The new year is upon us—and as we celebrate Beauty Packaging’s 30th anniversary!!—we’re face-to-face with all of the industry’s speculations, innovations, forecasts, packaging regulations, and consumer and retail trends.

From a packaging perspective, 2024 has been a time of announcements of new legislation regarding the reduction of single-use plastics, including the emergence of eco-friendly alternatives from mono-materials to ocean plastics to increased percentages of PCR.

Formulas have also evolved, and “clean beauty” has become a standard for many brands and consumers. Refillables also jumped a few notches in 2024, breaking new ground globally in both prestige and mass markets.

While Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives spread in the U.S., in mid-December, the European Council announced a series of rules directed at lowering packaging waste in the EU, with overall packaging reduction targets of 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040.

Last year was also laced with brand, consumer, and retailer news about prestige and mass markets, dupes, kids’ cosmetics, and social media’s growing influence.

According to Circana’s Larissa Jensen, SVP, Global Beauty Industry Advisor, prestige beauty grew dollars in the high-single-digits for the week ending Nov 30th. Units grew in the mid-double-digits, and every beauty category contributed to that performance. Makeup grew the fastest, followed by fragrances and hair (growth was tied), and skincare. All had double-digit unit gains. See the rest of Larissa’s 2025 predictions here.

Sol de Janeiro, this year’s BP audience selection for “Beauty Company of the Year: Excellence in Packaging,” brings to life many of the points associated with today’s success among conscientious consumers. Eco-friendly, vibrant packaging plays a large role in its success, as does a captivating story, pure ingredients, and an essence of joy. Social media is also key: On Instagram, alone, the brand touts 2.5 million followers. Read the full article here—Sol de Janeiro: Packaging the Joy of Brazilian Beach Culture. 

As the year stretches in front of us, China’s variables, tariffs, refillables, PCR, and more will spark many conversations in the beauty industry.

As we celebrate another anniversary, I’d like to thank Beauty Packaging’s Publisher Jay Gorga—and our entire amazing staff—for contributing to and producing our eight annual issues, dynamic website, and social media communications.

Happy New Year! Enjoy this issue!

Jamie Matusow / jmatusow@rodmanmedia.com

Also in our January / February 2025 issue:

Alternative Packaging with a Conscience
Sustainable, recyclable options abound for brands seeking something other than virgin plastics.

Taking Glass Packaging to a Higher Level
Suppliers specializing in glass are producing luxurious bottles and jars with statement-making, eco-friendly decorations for fragrance and skincare brands.

Prepare for Luxe Pack LA and MakeUp in LosAngeles 2025
The co-located shows take place February 12-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Get Ready for Cosmoprof & Cosmopack in Italy
The 2025 edition of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna opens on March 20 at BolognaFiere.

Next up: Look out for our March issue!