European Regulation on packaging

The cosmetic packaging industry has entered a crucial phase due to the entry into force of the new European Regulation (2025/40) on packaging and packaging waste. In particular, the legislation introduces stricter standards for the design and management of packaging throughout the product life cycle. 

In a market that is increasingly sensitive to sustainability, innovation driven by the European regulation protects the environment and paves the way for specialized companies to develop solutions that reduce waste, promote recycling and strengthen extended producer responsibility (EPR).  

Therefore, the cosmetics supply chain of companies that are able to integrate technical, regulatory and creative skills into a single packaging offer will be strategic for major international brands. Below is an overview of how the regulation affects actors and what strategies to adopt. 

Regulatory framework and objectives of the Regulation 

The European Packaging Regulation amends the pre-existing EU regulation and is binding in all Member States of the European Union. The main objectives of the text include: 

• waste reduction: limiting unnecessary packaging and maximising the rational use of resources; 
• recyclability and recycled content: encourage the design of solutions that can be easily disassembled, increasing the use of secondary raw materials; 
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): involving producers in post-consumer management, with economic contributions and through the traceability of operations; 
• transparency: inform the consumer about the composition of the pack and the correct disposal methods. 

For cosmetic packaging, this translates into a necessary rethinking of design choices and the entire life cycle of the product, from the weight of the containers to the use of recycled materials, from reuse to packaging design. 

Main innovations for the cosmetics sector 

In the cosmetics sector, the aesthetics of packaging significantly affect the image of the product, but the new regulatory provisions require to: 

1. reduce unnecessary formats and secondary packaging; 
2. integrate recycled materials (glass, plastic or aluminium), when technically possible; 
3. set up refill and reuse systems, especially for premium segments such as perfumery and high-end skincare; 
4. adapt labelling, providing precise indications on how to dispose of it; 
5. optimize the supply chain, favouring suppliers with certified raw materials and components. 

Single-use plastic is subject to stricter limitations, while research on materials with reduced environmental impact is promoted. Even glass, while remaining essential for high-end fragrances and skincare products, must meet criteria of lightness and suitability for recycling. Aluminium, on the other hand, is gaining ground due to its extreme recyclability and resistance in different formats. 

Fragrances, make-up and skincare 

Among the different cosmetic categories that require tailor-made solutions, we can certainly include: 

• fragrances: in this case, the use of glass remains predominant to ensure resistance and aesthetics, but with increasing attention to reducing the thickness of the bottle. Pumps and vaporizers, often combinations of plastic and metal, must be designed in such a way as to facilitate the possible separation of the components; 
• make-up: bottles and tubes, when they are made of plastic or aluminium, must have a modular design, allowing a quick separation of the various materials;  
• skincare: jars, tubes and airless systems can integrate varying percentages of recycled plastic or aluminium, with the additional option of refill extending the useful life of the container and reducing waste. 

In the pharma, home fragrance and travel size sectors, product safety is a priority, but it is still necessary to comply with the principles of lightness, recyclability and waste reduction, especially when managing smaller formats that are potentially more complex to dispose of. 

The importance of the life cycle and eco-design 

The new regulation is based on a broader approach to the product life cycle. Through the adoption of LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) methodologies and eco-design principles, companies should be able to: 

• limit the resources used in the production phase, reducing waste and energy consumption; 
• optimize logistics, thanks to lighter and more compact packaging that lowers costs and emissions; 
• facilitate recyclability by designing components that can be dismantled and compatible with existing recycling streams; 
• create added value, offering certified solutions updated to the sustainability standards required by the B2B market. 

Eco-design laboratories, such as our Zero In•Pack, carry out tests on materials, environmental impact analyses and compatibility checks with different cosmetic formulations. Those who have an eco-design laboratory, in fact, can carry out large-scale tests, integrating new materials and decoration procedures without sacrificing aesthetic performance. In this way, companies anticipate possible market evolutions – especially in the make-up and skincare sectors where product customization plays a key role – and structure a lasting competitive advantage, offering compliant, safe and sustainable packaging. 

Prospects and competitive advantages 

Being compliant with the regulation is not only an obligation, but an important opportunity to improve the entire production approach. In a market that is now increasingly attentive to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues, a company that invests in eco-design and in a timely analysis of the product life cycle can: 

• strengthen brand reputation, positioning itself as a reliable and cutting-edge partner for major cosmetic brands; 
• optimize disposal and recover part of the materials, minimizing energy waste;  
• stimulate innovation: multifunctional or refillable packaging responds to growing market needs, allowing you to differentiate yourself from competitors; 
• accessing new markets: European standards often inspire international regulations, so those who are already aligned will have less difficulty exporting. 

It is clear that in order to align with the European Packaging Regulation, cosmetic packaging companies must review their internal procedures: from the verification of materials to the search for machinery and techniques with low energy consumption, from collaboration with suppliers who guarantee traceability and transparency on the path of materials to the need to prepare reports and technical sheets that certify compliance with the regulations. 

An accurate analysis of the value chain, conducted through internal and external audits, makes it possible to identify the phases in which waste is concentrated or in which the most critical issues occur. In this way, investment priorities and targeted interventions can be defined, avoiding dispersion of resources. 

A proactive approach for the cosmetics supply chain 

The European Packaging Regulation is, ultimately, an excellent driver of innovation for those who work in the cosmetic packaging sector and represents a unique opportunity to reduce environmental impact.  

Companies like ours, specialized in fragrance, make-up, skincare, but also pharma, home fragrance and travel containers, are called upon to renew formats and processes, adopting eco-design principles  and favouring refill systems or sustainable packaging that make the difference. 

From the careful selection of raw materials to the transport phases, every stage of the production process is optimized to reduce waste and consumption. This translates into a more responsible supply chain, which allows us to respond quickly to the needs of cosmetic brands that want to strengthen their “green” identity with solutions that enhance the cosmetic product and elevate its image on the market 

If you are looking for compliant packaging solutions and want expert support in eco-design, contact us to find out how we can help you meet the highest standards of sustainability and customization.