement, as well as a cold-effect contact surface area 300 % greater than that of a conventional roll-on applicator. Thanks to an integrated pump system, a single press on the refill bottle is all it takes to deliver the formula without the risk of back-air and contamination. The applicator's removable ball can be completely washed, or even sterilized, after use. The refill is easily replaced with a key.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Refillable & fully customizable
Supplier: TNT Group
Location: Hong Kong
Release Date: January 2024
Link: https://www.westman-atelier.com/products/skin-activator-serum?srsltid=AfmBOor1AZtzCkLjnG4censRUDLv-Wt5zxvkqC227lD5GNx6P1Zx0zW_
Multi Intensity Brush Eyes
About
Texen’s Multi Intensity Brush is a patented innovation allowing the density and length of its bristles to be altered thanks to a rotary system in the ferrule.
This dual-ended applicator combines a modular brush at one end with a tapered, fixed brush designed for applying dense, ultra-defined eyeliner at the other. The ferrule in the oval section can be adapted to a range of angles and positions.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
A dual-ended applicator for five distinct uses
Fully customizable
Supplier: Texen
Location: France
Release Date: February 2024
Link: https://www.texen.com/le-multi-intensity-brush-eyes-by-texen-beauty-partners/
Monolayer Tottles
About
Molpack introduces a new range of Recyclable and Recycled Tottles with an ergonomic oval design. They can also be developed using PCR materials, manufactured with the customer's desired percentage of recycled material (up to 100%). The insert allows the use of a mixing ball that prevents any potential blockage by simply shaking the container. These tottle packs are ideal for a wide range of skincare, makeup, and suncare products.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Low carbon footprint
Fully customizable and available in 30 and 50ml
Supplier: Molpack
Location: Spain
Release Date: February 2024
Link: https://www.molpack.com/en/sustainable/456-tottle-totso-30-ml.html
Anti Acne Patch
About
Taiki offers 2 dot patches: the Anti-Blemish patch (for growing pimples) and the Hydrocolloïd patch (for mature pimples). Both patches can be customised in terms of shape, decoration and even packaging.
The Anti-Blemish patch diminishes the look of breakouts and prevents growth of acne-causing bacteria. It has a ready-to-go formula with salicylic acid & tea-tree oil.
The Hydrocolloïd patch is 100% hydrocolloïd and diminishes the look of spots and reduces marks. It accelerates the disappearance of pimples without leaving scars.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
User friendly & highly customizable
Supplier: Taiki
Location: France
Release Date: June 2024
Link: https://www.taikicosmetics.com/en/masks-patches/133-pimple-patches.html
moments
About
Faber-Castell Cosmetics unveils their new collection moments. It consists of lip, brow, and eye liners, all featuring the same texture with a satiny and matte finish. Each pencil is characterized by rich pigmentation and buildable colour intensity, allowing an effortless application. The new styrene-free alternative for plastic barrels is also eco-friendly.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Using a styrene-free alternative for plastic barrels
Customizable
Supplier: Faber-Castell
Location: Germany
Release Date: May 2024
Aura Collection
About
8 flexible tubes with different application systems. The products target specific zones of the face and scalp. Applicators have either dip formats or are fixed to the tube for a dual role of applicator and dispensing system. Formats vary from 8 to 15ml and tips are adapted to the formula, with sponge or silicone applicators or injected and synthetic-bristle brushes…
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Fully customizable
The materials used are compatible with regulations and environmentally sound (free from ABS, styrenes, POM or POK).
Supplier: Texen
Location: France
Release Date: February 2024
Link: https://www.texen.com/la-collection-aura-by-texen-beauty-partners/
Philocaly: Perfume Gel
About
Fragrance on the go: GEKA introduces Philocaly, a perfume gel.
GEKA‘s micro-bristle applicator “fusion-APPLICATOR” is ideal for a hygienic and precise application.
Made of 50 micro bristles with a bristle diameter of 0.08 mm2 at the tip. The bulk reservoir zone in the middle of the applicator is ensuring the perfect dosage of the perfume gel.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Unique bottle design with sustainable shadow printing technology and innovative and hygienic micro-bristle applicator
Minimizes product waste
Supplier: GEKA
Location: Germany
Release Date: June 2024
Tense tube & Ceramic tip for CAUDALIE
About
CAUDALIE adopts Cosmogen’s Tense tube in RPE (PE PCR), and its ceramic tip, for Vinoperfect “Brightening Eye Cream”.
The refreshing action of the ceramic tip maximizes results of the treatment on dark circles and reveals a brighter eye contour, for a rested look. The Cosmogen Tense Tube is a patented packaging, available in recycled plastic (PCR), with a removable ceramic or metal applicator, which can be reused on a refill, or recycled. The metal applicator can be textured and personalized for a unique sensory signature.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Tube is in RPE, recyclable and refillable
Tip is customizable
Supplier: Cosmogen
Location: France
Release Date: November 2023
Future Disc Top
About
Aptar introduces fully recyclable, e-commerce capable disc top closure for beauty and personal care applications. Future Disc Top is mono-material (100% PE) and fully recyclable when paired with a PE or PET bottle. Versions of the closure produced with post-consumer recyclable (PCR) content are also available.
Future Disc Top incorporates a locking/unlocking ring that ensures it remains secure during transit and minimizes potential breakage or leaks.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Available in numerous color variations
Suitable for a wide range of formulas and viscosities
Supplier: Aptar
Location: France
Release Date: February 2024
Link: https://aptar.com/products/personal-care-home/future-disc-top/
Intuition
About
The Intuition range is embodied in a diverse range of wooden pencil formats, each designed to meet various cosmetic needs. Crafted from wood sourced from sustainably managed forests, they show a commitment to environmental responsibility without compromising on quality or performance.
The collection features an array of products: eyes, brows, lips, nails or face - whether it´s slim or jumbo pencils, duo liners, triangular shapes or equipped with applicators. All textures are manufactured without the use of microplastic particles, adhering to vegan and clean beauty standards.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Certified wood sourced from their own forests in Brazil
Customizable
Supplier: Faber-Castell
Location: Germany
Release Date: October 2024
Link: https://faber-castell-cosmetics.com/intuition
Eye Patch Cure
About
The Eye Patch Cure is a set of 15 to 30 pairs of tissue under-eye patches, impregnated in a jar with standard or custom formula. It is made of 100% natural origin non-woven: lyocell, organic cotton, banana… with 2 shapes specifically developed for this product. It reduces formula waste or leftover since all patches are bathed together in the jar. 1 recyclable & recycled jar avoids to use 30 non-recyclable unit sachets with 2,5x less total pack weight and 5x less use of non-recycled material.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Recycled and recyclable jar
No formula wasted and individual packaging waste reduced (limitates individual wrapping)
Supplier: Taiki
Location: France
Release Date: June 2024
Link: https://www.taikicosmetics.com/en/masks-patches/118-the-eyepatch-cure.html
MR3 Airless
About
This double wall monomaterial airless range is 100% PP. M3R is monomaterial, recycled, recyclable and refillable. MR3 is also available in PCR materials.
This range is available in 30ml and 50ml capacities.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Fully customizable
Completely recyclable, recycled and refillable
Supplier: Molpack
Location: Spain
Release Date: January 2024
Lumi Coat
About
Stoelzle launches Lumi Coat, a revolutionary UV Filter Solution for Glass Bottles. It features:
- Unmatched UV protection combined with optical clarity for sustainable and visually appealing perfumery packaging.
- Innovative technology preserves color and fragrance without compromising the bottle’s transparency.
Lumi Coat aligns with the growing demand for "clean beauty" by reducing the need for stabilizing molecules (UV absorbers, dyes, preservatives).
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
No stabilizing molecules
Protects the perfume from UV
Supplier: Stoelzle
Location: France
Release Date: July 2024
Link: https://www.stoelzle.com/beauty/lumi-coat-revolutionary-uv-filter-solution-for-glass-bottles/
Double Glass Refill & Go
About
Available in two sizes 15 and 30 ml, it is the perfect mix of elegance and sophistication thanks to its attractive design: a glass refill bottle seemingly suspended inside a larger glass bottle that protects it from the outside while showcasing and enhancing the textures of the beauty formulas.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Reusable glass bottle & refillable pack
Perfect for travel
Easy to disassemble and recycle
Fully customizable
Supplier: Berlin Packaging
Location: Italy
Release Date: March 2024
Link: https://premispa.com/en/double-glass-refill-go/
FibRelon
About
Taiki releases a makeup brush made of 100% recycled synthetic hair. Vegan fiber : 100 % animal-free.
The hair is made of 100% of post consumer recycled PBT material, obtained by upcycling plastic waste from household electronics. It allows to use no virgin petrochemical material.
FibRelon is available in straight or waved version and several diameters to reach all kind of hair shapes for both liquid & powder formulas.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Highly customizable
Supplier: Taiki
Location: France
Release Date: July 2024
Link: https://www.taikicosmetics.com/en/brushes-applicators/140-fibrelon-recycled-fiber.html?search_query=fibrelon&results=1
Advanced Decoration by NovaPrint™
Pure Kiss
About
Albéa offers Premiumization & Differentiation through a sustainable solution combining printing processes.
- Decoration effects & hybrid printing, foil and overprinted foil solutions
- High photographic resolution combined with agility & flexibility thanks to digital printing
- Eye-catching with 360° print, no side-seam and ideal to replace labels or remove secondary packaging
- Incorporation of up to 100% of PCR in the extruded sleeve, fully recycling-ready in the HDPE stream
- Reduced plastic weight and CO2 footprint, -32% carbon footprint reduction
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
- Fully recyclable and customizable, reduces plastic weight and overall footprint
- D50 EcoFusion Top NovaPrintTM 100% PCR (D50 200ml, 160mm, EcoFusion Top NovaPrintTM under a transparent sleeve and film), and 57% reduction with an Eco Fusion Top with a NovaPrint 100% PCR compared to a regular extruded process.
Supplier: Albéa
Location: France
Release Date: October 2024
Loose Powder Collection
About
Berlin Packaging released the Loose Powder collection, a line of sifters dedicated to free powder beauty products. Available in three different sizes – 45/400, 60/400, 66/400 – the sifters can be combined with a wide range of glass jars and are ideal for powder make-up formulas such as foundation, blush, bronzer and pure pigments.
The easily removable sifter can be separated from the glass jar, allowing the different packaging components to be recycled.
Why it’s interesting / sustainable:
Fully recyclable and customizable
