Although the “Revolution” they were singing about was far from the scope of the packaging evolution we are currently undergoing in the sustainable cosmetic packaging world, in writing this month’s editorial, I can’t help but be reminded of  The Beatles’ powerful lyrics (especially after watching nine incredible hours of “Get Back,” the Peter Jackson documentary on the iconic British rock group).

In the beauty-sphere, refillable packaging once seemed unlikely on a widespread scale. Today, it still faces numerous hurdles on many levels, but launches have accelerated during the pandemic, due to extensive supplier R&D and, in part, because consumers became more sensitive to global climate issues, and thus, more willing to change behaviors to help ameliorate the situation.

In this month’s cover story on Color Cosmetics Packaging, many of the suppliers and brands I spoke with expressed strong interest in refillables as sustainable solutions—and told me about their latest package offerings in the category, from luxe lip tubes to eyebrow pencil pop-ins. Those who also provide skincare products spoke about replaceable pods and canisters.

According to Emma Grace Bailey, senior strategist, at trend forecasting company WGSN, “Beauty brands and retailers have been forced to pivot their businesses, and while this disruption has ushered in many challenges, it has also given brands a chance to change and innovate.” (Please see Bailey’s full article in this issue.)

Over the last decade or so, pioneering brands that offered refillables, many of them luxe names, held a cult following of consumers who bought high prestige products, and appreciated the luxe accessory packaging appeal as well as the reusable aspect.

Today, while refillable packs are increasingly available in the prestige market, their acceptance is being adopted by more mass brands as well. Not only in cosmetics, but in hair care, skincare, body care, fragrance and handsoap.

It’s all part of a sustainable packaging revolution that continues to re-construct the beauty world.

“Single-use packaging will be a thing of the past in 2023, as ‘The Refillution’ dominates,” says WGSN’s Bailey.

Beauty Packaging is closely following the latest developments and will keep you up-to-date on refillables, recyclables, compostables and more, as packaging options evolve.

We hope you enjoy this issue!

Jamie Matusow
Editor-in-Chief