Sustainable cosmetic packaging after Covid-19: some considerations

Before the outbreak of the Covid-19 crisis, sustainability was considered very important by companies, especially regarding public concerns about plastic pollution and nonrecyclable items. After the pandemic erupted, however, focus shifted to concerns about hygiene and safety, which became top priorities.

Businesses and consumers changed their habits, and the process of manufacturing sustainable cosmetic packaging did as well.

How has the packaging industry adapted to this new normal? Let’s discuss the topic in the following article.

Sustainable cosmetic packaging: a quick snapshot of the actual situation

In a world where physical contact has been limited for months—even years—packaging is still a tangible way to connect brands to their customers.

Cosmetic packaging is the means through which brands create an emotional experience for customers, transmit their values, and give information about their identity and image. Consumers want to buy products that have a precise identity and values they share.

According to an article by Jennifer Stansbury, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of The Benchmarking Company, sustainability has always been very important for consumers in the beauty industry, and with the Covid-19 emergency, it became even more important. Consider the following data:

• 75% of consumers agree that sustainability was very important to them before the pandemic
• 59% of consumers say that after the sanitary crisis they became more aware of the importance of sustainability
• only 28% of consumers say their attitudes toward sustainability have remained the same
• 98% of consumers agree that after the Covid-19 crisis is over the importance of sustainability when considering the purchase of a beauty product will either be even more important or have the same importance it did as before the pandemic

But also consider the following.

The great acceleration of online shopping

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the spread of digitalisation in every sector, and as people adopted social distancing, they began to shop online for many kinds of products, including cosmetics.

NielsenIQ data shows that 67% of consumers report they have changed the way they shop because of Covid-19.

The increase in online shopping has a significant effect on how packaging is created since now more than ever before it is brands’ first link with consumers.

The goal is providing a satisfying and engaging experience through e-commerce, but achieving this goal is very difficult: multisensory packaging doesn’t work online.

Multisensory packaging has always been considered an effective way to create a sense of loyalty between the company and its consumers, getting the product to stimulate different senses so that people can enjoy multiple sensory impressions from it.

Different elements can be used to create this emotional experience, for example, visual enhancers, olfactory elements, tactile experiences, and other packaging aspects.

We discussed this topic in the article “How eco-friendly cosmetic packaging can boost sensorial experience.”

Brands cannot adopt these strategies online, and manufacturers and suppliers of cosmetic packaging cannot ignore this new trend.

Cosmetic packaging designs must be adapted to the new reality we are facing both in terms of aesthetics and safety.

Brands ask for unusual shapes and unique finishing options to be recognizable and show their identity and values online too.

Wood packaging can be an important distinguishing element. When buying online, people base their purchasing decision on just the aesthetic appearance of the bottle and its cap. They look for a unique object to display in their homes. A wood cap or package made by an expert manufacturer will make the difference in your catalogue, as you can offer customizable solutions according to your clients’ requirements.

Only a competent manufacturer with innovative machines and tools will be able to create complicated and nonconventional shapes and provide a wide variety of innovative finishing options that you will be able to offer to your clients.

Safety and hygiene have become more relevant

Another important aspect that emerged during the Covid pandemic is the importance of hygiene and safety. Consumers demand hygienic and safe products for their health and that of our planet as well.

Sustainable cosmetic packaging needs to be robust and solid to prevent possible damage during transportation. If the cap doesn’t fit perfectly on the cosmetic bottle, for example, there can be problems with product leakage or contamination.

Considering wooden packaging components, the supplier must be aware of the typical tolerances of wood and how to set them to guarantee maximum precision and adaptability.

Besides being very strong, resistant, and naturally sustainable, wood has the great advantage of being more hygienic, too, as it seems to have some antimicrobial properties; in particular, close-grained woods are less likely to absorb moisture and bacteria, preventing the formation of mold and stains.

Moreover, special finishes can be applied to avoid the proliferation of bacteria even if the product is left in a humid environment. Cosmetics are often placed in the bathroom, maybe near the sink, so wood packaging could get wet and develop bacteria and mold if not treated correctly to preserve the quality of the content and be safe for people.

Speed, productivity, and flexibility are essential to stay ahead of competitors in today’s increasingly competitive market shaped by advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and automation.

How we have been living recently has shown that brands that were able to react timely and adapt quickly have weathered the crisis better than those that did not.

That is why you should rely on a partner that constantly observes the market and supports you during the entire production process, from the design phase to distribution, adapting to each client’s requirements.

Thanks to its internal R&D department, advanced technologies, and a team of experienced specialists, The Minelli Group can guarantee the highest quality for each product manufactured along with great attention to the latest trends, customers’ preferences, and actual market demand.

If you are looking for wooden sustainable cosmetic packaging and components, contact us right now!