Just back from Luxe Pack New York—with the FiFi announcements a few days away and a short breather before HBA Global Expo swings into action in its new June 28-30 calendar slot—and my head is spinning with article ideas surrounding the impressive creativity of the industry’s packaging suppliers. Not to mention brands’ increasing focus on sustainability, the urgency of speed to market, the continued allure of celebrity appeal… the list goes on and on.

All these topics were fueled as Beauty Packaging’s publisher Jay Gorga and I roamed the Luxe Pack NY show floor, speaking with suppliers from around the world. One common theme noted was the ever-increasing importance of packaging for a global marketplace. Beauty Packaging’s panel discussion at Luxe Pack, “Selling to a Global Market: How Cultural and Regional Relevance Affect Product and Package,” also focused on this growing priority and featured industry experts Allan Hafkin, vice president, global package development, Estée Lauder; Scott Widro, executive vice president of operations and supply chain, Gurwitch Products; and Alan Kastner, creative director, LPK Beauty. Alan was kind enough to stand in for Elle Morris, of LPK, who couldn’t make it last-minute, but presents her thoughts in this issue (p. 78). Two additional articles this month, one on Eastern Europe (p. 81) and one on India (p. 86), also look at the evolving global market and the role of packaging.

This issue’s features on Tubes, Applicators and Color Cosmetics packages also reveal suppliers’ impressive achievements in meeting brands’ needs for both function and aesthetics.

Of course, behind all the incredible packages stand the often-unsung heroes, such as packaging designers and product developers. In an effort to spotlight their contributions to the industry, Beauty Packaging premiers a new department this month, called Center Stage (p. 52). First up: Jerome Fraillon, global director, package development, for Smashbox Cosmetics. Read about Jerome’s accomplishments—and please email me at [email protected] with thoughts for future industry professionals you would like to see saluted in this column.

Wishing you a great summer,

Jamie Matusow
[email protected]

PS) For more on Luxe Pack New York and HBA, as well as details on this year’s FiFi winners, please stay tuned to the July/August print and online issue of Beauty Packaging—which includes our all-important annual International Buyers’ Guide.