Luxe Pack Monaco (LPM), the prestigious, creative packaging show held annually at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, matched its high-end venue with the latest innovations in packaging, from beauty to spirits to homecare. More than 450 exhibitors filled the angular glass, sustainably built, multi-level space, appealing to more than 10,300 visitors. Event organizers reported that more than half of the attendees were international, traveling from over 80 countries. For three days, from September 30 through October 2, brand representatives had the opportunity to explore the expansive space, and view examples of the latest packaging, materials, decorating technologies, and novelties, as well as attend numerous conferences led by experts in the industry. As the Prestige Cosmetic industry continues to fare well internationally, these exhibitors were of special interest to brands large and small in this lucrative segment.

Show Floor Talk & Trends

A focus on mono-materials prevailed. Metals—both for packaging and finishes—and mostly with sustainability factors, were in abundance. Products ranged from applicator tips to mono-material packs, to fragrance bottle finishes. Other sustainable material options were also plentiful, including woods, PCR, and refillables. Glass caps were more dominant and beautiful than ever. Related: Metal Mania Radiates Luxury Several exhibitors who Beauty Packaging’s Publisher Jay Gorga and I spoke with, said that refillables are now taking an upward turn, especially in Europe, where additional legislation continues to dictate waste. ABS and PETG are being banned in Europe because they’re not recyclable; flocking, too, is being replaced with alternative materials. Lumson’s introduction of a new luxe, refillable airless glass bottle, pointed to a study from Circana that said: Refillable packaging is the future, and the data backs it up. In January 2024, Circana reported that sales of refillable packaging solutions grew by 62%, with refill sales alone up by 72%. This is a substantial surge, especially in Europe, where 64% of consumers view refills as a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging. As seen at Makeup in NewYork, capsule shapes and tottle packaging are progressing for lip and skin products. Suppliers and brands are showing a strong interest in developing packaging using mono-materials, making it as easy as possible for consumers to disassemble and recycle their empties. Some recyclable plastic bottles and jars now feature attached hinge tops, making it even easier for consumers to toss mono-materials into one bin. Several brands were happy to report to Beauty Packaging that a general slowdown in the industry was starting to pick up, now that stock is running low.

Luxe and Sustainable

The two most favorable adjectives used to describe Prestige packaging continue to be “luxe” and “sustainable.” And most of the packaging at LPM fit the description—via materials, innovative shapes, sizes, applications, decorations, processes, and more. Even the smallest attention to packaging detail, expressed most often with a variety of applicator tips in a wide-ranging array of materials, can make a lasting impression on a consumer. Also, advances such as a brand name printed on an applicator stem, a full aluminum range of makeup products, or a new applicator shape were intended to make a brand more memorable—and a user feel more pampered and special. When it came to turnkey suppliers, many fulfilled the goal of offering complete packages, just ready for a brand’s name to be added.

Up Close with Exhibitors

From small, extravagant details to imaginative, eye-catching shapes, here’s a rundown on some of the suppliers and highlights we spotted on the show floor. Companies are arranged in alphabetical order:

Albéa Cosmetics & Fragrance

The spotlight at Albéa Cosmetics & Fragrance was on unique consumer experiences—carried out via skincare and makeup solutions designed to meet consumer needs in terms of intuitiveness and sustainability. Refillable beauty was one of the key topics at this year’s stand, where Albéa’s Loubna Betterki, showed us some of their latest products, including Polaris, a mono-material PP and refillable jar with “a fully new concept” for maximum ease of use: The cap is attached to the base with an invisible hinge, “solving any cap issue” and providing full access to the formula. Polaris is refillable with Albéa’s Twirl refillable jar system. Betterki also explained that the jar was based on consumer research, which showed some consumers can have a difficult time grasping and unscrewing a cap from a jar. The attached jar opens at 45 degrees. Betterki told Beauty Packaging, “In order to further drive the adoption of refillable solutions, our role is to make them really simple—in other words: intuitive.” With Polaris, Roland says they have taken “another step forward by combining a unique and sophisticated design with a significantly reduced environmental impact.” To lower its environmental impact, Albéa Cosmetics & Fragrance is accelerating the use of safe and recyclable materials by extending its range of mono-material solutions. One of the latest innovations is Pure Drop, an elegant dropper made of 100% PP. A 3-piece full PP dropper cap, made in France—and via a partnership with Stoelze Glass for the bottle—was drawing interest. The Albéa team also showcased some of the latest innovations of the Albéa Beauty Lab, the company’s global center of expertise for fiber or plastic brushes and applicators. Albéa Tubes also showed its capabilities to match sustainability and decoration, with a wide range of recycling-ready solutions and the launch of new and innovative decoration features.

Asquan

Asquan’s Founder & President, Henri Tinchant showed Beauty Packaging a premium, refillable metal lipstick for Westman Atelier, that clicks together. Turnkey eye and brow products, made in France, were also a highlight—and ready-to-go with a brand’s added name. Perfect Liners are made with Japanese materials and filled in France.

Axilone

At Axilone, we saw their PCR full aluminum cap matched with Verescence’s PCR glass jar, as an answer to sustainability. A pure metal range, from cap to metal-rod applicator, “opens new perspectives/opportunities for brands to customize and bring identity—including engravings on the rod to highlight the brand name,” said Lucie Ray-Lalane, Marketing and Communication Director. Fully recyclable aluminum caps for fragrance can include inner parts, and be made without glue. A Valentino lipstick with brilliant studs on the case provides an elegant refill, with an aluminum base and top, and engraving on the whole surface.

Bormioli

At Bormioli’s new white-and-light-wood, minimalist-design stand at LPM, new products included a selection of perfume and cosmetics launches, including Armani, Dior, Guerlain, Givenchy, Prada, Trussardi, and Victoria Secret. The star attraction was the Reverre refillable jar and its collection of caps. Bormioli Luigi’s sputtering décor was beautiful, as shown on Lancôme’s ‘La Vie Est Belle L’Extrait’ bottle. Simone Baratta showed us Bormioli’s eco-concept rechargeable jar with a glass pod. Since you can’t have glass on glass, recyclable plastic with PCR holds the pod in. For easy recycling, the consumer can just remove the rim that holds the pod in place.

Cosmogen

Unique applicators in different shapes, sizes, and materials were plentiful at Cosmogen, where Maude Lelievre, Marketing & Communication Director, showed Beauty Packaging several new launches, including Fresh—a bottle with a stainless steel “dip-in” applicator for applying and massaging. The applicator is available in 5 shapes and textures to target different areas of the face and the neck (Swirl, Mirror, Ribbed, V-Shape, Honey). According to Cosmogen, the immediate cooling effect helps depuffing, toning, and firming of the skin.

Coverpla

Bruno Diepois, president of Coverpla, told Beauty Packaging that production is moving ahead, “with the U.S. now re-stocking, and inventory running out in Europe.” Diepois said they are expanding more into the home fragrance market, showing us an “exquisite” stock bottle. Made of 100% recycled glass (amber or clear), different shapes and colors are available, as well as lacquering decoration (Coverpla has also added hot stamping to its range of decorating solutions.). New caps, part of Coverpla’s “mix-and-match system” are also available.

Eastman

Eastman, which recently opened their own molecular recycling facility in Kingsport, Tennessee, introduced the Crystal Halo Cap, a brilliant, beautifully designed dual-component cap that combines aesthetic crystal elegance with practical benefits. This cap, made in collaboration with Meiyume, used Eastman’s newest resin, Cristal One Renew IM812, a recyclable PET resin made with up to 100% molecular recycled content. Defined as “sustainable luxury without compromising the look you want,” it offers “superb clarity” for a true, glasslike appearance and, through the power of molecular recycling, consistent color in all recycled content levels—even up to 100%. The material also allows for the ability to mold thick-wall components; is compatible with the RIC 1 stream; and easy to process.

Envases

Envases Group has always been focused on bringing a luxury appeal to their 100% recyclable aluminum bottle and can packaging products. They further defined this with the highly decorated aluminum bottles and cans that they displayed at Luxe Pack Monaco this year. The focus of the luxury appeal is the unique high-end decorating processes that Envases now offers in many sizes and styles of threaded-neck and crimp-necked aluminum bottles and cans. They have invested heavily to this end on all of their decorating processes, which include 6-color offset printing plus spot varnishing with the addition of screen printing. A recent innovation is hot-stamping, which can be combined with their 6-color offset printing, plus screen printing or spot varnishing. The spot varnishing now allows for multiple color offset printed decorations plus the addition of matte and gloss printing including haptic effects. Add to that the luxurious look of hot-stamped images. As a result of recent investments, several of Envases’ aluminum bottle and can sizes and styles are now available with full hot stamping, too. All of these decorating options are applied in line to the manufacture of the bottles and cans at Envases, which helps to control costs and minimize handling. ABA Packaging is the exclusive distributor for Envases in the U.S.

Eska Pure

At Eska, Sophie Greff showed Beauty Packaging their new 100% recycled paper collection, featuring a beautiful new lavender color. She said it “never bows and always stays flat.” Eska Pure mixed luxe and sustainable with a 100% recycled board collection made from fully recycled fibers, and introduced its new lavender hue with tactile qualities. According to the booth representative, “ESKA PURE screams opulence, quality, and sustainability, with subtle colors—ivory, grey, black, green, anthracite and, now, lavender—all with exposed fibers adding to the natural character, so it looks good and feels great.” The paperboard is 100% recycled, 100% recyclable, and 100% circular.

Faively

Faively, too, reported that a general slowdown in the industry is picking up, now that stock is running out. New launches are once again planned for Spring, they said.

HCP Packaging

HCP Packaging says its “Caresse” line “celebrates the art of human connection through a curated palette of skin tones, designed to evoke a sense of warmth and intimacy.” Each shade, from Soft Peach to Deep Brown—was designed to “mirror the subtle nuances of the human form, inviting an immersive sensory experience.” These surfaces and finishes are not just for decoration, “but a soothing embrace, offering an opaque softness that feels like a gentle hug,” said Cheryl Morgan, Creative Marketing Manager at HCP Global. She explained, “In an age dominated by digital interactions, ‘Caresse’ stands as a tribute to the irreplaceable comfort of physical touch. It fosters a deeper connection, celebrating the joy of togetherness and the quiet elegance of beauty and self-care.” HCP’s Twist Color Capsule featured a new design at LPM. The stylish, pocket-sized tottle for facial suncreen, glow drops, and more, appeared as a sleek, modern, and elongated version, “combining elegance with practicality for complexion and skincare.” The 15ml lightweight, flexible tottle pairs with a sleek aluminum cap, offering a visually striking pack that’s perfect for on-the-go use. Morgan said, “The slender nozzle ensures precise, controlled application, making it an ideal travel-friendly solution.” Customizable material blends optimize flexibility and dispensing, with options like HDPE/LDPE mixes for increased squeezability, an EVOH layer for added barrier protection, and Surlyn for ultra-transparency and superior squeezability. The tottle can also include a percentage of R-PE to support sustainability goals. PIR/PCR aluminum can be supplied upon request.

HCT by kdc/one

At HCT by kdc/one, a global leader in custom formulation, packaging design, and manufacturing solutions for many of the world’s cosmetic industry brands, was talking about their recent acquisition of Italian-based Laffon S.r.l., a specialist in makeup packaging manufacturing. Sandra Wisniewski, who was recently named Global President, Beauty & Personal Care at kdc/one, told Beauty Packaging, “This strategic acquisition significantly enhances our ability to offer innovative packaging solutions, complementing our comprehensive full-service capabilities that include ideation, design, formulation development, and manufacturing.” Denis Maurin, President of Sales and Innovation, HCT by kdc/one, said, “This acquisition marks a new chapter in HCT’s journey. We are thrilled to extend our manufacturing capabilities to Europe, and look forward to welcoming the talented Laffon team to the kdc/one family.”

Heinz Glas

Not many companies can state: “Family-owned since 1622—but Heinz Glas drew a crowd with its many showcases filled with sparkling bottles and caps, from ultra-luxe to creative novelties. One captured an amazing seaside sunset in a bottle. Multi-gradient printing and multi-layer print contributed to the effect on another.

JuJin Packaging

Fancy boxes with lots of pop-up features drew visitors to JuJin Packaging. A new collection from the last 12 months showcased multi-materials including ceramics, leather, faux leather, denim, and others. They design everything—all the brand has to do is “put their name on it.” They can match colors across materials from bags to boxes. A molded pulp box featured a beautiful embossed design.

Lumson

Lumson’s big presentation at LPM centered around airless packaging—with the launch of XTAG: a 15- and 30mL glass bottle featuring an airless refill system that uses pouch technology. According to the supplier, this product represents “a new approach to consumption that respects the planet, people, and processes.” In addition, “Its sleek, contemporary lines, sustainable approach, and pouch technology for optimal formula protection make it a forward-looking packaging solution that captivates and seduces at first glance.” The Italian company offers extensive in-house customization options—from the inner and outer glass to the refill, pump, and cap—enabling fully tailored solutions. According to Lumson, all of this is done sustainably, saying XTAG’s airless refill system with a pouch reduces CO2 emissions by 38% (results obtained by comparing a standard 30ml airless glass bottle with a plastic pump and overcap with XTAG after three refills; Source: SPICE). Matteo Moretti, President of Lumson, said: “XTAG represents not only technical and manufacturing innovation, but also reflects two complementary aspects of sustainability: reuse and recovery. Our aim wasn’t just to create something new, but to do so with sustainability in mind.” Related: Beauty Refilables That Overcome Challenges

Metapack

Luxury packaging provider Metapack was on the show floor exhibiting their specialty metal and metallized packaging, including new aluminum refill jars, from minis to 200ml; the push-up, pop-out refill pods make re-charging easy and fast. They can be used for a variety of products. Anton Meindl, Executive Director of Sales, Metapack USA, showed Beauty Packaging a line of aluminum pursers with glass inserts that are available in various colors. A new luxe zamac compact is refillable and provides a lock on it. When removed, the locking pin can be used to pop out the pan for refilling. As far as deco, Japanese stickers can be applied for a silkscreen effect.

Nuon Medical Technologies

Nuon’s team was busy at Luxe Pack Monaco, where they introduced and explained their advanced packaging solutions, many of which are incorporated directly into cosmetic packaging, specifically into jar lids—greatly enhancing the user experience. One of Nuon’s specialties is applicators—innovative active and secondary applicators that are specifically tailored to boost the efficacy of cosmetic products. Nuon’s Phototherapy Skin Detector, for example, offers multiple analyses and is designed to be housed in a cream jar, so it is always neatly stored and readily available. Nuon’s founder Alain Dijkstra, a leader in light therapy and medical devices, explained that the HD-15 model is “an advanced skin analysis device that combines light therapy with precise skin diagnostics for enhanced skincare management.” He said the wand reads the moisture and oil level of your skin—so you can keep track of your skin on a day-to-day basis.

Procos

Procos exhibited many beautiful rigid folding boxes, some with new closures that were magnet-free. Instead, the top has a tab that can be inserted. The 100%  portable paper boxes fold completely flat for shipping or inventory purposes and are available in two weights.

Samhwa

At Samhwa, Tony Son, President Samhwa USA, said one of their most popular products is a metal spatula package, with a specific wiper for applying foundation. This trend is growing, explained Son, “for consumers who want to be makeup artists.”

Scodix

April Lytle, Brand Manager Innovation, at Scodix, showed Beauty Packaging an array of eye-popping, printed decorative papers and boards—including uncoated stock. Scodix now has a new press with a rotating tray system—making it possible for Scodix to now print on any paper you want. They have also extended their stock availability.

SGD Pharma

Global cosmetic and pharmaceutical glass packaging provider SGD Pharma, showcased its first campaign using 20% post-consumer recycled (PCR) glass cullet. The new NOVA sustainable PCR glass bottles, manufactured at SGD Pharma’s Zhanjiang, China plant, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by combining the functional and aesthetic performance of glass with weight optimization. As such, the new 200ml bottle from the company’s NOVA range boasts reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 20% compared with the original Dorado bottle. Sheherazade Chamlou, VP of Marketing & Global Account Executive, told Beauty Packaging, that the PCR glass bottles “offer improved sustainability by reducing the use of virgin raw materials and carbon emissions thanks to less energy consumption during the melting process.” This, she explained, “provides cosmetics brands with a more sustainable primary packaging option which will contribute to reducing their Scope 3 emissions.” The PCR glass manufacturing is a strategic part of SGD Pharma’s company-wide goal to reduce its carbon footprint globally by 35% in 2030 and by 65% in 2040 (Scope 1&2) compared to 2020 results and to achieve the 1.5°C SBTi trajectory to which SGD Pharma is committed. Chamlou said that at Luxe Pack Monaco 2024, all glass products shown satisfy the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Related: What’s New in Sustainable Packaging?

TNT Group

Boris Schaefer, Vice President, Sales at TNT Group, told Beauty Packaging that TNT Group has been involved in a variety of diverse projects and clients, developing the massage accessory for Supremÿa at Night, the spatula for Sublimage by Chanel, and the packaging for Sisley’s lipsticks and balms, many of which are refillable. Makeup products were also displayed from brands such as Jimmy Choo, Guerlain, and Louboutin. Schaefer described the patented rotary applicator of the N°1 de Chanel Revitalizing Eye Serum as “an exceptional feat of mechanical engineering.” He said as the prime contractor for the project, TNT collaborated closely with Chanel and FaiveleyTech to develop the patent-pending rotating and cooling applicator for the N°1 de Chanel Revitalizing Eye Serum, designed to massage and refresh the eye area. The applicator features a total of eight components, structured into two interconnected mechanical sub-assemblies. These sub-assemblies are joined together by two POK rings, which ensure the long-term reliability of the rotating function. The first sub-assembly consists of the textured head and tube, both crafted from stainless steel. The second sub-assembly comprises two end caps and a stem, also made of stainless steel. The top end is used to assemble the PP insert, which is designed to be screwed onto the thread of the glass bottle. The set is combined with the Sulapac cap produced by FaiveleyTech. The applicator can be reused on a refill bottle.

Virospack

At dropper specialist Virospack, Joanna Milne, key account manager, showed Beauty Packaging several new products. A new 100% recyclable mono-material Eco-Pump is ideal for high-viscosity products such as serums, creams, sunscreens, and foundations, explained Milne, and “offers precise and controlled dispensing.” Made entirely from polypropylene (PP), she said that it’s recyclable without disassembly and customizable with metallization, screen printing, and color options, offering sustainable brand distinction.” Virospack’s new High-Dosage Push Button, delivers a precise 0.65ml dose, ideal for skincare formulations, and ensuring accurate application in beauty routines. Milne said, “It enhances product value, minimizes waste, and appeals to eco-conscious consumers.” Brands can fully customize the design through Virospack’s in-house processes. Another highlight continued to be Virospack’s tubular glass vials, which Milne said, “are a premium choice for cosmetic packaging, available in sizes from 2- to 50ml with over 160 combinations. The neutral glass is ideal for sensitive formulas and customizable with metallization, screen printing, and hot stamping.

Looking Ahead

The Grimaldi Forum is undergoing a major expansion and redesign, so in 2025, Luxe Pack Monaco will access additional space and add specially targeted areas. The next edition of Luxe Pack will be held February 12-13 in Los Angeles, in conjunction with MakeUp in LosAngeles.