When creating or selling a cosmetic product, one must consider packaging. It’s the first thing the consumer sees, so it needs to be attractive and reflect the brand. It protects the product, so it needs to be effective and durable. It is used by the consumer, so it needs to be easy to use. It may be mass-produced, so it needs to be affordable and easily transportable.

With all of this to consider, choosing the right packaging for your cosmetic product may seem daunting, but worry not, as companies such as Fillcon are giving you a solution.

Glass packaging

Hugely popular for luxury face creams and fluid foundations, weighty glass bottles feel fancy all while effectively preventing oxidisation of products. Features such as airless pumps ensure the longevity of your product and easy usability, whereas screw tops prevent leaks and allow for full access to the product. Glass bottles and jars are also popular due to their ability to be recycled and reused, consumers can simply use up the old product, and refill with a new one. However, one downside is the threat of breakage during transportation, so consideration must be given to further protective packaging.

Plastic packaging

Plastic bottles provide a great packaging option for those looking to decorate packaging, as they provide great flexibility in terms of shape, colour and design. Often now made from 100% recyclable material, plastic bottles give consumers environmental peace of mind, however, suppliers vary, so clarification on this point is instrumental. Plastic too provides durable protection for products against contamination or damage during transportation. Modifications to plastic packagings, such as lotion pumps or flip top caps, are instrumental in dispensing the product and reducing wastage. Dispensing method and other additions to a simple plastic bottle elevate the user experience of the product, from helping increase the longevity of the product, to keeping the product sanitary.

Sachets        

Ideal for cosmetic sampling solution, sachets can act as mini versions of cosmetic products, giving consumers a convenient way to try and get hooked on your product (and not your competitor’s). Sampling is a crucial marketing tool, helping to promote a product to the masses through placement in magazines, in-store sampling or handouts. Sustainable and recyclable options are available through providers such as Fillcon, perfect for the ever more environmentally conscious consumer. Any product from cosmetic creams, moisturisers, and liquid face masks to body scrubs, sun cream and oils can go in sachets using a cosmetic liquid filling machine. Why not contact sachet filling experts Fillcon to see how they can help you?

Aluminium

Often the material of choice to house pressed powders, eyeshadows, blush and lipsticks, aluminium is durable and strong. Lightweight and easily malleable, aluminium is ideal for solid products in additional packaging such as palettes. Able to be recycled over and over again, aluminium is an attractive option to those aiming to be more environmentally friendly. Though its use is more limited to powers and lipsticks, aluminium helps protect contents, providing a temperature-controlled and airtight container. 

Cardboard/Paper

Increasingly becoming a more popular packaging alternative to plastic and glass, cardboard is widely seen as the more environmentally friendly option. Frequently used for balms, cream foundations, mineral powder and outer packaging, cardboard is easy to recycle at all recycling plants. However, cardboard or paper packaging is not without its problems, including being not recyclable if coated, contributing to deforestation if not sourced properly, and seeming unappealing to high-end consumers.

Bamboo

Another favoured material for the environmentally conscious is bamboo. Grown and produced simply, bamboo is a durable, lightweight and reusable material. Once used, the packaging may need to be separated from any plastic or glass lining before being recycled. Bamboo shares similar disadvantages to cardboard and paper, such as not always being recyclable or appealing to high-end market consumers. Additionally, bamboo is often imported and therefore increases the carbon footprint.

We hope you have enjoyed this guide to cosmetic packaging and discovered the pros and cons of certain materials.

Interested in finding out more? At Fillcon, we pride ourselves on our quality and service, providing our customers with cosmetic packaging solutions with sustainably sourced and recyclable packaging.

Contact Fillcon and see how they can help you.