Refillable wood lipstick packaging: premium solutions that protect nature

Posted by Corrado Fioroni on January 28 2025 - Reading time: 7 minutes

The premium lipstick market is experiencing a notable surge, reflecting consumers' growing inclination towards high-quality, eco-friendly beauty products. In 2024, the global lipstick market was valued at approximately USD 9.75 billion, with projections indicating a growth to USD 16.55 billion by 2034, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% between 2025 and 2034. 

This upward trajectory is further evidenced by the Asia Pacific region, which led the market with 31.6% of the global revenue share in 2024 and is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2030. 

Refillable lipstick packaging

 

In 2025, several key trends are shaping the premium lipstick sector:

  • Sustainability. There's an increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions, with consumers favoring brands prioritising environmental responsibility.
  • Innovation in Materials. The shift towards sustainable materials, such as wood, is revolutionizing cosmetic packaging design, offering aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits. 
  • Refillable Solutions. The concept of refillable lipstick packaging is gaining traction, aligning with the broader movement towards reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

The Minelli Group's expertise in crafting premium wooden packaging positions it as a valuable partner for brands seeking to align with these emerging trends and meet the evolving preferences of discerning consumers.

With a legacy spanning over eight decades, Minelli has been at the forefront of crafting sustainable and luxurious packaging.

In this article, you'll find plenty of insights and useful information to discover the world of rechargeable lipsticks. Keep reading to learn more.

 

Lipstick Packaging: The Elements That Make It Stand Out

Refillable lipstick packaging is a sophisticated combination of functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Its design involves various components, each critical in creating a premium and practical product. Here’s an overview of the key elements that make up lipstick packaging:

1. The Cap

The cap protects the lipstick bullet and ensures hygiene by preventing contamination.

Traditionally made of plastic or metal, premium packaging often opts for sustainable materials like wood or biopolymers.

Caps can feature decorative engravings, textured finishes, or custom branding to reinforce the product's luxury appeal. In refillable designs, caps are often engineered for durability, enabling repeated use.

2. The Base

The base houses the mechanism that holds the lipstick bullet, allowing smooth application and secure closure.

Frequently constructed from lightweight aluminum or biodegradable composites in eco-friendly packaging. In wooden rechargeable designs, mBlack™ or FSC-certified wood are favoured for its sustainability and premium look.

Bases can be cylindrical for a classic appearance or square-shaped for a modern, bold aesthetic.

3. The Mechanism

The internal mechanism allows the lipstick bullet to retract and extend seamlessly. In refillable packaging, this part is crucial for enabling easy replacement of the product.

Commonly made from high-quality polymers or bioplastics to ensure durability and precision. Some innovations use cork or natural materials to eliminate reliance on traditional plastics.

Smooth operation and discreet integration into the overall design are essential for a seamless user experience.

4. The Lipstick Bullet Housing

This component secures the lipstick bullet and connects it to the reloadable base. It needs to be robust enough to handle repeated use while maintaining an airtight seal.

Metal and biopolymers are common, but wooden accents are increasingly popular for their ability to combine sustainability with luxury.

Housing can be sleek and minimalistic or feature elaborate detailing to match the brand’s identity.

5. Decorative Features

These elements enhance the product's aesthetic and brand appeal. They include embossed logos, metallic inlays, and laser-engraved patterns.

Commonly use sustainable finishings, such as water-based lacquers or natural dyes, to align with eco-conscious values.

Rechargeable lipstick packaging incorporates all these elements into a cohesive, functional, and beautiful product that appeals to both brands and consumers. With sustainable materials like FSC-certified wood and innovative engineering, this packaging elevates the traditional lipstick case into a statement of luxury and responsibility.

Let’s delve deeper into sustainability, for any brand aiming to make a positive environmental impact and appeal to consumers who care about the Planet's well-being.

 

Sustainability in Wooden Lipstick Packaging

At mPackting, branch of Minelli Group specializing in eco-friendly cosmetic packaging, sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s the driving force behind everything we do. By revolutionizing beauty packaging with eco-conscious practices, we aim to make luxury cosmetics kind to nature without compromising quality or aesthetics.

Refillable lipstick packaging in wood epitomizes this mission. Unlike traditional plastic cases, wooden solutions offer a renewable, biodegradable alternative that resonates with eco-conscious consumers. At mPackting, we go beyond creating products; we provide a full-service approach, working closely with clients to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions tailored to their needs.

Our process is consultative and collaborative:

  • Design. Creating concepts that merge functionality, luxury, and sustainability.
  • Prototyping. Testing initial designs with precision tools to meet brand and environmental standards.
  • Material selection. Choosing FSC-certified wood, biopolymers, or other eco-friendly materials that reduce environmental impact.
  • Durability testing. Conducting rigorous tests to validate the product’s performance and longevity.
  • Production. Scaling the final design for high-quality, sustainable production.

With mPackting, brands can confidently transition to reloadable lipstick packaging solutions that protect both their product and the planet. 

What are the benefits of choosing rechargeable packaging for your lipstick? We’ll explore them all in the next paragraph. 

 

Benefits of Refillable Lipstick Packaging

Refillable packaging represents a step forward for sustainability, combining eco-friendliness with convenience and luxury. Below, we explore its benefits for both consumers and brands.

Benefits for Consumers

  • Eco-friendly choice: refillability reduces waste by allowing consumers to replace only the lipstick bullet, minimizing environmental impact.
  • Cost savings: consumers can invest in a high-quality base once and save on future refills, making luxury accessible and practical.
  • Customization: many reloadable designs offer options for mix-and-match aesthetics, letting consumers express their individuality through their packaging choices.
  • Convenience: compact refill systems are easy to use and replace, providing a seamless user experience.

Benefits for Brands

  • Brand loyalty: offering refillable packaging encourages repeat purchases as consumers return for refills.
  • Sustainability alignment: eco-friendly packaging demonstrates a brand’s commitment to sustainability, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
  • Premium positioning: wooden and rechargeable designs convey luxury, exclusivity, and innovation, enhancing the product’s market appeal.
  • Cost efficiency: in the long run, refillable systems can reduce packaging production costs while boosting sustainability metrics.

By embracing rechargeable lipstick packaging, brands can tap into the growing demand for sustainable beauty solutions while providing value and convenience to their consumers. It’s a win-win for the planet and the beauty industry. 

 

Case History: Bormioli Luigi – Lipstick Case for Refillable TANGO Collection

One of the standout projects showcasing mPackting's innovation in reloadable lipstick packaging is our collaboration with Bormioli Luigi on the TANGO Collection. This partnership brought together Bormioli’s renowned expertise in glass craftsmanship and mPackting’s mastery of sustainable wooden components, resulting in a luxurious and functional lipstick case.

 

The Project

The TANGO Lipstick Case features a unique combination of glass and wood. Bormioli Luigi provided the sleek, premium glass base while mPackting developed the component housing the refill mechanism and the lipstick cartridge. The result is a refined packaging solution available in multiple colours and finishes, blending sustainability with modern elegance.

Key Features

  1. Custom Design

mPackting designed a seamless system that integrates the refill mechanism without requiring glue to bond the plastic and wooden components.

This approach ensures that the materials can be easily separated and recycled responsibly, supporting a circular economy.

rechargeable wood packaging for lipsticks

  1. Variety in Colors and Finishes

The wooden components were produced in a range of finishings and colours, allowing for diverse combinations with Bormioli’s glass bases.

These options enhance the aesthetic appeal, making the product versatile and visually captivating.

  1. Certified Sustainability

The wood used in this project is FSC-certified, guaranteeing responsible sourcing and environmental accountability.

  1. Personalized Mechanisms

The refill mechanisms were customized through rotary pad printing, featuring branding elements from both collaborating companies.

Refillable wood packaging

The Bormioli Luigi TANGO Collection is a testament to the potential of reloadable lipstick packaging to combine sustainability, luxury, and innovation. By partnering with Bormioli Luigi, mPackting demonstrated how wooden components can elevate the functionality and aesthetic of premium beauty packaging while addressing environmental concerns.

This project highlights mPackting’s ability to deliver tailored solutions that align with the unique requirements of luxury brands, reaffirming our commitment to eco-conscious design and craftsmanship. Contact mPackting today to bring your vision for sustainable beauty packaging to life.

 

 

Topics: cosmetic packaging, luxury packaging, sustainability, cosmetic design, sustainable design, packaging for cosmetics, wood packaging