As the global market for packed goods is growing, there are new variations and types of packaging in every industry that are more sustainable and user-friendly. Airless packaging is one of those innovations that is gaining huge popularity due to its various benefits and the numerous types of packaging options that are available, such as tubes, bottles, pumps, jars, bags, pouches, and others. Airless packaging is considered the best option at present for keeping the product quality intact, since airless packaging doesn’t let other impurities enter the product, enhancing its shelf life and keeping other properties of the product. This was invented for products to stay in an oxygen-free state and be protected from oxidation. In addition, airless packaging allows manufacturers to add a reduced or zero amount of chemicals and consumers to receive the right amount of products without any air in them. Due to the benefits of airless packaging, its demand is growing in various industries, allowing the market to grow further. For instance, according to OMR Research, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period of 2023–2029.
Segments in the Market
The global airless packaging market is segmented on the basis of packaging type, material type, and end-user. Based on packaging type, the market is sub-segmented into bottles and jars, tubes, bags and pouches, and others. Based on material type, the market is sub-segmented into glass, plastic, and others, such as aluminum. The companies are using glass and aluminum packaging due to government regulations for plastic use; hence, the glass and aluminum sub-segment will see a notable growth in the forecast period. However, plastic material is still popular among several industries due to its ease of use and low costs. Further, based on end-user, the market is sub-segmented into pharmaceutical, personal care and cosmetics, homecare, and food and beverages.
Recent Developments
ABC Packaging Ltd., AptarGroup, Inc., Berlin Packaging LLC, Albéa Services S.A.S., HCP Packaging, LUMSON S.p.A., AptarGroup, Inc., Silgan Holdings, Inc., Quadpack Industries, WestRock, SR Packaging, Raepak Ltd., and other market players are assisting in the market’s growth with their mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, and new product and technology launch activities. Some of the recent developments in the market include:
• In May 2022, Baralan, a solution provider for the packaging of cosmetics and personal care products, launched a new series of products called the DEA (Developing the Evolution of Airless), which are glass airless containers. The DEA series contains two types of containers: classic and premium, and is available in 15 mL, 30 mL, and 50 mL capacities.
• In November 2022, Embelia, a packaging company and subsidiary of SGD Pharma Group, launched a new reusable airless bottle called the Baia pouch airless bottle, partnering with Lablabo (Pinard Beauty Pack Group), a specialist in airless pouch packaging solutions. The complete set of Baia pouches consists of a 30 or 50-ml recyclable polypropylene (PP) bottle, a pump allowing the distribution of high-viscosity formulas, a recyclable polyethylene (PE) pouch, a collar, and a cap. The new packaging kit, according to EMBELIA, is primarily intended for the cosmetics and personal care industries.
• In October 2022, Lumson, a cosmetic and makeup packaging solutions provider, announced that Biotherm, a premium skincare products provider, chose Lumson’s airless glass bottle for its Aquapower Advanced Gel Homme, a skin treatment serum for men. In order to reduce the bottle’s environmental footprint, Lumson used 40% recycled glass and made the cap and pump styrene-free.
• In October 2022, Quadpack, a beauty manufacturing and packaging provider, announced that it would upgrade its packing jars and airless products with the launch of the New Regula Refill Jar, an airless, refillable, recyclable, and monomaterial jar. The new jar has a capacity of 50 ml, and its outer layer is made up of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), whereas the inner layer is made up of PP (polypropylene), an easily recyclable thermoplastic.
• In July 2022, Taesung, a Korea-based cosmetic container manufacturer, launched a new series of 100% PP mono-material airless bottles. The bottles are available in 30 ml, 50 ml, 70 ml, 100 ml, and 120 ml capacities.
• In July 2022, UA Packaging, a cosmetic and personal care product packaging provider, launched a new airless packaging solution made of aluminum called ALU-Airless. The solution is 100% recyclable, refillable, and reusable. It contains 50% plastic and 50% aluminum. Although the plastic is hard to recycle due to its material, PMMA or SAN, the aluminum can be easily separated from the plastic and recycled fully.
• In 2022, COMPAX, a packaging company, announced the launch of its first-ever fully recyclable, 100% plastic, airless pump tube in the US market, which will come in 30 and 35 mm capacities. The product is made of PCR (post-consumer recycled plastic).
Conclusion
The growing demand for personal care and beauty products such as serums, haircare, sunscreens, makeup, skincare, and others as well as packaged food items is the key factor that drives the market’s growth. Moreover, the airless packaging allows brands to sell more by introducing various benefits of it to consumers, and this propels them to opt for such packaging instead of conventional air packaging.
However, the market may face some restraints due to various factors such as government regulations on the use of plastic, the high cost of manufacturing, including packaging, due to material choice, and the fact that it is more time-consuming compared to conventional packaging.