Advanced sustainability, beauty tech, individuality, inclusivity, light weighting, and dramatic deco were highlights in the packaging arena.

The 56th edition of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna reported the record-breaking attendance of 255,000 beauty professionals from 150 countries and 3,128 companies from 65 countries, representing more than 10,000 brands. In addition, a full program of educational sessions, training workshops, and live demonstrations added to attendees’ packed agendas.

 “We are extremely proud of the results of this edition,” said Gianpiero Calzolari, President of BolognaFiere Cosmoprof, at the close of the event. “We have concluded a record-breaking Cosmoprof, confirming once again that the exhibition—through its initiatives and services aimed at optimizing business opportunities among industry professionals—is an essential tool for the growth of the sector. We recorded a 4.5% increase in visitors compared to last year, with a high number of international attendees of outstanding quality.”

Cosmoprof reflects the continuous growth of the global beauty industry, which Calzolari said “is expected to exceed €612 billion in revenue by 2025, according to research by Euromonitor International. Our exhibition remains a crucial business partner for industry professionals.” 

An Expanded Cosmopack

Cosmopack, the pavilion dedicated to the global supply chain, expanded into the entire Hall 19. This space also had its usual focus on process and packaging machinery. Halls 15, 18, 15a, 20, and 28 showcased key supply chain segments, including raw materials and ingredients, contract manufacturing, private label, primary and secondary packaging, and packaging components and accessories.  

Beauty Packaging’s Publisher, Jay Gorga, and I spent most of our time surveying the Cosmopack pavilion and speaking with suppliers and industry experts about packaging trends and topics. Following, are some of our observations.

Trend Spotting

As has been the case for years, sustainability continues to be the key topic and direction for packaging, from materials to decoration—though some suppliers said there had been a lagging interest from brands who are mostly concerned about costs. Still, the EU is advancing its agenda for sustainable packaging, and many suppliers we spoke with said there is no turning back. 

New eco-solutions, active ingredients, and materials made their mark on the show floor, as did entries such as neuroscience and palm-leaf packaging. 

With the growth of digital connectivity and constant interconnection, emerging markets are gaining prominence. Regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia are becoming key players, showing the highest growth rates in cosmetic revenues. 

Individual well-being seems key to brand development, especially when it comes to various skin and hair types. The concept of anti-aging has been replaced by a pro-aging approach that inspires people to embrace their bodies more positively, and put a greater emphasis on wellness and healthy lifestyles. Brands are responding with lines of supplements and non-invasive medical beauty treatments that enhance “natural” appearances. In fragrance, collections are strong, and scents inspired by neuroscience and aromatherapy are cropping up more. Also, fragrances in mini versions continue to grow in popularity. 

Opinions on proposed tariffs and how they could affect the beauty industry popped up in many discussions as global uncertainty looms. As a possible solution to supply chain issues, a number of suppliers now operate facilities in several countries.

High-tech beauty was also evident at the show, with features like “active applicators” to enhance the results of skincare treatment products, to LED light therapy hats and beds.

Beautiful booth displays, including numerous multi-level and elaborately decorated stands—including one with a live tree—added to the excitement.

There was a strong focus on color from formula to packaging. Alternative materials, mono-materials, and recyclables were key interests, but some suppliers noted that there is still a strong need for more education on the various options.

Up Close with Exhibitors

Following is a rundown of some of the suppliers and highlights we spotted on the show floor. Companies are arranged in alphabetical order:

Baralan
Baralan Group, a 60-year-old, family-owned leader in primary packaging for the cosmetics and beauty industry, says they celebrate “the art of creativity,” combining industrial efficiency with the excellence of Italian craftsmanship while always looking towards a more sustainable future.

At Cosmoprof, the Italian-based company presented its first ESG Report, which outlines Baralan’s environmental, social, and governance strategies and objectives, “reinforcing its dedication to responsible industrial production and Italian excellence.”

Caroline Baranes, Chief Business Officer, Baralan, and third generation of the family-owned company, explained that each product they produce “tells a story made of passion and refinement, because for Baralan, creating packaging is a form of art. Creativity and design are manifested in the iconic shapes, and in the decorations and customizations of the products, and are realized with the use of advanced and innovative technologies such as 3D printing, which revolutionizes design and mass production.”

Brivaplast
Brivaplast’s message was to re-think your lash routine and “break the rules” with their asymmetrical applicator Eclectic APP662. This applicator sculpts, defines, and volumizes lashes with ease thanks to its shape: On one side, where the bristles are shorter and compose a cone, you can load a good amount of product for a one-stroke application; rotating the brush, where the fibers are longer and compose a barrel, you can easily comb and define your lashes as you desire.

The intertwined position of the kernel-shaped bristles along the brush body “ensures the mascara bulk is collected in between.” Extra style and definition are achieved with the bristles at the top of the brush. Their extra length helps to reach even the smallest lashes at the corners of the eyes.

Citus-Kalix
Citus Kalix, a leader in high-performance cosmetic packaging solutions, presented new packaging solutions designed for efficiency and innovation: three machines to optimize production speed, precision, and flexibility.

The KP600 EVO is an automatic, easy-to-use cartoner operating at 60 cartons per minute for health and beauty applications. Its compact footprint and design offer high reliability and maximum flexibility. A tool-less format change system and assisted changeover functionalities ensure full support and speed during daily operations. 

The KX803 is designed for pharmaceutical and beauty product manufacturing. It’s a tube filling machine, operating at 80 products per minute, and features tool-free disassembly for simplified cleaning and rapid changeovers

The CRLA10 lipstick molding machine is designed for precision and surface quality, producing up to 10 lipsticks per minute with the capability to create various finishes, including engraving and high-shine effects. 

Corpack
At Corpack, Jean Paul Corbeil, Owner, was optimistic and told Beauty Packaging that “things are getting better this year.” He said that Corpack is focusing more and more on mono-materials and recyclables. They’re also working more with ceramics, which can be refillable. A compact at their stand could be made with a variety of bases, from wood, to PET, and a biodegradable cellulose material.

Coverpla

A new logo, a new catalog, and a new booth and style marked Coverpla’s return to Cosmoprof. Shown was a large selection of glass bottles and caps, ranging from wood to Surlyn. Many examples for skincare and fragrance packaging were shown. The 50ml round Karma bottle with a new Leo cap was especially attractive.

Derik
At Derik, Rick Persons showed Beauty Packaging several new product lines, including sticks for suncare, lip products, concealer, and blush. He said, “Sticks continue to be a hot category.” Lots of different caps were also featured, from flush caps to caps with a lip. An all-PET jar with a refillable pot has a built-in applicator on a clear lid. It’s available in 50- and 100ml.

Epopack
One of the things Epopack’s Amy Pan showed Beauty Packaging was their new AQ series, featuring 100% PET bottles and caps. The spring is on the outside of the pump, so it doesn’t come into contact with the formula. Mono-material spray bottles are available in 30-, 60-, and 100ml. PET single-material jars are “transparent in every direction” and available in 5 sizes. Each jar has a cap, lid, and jar base. 

Fiabila
Fiabila, a world expert in nail beauty, offers an incredible range of technologies and formulas for nail polishes, special effects, and daily or specific care, sometimes combined for color & care.

At Cosmoprof Bologna, they shared a number of unique new breakthrough ideas and formulas  for the nail care market, including a gel polish available at retail—My UV Gel @Home, a UV-compliant gel for Europe—which can be applied and removed at home. For polish removal, Fiabila developed a specific Pro Nail Gel Remover that can easily remove all types of nail color, from conventional polish to long-wearing UV gels, for a quick, mess-free experience anytime, anywhere.

Another first in nail beauty, Fiabila’s Nail’Glow Bronzer claims to be “the first hybrid nail treatment,” inspired by facial bronzing drops and enriched with “caring active ingredients.”

Its formula contains patented hexanal, a hardening molecule that strengthens and rebuilds fragile nails, flower acids, which help protect, moisturize and restore nails, and plant extract, which helps protect nail keratin. Fiabila’s SPF50+ Base & Top is the first hybrid SPF50+ nail care formula with UVA/UVB filters.

And not to forget the popularity of strips, Fiabila also premiered a new nail art category: 100% real lacquer nail strips, ready to wear for an almost instant, easy, salon-quality manicure. The long-lasting (10 days) strips can be removed with a regular nail polish remover. All types of pattern designs are possible, and you can even print a photo.

“Fiabila has entered a new era,” explained Filippo Manucci, President and CEO. “We are a company entirely dedicated to nail polish and today, we are able to serve all segments of this market, from mass to very high-end. Our vision is to gradually expand into new categories.”

FR& Partners
FR& Partners offered a variety of “next-level” and tech-centered packaging options. A rechargeable compact was a hit.

Complux is the first compact makeup that uses UVC technology to guarantee a hygienic and safe product. Once the product has been used, the sponge applicator is replaced in its housing, which begins the sanitization process when closed, guaranteeing greater product safety. Complux adds an additional plus in terms of sustainability: the ‘interchangeability’ of the pan, which increases the life cycle of the packaging.

The Pack-Attitude, which works to oppose the thumb and to hold an object in one hand—the idea of opposability—led to the development of FR’s Handly N°1 packaging. Marysol Guerrero told Beauty Packaging, “This new, innovative solution combines functionality, practicality, and eco-conscious design—with a focus on simplicity and ease of use, offering greater versatility in makeup inclusivity.” 

The packaging is designed “to simplify the gestures in the use of a compact,” with an intuitive opening system that allows the use and opening of the packaging with one hand. In fact, two ‘flexible flaps,’ positioned on the perimeter, act as opening buttons, and a light pressure with the thumb and middle finger is enough to lift the top automatically. The Handly N°1 compact makeup case is made entirely of a mono-material (PET), “which guarantees maximum sustainability and recyclability.” 

FR & Partners says that tech-related beauty devices will become an increasingly integral part of the daily skincare routine. This is the idea behind the “Glow-Sync-System,” a kit that offers “a complete skincare solution,” especially for acne-prone skin. “Skin Analiser,” is a cutting-edge tool that measures facial oil and hydration levels, providing personalized skincare information, by monitoring sebum and hydration levels, to help monitor skin progress over time. Equipped with NFC technology, the device not only displays the results directly, it also synchronizes data in real-time (dedicated app), offering a simple and intuitive way to analyze and manage skin health.

Geka
Beauty applicator and packaging expert Geka was celebrating its remarkable 100th anniversary, with the launch of its Art Deco-inspired Golden Grace collection, that pays ode to the Roaring ’20s “when strong, independent women began to shine.” The new collection combines Geka’s heritage with its modern packaging technologies to recapture the expressionism of this golden era.

Lea Bogenreuther, Junior Marketing Manager, explained that the company started as a brush factory in Waizendorf, but by the 1950’s it was producing twisted wire brushes for cosmetics. By the 1960s, the company utilized plastic molding to move into packaging and applicator manufacturing. Later, introducing its molded mascara brushes, Geka has grown into a full-service partner for cosmetics, offering its customers turnkey support.

The new Golden Grace collection typifies this century of innovation, combining the bold vibrancy of 1920s aesthetics with advanced decorating techniques. The collection features technologies such as Roctool Heat & Cool Technology, an induction molding method that heats the mold to deliver a stunning applicator. Geka’s shadow printing service, which uses no additional foil or ink, creates striking finishes for all types of packaging. According to Bogenreuther, “both methods conserve resources compared to traditional processes, reducing the carbon footprint of cosmetics.” Special “Roctool” technology combines all deco techniques in one step in the mold.

GZ Sanrong
GZ Sanrong highlighted their new double airless pump tube. They also exhibited center dispensing tubes, soft tip tubes, and paper tubes.

HCT by kdc/one
HCT by kdc/one filled its large space at Cosmopack with a wide array of cosmetic solutions, from packaging to formulation, to ready-to-go, and more. A few of the items that stood out are:

HCT’s patent-pending EcoTube is described as “the next generation of sustainable packaging with their one-step injection-molded tube, where both the cap and body are seamlessly produced together.” Crafted entirely from LDPE, this mono-material design ensures easy recyclability while maintaining premium quality. In-mold customization allows for unique textures in “an eco-conscious alternative to traditional tubes.”

Calico Airless Pump, HCT’s innovative airless bottle technology replaces the traditional multi-component design with a streamlined one-piece EBM PP bottle featuring a thin LDPE inner pouch. As the product is dispensed, the pouch detaches from the outer layer (except at the neck) and compresses, ensuring complete evacuation. Unlike conventional airless bottles with thick walls, HCT says their design enables a thinner outer layer, reducing plastic use by over 50% while maintaining functionality and sustainability. 

HCT’s attractive Capsule Airless Pump “redefines convenience with its innovative airless pump and unique dispensing gesture that is both intuitive and engaging.” Simply unscrew the cap, insert it into the base to activate the pump, and press to dispense—delivering a precise dose every time. Designed for effortless travel and on-the-go use, its multi-functional cap doubles as the actuator, ensuring it never gets misplaced. It’s crafted from mono-material polypropylene (PP), and is fully recyclable. Choose to recycle it as a whole, or extend its lifespan by refilling the outer bottle and cap with a new inner set.

IBG
Kirsten Haazer, head of Sales, North America, at IBG-Innovative Beauty Group (Orchard, Fasten, Roberts Beauty), showed us a large range of attractive bottles in different colors and sizes that they had recently developed for Family Dollar stores. In an “uncertain economy,” Haazer noted, “the products sell for $6 and under—and are benchmarked to premium brands.”

Leef Packaging
One unique stand on the show floor was Leef Packaging, offering an alternative to traditional materials. Headquartered in Germany, and manufacturing in India, the company gathers special Areca palm leaves in India—each one unique and sustainable. The leaves can be molded or baked into new forms. The tooling is made in-house from aluminum.

Libo Cosmetics
At Libo Cosmetics, Gina Lin, Founder & CEO, showed us a number of beautifully decorated cosmetic collections, including some made with mono-materials.  An exquisitely decorated plastic compact looks just like metal. Plastic accents and embellishments have the look of metal, and look premium.

Lumson
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Lumson premiered its first fragrance packaging collection at Cosmopack: 13 premium-designed solutions in 50- and 100ml, 2 travel sizes, and 60 over caps in different materials (wood, aluminum, plastic), for a total of over 1,500 different combinations.

“Through the years, we have built an increasingly solid, established industrial process, where products are designed, developed, and manufactured entirely in-house,” said Matteo Moretti, President. “Our manufacturing model, based on continuous innovation (in 2024, the company invested 7% of its revenue in innovation) and close collaboration between all departments, from the industrial team to the laboratory, from quality control to the R&D division, allows us to create high-performance products and offer customers both standard ‘turnkey’ and tailor-made solutions. Now, with 50 years of experience behind us and a solid position in the makeup and skincare world, we have decided to bring this valuable wealth of knowledge, innovation, taste, and savoir-faire to the fragrance world to create something unique.” 

Nuon Medical
Nuon Medical presented a wide array of cosmetic applicators and tools—more than 400—designed for next-gen, high-tech skincare. A selection of new devices works to identify fluorescent agents (which can be found on anything from laundry detergents to sheet masks to plastics), and which can cause skin irritation, pore-clogging, etc. Others use red light or micro-needling to more effectively apply skincare formulations; some measure SPF coverage. Alain Djkystra, CEO and Founder, showed us a tool that checks skin elasticity following a retinol treatment with a clinician. 

Pumtech
Pumtech, based in Korea, is “a 24-year-young company, that has become the largest primary packaging company in Korea,” according to Daniel Cha, Vice President. He told us they have 4 plants, and have been driven by K-Beauty and their support of both indie and global brands. The overriding company motto, explains Cha, is, “They dream it, we make it happen.” 

Known for a wide assortment of cosmetic packaging, including pumps, compacts, and sticks, Pumtech is proud of its reputation for “trend-leading new products” and how it creates them, Cha tells us. He says the company always has an objective to create a new mechanism, and develop the packaging to meet formulation goals. Above all, Cha says, Pumtech makes sure that the product works well with the packaging.

A good example is a project from Pumtech for indie brand Muzigae Mansion, for which they created “a cushion within a cushion.” This required full customization for an indie brand that did not have its own engineers or designers. Cha says. “Pumtech understood the brand’s dream and made it happen.” 

The high-performing airtight inner parts for Muzigae Mansion are from Pumtech’s existing platform, and are the core parts and mechanism of the packaging. “Utilizing an existing part or engine helps to reduce risk as well as shorten development lead time, so the dream happens faster,” says Cha.

Sunglow
At Sunglow Technology, Damien Dossin, showed us several plastic packs with no metal parts, including pumps that spray upside down, and pumps used for different viscosities. A line of refillable jars has magnetic spatulas that fit into the inside of the lid. The manufacturer also offers unique press-fit lids for easy closure. Dossin said that refillables are often requested. Most of Sunglow’s tooling and product testing is done in-house.

Tubex
With a focus on aluminum and sustainability, Tubex presented its full portfolio for the first time. There was an emphasis on solutions, from aluminum cans to tubes, and the many options for using aluminum rather than plastics.

Zignago Vetro
Zignago Vetro’s emphasis at Cosmoprof was providing packaging with less weight. Their More Lite Collection is billed as “the lightest perfume bottle ever made.” It’s available in a new organic shape, with reduced weight. The Kahlo dropper bottle can also have a spray. Mini replicas of full-size fragrance bottles remain popular for on-the-go.

Want More Cosmoprof?

The next edition of Cosmoprof Bologna will be held March 26-29, 2026. In the meantime, closer to home, Cosmoprof North America—Las Vegas, will run July 15-17, 2025, at The Mandalay Bay Convention Center. New this year will be Beauty New York, a Cosmoprof North America Event set to debut in October of 2025, which will be “the first major forum to combine B2B and consumer elements.”