Cosmetic Packaging Industry Tackles Sustainability and Refillable Packaging Challenges

The cosmetic packaging industry is embracing refillable and reusable packaging to reduce waste while meeting growing sustainability expectations. Brands are also improving packaging design, functionality, and consumer convenience to support long-term adoption.

Published Date: 30 July 2026
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In July 2026, the London Packaging Week 2026 is expected to be attended by beauty brands, designers, and packaging technicians, where they can explore the full breadth of their potential and sustainability credentials. As sustainability moves from being a niche differentiator to a baseline expectation in the cosmetics industry, refillable packaging systems and solutions are providing a viable and valuable solution to the industry’s waste problem.

The global cosmetic packaging market is projected to grow with a CAGR just shy of 5% over the next five years to top $40 billion (c£30 billion) by 2031. On the other hand, the packaging waste generated by the cosmetic industry staying in the landfill doubles up as well. Hence, the cosmetic brands and manufacturers have majorly diverted their attention towards sustainable as well as lighter-weight packaging.

Refill packaging options are gaining huge traction in the cosmetic industry. Consumers observe refill packaging as an easy alternative to conventional packaging, where they do not have to compromise on the quality or quantity of their desired product. Brands consider the refill packaging option as one helpful to repeat their purchases and turn a sale into an ongoing relationship.

Added to that, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are making brands financially accountable for the packaging waste they create; with EPR and PPWR frameworks potentially rewarding reuse through improved packaging grades, refill systems are becoming both a consumer-facing and a commercially strategic choice.

All of this information also reflects the fact that refill packaging is not the final solution. Adoption of the form of packaging by brands with a lack of information is leading them to battle with mess and hygiene concerns, as well as consumer perception that a refill holds less value than the original version. Hence, brands providing refillable options majorly focus on design, functionality, and premiumisation. During London Packaging Week 2026, to be held in September, a wealth of refillable solutions is expected at the show.

Jars, Bottles, Pouches, and Other Forms

The Pinard Beauty Pack (F36) Pin Pack is offered as an alternative to flexible pouches while offering a 100% recyclable solution made from PET or RPET, combined with a PP light capsule. The range of bottles is available in 400ml, 500ml, and 1l sizes and made from PET or Recycled PET. Pin Pack is the result of Pinard’s unique industrial know-how, offering the possibility of creating bottles with ultra-thin walls. The shape of Pin Pack bottles has been optimised to highlight the functionality of the product and is a break with traditional cosmetic bottles, but recognisable enough to promote its refill functionality thanks to an offset neck.

Amcor (F72) offers spouted pouches as a refillable option for the beauty and cosmetics markets. AmPrima spouted stand-up pouches are available in recycle-ready versions made with PE and/or PP; versions containing biomaterials or post-consumer recycled (PCR) content are available upon request.

Another option is Amcor’s Exclusive Refill stick, available as part of the company’s Circular Range. The refillable and reusable mono-material stick is made from 100% polypropylene (PP) and is available with Amcor CleanStream® post-consumer recycled (PCR) PP, which is suitable for contact-sensitive packaging applications. A convenient refill process is said to eliminate contact with the formula to prevent product contamination.

The beauty packaging industry, with reusable and refillable options and a modern and on-trend shape with straight sides across the stick and cap, helps to create an attractive profile and also a large platform for branding and personalization.

Prima Refill is also available from the Amcor Circular Range. The Prima outer jar is available in transparent, frosted, or natural white for an attractive and sustainable beauty experience. The mono-material jar is made with 100% PP and available with up to 100% Amcor CleanStream. The inner container used to refill is claimed to save 40gm of plastic with each purchase; the whole pack weighs 55gm and the refill only 15gm.

Curve Pack (E40) offers a refillable bottle as a premium, sustainable packaging solution designed for high-end skincare and cosmetic products. The packaging team of the brand combines an elegant glass or aluminum outer bottle with a functional airless pump system, delivering both superior product protection and also refined aesthetics. The packaging also consists of a refillable screw structure, allowing an easy replacement of the inner PP container, reducing waste and supporting long-term reuse. It is available in 30ml and 50ml sizes along with fill capacities of 30ml NFC/35ml OFC and 50ml NFC/55ml OFC, this bottle suits serums, lotions, emulsions, and other skincare formulations. Options such as screen printing and hot stamping enable high-quality decoration and full brand customization.

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