Angular, rounded, cylindrical, glass, with elegant aluminium trim, matt, polished, with closures such as screw caps or crimp seals, refillable: the choice of a perfume bottle influences the perception of the product. Its function goes far beyond practicality or aesthetics. It is to all intents and purposes a strategic aspect for the success of a brand in the fragrance industry. From the design to the type of closure and the materials used, every detail contributes to creating a product that stands out for the sensory experience it provides. Packaging the perfect fragrance means having the target audience in mind, knowing their needs and also taking into account possible innovative solutions in terms of sustainability. In this practical guide, we will explore the key features to consider to make the right decision and choose the ideal perfume bottle.
Perfume bottle: between aesthetics and branding
The packaging design, whatever the product it represents, is the first touchpoint with people and a powerful visual communication tool. Well-designed packaging fully embodies the brand’s vision, as well as reflecting its identity and values.
“The bottle and the fragrance are mostly developed in parallel, as this is the current marketing process in large companies. I have been told by many of my clients that it is necessary for the perfumer or nose to be inspired by the shape of a bottle and also by the coloring. It is, in fact, part of the task of design to capture the essence of the brand”
Lutz Herrmann, designer and creative director
In the perfumery sector the design and aesthetic decisions of the container – from the geometry of the glass to the stopper – are a first clue to the fragrance and the narrative one wants to convey. The bottle anticipates a story: it can make you dream of the sea breeze, the clear sky and the freedom of an early summer day or take you to a majestic forest whose woods are dampened by the rain. An iconic design catches the eyes, even before the fragrance captures the mind and heart, and can transform a perfume into an object of desire, communicating luxury, sustainability or modernity.
Just think of when we enter a perfume shop: each bottle, in its shape, color and consistency, if well designed, gives us a preview of the olfactory experience and evokes precise mental associations. This is the case, for example, of those bottles with essential lines that emphasize the purity of the product and evoke fresh scents, or those complex designs that evoke opulence and a certain richness of olfactory notes. It is no coincidence that leading brands in the sector have exploited the aesthetics of the container as a distinctive element, transforming their bottles into globally recognizable symbols.
Glass and perfume: an age-old bond
Among the most popular materials for ensuring functionality and aesthetics is certainly glass. The link between perfume and glass has very ancient origins, dating back to Mediterranean civilizations, where essences were used for religious and cosmetic purposes. As early as 4000 B.C., perfumeries existed in Cyprus, while in Egypt, during the Middle Kingdom, perfume containers were produced from materials such as wood, marble and terracotta. With the invention of glassmaking in Mesopotamia, this technique quickly spread to Egypt and Greece, where Syrian craftsmen introduced blown glass in the 1st century BC, making it the material of choice in the Roman Empire due to its translucency and ease of production. During the Middle Ages, Venice became famous for glassmaking, with its workshops moved to Murano to protect the secret techniques. In the 19th century, eastern France established itself as a center of excellence thanks to the availability of natural resources and industrialization: masters such as Lalique and Baccarat created bottles ranging from artistic editions to mass production, such as Guerlain’s famous “Bee bottle”. In the 20th century, Art Nouveau brought bottles with sinuous lines inspired by nature, while Art Deco introduced more rigorous geometries, symbolizing modern design, such as the Chanel N°5 bottle.
Even today, glass bottles remain the preferred choice for storing fragrances because glass is a stable, non-porous, high-quality material that preserves the properties of fragrances and guarantees their quality for a long life.
Recycled glass
Recycled glass perfume bottles are becoming an increasingly popular choice, thanks to their ability to combine elegance and environmental friendliness. Recycled glass offers significant advantages for sustainability, while maintaining the properties of transparency, stability and resistance that distinguish traditional glass. This material, obtained through recovery processes, reduces the consumption of natural resources, such as sand and minerals, and cuts the CO₂ emissions associated with production.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the growing demand for recycled glass bottles reflects the changing preferences of consumers and brands that are more and more focused on sustainability. Some brands are requiring glassmakers to produce an increasing percentage of recycled glass, demonstrating a real commitment to more responsible practices. Choosing recycled glass allows companies to adopt solutions that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing aesthetics and quality, and to communicate a message of care and respect for the planet through their products.
Other materials and production techniques
While glass has so far been one of the most widely used materials in the production of perfume bottles, prized for its transparency and ability to preserve fragrance, there are other options to consider depending on several factors. These include brand positioning, design concept and budget.
Plastic
Lightweight and versatile, it is ideal for travel-friendly bottles and is widely used in perfume samples. It provides a wide variety of vibrant and unique colors thanks to the possibility of coloring the plastic by means of a masterbatch, a resin-based compound with a high concentration of pigments that is very impact-resistant.
Metal
Metals enrich perfume bottles with elegant and distinctive details. Aluminum is light and corrosion-resistant and is ideal for caps and inserts. In addition, aluminum bottles are highly valued because, like glass, they can be recovered and recycled countless times at the end of the product’s life, thus contributing to environmental sustainability. Aluminum accessories with their finishes enrich products with a touch of luxury and sophistication. These materials enhance the design and the relentless perfume house’s attention to details.
Ceramics
Although less widely used, ceramics are sometimes employed, especially for containing room fragrances. This material offers extensive customization possibilities thanks to glazing and other painting processes, preventing perfume volatilization and giving it a unique artistic appeal.
Closure methods: screw or seam-sealed?
Another pivotal aspect in perfume bottle design is the choice of closure system, which can influence both the user experience and the perception of the product. What to choose, then, between a bottle with a screw or a crimped cap? Let us explore together the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.
Crimped bottles
These are the most common bottles, constituting almost the entirety of those found in perfumery (around 95%). Their main feature is the mouth, often called a “clamp”, on which a pump is placed, which is “crimped” – i.e. riveted or curved – at the base of its metal ferrule. This process attaches the pump to the neck of the bottle, sealing its contents and guaranteeing the consumer the authenticity of the branded product purchased.
Special machines are used to perform the crimping, which shrink the base of the pump onto the neck of the bottle. These machines can be automatic, for large production runs, or manual and economical, ideal for production runs of up to a few thousand pieces.
Once crimped, the pump is covered by a collar – made of aluminum (known as a cache) or plastic (known as a frette) – onto which perfume over caps are then applied, either by pressure or with special clips, to complete the packaging.
To avoid the use of seaming machines, in some cases self-seaming pumps are used. In these, a metal collar is pushed onto a ferrule, also made of metal or plastic, which is attached to the bottle just as securely.
This solution makes seaming bottles not only functional and reliable, but also versatile, meeting the needs of small and large-scale production.
Screw bottles
Screw-top bottles are a practical and versatile solution in the perfumery, particularly suitable when you want to be able to refill the bottle or refill the container without the use of seaming machines.
Initially used mainly for “on tap” perfumes, these bottles are now also adopted by prestige brands to promote refilling by the end consumer, in line with modern sustainability requirements.
However, the classic screw mouth was often larger than the crimp mouth, and screw pumps were sometimes disproportionate, compromising the aesthetics of the bottle. To overcome this limitation, thanks to the impetus of the big brands, pump manufacturers and glassworks developed special screw spouts that maintain the proportions of the crimping spout, solving the problem of anti-aesthetics.
In addition, special capsules have been introduced that make the refill process quick and easy, offering a functional and refined solution. These innovations not only improve the use of screw-top bottles, but also preserve the elegance that consumers expect from a premium perfume brand.
How to choose the perfect bottle
The choice of perfume bottle must be guided by several factors, including design, sustainability and functionality.
Design and form
A well-thought-out design is not only aesthetically pleasing but must also meet people’s expectations. Simple lines can communicate purity and modernity, while elaborate shapes can evoke luxury and sophistication.
Sustainability and materials
The materials used should reflect the values of the brand. Opting for recycled glass and a screw cap, for example, can reinforce the image of an environmentally conscious brand.
Type of applicator
The applicator is another essential component in the overall experience. Innovative sprays, roll-ons or applicators must be chosen according to the needs of the product and the audience.
The future of perfume bottles
The perfumery sector is constantly evolving. Current trends prepare us for a future in which there will be an increasing focus on aesthetics, but also on functionality and sustainability. The key words will be:
- sustainability: refillable bottles are increasingly appreciated for their reduced environmental impact. Let us therefore expect lower-impact and reusable materials that are beautiful to look at and good for the environment;
- technology: with augmented reality and virtual reality it will be possible to interact with perfumes and their bottles. Let’s get ready for immersive and highly personalised olfactory experiences;
- minimalism: clean lines, pastel shades and attention to raw materials. Less is more, clean design communicates elegance and modernity;
- customization: unique labels, engravings and decorations. The bottles will be even more exclusive.
Whether it is ergonomically designed bottles that offer a perfect grip, systems that ensure optimal atomization, or glass with UV protection to protect the most precious fragrances, the perfume industry will continue to evolve to adapt more and more to people’s expectations.
Eurovetrocap: solutions from our eco-design laboratory
With over 30 years of experience, we at Eurovetrocap offer fragrance solutions that combine aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. We have chosen to be guided by the principles of the circular economy: thanks to our in-house eco-design laboratory, we develop innovative solutions for packaging with reduced environmental impact.
What? We make accessories and containers from recycled material, refillable systems, single-material solutions designed for recycling and lightweight items.
How? We work with experts, environmental engineers and designers to accompany our customers in choosing the best possible solution:
- meets sustainability criteria
- guarantees the integrity of the formula
- safeguard the functionality of the packaging
Why choose us? Relying on our expertise means enhancing the brand with solutions that respect its essence. Moreover, from the design phase to disposal or eventual reuse, we are able to promise sustainability and keep our promise because we are based on the Life-Cycle Assessment model, i.e. on verifiable and reliable studies.
Our team is on hand to provide all the necessary information and to find out how we can create something unique together.
You usually ask us (FAQ)
How do I choose the most suitable bottle for my brand?
The choice depends on the image you want to convey, the experience you want to offer and the sales channel. Screw cap bottles are practical, reliable and ideal for shipping, while sealed bottles add a touch of exclusivity, perfect for a more sophisticated positioning.
What factors should I consider when choosing?
Take into account the budget, the image you want to communicate and the preferences of your customers. If you have received feedback or conducted market research, this information can be very helpful in making the best decision.
Can bottles be customised?
Yes, both bottle types can be customised with the logo and details reflecting your brand style, helping to reinforce the product identity.
Are they recyclable?
There are many solutions for recyclable bottles, such as glass bottles.
Let’s create something exceptional together. Reach out to our team today and discover how we can bring your fragrance to life!
