Cosmetics Packaging Marketing Forecast 2014-2024, states that the global cosmetics packaging market for 2014 has been valued at $25.83bn, with growth accelerating towards the end of the forecast period. The cosmetics packaging market report is defined by materials used: rigid plastic, flexible plastic, glass, metal, and paper/board.

 

The plastic subdivision continues to be the highest in demand, with rigid plasticdominating the market, and flexible plastic predicted to have the highest growth rate over the 2014-2024 period. Benefits of plastic include economic efficiency, adaptability, versatility, and overall convenience.

 

However, plastic is seen as the least sustainable material in comparison to its counterparts. With organic products and sustainability trending globally, governments and companies are implementing policies surrounding the usage and recyclability of plastics.

 

“The ‘green’ trend has taken off [and]  now have bioplastics and certain countries banning, or charging a levy on plastic bag usages. With regards to cosmetics packaging, it will be a while before bio-plastics are used.”

 

Glass and metal follow behind plastics in market size; these materials are more reserved for luxury items rather than the mass or middle market. Both are environmentally more sustainable than plastic.

 

Out of the two markets, metal is the preferred material for high-end cosmetic packaging; its versatility, element of luxury, and heft making it more desirable. So why does metal continue to fall behind plastic, with regards to market size?

 

“Metal’s projected growth lags behind the growth of other packaging materials due to the advancements of plastic processing that enable the production of packaging that has a metallic look,” Valechha states, “Another main reason for the sluggish growth is the rise in the cost of raw materials of metal in comparison to plastic over the last couple of years.”

 

Certain materials are considered ‘best’ for specific cosmetics, such as glass for nail care or rigid plastic for hair care. The obvious conclusion to this is that the cosmetic packaging market is directly influenced by the cosmetic market, the current fashion trends, and undoubtedly by the product contained within.

 

A market worthy of mentioning is that for anti-agers. With an ever-increasing aging global population, more people are taking an active approach in delaying signs of aging. The fastest growing segment of the facial skin care submarket is anti-agers, which means manufacturers are designing their products to facilitate usage among their large group of elderly consumers.

 

The current boom in the male grooming market has led to an exponential rise over the past six years in the number of male cosmetics as well, especially in the Western markets.

 

“The change in attitude is partly due to the increasingly competitive work environment, where looks are considered to be one part of a professional appearance. Particularly in white-collar and service-oriented work environments maintaining ones looks can be seen as part of a professional routine,” says Valechha.

 

The male grooming sector is currently one of the top drivers of growth for the German cosmetics market.

 

North America currently accounts for the largest market share in cosmetic packaging and will continue to hold the top position during the forecasted period, the success of its drugstores being a main driver. While Japan and Germany are expected to fall from their current position in the least of leading markets, China, Brazil, and India are expected to grow and move ahead in the next decade.

 

The BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) economies are forecasted to be considerably profitable over the decade, specifically hair care in Brazil and, skin care in India and China. India will have the highest growth rate in the 2014-2024 period, moving from 9th to 4th place out of the eleven countries being analysed. This is mostly due to the fact that, in contrast to the aging and unstable economies of the Western markets, India has a large young population and thriving economy. With this improvement in purchasing power comes a rise in fashion consciousconsumers and an injection of new products being offered by domestic and foreign companies.

 

“Women being placed into better paying jobs has increased the spending power of female consumers in India. Moreover, the increased levels of brand advertising and the impressions created on the youth by the Indian film industry have increased the awareness of on the importance of grooming and fashion.”

 

As emerging economies place more emphasis on grooming and appearance, the cosmetics and cosmetic packaging market will continue to grow. Organisations are looking to utilise their packaging in a way that entices consumers and raises brand awareness. Through innovation and building of a unique image, cosmetic companies are designing products, and product packaging with the end-consumer’s environment and lifestyle in mind, in order to stay competitive.