Beauty industry suppliers and brands have long relied to a great extent on B2B trade shows and in-person visits from vendors to source new packaging innovations, survey the latest packaging solutions, get a pulse on the state of the business—and of course, network with like-minded peers. But with a total void in industry trade shows over the past two years, and in-person office visits at a relative halt, product and packaging developers often found it difficult to locate vital components that would propel their brands forward. Adding to the challenge was the need to find packaging that meets their sustainable criteria.

Beauty Packaging saw the need for a new solution—one that would engage innovative suppliers with brands looking for sustainable solutions. Taking a cue from the industry’s time-proven B2C beauty product sampling boxes—we created a breakthrough box designed to bring market-ready sustainable packaging solutions direct to the doorsteps of opt-in beauty industry brands, contract manufacturers, designers and others.

The premier B2B Beauty Box shipped in May, and requests for sustainable packaging solutions are rolling in. Participating sponsors with unbranded products in the box include: ABA, Anomatic, Berry Global, Coverpla, CTK, Eastman, JP Packaging, Inoac, Montebello Packaging, Neenah Packaging, Qosmedix, Veresence and WWP Beauty.

Leading in Sustainable Solutions

Members of Beauty Packaging’s audience who had requested to receive the box, are privy to direct contact with the packaging offerings—and are also provided with complete details on the products and the companies that offer them. Spec sheets and follow-up contact info are included in the Box, to aid in further discussions and decision-making.

Here, we speak with key executives from the B2B Box supplier sponsors for insights on their enthusiasm for this “out-of-the-box” pilot project, how it feeds their innovation and sustainability goals—and why sustainable packaging is spurring product development as it becomes a priority for them and their customers. 

ABA Packaging

At ABA Packaging, Michael Warford, director of new business development, says Beauty Packaging’s B2B Beauty Box was a timely and necessary antidote to the in-person sensory experience lost to the pandemic. He explains, “The Covid pandemic has created an environment where everything and everyone has gone virtual. The virtual platform unfortunately does nothing to satisfy the senses which has made it very difficult to portray and convey the most positive aspects of your products and innovations. The B2B Beauty Box offers the opportunity to ‘excite the senses’ by putting actual packaging products in the hands of targeted and interested buyers. This is such a great concept to help us promote our products and services during this period of time where face-to-face meetings are rare if not impossible. There is a saying in the automotive sales industry that ‘The Feel of the Wheel Seals the Deal.’

The B2B Beauty Box allows prospective buyers ‘a feel of the wheel’ when it comes to packaging products.”

ABA chose to include some highly decorated 15FEA crimp neck aluminum bottles that are ideal for fragrance and body spray products, in the B2B Beauty Box. Warford says, “Almost every packaging inquiry that we get these days requests our best eco options. To satisfy this need, we have teamed up with great manufacturers to enable us to offer many credible ‘eco options’ in primary packaging components to our existing and new customers. Aluminum products such as bottles, cans, jars and caps have been hot eco-friendly items for us due to the high rates of recyclability, and the fact that aluminum is one of the most sought-after materials for recycling in the packaging industry. To add to the eco-attraction, our aluminum bottles and cans are now available with up to 100% PCR or PIR in many sizes and shapes.” In addition, ABA can now offer full hot-stamping on many of these aluminum bottles and cans.

Neenah

Neenah’s marketing manager, Michele Pistone, agrees about the Box’s appeal in connecting to the senses. “Seeing is believing, says Pistone. “We were so excited for the opportunity to get Neenah folding board into the hands of decision makers, to feel the elegant vellum surface, to see the printability, and experience the scoring and folding properties themselves.” With demand for sustainable products so high, she says it was difficult to decide which one product to include, eventually selecting a product that is premium looking, made from 100% post-consumer waste, and industrial compostable. “It checks all the boxes,” she explains.

Pistone says sustainability planning at Neenah is an ongoing process and a long-term commitment. “We’ve been focused on energy and water conservation efforts, responsible fiber sourcing and our overall environmental impact for decades.” In addition, she says they prioritize educating their customers on how their choices impact the environment while offering products that reflect Neenah’s own sustainable values.

Currently, Pistone says Neenah is working on “a new, innovative product for the retail world that has the potential to eliminate a large percentage of plastic in the waste stream.”

WWP Beauty

Michael Tognetti, chairman of the WWP Beauty Sustainability Committee, tells Beauty Packaging, “Sustainability falls within the key pillars of purpose for WWP Beauty. We recognize that sustainability is not a trend, it is a commitment to the planet and the future of our industry. We know that beauty brands everywhere need solutions when it comes to sustainability, and our offering of these solutions adds value and purpose to them.”

Already during the first half of 2021, WWP Beauty has launched many new sustainable innovations including their Refillable Multi-Use Face Stick, ColorVue Lipstick, Modernist Square Tube, Eco-Pac Tube, Cutsie Collection and Mindful Collection.

In addition, WWP Beauty has also built their Eco Analyzer Tool, which Tognetti says “allows brands to measure the sustainability impact of a package or design so that they can customize their sustainability approach and educate their end consumer through validated sustainability claims.”

When it came to Beauty Packaging’s B2B Beauty Box, Tognetti says, “We wanted to include an item that had multiple sustainability points and claims. The Refillable Multi-Use Body Stick is not only refillable, but it can also be made with PCR material and features a mono-material refill cartridge.”

What’s on the horizon at WWP Beauty? Tognetti says the company will continue to explore new sustainable materials and eco-design strategies with an upcoming Glass Skincare Collection, Refillable Collection, and new sustainable packaging options across the color, skincare, haircare and body care categories.

Coverpla

Gilda Mirra Cutri, vice president of operations & business development at Coverpla, was on-board with the Box. She says, “Box services have become incredibly popular over the last few years because they provide an exciting and hassle-free experience for people to test and visualize products from the comfort of their home. This is helping our industry present new products during times where social distancing is important.”

Cutri says she chose to include the Verdi 100ml bottle—an ultra-light glass bottle with a PCR cap—in the B2B Box, in order to show “a complete package with a high-end look.” These are also kept in stock and have a shorter lead-time and MOQ.

Sustainability is an important pillar at Coverpla “because we need to protect our planet for the well-being of future generations,” says Cutri. The company continues to expand existing product lines and product offerings to meet sustainability goals. What lies ahead? Cutri divulges, “We are working on a sustainable plastic cap, but it is too soon to share details.”

Qosmedix

At Qosmedix, Sari Sternschein, vice president marketing and product development, tells Beauty Packaging, “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the B2B Box because Beauty Packaging’s readers are the perfect target audience for Qosmedix. It’s a great way for us to reach buyers that are interested in more sustainable options for their business.”

She says deciding on which products to include was an easy choice for the team “because the box distribution coincides with the launch of our new EQO-Friendly cosmetic applicators. These applicators are plastic-free and available in both bamboo and FSC Certified paper which is a first in the industry.”

On Earth Day, Qosmedix launched their “Qosmedix Cares” Initiative which Sternschein describes as “a corporate program to help protect our planet, our people and create a more sustainable environment for future generations. It encompasses everything from the products we source to our social responsibility, what we are doing to help our community and so much more.” 

As an integral part of the program, Sternschein explains that the company is dedicated to developing more products using sustainable materials. “Whether it is PCR, FSC Certified Paper and Bamboo, Mycelium, Ocean Bound Plastics, Recyclable Plastics, we are evaluating everything and doing the R&D to determine which products are appropriate for our stock line and which we can offer for custom projects.”

In August, Qosmedix will be introducing a 30ml, 50% PCR Airless Jar that will feature two different pump options.

Inoac & Eastman

Eastman says it is committed to advancing a circular economy—and is reducing their own environmental impact and helping others to do the same. The company is committing to carbon neutrality by 2050. Tara Cary, market development manager, SP-Cosmetics Packaging, Eastman, says, “We are working across the value chain to accelerate the implementation of circular economy solutions, technologies and concepts.”

Why did Eastman opt to be part of the B2B Beauty Box—and why did they include packaging they had developed with Inoac?

“Beauty Packaging’s direct access to over 300 sustainability-minded customers was a sure way to connect with our target audience,” says Cary.

She says they chose to include products from Inoac made with Eastman’s Cristal Renew portfolio of sustainable materials that feature high levels of certified recycled content (via a mass balance allocation process) enabled by Eastman’s ‘game-changing’ molecular recycling technologies. “These beautiful bottles demonstrate how brands can combine luxury aesthetics with sustainability for a win-win proposition,” explains Cary. “With Eastman’s molecular recycling technologies, we can provide an infinite lifespan—a truly circular solution for the plastics vital to our everyday lives.”  

What to watch for from Eastman?  Cary says, “We have lots of exciting new launches planned for 2021. Stay tuned for more details soon.”

Berry Global

Berry Global offers a number of sustainability options, including PCR content, light-weighting, refillable/reusable, bio-resins, and single-substrate packages.

When it came to participating in the B2B Beauty Box, selecting which product to include was easy. Vali Braselton, marketing manager of Berry’s Consumer Packaging North America division, says, “This offered a great opportunity for customers to see firsthand the beauty and functionality of Berry’s Advance Vega Airless package system. They can even take it apart to see the simplicity of only four components, all made of plastic.”

She adds: “Interest in airless packaging is growing. Our Advance Vega airless package offers a sustainable, fully recyclable option with precise dosing, top performance in dispensing until the last drop, and extended shelf life in a range of bottle sizes.” Vega Advance is a sustainable innovation for airless packaging as it is fully recyclable and the outer bottle can be produced with PCR content.

Braselton says, “Berry is fully committed to being a leader in sustainability with products, performance and partnerships. We are committed to not only our own sustainability goals, but more importantly using our global capabilities, scale for access to PCR content and design expertise to help our customers achieve their sustainability goals.” 

Anomatic & Verescence

Michel Levisse, vice president, sales, marketing and product development, Verescence North America, saw the B2B Beauty Box as a good opportunity to reach customers with their sustainable packaging solutions.

He says, “When it comes to packaging, sampling is essential to reach brands. Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, all traditional exhibitions were canceled, so we wanted to bring our American-made glass directly to the brands who are searching for eco-responsible solutions for their packaging projects.

How did they decide which product to include?

Levisse explains that while the pandemic significantly impacted the beauty market, “demand for prestige skincare products has been more resilient particularly through online sales.” In light of this, Verescence included the ‘iconic’ Cléopatre glass jar from La Collection Verescence in its 15ml travel-size format, ideal for beauty boxes and samples. In addition, says Levisse, “It was important for us to present it with an aluminum cap in collaboration with Anomatic to show a fully recyclable packaging solution.”

In general, Levisse explains that Verescence’s product innovation strategy follows the 4R&D approach: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Replace and Disrupt. “It brings together all of our eco-responsible offers, including Infinite Glass, lightweight glass, refillable bottles and jars, as well as our innovative solutions such as Safety Glass to replace plastic solutions in the hygiene segments.”

What else is new sustainability-wise? Verescence recently launched CARA MINI, a new mini-format glass bottle for Perfume Travel (spray, roll-on), Mini Size Beauty (oil, setting spray) and Premium Makeup (concealer, gloss, eyeshadow). It is available with a screw neck finish allowing the user to unscrew the pump to refill the bottle and separate the pump from the bottle during recycling.

Manufacturing-wise, Verescence North America will fully dedicate its furnace in Georgia to the production of glass with 20% post-consumer recycled glass (PCR) by the end of 2021.
Montebello Packaging

Montebello
Steven Macphail, vice president sales & marketing, Montebello Packaging, says, “We feel that the Beauty Box approach permits Montebello to showcase our aluminum tubes, as well as our entire array of sustainable packaging.

Macphail explains that Montebello has a long-standing reputation in the pharma industry with aluminum tubes—and that with the trend toward sustainable packaging, their tubes meet all the criteria as well as being best in class for barrier protection. “Over the years,” says Macphail, “we have developed several closures, neck styles and applications that all can be used in the Beauty industry.” He adds that they have a full complement of sample size ½-in tubes up to 1 ¾-in. The company has also recently added a flip-top cap for the aluminum tubes as well as a “very decorative” vintage chic metal cap in an octagon shape. “We have expanded our product offering in aluminum to cover not only tubes, but aerosol cans, personal care cosmetic bottles and recently, a beverage bottle collection,” he says. “We are very proud that we are launching a cosmetic bottle with pump with a men’s grooming brand.

With this offering we can work with any brand and develop a full sustainable package assortment.”

CTK

At CTK, Jackie Paterno, vice president sales, says sustainable packaging and clean beauty formulas are a huge part of CTK ideology, noting, “It is no longer an option, but a necessity to offer sustainable packages in today’s world.”  She likes the in-person aspect of the new sampling box, and says, “The B2B Box is an excellent opportunity to reach customers with an actual sample. It is so important for customers to have a sample of a pack to allow them to envision how this pack will fit in with their brand.”

Paterno says the decision was easy as to which CTK item to include in the B2B Box. “It is our eco airless—our most exciting sustainable innovation,” says Paterno. “Most pumps are not recyclable due to the metal SUS spring in the pump. Our patented technology removes the metal spring allowing the whole pack to be recyclable without the end user having to separate.” While the pump included in the B2B Box is airless, Paterno says CTK has developed non-airless pumps with this technology as well.

In general, CTK has created an in-house sustainability team for packaging and formula development. “We look at each of our stock packs and review how to convert to sustainable. CTK’s engineering team only develops new packages based on reuse, refill, recycle.  Mono-material packs, PCR and bioplastics are a huge part of our innovations.”

What’s on the sustainability horizon at CTK?

Paterno says they are expanding on the eco pump. “We have a mist sprayer that’s almost complete, which has the same technology, no metal spring. The first of its kind for a mist sprayer pump.  We also are launching our Bottom’s Up Stick, a stick that is mono-material and allows for 100% product use, no leftover product in the stick cup.”

In addition to sustainable packaging, CTK promotes a sustainable work environment. Paterno explains, “In our Korea headquarters, we use solar panels, which allow us to reduce our electric consumption thus saving on CO2 emissions. We have also launched an in-office campaign called Green CTK.One example of Green CTK is we do not use bubble wrap or polyethylene bags for packing materials, we use paper packing only. Every little bit helps the environment.”

JP Packaging

Doug Rofheart, senior sales executive at JP Packaging, sees the B2B Box as a great opportunity.

“The ability to leverage Beauty Packaging’s relationships to a targeted audience gave us access to decision makers in this new B2B format, and was very exciting for us to be a part of.”

Deciding which products to include was simple. Rofheart says, “It was an easy choice as we produce sachets now, which are currently more sustainable than some other packaging options, and we are testing and trialing new sustainable films to this end.”

Rofheart believes “Sustainability is important, but education on the subject is as important. This way we all can have a positive outcome and a future not just a marketing concept.” He adds, “We find ourselves asking many questions and educating our customers as we all agree that sustainability is important, but everyone has a different definition of sustainability and it’s very complex from marketing right on down to product compatibility.”

He explains further: “We are lucky here at JP Packaging as our package formats are already ‘more green’ due to the package-to-product ratios, shipping flexible films in a roll format inbound and finished goods shipping flat outbound, allowing more goods on trucks etc., lowering the carbon footprint and less space in landfills.”

Moving Forward with B2B Boxes

In addition to providing our audience with in-hand samples of valuable sustainable packaging options, this initial B2B Box provides Beauty Packaging with a unique opportunity to interact with both suppliers and brand, designer and contract manufacturer recipients, in order to discern where interests are strongest. This will allow us to hone in on and further meet recipients’ needs with future B2B Boxes.

Get Your Virtual B2B Box

If you missed the signup for this premier B2B Sustainable Solutions Box, don’t dismay. You’ll find all the products at BeautyPackaging.com—along with individual Videobite interviews with all of the participating sponsors.

Want to Learn More?

Whether you’d like additional info on products in this box—or would like to secure a spot in the next one, please contact: Jay Gorga, Publisher, Beauty Packaging (jgorga@rodmanmedia.com; 917-837-5568)

These are the participating sponsors and the sustainable packaging products they selected to include in the box:

ABA: Eco-friendly aluminum bottle with ‘unlimited’ deco options.

Anomatic-Verescence: These two suppliers teamed up on a glass jar with an aluminum lid.

Berry Global: Advance Smart Airless Technology—a sustainable innovation offering a fully recyclable, all plastic option with only 4 components.

Coverpla: Verdi 100ml bottle—an ultra-light glass bottle with a PCR cap.

CTK: A springless, airless pump lotion bottle with 100% recyclable pump with no metal SUS spring—ideal for any viscosity.

Inoac-Eastman: These two suppliers partnered on Cristal Renew clear bottles, which feature ‘high levels of certified recycled content.’

JP Packaging: Sustainable sampling sachets.

Montebello Packaging: Single-material, easily recyclable aluminum tubes.

Neenah Packaging: Responsibly sourced FSC folding board in an array of colors, including 100 PC White, available in 5 different finishes.

Qosmedix: Cosmetic applicators made with bamboo and FSC-certified paper.

WWP Beauty: Refillable body stick.

B2B Beauty Sampling Box: Participating Producers

Beauty Packaging extends heartfelt thanks to our Participating Producers for bringing this B2B Beauty Sampling Box to life, as an essential sustainable packaging tool requested by members of our audience of brands, designers and contract manufacturers. 

The following industry suppliers generously cooperated to produce this premier, gorgeous and sustainable B2B Beauty Sampling Box, from providing printing and carton materials, to fulfillment and shipping: Allstate Paper Box, Duggal, Elite Packaging, Neenah.

B2B Beauty Sampling Box Participating Packaging Sponsors

About ABA Packaging Corporation
Since 1984, ABA Packaging Corporation has been a trusted source in the Cosmetic, Fragrance, Personal Care, and Spa industries for stock and custom primary packaging components. We are a full-service supplier of Glass vials-bottles-jars, Plastic bottles and jars, Lux crimp and threaded-neck Aluminum bottles-cans, and jar packages, Glass and Plastic rollerballs/roll-ons. Plastic, wood and metal caps and closures, Serum droppers, PE-ABL-Polylami tubes, Plastic and Metal spray treatment-lotion pumps, Airless and Treatment packaging systems, Cosmetic sharpeners, and other related accessories. We also offer full-service decorating/dip-tube cutting services, and support in label production and applications, regulatory advice, and package design.

info@abapackaging.com
800-443-9799
www.ABAPackaging.com

About Berry Global
Berry Global is a leader in beautiful, innovative and sustainable beauty and personal care packaging including airless systems, bottles, tubes, jars, overcaps and closures. Our extensive line of products comes in an array of sizes, styles, materials, colors, decorating options and textures. We have design and manufacturing expertise to help you develop packaging that stands out, like our Advance Vega airless packaging which provides a unique, sustainable innovation that is fully recyclable with superior dispensing.

insidesales@berryglobal.com
877-662-3779

About Coverpla
Coverpla is a manufacturer of fragrance caps and distributor of primary high-end and masstige packaging for the Fragrance, Skincare and Cosmetic industry, along with in-house decorating. We have been in business for over 70 years, with an extensive knowledge of our industry. Our highly-skilled team offers our customers the very best service and guidance from start to finish.

Gilda Mirra Cutri
g.cutri@coverpla.com
T: 201-585-1141
C: 973-934-2323
www.coverpla.com

About CTK
CTK is a “BEAUTI-FULL™ SERVICE PROVIDER” leading innovation in packaging and formulation. Founded in 2001, CTK holds over 280 patents in innovative cosmetic packaging and has been recognized for excellence in R&D capabilities by many leading beauty brands. We provide full service turnkey; from formula and package development though production to logistics. Our in house Sustainability Team works together with our engineers and designers creating sustainable designs, finding sustainable materials and recycling / refill options.

Jackie@ctkcosmetics.com
917-207-7955
www.ctkclip.com

About Eastman
A global specialty materials company, Eastman produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. Headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, Eastman employs approximately 14,500 people globally and serves customers in more than 100 countries.

AboutInoac Packaging Group
Inoac Packaging Group is an international manufacturer of quality PET bottles and jars. Utilizing the Injection Stretch Blow Molding process, Inoac is able to produce luxury PET packages. Our PET packages have the look of glass but are lighter and shatterproof.

www.discoverinoac.com
www.eastman.com/cristal

About JP Packaging
Flexible Packaging options such as sachets have a better package to product ratio. Material efficiency is calculated by product delivered to consumer vs how much packaging by weight.
There are transportation benefits as Flexible Packaging Material as well as finished Sachets ship in roll form and flat. This allows a larger number to be shipped on trucks thus reducing the number of trucks on the road.

Sachets offer increased packaging protection, reduced damage and breakage without spillage, and a winner for e-commerce.

Doug Rofheart
drofheart@jppkg.com
www.jppkg.com
866-722-4381

About Montebello
Montebello takes great pride in being the chosen packaging supplier for all your new marketing opportunities. Montebello manufactures Collapsible Aluminum Tubes, Aerosol cans and Laminate tubes for Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics, Household, Industrial and Food products, and also our NEW Aluminum Bottles for Personal care products, Beer and Specialty Beverages. We will be acknowledged by our customers and suppliers as the industry leader in quality and service by exceeding their expectations. Our ability to design and manufacture tubes that meet your exact requirements is what sets your package apart from the competition. Montebello offers a knowledgeable sales force, flexible run sizes, in-house graphics department and responsive customer service support.

montebellopkg.com
info@montebellopkg.com
866-662-5124

About Neenah
For more than 100 years, Neenah, Inc. has been a partner in the creative process that brings visions to life and transforms ideas into results. Neenah manufactures the papers, boards, coverings and labels that visually extend a brand’s values through innovative, sustainable, premium packaging. Specified by world-class brands around the globe, Neenah products are instrumental in creating the packaging solutions that get brands noticed. Neenah devotes significant efforts to sustainability by implementing responsible fiber sourcing, conservation efforts, and focusing on product recyclability.

Gary Bernstein
gary.bernstein@neenah.com
www.neenahpackaging.com

About Qosmedix
Qosmedix is an ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22301 and EcoVadis Bronze certified global supplier to the cosmetic, skin care, spa and salon industries. Founded on the concept of maintaining hygienic practices during beauty consultations, the company has expanded to provide an array of high quality products that offer convenience and value to its customers. The vast inventory includes brushes, swabs, applicators, disposable spa wear, jars, bottles and more. Qosmedix is a division of Qosina, a leading international supplier of components to the medical and pharmaceutical industries.

+1 (631) 242-3270
www.qosmedix.com
info@qosmedix.com

About Anomatic
Anomatic produces innovative and sustainable packaging for today’s biggest brands. By leveraging over five decades of manufacturing expertise and employing an extensive technologies portfolio, we design, manufacture, and finish incomparable stock and customized solutions for numerous markets.

About Verescence
Verescence have been supplying the biggest brands with glass for over 120 years due to our extensive know-how and expertise. Passionate for our business, we are continually pushing the limits of our know-how to provide high-quality, innovative and eco-friendly product solutions for a host of international brands.

anomatic.com/sustainability
verescence.com

About WWP Beauty
WWP Beauty is committed to developing future-focused, sustainable solutions for the global beauty industry through close collaboration, exceptional agility, and unparalleled scale. The company’s full-service offering of sustainable formula, packaging and accessories, paired with our in-house manufacturing capabilities allow us to stand out as the source for everything beauty. Learn how we can help you create custom sustainable solutions for your company using our Eco-Analyzer Tool.

www.wwpbeauty.com
973-805-6500
hello@wwpbeauty.com