As cosmetics and personal care manufactures seek sustainable packaging solutions, several brands—both indie and legacy alike—are test marketing refillable solutions. And Aptar looks to be preparing to meet this emerging market reality head on.
“In 2018, Aptar acquired Reboul, a leader in the design and industrial production of high-quality metal components, next-generation lipstick mechanisms, and complete color cosmetics packaging solutions,” confirms the company in a media release circulated this week; adding that “these services are now available in the North America beauty market.”
Innovation
The French packager’s refill components have been available for some time in other global markets. Lush, for instance, is selling them in Hong Kong where the brand’s website text explains; “This plastic-free vintage-style, refillable lipstick case is made from partially recycled aluminum and brass and is the perfect fit for your Naked Lipstick Refills. Made in France by cosmetic packaging specialists Reboul, this eye-catching design makes the perfect eco-friendly addition to any makeup bag. Simply push your naked lipstick refill into the case and secure by pinching the sides. Voila - makeup packaging that won’t end up in landfill.”
Aptar is focusing on the new technologies for the role they can play in the North American lip color and lip care market: “We are excited about the opportunities Aptar Reboul provides our customers in North America. Reboul has nearly a century of experience in creating lipstick mechanisms and sophisticated custom metal casing and decoration for the color cosmetic industry,” Phillippe Erhart, president of beauty and home North America for Aptar, says in the company’s media release.
Momentum
Terracycle, the company known for its forward-thinking strategy and efforts to manage hard-to-recycle materials and packaging, has pioneered a number of partnerships recently to test pilot programs that could bring refillable consumer goods back in full force—in much the same way glass milk and soda bottles were once returned, sterilized, refilled, and reused.
And more and more beauty packaging makers are innovating to introduce mono-material designs, fully recyclable packaging, genuinely reusable bottles and jars, and otherwise more practical and environmentally friendly primary and secondary packaging. Consumers and formulators may be entering new territory here, but the market at large is ready to move ahead.
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Deanna Utroske, CosmeticsDesign.com Editor, covers beauty business news in the Americas region and publishes the weekly Indie Beauty Profile column, showcasing the inspiring work of entrepreneurs and innovative brands.
