Today’s cosmetic industry faces stiffer challenges than ever before, including sustainable packaging dictates, the slow convergence of premium and mass markets, changeable tariffs, expanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, and more. 

The good news is that, as always, industry leaders are meeting potential setbacks with flexibility, determination, and forward-thinking strategies. 

According to Mintel, the beauty and personal care (BPC) packaging market faces supply chain challenges and cost pressures, “with macroeconomic headwinds amplifying scrutiny on margins.” 

Lauren Ryder, Associate Principal, Global Packaging, Mintel, says, “Sustainability continues to be the leading focus for brands in packaging design.” 

A recent study from Research and Markets found that the sustainable cosmetic packaging market “is advancing rapidly.” Brands and suppliers are navigating mounting environmental regulations, shifting consumer preferences, and technological improvements. In addition, “Senior decision-makers are seeking to future-proof their packaging strategies. They must address the demand for eco-conscious solutions while meeting operational and compliance goals in a dynamic global environment.”

The Shift to Local Production

One element of this global sustainability focus is producing packaging close to market.

The last few years have seen a pronounced shift in international imports of cosmetic packaging and a rise in containers made in North America. In addition to bypassing certain tariff issues, domestic cosmetic packaging offers advantages in areas such as EPR laws, manufacturing, shipping, and in-store product replenishment.

“We’re seeing sustainability and North American manufacturing become increasingly intertwined.”
— Gwen Chapdelaine, JohnsByrne Company, Niles, IL

JohnsByrne Company, Niles, IL, specializes in custom packaging solutions. Gwen Chapdelaine, VP of Marketing at the custom packaging and premium print solutions provider, tells Beauty Packaging, “We’re seeing sustainability and North American manufacturing become increasingly intertwined. Brands want packaging that is responsibly sourced and regionally produced, with clear traceability from raw material to finished product. 

“Key trends include greater use of recycled and FSC®-certified paperboard and right-sizing to reduce material use. Also, mono-material structures are popular because they simplify recycling. And, there’s a shift toward packaging engineered to meet sustainability goals without sacrificing design or shelf impact. Transparency and proof points, where materials come from, how they’re processed, and where packaging is made, are now expected, not optional,” says Chapdelaine.

Prioritizing North American Suppliers

Pamela Gill-Alabaster is a packaging industry expert and former Chief Sustainability Officer at Kenvue. She is an adjunct professor with more than 35 years of executive leadership experience across sustainability, brand strategy, and corporate affairs. 

She tells Beauty Packaging, “There is increasing interest in mono-material formats (PP, PET, HDPE) and higher PCR inclusion rates. Also, in refillable systems that can be locally tooled and assembled.” She notes that a major driver is the expansion of EPR laws across U.S. states and Canada. In addition, she says, “Brands are prioritizing packaging that is recyclable in practice and at scale. It has to be compatible with domestic waste recovery infrastructure. Packaging positioned to meet recycled content mandates and fee modulation under EPR frameworks is also important.”

“Brands are prioritizing packaging that is recyclable in practice and at scale, compatible with domestic waste recovery infrastructure, and positioned to meet recycled content mandates and fee modulation under EPR frameworks.”
— Pamela Gill‑Alabaster, packaging industry expert

According to Gill-Alabaster, “To the extent brands are prioritizing NA production, it can permit closer coordination between resin suppliers, converters, and brands—particularly around PCR sourcing, documentation, and compliance alignment.” In addition, “Some suppliers are expanding domestic recycling partnerships to strengthen feedstock access. More broadly, regional production is increasingly viewed as part of risk management and regulatory readiness strategies.”

Demand Grows

Gill-Alabaster says, “As EPR expands and reporting obligations grow, brands are seeking greater transparency and accountability across the packaging value chain, from resin sourcing through recovery. NA production can provide enhanced traceability of PCR content and clearer chain-of-custody documentation, especially within established certification systems (e.g., ISCC+, SCS, UL), with proximity allowing for closer supplier engagement and more efficient audit processes.”

Ashley Jolly, a long-time Package Development Leader, agrees, saying, “Yes, understanding the most efficient supply chain and speed-to-market strategies is essential for business success. When engaging with suppliers, the first question typically concerns the available packaging options produced in North America, as these can help address supply chain challenges.” He says that these supply chain challenges are lead time and control of cost fluctuations. “The next priority is identifying sustainable packaging solutions within North America. Whenever possible, North American options are preferred over offshore alternatives.”

“Whenever possible, North American options are preferred over offshore alternatives.”
— Ashley Jolly, Package Development Leader

Supplier Sentiment

With cosmetic brands and suppliers at the heart of this issue, we reached out to a selection of North American manufacturers for their thoughts on domestic cosmetic packaging supply chains. 

Arcade Beauty, a major provider of beauty sampling and full-size filling and packaging solutions, with NA headquarters in Saddle Brook, NJ (and 6 locations in the U.S.), also operates regional sales offices and production sites in Paris, France, São Paulo, Brazil, and Shanghai, China. 

Ciara Donohue, Arcade Beauty’s Global CSR Manager, tells Beauty Packaging, “The global interest in sustainable packaging has certainly increased. We expect an increase of North American requests as more specific recyclability criteria is released to supplement the EPR regulations.” She says they are already seeing sustainable options gain traction across a variety of formats. She explains that early adoption began in the hospitality sector. Brands introduced eco-friendly formats for shampoos, conditioners, and personal care amenities. 

That momentum, says Donohue, has quickly migrated into broader consumer applications, including refillable solutions, such as pouches designed to reduce waste. Also, material structure innovations, like the Arcade Beauty 80% paper packette. It replaces traditional substrates with more recycle-ready compositions. “As these formats continue to evolve and scale, we anticipate North American demand will accelerate. This is in step with both regulatory requirements and brand sustainability commitments.” 

Donohue says, “Over 90% of [Arcade’s] technologies are ready for recyclability. Over 60% incorporate certified or recycled materials, directly in line with industry trends and regulatory needs. What sets Arcade Beauty apart is our ability to integrate sustainability among our vast product portfolio. From sampling to minis to retail sizes, we make each more sustainable without compromising performance. This versatility allows our customers to evolve their packaging strategies across their entire product lineup, not just a single format.”

Younger Consumers Expect Responsible Sourcing

At Arkay Packaging, with headquarters in Hauppauge, NY, and Roanoke, VA, Gregg Goldman, Director of Sales, agrees about the positive NA growth, saying, “We are indeed seeing a raised awareness concerning sustainability, as companies recognize how important responsible sourcing is, especially to a younger generation of consumers.” Goldman points to the Necessaire brand as an example. He says, as a certified B Corp, “environmental responsibility is a huge part of Necessaire’s DNA.” 

To align with this DNA, Arkay partnered with a North American paper mill to develop a 100% PCR custom paperboard that was robust enough for fine copy and details. The result, says Goldman, “is a uniquely textured, custom-colored folding carton, which has a natural feel, but which also holds embossing and spot gloss beautifully.” In addition to the FSC logo, Necessaire also prints several of its own certifications on the carton.”

Achieving Kiehl’s Sustainability Goals

The demand at JohnsByrnes for North America–produced sustainable packaging has also grown significantly. Chapdelaine says, “Beauty brands are prioritizing regional production to reduce transportation emissions, improve supply-chain reliability, and better align with ESG commitments. Many of our customers also value the speed, flexibility, and collaboration that come from working with a domestic supplier, particularly as sustainability requirements become more complex.”

For instance, JohnsByrne partnered with Kiehl’s on sustainable packaging solutions, including their holiday packaging, in support of the brand’s movement toward a circular economy by 2030. The folding carton and rigid box packaging feature colorful graphics accented with foil, made with FSC-certified materials using zero plastics, and are fully recyclable. 

Evie Vens, Business Development Manager, MCC Premium Label Solutions, says, “Producing packaging in North America allows companies to reduce transportation distances, lower logistics costs, and create more resilient supply chains.” MCC operates facilities in the U.S. and globally. Beyond the operational benefits, Vens says locally produced packaging also supports sustainability objectives by reducing emissions associated with long-distance transport, and by meeting consumer expectations for transparency and regional sourcing.

A Shift to Sourcing Materials Domestically

At Wynalda Packaging, a 55-year-old company that specializes in premium folding carton manufacturing and design, as well as rigid boxes and molded pulp, Kaelyn Van Wyhe, Lead Generation Specialist, has noticed a shift to more local production. The company manufactures at its 400,000+ sq. ft. facility located in Belmont, MI, and sources all its materials domestically. She explains, “Ongoing instability with overseas production and tariffs has prompted many companies to shift toward domestic suppliers for more consistent lead times, quality, and supply-chain security.” 

Van Wyhe says, “Requests for NA–produced sustainable packaging peaked 2–3 years ago, eased slightly, and are now rising again as California’s EPR regulations begin to take effect.”

Wynalda’s recent packaging for the Adrian Costa fragrance brand incorporates recycled materials, is 100% paper-based, and fully recyclable. The rigid box is made of 60 pt. recycled chip board (W1S) with an 80# white text wrap, and the molded pulp insert is made of 20% recycled paper. Van Wyhe says this package stands out by using a molded pulp tray to securely hold, display, and protect the glass bottle—”an approach that is gaining traction in retail packaging, but remains uncommon in the fragrance category.” The package was produced in Wynalda’s Michigan facility, which maintains ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, as well as a Sedex membership. 

“Requests for NA–produced sustainable packaging peaked 2–3 years ago, eased slightly, and are now rising again as California’s EPR regulations begin to take effect.”
— Kaelyn Van Wyhe, Wynalda Packaging

Distinctive Designs & Refillable Packaging

In addition to sustainable materials, a growing interest in refill and reuse systems has taken hold.

Berlin Packaging has corporate headquarters in Chicago. The company’s comprehensive portfolio of sustainable beauty packaging solutions includes PCR glass and plastic. Berlin also offers ocean-bound resins, mono-material tubes, refillable formats, and FSC-certified secondary packaging.

The company created custom packaging for Prose hair care. A distinctive design pairs a square shoulder bottle with a round heel for a sleek, modern, and approachable aesthetic. Because Prose is a Certified B Corporation, sustainability was a key requirement for the project. The 150- and 250ml bottles and 250ml jars use 50% PCR PET. This reduces reliance on virgin plastic while maintaining performance and clarity.

Moira Stein, Insights & Strategy, Berlin Packaging, says, “Refill and reuse systems continue to gain momentum across beauty and personal care in North America.” From established global brands to emerging direct-to-consumer players, she says refill formats are becoming mainstream. This includes durable aluminum dispensers, flexible refill pouches, refill pods, and other reusable delivery systems that reduce single-use packaging.

Stein says many beauty brands are increasing their use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content to advance their sustainability goals. She explains, “Compared with virgin resin, PCR plastics generally require significantly less energy. They reduce reliance on fossil-based raw materials, helping to extend material lifecycles and lower overall environmental impact.” 

Eco-Friendly Materials

Materials, especially Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) paperboard, are a draw at Arkay Packaging. Goldman says, “Aside from a cleaner, more natural design aesthetic with matte coatings and neutral colors, we’ve seen an emphasis placed on FSC paperboard, or materials with recycled content. There has also been a move from Mylar to TransMet, which is more sustainable.” And, he explains, “Clients are taking advantage of our cold foiling capabilities—for some ‘bling’ without full reflective metallic coverage.” 

Domestic partnerships and official verification labels also come into play to meet demands for desirable NA sustainable cosmetic packaging. Goldman says that Arkay partners with Monadnock Paper Mills, Bennington, NH, “to get the most premium sustainable paperboard.” They, too, are EcoVadis Platinum, utilizing FSC-certified fibers with chain-of-custody documentation. And, says Goldman, “The results are as eye-catching and luxurious as any other paperboard—much to our customers’ approval and requests.”

Certifications are Key

At Freeport, NY-based Lombardi Design & Manufacturing, certifications are also key. Jack Albanese, Director of New Business Development, says, “At Lombardi, the most prevalent trend we are experiencing is the growth of chemically upcycled resin. For us, that includes ISCC+ certified PET and PP.”

He says that brands are increasingly requesting PCR. Lombardi’s stock PET Deodorant Case is offered with 40% or 80% PCR when using ISCC+ certified material. For enhanced recyclability, Albanese says, “We added a range of mono-material PP packaging, including jars, sticks, pumps, and even compacts.”  

Albanese recounts that Estée Lauder commissioned Lombardi to produce the jar cap for its La Mer “Blue Heart” program. In support of World Oceans Day, this jar cap was designed specifically to be molded with Ocean-Bound PCR PET.  He explains, “Ocean-Bound PCR is typically available as PET or HDPE. It is derived from beaches and waterways. With exposure to the elements and built from a homogenized blend of various sourced bottles, there lies a unique challenge to transform this material into a beautifully crafted cosmetic part. The result is a jewel-like pristine blue closure.”

Arcade’s Donohue points to regulations for expanded sustainable manufacturing growth. “North America’s evolving, state-level EPR regulations have defined the most recent wave of sustainable packaging trends,” she says. “These regulations thematically align with global packaging regulations, contributing to the iterative effort to better define ‘sustainable’ packaging.”

Donohue says these regulations “universally emphasize packages’ end-of-life states, namely recyclability and compostability, targeting specific recycling rates through 2035+.” In the U.S., she says, “These targets are married with the hope of improved recyclability thresholds and infrastructure to enable target achievement.”

More Eco-Design Initiatives

Plastic is also a central theme, says Donohue, “encouraging the reduction of plastic packages, decreasing microplastics within packaging, and incorporating post-consumer or industrial recycled (PCR/PIR) plastic within products.”

Wholistically, Donohue says, “These regulations target package optimization via reduction of excessive weight and materials.”

Ultimately, she says that Arcade Beauty has publicly committed “to the sustainable excellence of our products and operations, demonstrated through our 26 formal, public targets.

“At the forefront of these commitments,” says Donohue, “our eco-design initiatives are driven by innovative cross-departmental collaboration. This enables us to increase recyclability and the use of recycled and certified materials in our products. Operationally, we are committed to improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions in line with Science Based Targets (SBTi). We are also strengthening resource and water management within our facilities. Our emphasis on supply and ethics extends across our value chain. We ensure responsible sourcing, supplier engagement, and traceability across key raw materials.”

She says, “These commitments resonate with our customers. They confidently receive high-quality, innovative products that are designed, sourced, and manufactured with environmental responsibility at the forefront. We help brands meet their own sustainability goals while delivering the best possible product to market.”

Wynalda’s Van Wyhe also sees a surge, especially in packaging that’s paper-based and/or made of alternative materials. In 2023, the company added a molded pulp manufacturing facility in the U.S. Now, the company offers fully made-in-USA packaging solutions for brands that were previously sourcing pulp trays internationally. The supplier also works with brands committed to domestic sourcing that previously struggled to find molded pulp options.

“Sustainability is no longer seen as a compromise in appearance,” says Van Wyhe. “Brands want environmentally responsible packaging that incorporates premium differentiators like foils, embossing, specialty coatings, and distinctive paperboards.” 

Transparency is a Priority

ICONS America LLC, is headquartered in a 160,000+ sq. ft., certified manufacturing facility near Charlotte, NC. Marianna Cilauro, VP of Sales and Marketing, tells Beauty Packaging that a growing portion of North American consumers—especially Gen Z and Millennials—are focused on Made in the U.S. packaging. The reason: Cilauro says there’s been a move to prioritize recyclability, minimal packaging, and environmental transparency when choosing products.

She says, refillable, reusable, and “take-back” packaging options (especially in personal care and retail sectors) are also emerging trends. 

“We are increasingly seeing brands looking for a trusted partner for domestically produced packaging,” says Cilauro. “And ICONS America’s North Carolina headquarters’ manufacturing facility provides this Made-in-America solution.” ICONS’ fully recyclable, mono‑material PP In‑Mold Label (IML) tubes and caps are manufactured in the USA. We use domestically sourced resin, incorporating PCR content in the tube sleeve, head, and cap.

Sustainability is a Key Driver

At MCC, Vens views sustainability as a key driver in the North American packaging market. And, there’s a clear shift toward monomaterial packaging solutions. She says, “States such as California and New Jersey are moving forward with stricter packaging legislation. Brand owners are increasingly reassessing packaging structures that rely on multiple materials and are therefore harder to recycle.

“While multimaterial packaging is still common today,” says Vens, “the direction is clear: simpler, recyclable designs are becoming the new standard.” She says, “With IML (in-mold labels), the label becomes part of the container itself, forming one seamless monomaterial packaging solution.” The IML process also enables molding and decoration in a single, automated step. This reduces material use, logistics, labor cost, energy consumption, and overall carbon footprint.

“In parallel,” says Vens, “we see growing interest in refillable and reusable packaging formats, especially in personal care and beauty categories. Brands are looking to extend packaging lifecycles and reduce waste.”

High-Demand Packaging Requests

What specific types of North American-made cosmetic product packaging are most in demand from brands? 

According to Gill-Alabaster, high-PCR PET and HDPE bottles, mono-material closures and pumps designed for recyclability are in demand. Also, there’s a rising interest in refill cartridges, aluminum packaging, and paper-based secondary formats. Molded fiber alternatives are also often requested, and there is interest in drop-in bio-based resins. These include bio-PET and bio-PE, which are chemically identical to their conventional counterparts and compatible with existing recycling systems. “Increasingly,” she says, “packaging is being optimized for EPR fee modulation through lightweighting, higher recycled content, and alignment with U.S. curbside infrastructure.”

Jolly also speaks about the merits of refillables. He tells Beauty Packaging, “Brands are increasingly interested in refillable packaging options. The most common and easy-to-implement sustainable choices include post-consumer recycled PCR content for plastic parts and FSC board for paper goods. These are now standard.” He says brands are still evaluating the viability of refills—such as pouches, pods, and cartridges—for greater sustainability. “Every product segment has examples of refillable or more sustainable packaging, and this trend is expected to grow,” states Jolly.

JohnsByrne specializes in premium paperboard packaging made with sustainability in mind. Their offerings include folding cartons, rigid boxes, welcome kits, and displays produced with FSC-certified and recycled paperboard. The supplier also provides water-based coatings using low-impact inks, as well as sustainable and recyclable enhancements, such as foil decoration. They also engineer solutions that minimize material usage while maintaining durability and aesthetics. JohnsByrne’s Chapdelaine, says, “These formats align directly with today’s trends toward recyclability, responsible sourcing, and high-end presentation that supports brand storytelling.”

An Award-Winning Packette

At Arcade, Donohue says their award-winning packette “has become the industry standard for cost-effective sampling.” And has been a primary focus for sustainability innovation. She adds, “For the past five years, our engineers have worked to transform the original 4-ply plastic packette to a new 80% paper-based version. The new paper packette delivers significant environmental benefits while maintaining functionality.”

Arkay Packaging takes sustainability seriously. Goldman says, “Clients for which sustainability is not a top priority are still receiving environmentally friendly packaging from Arkay. This is because we are beyond compliant and proud to have a Platinum Ecovadis score.” For those with loftier goals, Arcade begins by offering FSC-certified board. It can be accompanied by a logo directly printed on the carton. 

These materials are certified by the FSC as sourced from responsibly managed forests, in addition to meeting other criteria. “The next step,” he says, “is to offer materials made with varying amounts of post-consumer waste.” 

Molded Pulp Trays

Wynalda’s Van Wyhe says molded pulp trays have become one of the most requested sustainable packaging solutions among cosmetic brands. Companies “are replacing plastic and foam inserts with biodegradable, paper-based alternatives,” she says. More recently, she says, “We’ve begun receiving an increasing number of requests for molded pulp trays. These are being paired with rigid boxes in the fragrance category.”

To meet this growing demand, Wynalda added a molded pulp manufacturing facility in the U.S. in 2023. “This was a valuable addition to our capabilities. It allows us to offer fully made-in-USA packaging solutions for brands that were previously sourcing pulp trays internationally. Also, for brands committed to domestic sourcing that previously struggled to find molded pulp options,” explains Van Wyhe.

Made in NA Supplier Advantages

We asked our group of NA-based packaging suppliers to tell us what special advantages they offer when it comes to sustainable packaging and/or materials. 

Close Relationships & Supply Chain Agility

Arkay’s Goldman told us, “Arkay is fortunate to have close relationships with several North American board suppliers that specialize in sustainable materials. As a result, we have expedited access to these materials with no risk that comes with importing from overseas. We also have stocking agreements with several overseas suppliers to ensure a steady source of supply.” (Arkay has once again achieved Platinum Recognition Certification from EcoVadis. Ecovadis is “the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, intelligence, and collaborative performance improvement tools for global supply chains.”)

At ICONS America, Cilauro says, “With our production in the U.S. at our headquarters manufacturing facility in North Carolina, we provide brands greater supply chain agility, reduced carbon footprint to North American destinations, and a range of sustainable material options, including mono-material, recyclable In-Mold Label tubes, available with PCR. In addition, our raw materials are sourced domestically in the U.S., further reducing carbon footprint and shortening raw material lead times.”

Albanese, at Lombardi, explains that chemically upcycled PET offers NA molders a consistent stream of PCR with virgin-like properties. He says, “I would consider this availability as an advantage for NA molders. When compounded with far lower transportation emissions and opportunities for renewable energy, NA is a clear choice for sustainable packaging manufacturing.” 

“When compounded with far lower transportation emissions and opportunities for renewable energy, NA is a clear choice for sustainable packaging manufacturing.”
— Jack Albanese, Director of New Business Development, Lombardi Design & Manufacturing

Local Sourcing

Donohue says that Arcade Beauty’s North America operations “give customers the ability to source, produce, fill, and pack products locally, all under one footprint.”

She explains, “Our manufacturing plants are strategically specialized by function, and work together seamlessly to meet all business needs. Each facility brings a specific capability to the table. Our vertically integrated tubular glass manufacturing at Phoenix Glass supports both Borosilicate and Soda-Lime formats. This gives Arcade Beauty a differentiated advantage and comprehensive domestic coverage.”

This model of regionally distributed, function-specific facilities delivers two key advantages, says Donohue. “It encourages customers to produce locally, reducing the environmental footprint of products, and enables rapid innovation. Because our plants can easily collaborate, we can quickly develop more sustainable products together.” 

At MCC Premium Label Solutions, Vens tells Beauty Packaging, “One of our key strengths is our ability to offer sustainable in-mold labeling solutions. This enables true monomaterial packaging combined with outstanding print quality.” This, she says, is particularly important in categories such as hair coloring, for example, where precise color reproduction is critical. “With high-quality IML printing, brands can achieve exact color matching and premium aesthetics while still meeting recyclability and design-for-recycling requirements.”

Greater Control & Transparency

JohnsByrne’s Chapdelaine says the company’s greatest advantage is control and transparency. “Our design, engineering, manufacturing, and assembly is all under one roof in North America (coast-to-coast). We can help brands make informed sustainability decisions early in the development process.” She explains further, “We have direct access to responsibly sourced paperboard and materials, shorter lead times, and fewer handoffs. We also have the ability to rapidly prototype and refine sustainable solutions. This proximity also enables clearer communication and easier compliance with brand and regulatory standards. Plus, a reduced overall carbon footprint compared to overseas production.”

Speed & Responsiveness

As the world’s largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier®, Stein says Berlin Packaging removes constraints around product type, material, and geography. Berlin has corporate headquarters in North America and operations spanning four continents. Stein says they combine the advantages of a North America-based partner—speed, responsiveness, and close collaboration—with a global network of suppliers. And, exclusive partnerships allow Berlin to source high-quality, sustainable packaging components worldwide.

“And if we can’t find the right solution, our in-house Studio One Eleven® design and innovation team can develop a custom package,” says Stein. Berlin also conducts lifecycle analyses (LCAs) to quantify a package’s environmental footprint. This includes greenhouse gas emissions and water, mineral resource, and fossil fuel use. It “gives brands credible data to support informed packaging decisions and clear, consumer-facing sustainability claims.” 

MCC’s Vens tells Beauty Packaging, “We provide high-quality, sustainable IML solutions for a wide range of personal care and beauty applications. These include deodorant rollers and sticks, cosmetic tubes, jars, lids, and bottles. She says these solutions are designed to perform throughout the entire product lifecycle. And, even in challenging environments such as humid bathrooms or in reuse systems, “while delivering the premium look and feel consumers expect.” 

The Future of NA-Made Sustainable Packaging

Will the Made in North America trend continue to grow? What will the challenges be?

It’s not a quick and simple answer, but all the experts and suppliers we spoke with for this story see a green light ahead.

Jolly says, “Yes, North American-made packaging will continue to grow. Companies are seeking to reduce lead time and cost uncertainties associated with overseas sourcing. However, its expansion will be limited until performance improves and costs decrease. Cost remains a key factor. North American packaging must offer superior value to justify a premium. 

He elaborates, “Current priorities include increasing post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and recyclability. Brands are also exploring metal-free pumps, which don’t sacrifice performance. And, they’re developing reusable or refillable formats. Interest in these sustainable options is rising. However, Jolly says “widespread adoption in retail and widely acceptable costing models have yet to be achieved.”

‘A myriad of factors define what it means for a package to be truly sustainable.’

Arcade Beauty’s Donohue sees the positive, saying, “The future of North America’s sustainable packaging will and must be creative. A myriad of factors define what it means for a package to be truly sustainable. As these definitions are further refined and as regulatory pressures increase, the need for innovative solutions has never been higher.”

At JohnsByrnes, Chapdelaine says, “The future is strong and accelerating. As sustainability standards tighten and brands seek greater accountability, North America–produced packaging will continue to gain momentum. We expect increased innovation in paper-based structures, smarter material usage, and deeper collaboration between brands and suppliers early in the design process. For beauty brands, NA-produced sustainable packaging offers a powerful combination of environmental responsibility, quality, speed to market, and supply-chain confidence that will only continue to grow.”

Arkay’s Goldman agrees, saying, “Based on our customers’ increasing preference for sustainably sourced materials in manufacturing their packaging, we believe the future of NA-produced sustainable packaging is a strong one, and we are excited to continue to be at the vanguard of this remarkable trend.”

Expect Continued Growth in Local Packaging Solutions

MCC’s Vens believes the future will be defined by continued growth in sustainable, locally produced solutions. “This evolution,” she says, “is driven not only by regulation, but also by consumer expectations—particularly among younger generations who actively seek out brands that align with their environmental values. North America–based production will play a key role in supporting this transition through innovation, responsiveness, and responsible manufacturing.”

Gill-Alabaster sums it up, saying, “Yes. As EPR expands and corporate sustainability commitments become more measurable and financially material, regional production will remain strategically important.”

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