In this episode of Speaking of Beauty (a podcast produced by CosmeticsDesign.com and hosted by Editor Deanna Utroske), Neenah’s Director of Product Management Greg Maze discusses not only the company’s manufacturing, design, embossing, printing, and finishing capabilities but also sustainable secondary packaging materials and alternative paper substrates, the importance of client collaboration, and why he and his team are hopeful for a full calendar of tradeshows to return.
“That’s what Neenah does really really well: we do colors, we do textures, we do custom, we do everything that a brand manager would want in their packaging solution,” says Maze, introducing the company at the start of the podcast.
“One of the trends we have seen [even during COVID]…is everything is more sustainable.” Consumers, says Maze “want to support brands that have an eye for sustainability, for nature, and the environment. And that has been something that has escalated in this time.”
At Neenah, “we feel that wood-based products are the most reliable renewable resource that we have….We source all of our fiber through FSC (or Forest Stewardship Council) facilities. It’s regulated very very strictly."
“We also utilize more post-consumer content in all of our products and make those available to the different brands.” And he says, “we are looking for alternative fibers, like cotton, hemp…that are very environmentally friendly.”
A collaborative approach to beauty packaging design and innovation
Neenah takes pride in their collaborative design process as Maze explains, “We have our own design center at Neenah where we have on-staff designers. So, we can provide prototypes, we can brainstorm with the brand owner on different ideas….Because we are involved in a lot of different verticals, we can bring ideas that we have done for one vertical like a spirits or wine and we can bring it to beauty and wellness.”
“One of the expanded resources that we have provided…is our prototyping …when we can provide you a prototype that you can touch and feel and actually share with the decision makers, I think it makes all the difference in the world”
Tradeshows and face-to-face events are still important
Asked about Neenah’s plans to exhibit at beauty industry events in 2021, Maze explains that, “We’ve historically always participated in LuxePack and different industry events in commercial print, in packaging, and in the large-format sector.”
“We’ve obviously paused and we’re currently evaluating…if the consumer and the public is ready, we would plan on being present, because we feel it’s necessity to be at those events, it’s good to interact with customers and brand owners and have these conversations… face-to-face is always best.”
Learn more about all things Neenah Fine Paper & Packaging and how the company serves cosmetics, personal care, and wellness brands of every size by listening to the full episode of Speaking of Beauty at the top of the page.
Links to select Cosmetics Design coverage:
Neenah launches hemp fiber packaging material for beauty makers
Neenah packaging adds box wrap and customization options
Neenah packaging acquires FiberMark
Find Neenah online:
Speaking of Beauty is a podcast featuring meaningful conversations with experts, insiders, and entrepreneurs about the business of personal care, cosmetics, and fragrance. Speaking of Beauty is hosted by Deanna Utroske and a production of CosmeticsDesign.com.
Music is Cherry Blossom by Kevin MacLeod and used under license.
