Packaging plays a vital role in protecting and transporting goods such as foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, among others. Cosmetic packaging involves keeping the product safe against light and microbiological contamination. The ideal packaging should be functional and appealing for efficient marketing. The accurate selection of the constituents is vital. Thus, glass is the preferred choice for cosmetic packaging, owing to its zero migration properties, which maintain the integrity of the cosmetic formulation.
As the demand for eco-friendly alternatives among customers is on the rise, cosmetic companies are increasingly adopting paper packaging. However, recycling paper packaging involves significant water consumption and energy usage. So, to make paper packaging sustainable the market players need to invest in innovative recycling technologies. Additionally, paper packing has inherent limitations such as, it is not waterproof, which can potentially harm the products that are sensitive to moisture or require airtight sealing. Furthermore, it cannot be repurposed or refilled. Investments in barrier coating can, however, make paper more suitable for packaging.
Aluminum is a widely used metal for packaging owing to its lightweight, and temperature and moisture resistance. It additionally protects the formulation against air, light, microorganisms, and odors. According to a study published in MDPI around 11% of global aluminum production is used for packaging applications, of which 75% is dedicated to food, 8% to cosmetics, 7% to pharmaceutical products, and 10% to other industries.
Similarly, plastic is ideal for packaging attributed of its lightweight, convenience, and affordability. It is additionally soft, heat-resistant, and has a good strength-to-weight ratio. Thus, about 30% of the global plastic production is used for disposable packaging.
The European cosmetic packaging market is anticipated to showcase a moderate CAGR of 2.6% by 2031. The market growth is attributed to the growing demand for sustainable products. Additionally, the European government is making significant strides in transforming the quality and material of packaging, thus, propelling the market growth. These include efforts to manufacture recyclable products and reduce waste.
European industry of packaging is making significant efforts in the adoption of uniform regulations. However, the strategy adopted by the Member States of the EU is at significant variance. Thus, Directive (EC) n.62/94 was enacted to standardize national regulations concerning packaging materials and waste management, promoting reuse, recycling, and other methods of packaging waste recovery, to achieve a circular economy.
In 2024, the European government introduced various laws for promoting the development and use of sustainable packaging in the region, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Packaging, and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
In April 2024, the European Parliament adopted new measures to make packaging more sustainable and reduce packaging waste in the region. The measure reduces the volume and space of packaging and restrains certain types. The law mandates the development of recyclable packaging for all products by fulfilling strict criteria. The excluded products include lightweight wood, cork, textile, rubber, ceramic, porcelain, and wax.
In December 2023, the European Council determined that each European generated around 19 kilograms of packaging waste in 2021. The figure is anticipated to grow by around 20% in 2030. Thus, the European Council proposed an agreement for regulating packaging and packaging waste. The regulation will help attain circular economy, and climate neutrality in the region. The agreement was signed in March 2024.
The major players in the European cosmetic packaging market include Albea SA, Amcor PLC, DS Smith PLC, Gerresheimer AG, Graham Packaging LP, Quadpack Industries SA, Rieke Corp., Silgan Holdings Inc., and others. These players are actively adopting different growth strategies such as new product launches, partnerships, capacity expansion, and mergers and acquisitions among others, contributing significantly towards the market growth.
Encapsulating, the European plastic packing market is anticipated to grow in the future, owing to the shift towards sustainable packaging. Additionally, the government's efforts to achieve a circular economy, reduce waste generation, and promotion of sustainable products will significantly boost market growth. The innovations and R&D investments by market players are also bolstering the European cosmetic packaging market.