New Packaging Trends for 2022
We have already come to accept natural cosmetics as the norm, and choosing products based on their natural credentials has become an established trend. The beauty industry is now taking the next step in its evolution, and our attention is turning to packaging.
Climate change is driving stricter waste-sorting and recycling requirements, and this is also having an impact on products in the beauty sector.
EU institutions are currently working on more precise regulations defining which types of plastic can be used in packaging, with the aim of making it easier to recycle them later.
The problem is that an average plastic jar may consist of several layers of different polymers with different melting points, making it difficult or even impossible to recover the material. We still do not have suitable methods and equipment for doing this on an industrial scale.
Manufacturers are responding to these challenges by trying to create packaging that is as environmentally friendly as possible. This means not only simplifying the composition of the container, but also reducing its structural complexity. This is particularly important for companies interested in eco-certifications, which assess various aspects of packaging, including the packaging-to-product weight ratio, the use of recycled materials, and the amount of product left inside the packaging after use.
The most interesting packaging trends for 2022 include:
Recycled and recyclable plastics, such as rPET, instead of conventional PET
Packaging that is biodegradable under industrial composting conditions
Paper or paper-and-grass labels instead of plastic film labels
Simple, single-wall jars instead of double-wall or “thermos” containers, reducing the amount of plastic used per package
Refill systems — replaceable inserts or cartridges
Biodegradable film for waterless products, instead of conventional plastic film, for example for bath bombs or bar soaps
Simplified packaging, such as replacing a complex pump with a simple flip-top cap, making it easier to use up the product completely, and eliminating unnecessary outer cartons and protective film
Reusable packaging, particularly important for companies operating refill stations
Clear labeling indicating how individual packaging components should be disposed of
Some of these solutions do not necessarily fit the brand image of high-end products that emphasize sophistication and elegance. However, clearly expressed consumer expectations may encourage some manufacturers to make compromises and eliminate certain packaging elements, such as outer protective film.
Introducing such solutions into a company's packaging strategy is not only a way to follow some of the most relevant marketing trends, but also a tangible benefit for the environment.
