Beauty packaging suppliers are helping brands meet tight timelines and stay under budget with stock packaging solutions that won’t compromise aesthetics or functionality. Stock packaging and standards are available in various styles, including bottles and jars in glass and plastic that feel luxe. There are also stick formats, bottles with airless pumps, and dropper packs—paired with all types of caps and closures.

“Stock packaging has always played an important role in the beauty industry,” says Liana Cook, Vice President, ABA Packaging Corp. “A ten to twelve-week lead time or longer is not uncommon for primary packaging. Combine this with 10,000-25,000 MOQs, and the advantages of stock packaging are clear.”

Suppliers are stepping up with fresh solutions to keep launches on schedule and on-trend. Read on for a glimpse of what’s new and notable in stock packaging.

Stock Packaging & ‘Standards’ Deliver Similar Benefits

Both stock packaging and standards will help reduce time-to-market, which is key to success in the competitive beauty industry. Even though some suppliers use the terms interchangeably, stock and standard packaging are defined differently.

“Stock packaging is pre-manufactured and ready to dispatch, which is why it’s also called ‘market-ready’,” says Charlotte Defoin, marketing and communications manager at Stoelzle Glass Group. “Stock packaging will significantly reduce lead times—allowing brands to launch new products faster, while responding quickly to market trends and seasonal demands.” 

Although not always “in stock,” standard packaging is also a quicker path to market when compared to a custom design. “Our Standards are not readily available, but they allow a brand to skip the extensive and costly processes of designing the container and building the mold,” explains Jimmy Young, Head of Product Development at Jersey Packaging Solution, also known as JPS. “But we also maintain an in-stock-inventory that’s ready to ship immediately,” he says. 

JPS, which is based in Cranbury, NJ, features an in-stock inventory that includes glass fragrance bottles and cream jars, made with 15% post-industrial recycled content (PIR). Its catalog features over 500 standards, including rigid bottles and jars in PET or HDPE. Also available are airless packaging, aluminum bottles, pouches, lip gloss tubes, compacts, and more.

Rising Requests for Stock Packaging

Suppliers report that stock packaging is in high demand, as they receive an increasing number of requests from brands. When more brands choose stock packaging, it benefits everyone, according to Jennifer Taylor, Senior Marketing Manager at Amcor. “If your brand uses a closure that is common in the market and used by several other companies, the manufacturer can invest in a larger tool for a stock closure that runs more parts per minute and keeps costs low,” she says.

Jeff Carbone, Sales Manager/South Region at Baralan USA, says speed-to-market is often cited as a primary reason for choosing stock packaging. “Lower costs from avoiding new molds are also appealing, and make market entry accessible,” he says.

Baralan offers cosmetic stock packaging, primarily in glass, including bottles, jars, rollerballs, and more. Its offerings include a wide range of sizes, from 2- to 200ml. Plus, a large selection of compatible closures is available, including pumps and droppers. “We have matching closures for all of our glass bottles and jars, easily combined to make complete sets for turnkey packaging solutions,” says Carbone. 

The majority of Baralan’s stock packaging is available in the U.S., while some designs are available through the company’s global headquarters in Milan. ”We offer a large domestic inventory, so we are a reliable and predictable supplier partner—even in today’s chaotic world, where we have to expect the unexpected. We help brands reduce risk,” says Carbone.

Skincare and hair care brands looking for a quick-to-market packaging solution often partner with Allstar Packaging, located in West Berlin, NJ. “Many of the brands we work with like the fact that although we produce components in Asia, many are ‘in-stock’ locally in the U.S.,” says Michelle Wu, the company’s regional sales manager. The supplier offers in-stock and standard designs in plastic and glass, including airless bottles, tubes, dropper packs, spray pumps, caps, and more.

Related: Alleviating Supply Chain Issues Via ‘Made in USA/NA’

Brands of All Sizes Use Stock Packaging 

Beauty brands of all sizes find stock packaging convenient—and often essential to a new product’s success. Many suppliers report working with both start-ups and established companies. 

“Our stock glass bottles are a smart option for any brand seeking agility, affordability, and quality—without sacrificing design and sustainability,” says Stoelzle’s Defoin. 

Baralan’s Carbone agrees and says, “Long lead times and uncertainty are top of mind for many brands. Indie brands are happy to discover our large catalog, while established brands appreciate that our stock inventory meshes well with their forecasts—so we can ensure stock and foreseeable pricing.”

Allstar’s Wu also says both smaller and larger brands are choosing stock packaging, often for different reasons. “While smaller brands may require low MOQs due to budget constraints, larger brands are often on tight timelines and benefit from packaging that is readily available.”

Amcor’s Taylor says the company often fulfills orders from larger, well-known brands choosing its stock closures. “Brands are constantly testing limited releases of new products to determine which ones will thrive in the market. By using stock packaging, they can get these new products into the market quickly—and exit quickly—with minimal investment and risk when compared to a custom package,” she explains.

ABA’s Cook also says choosing stock packaging is a strategy that many larger brands utilize to test the market. “Our stock packaging that’s available with low MOQs gives brands the flexibility to test new products and see how the market responds before producing larger quantities,” she says. “And we always keep an eye on current trends to ensure that our stock collections will meet the needs of brands.” 

ABA Packaging says it stocks over a million dollars’ worth of inventory in New York—and can fulfill orders as low as a few hundred pieces. “We can deliver within two to three weeks or less for items sold as-is from our stock packaging inventory,” says Cook. 

Read on—we spoke to packaging suppliers about the stock and standard collections each offers.

Here are a few stock packaging designs suppliers are highlighting—keep these in mind for your next launch:

ABA’s Stock Solutions in Aluminum & Glass

ABA says its aluminum bottles are often requested by brands—and the market-ready collection can help a brand launch a new product quickly, and with low MOQs. It’s available in three stock sizes—45-, 100-, and 300ml. “They all feature a GPI 24/410 neck finish for complete product versatility,” says Cook. 

The aluminum bottles have a food-grade internal lining. “This new stock offering will provide more brands access to aluminum packaging, which is quickly becoming the most sought-after recyclable material,” says Cook.

One of ABA’s hero stock lines is “Abby,” a glass bottle that’s available in a range of sizes from 15- through 120ml. Cook says its glass Abby bottles are so popular that the supplier keeps various sizes in stock for fast turnaround. Brands can choose from flint glass, acid-etch frosted, or an opaque glossy finish for a custom look in low MOQs.

“Brands have the ability to use ‘Abby’ to launch a complete line of products with a cohesive look across a range of SKUs,” says Cook. “And it’s easy to customize our Abby bottles—as a rollerball, spray, skincare treatment, or nail polish bottle.”

ABA’s Hunter glass jar is another one of its most often requested stock packages. It’s available in sizes from 3- to 200ml—with various cap colors. “Hunter is a great stock jar for lip balms, moisturizers, eye creams, body butters, and more,” says Cook. 

Allstar’s Popular PCR Bottles & Jars

Allstar Packaging offers its 320 Series, a popular line of HDPE bottles that are in-stock in 30% PCR in its New Jersey warehouse—and can be made to order with up to 50% PCR. This bottle can also be made using PP, PE, or PET. 

Allstar also offers the 519 Series, a standard line of PP jars, also made with up to 50% PCR. These are not “in-stock,” but the mold is available as a standard design. “Both the cap and jar are PP, making it mono-material and easily recyclable,” says Wu. 

Stoelzle Glass Group’s Elixir and Phoenix Bottles 

Stoelzle Glass Group’s Premium Standard Collections include several collections and uniquely designed glass bottles. Elixir and Phoenix are the supplier’s newest standard bottle collections.

To pair with its bottles, Stoelzle offers dispensers, caps, and closures. “We made both Elixir and Phoenix as light as possible, using the least raw materials to reduce our environmental impact,” says Defoin.

Stoelzle’s Elixir line, available in 30- and 50ml sizes, is ideal for all types of cosmetic products. “We think of Elixir as a serum or foundation bottle,” says Defoin. “We are developing a smaller size and a larger, to launch by the end of this year.”

Phoenix is the supplier’s six-bottle collection designed for fragrances. Four of the bottles—the 10-, 30-, 50-, and 100ml sizes—have an SNI15 neck. “This means they are refillable,” says Defoin “And our 150- and 200ml bottles are perfect for fragrance refills.” The largest sizes, 150- and 200ml, have a GP124-410 neck, which is ideal for bath and body products. 

A glass molder for over 200 years, Stoelzle has factories in the UK, Poland, and France. The company acquired its factory in Monaca, PA in 2021—marking the opening of its seventh glass plant and its first in the U.S. 

Baralan’s Turnkey ‘Maria’ Jar Line

Baralan’s glass Maria jars are an elegant, wide-mouth design, and available in 15- through 200ml sizes. “A brand can launch many different products, in different size jars, with a cohesive look—and a high perceived value. We designed our Maria line because we saw a large demand for wider jars that are eye-catching, functional, and beautiful,” says Carbone. Pair a ‘Maria’ jar with one of Baralan’s many matching accessories, including protection discs, in PE, spatulas in PP, and caps in PP.  

The team at Baralan, which has its North America headquarters in Richmond Hill, NY, emphasizes the importance of sustainability. “We are very much focused on incorporating sustainable options for our stock packaging. We offer PCR at various percentages, such as 30-, 60-, and 100%. Many of our closures are eco-friendly, and mainly in PP. We also offer bio-based options, organic infused material, and no-carbon black caps,” says Carbone.

SR Packaging’s Mono-Material Stick Package

Beauty sticks are popular, so it’s no surprise that some suppliers are receiving an increasing number of inquiries about stick packaging formats. SR Packaging offers a stick format as a standard design—but unlike other in-stock options, it has an MOQ of 30k. 

“The increasing popularity of waterless products is leading to a greater number of stick formulations, which is driving the demand for stick packaging,” says Melissa Ferguson, S VP of Packaging Engineering and Technical Sales at SR Packaging North America. Products like blush sticks are modern, and appeal to consumers.”

SR Packaging’s mono-material stick package is available in PP, PET, or aluminum, and can be made with PCR. It is ideal for lipstick, lip balm, or a skincare treatment product. The company is based in Taichung, Taiwan, while SR Packaging North America is headquartered in Allentown, PA.

JPS Offers a Variety of Eco-Friendly Stock Packaging Solutions

The team at JPS says it focuses on sustainability, and offers an extensive range of stock packaging solutions. The supplier’s glass bottles and jars contain 10-15% post-industrial recycled (PIR) material. These are ideal for serums, lotions, and fragrances. JPS also offers mono-material plastic jars made with over 95% PCR.

JPS offers a line of standard caps and droppers that are compatible with its stock packages for quick pairing and fulfillment. “Closures and pumps can be a major obstacle when it comes to meeting sustainability goals and ensuring full recyclability,” says Young. “We know how to balance eco-conscious design with reliable performance.”

JPS’s stock packaging collection includes mono-material lip balm and deodorant sticks, dropper packs, and airless bottles with pumps, all in 100% PP. 

“We produce the entire pack in PP, including pumps, for a complete recycle-ready design,” says Young. JPS developed an innovative mono-material pump with a fully plastic spring. “Our patented structural design delivers outstanding performance—it’s tested for over 2,000 consecutive presses. It maintains a smooth, consistent dispensing experience comparable to conventional pumps,” he explains. 

JPS offers stock packaging in carbon-free black. “Our material is ‘detected’ by sorting machines to ensure recyclability,” Young says. 

Amcor’s New Flip-Top Cap Designs for Bottles & Tubes

Amcor offers a variety of stock closures for beauty and personal care products, including its ‘Next Gen 410’ flip-top and ‘Divinity’ flip-top. “A flip-top design is convenient for consumers. It’s one piece, which allows the cap to stay attached to the bottle while cleanly dispensing the product. It opens and closes with one hand, and has a thumb recess—so it’s a simple, intuitive opening experience,” says Taylor. 

Amcor’s ‘Next Gen 410’ flip-top closures are PP, and fully recyclable. The closure pairs with bottles that have a common 410 neck finish, including Amcor’s stock bottle collection. A range of orifice sizes will accommodate products with different viscosities. 

The closure features an improved hinge design and optimized weight. “Our new butterfly-style hinge snaps back and remains in place after opening. The product dispenses cleanly without cap interference,” explains Taylor. 

Related: Why Tubes Have Become a Go-To Choice

Another useful feature is the cap’s linerless seal, called a ‘crab’s claw.’ “This helps prevent product leakage without the need for a secondary liner. “Eliminating a liner helps reduce costs, while also reducing waste. The consumer won’t need to peel anything off before using the product,” says Taylor.  

Amcor’s flip-top ‘Divinity’ closures are PP. They are designed to pair with the supplier’s extruded, laminate, and ‘DecoFusion’ tubes. “Our tubes are also considered stock packaging, as they come in standard diameters and lengths,” says Taylor. 

The ‘Divinity’ closure is designed so that a tube can stand inverted on its cap. “Several orifice sizes are available, to dispense products like shampoo, face wash, lotions, sunscreen and more,” says Taylor.

Amcor is based in Zurich, Switzerland, but now has a U.S. base in Evansville, Indiana, since the company’s merger with Berry Global Group.

Decorating Achieves a Custom Look

Suppliers advise brands to utilize decorating techniques strategically—ensuring that a stock or standard package can rival any custom design. Pairing a custom-decorated stock closure with a bottle, jar, or tube will further align with a brand’s DNA, suppliers say. 

Amcor’s stock bottles come in an infinite number of colors and decorating options. “A brand can easily create a custom look using a stock mold,” says Taylor. “And our stock closures are fully customizable by changing the color to coordinate with your brand’s messaging. We offer in-house color-matching to help accelerate product launches and minimize cost.”

Stoelzle’s glass decorating services help brands create a distinct look. “When combined with our interchangeable components—caps, pumps, and droppers—every stock bottle looks unique,” says Defoin. The supplier offers glass spraying, inner lacquering, screen-printing, hot-stamping, and more. Depending on the type of decoration and quantity needed, Stoelzle offers decorating services in two of its factories—in France and in Poland.

Marc-Antoine Barrois is a fragrance brand that uses Stoelzle’s stock Cubique bottles. “We decorated these bottles with a golden surface on one side,” says Stoelzle’s Defoin. Avene, a sun care brand by Pierre-Fabre, chose Stoelzle’s Classic Whisper bottle, decorated with a spraying process. 

More Decorating Options for Stock Packaging

ABA Packaging has full decorating capabilities, including opaque, transparent, or gradient spray coatings for its glass bottles and jars. Acid-etch frosting is available upon request, along with silk-screening and hot stamping. “We’re a one-stop shop, supplying decorated packaging. We specialize in transforming stock packaging so it’s unique to a brand,” says Cook. The company has been supplying the beauty industry with a diverse assortment of stock packaging solutions for over 40 years.

Baralan delivers turnkey packaging solutions with its ability to decorate domestically. “We can silk-screen, acid etch and spray our bottles and jars. This reduces steps for our clients and simplifies the process,” says Carbone.   

Allstar Packaging’s decorating capabilities include molding bottles and jars in custom colors. Allstar also offers silk-screening, spray coating, and hot-stamping processes. 

KalabMD chose Allstar’s glass stock bottles, paired with a plastic pump and cap, molded in a custom color with a matte coating. The bottles are decorated with a custom spray coating, a spot gloss varnish, and silk-screening. “By utilizing decoration and pairing our bottles with custom-colored closures, the brand created a unique look,” says Wu. “And the dropper pack has a metal closure, anodized in a custom color with a matte coating.”

Suppliers Advise on Deco Techniques

SR Packaging can decorate its twist-up stick packages using various processes, but Ferguson suggests bringing back an older technique—marbling injection-molding. “This decoration can give a stick package, or any stock package, a luxe look using patterns inspired by nature. It’s a custom look that may appeal to a new generation of consumers. The process has been around since plastic injection-molding was first popularized for industrial production,” she says.

JPS offers a range of decorating services for its plastic stock packaging, including in-mold color, spray coating, specialized coatings, metallizing, heat-transfer labeling, and more. “Decorations that will maintain compatibility with recycling—to ensure that packaging remains both visually impactful and environmentally responsible—is also important,” Young says. “We support a brand’s sustainability goals by offering expert guidance on the decoration methods and the extent of surface coverage can impact the recyclability of a package.”

A Final Tip—Finding a Supplier Partner

Designing and developing packaging can be a long process, but finding the right supplier partner can be key to success.

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