Primary and secondary cosmetic packaging: professional and sustainable solutions

In the cosmetics sector, primary and secondary packaging play a fundamental role in protecting, enhancing and communicating the quality of the product. Primary packaging companies are called upon to offer increasingly advanced and sustainable solutions, while ensuring functionality, aesthetics and safety. In this article, we analyze how primary packaging (bottles, jars and containers in direct contact with the cosmetic) and secondary packaging (cases, boxes and external packaging) can contribute to the success of a brand, focusing on materials, decoration techniques and customization opportunities. 

Primary packaging for cosmetics

Primary packaging is the container that comes into direct contact with the cosmetic, whether it is a cream, serum, fluid or other types of cosmetics. The main role of primary packaging is to protect the formula from external agents such as air, light, humidity, in order to keep it intact and preserve the organoleptic properties of the cosmetic.  

The primary container must ensure maximum hygiene and healthiness since the product, once purchased by the consumer, meets different parts of the body. 

As far as materials are concerned, glass is certainly one of the most sought-after materials for high-end cosmetics: it is hygienic, odorless, tasteless and is 100% recyclable. In fact, in recent years, the demand for sustainable primary packaging for cosmetics has prompted many companies to experiment with new recyclable polymers, lightened glass and regenerated aluminum, reducing the environmental impact and offering environmentally friendly alternatives, each with peculiar characteristics in terms of lightness, protection and aesthetic performance.

The sectors of use of primary packaging

Primary packaging companies active in the cosmetics sector operate on different product lines, distinguishing themselves for their ability to design and manufacture custom-made containers, both from an aesthetic and functional point of view. Here are the main areas of application: 

• fragrance:  
  • characteristics: primary packaging for fragrances (perfumes, eau de toilette, eau de parfum) requires glass or aluminum bottles that preserve the delicacy of the formula and prevent the alteration of the fragrance;
  • added value: the elegance of the container is essential to tell the olfactory identity and personality of the perfume. Personalized decorations, such as screen prints or engravings, can embellish the bottle and convey an image of luxury and refinement;

• Make-up:  
  • characteristics: lipsticks, mascara, foundations, powders and eyeshadows require resistant and at the same time captivating primary packaging, which can withstand shocks and stresses, while keeping the properties of the product intact;
  • added value: the containers are designed to combine functionality (dispensers, integrated applicators) and aesthetics (glossy, metallic or soft-touch finishes). The decoration techniques allow you to enhance the colors of the brand, immediately communicating the quality and style of the brand;

• skincare:  
  • characteristics: creams, serums, lotions and gels require plastic, glass or aluminum jars or bottles, capable of preserving the formula from oxidation and bacterial contamination. In high-end skincare products, airless technologies are often used to improve the preservation of the contents;
  • added value: packaging plays a central role in product positioning: jars with a refined design, with fine finishes or embossed details, convey luxury and reliability. In addition, the possibility of creating refill versions (refillable) is fully in line with the trends of sustainable primary packaging;

• farma:  
  • characteristics: In the pharmaceutical industry, containers must meet stringent standards and regulations in terms of sterility, safety, and traceability. The use of special plastics, pharmaceutical glass and aluminum is essential for the protection of the active ingredient;
  • added value: every aspect, from the dropper to the dispenser, is designed to simplify administration and ensure the inalterability of the contents. Certification and attention to regulatory compliance are a further sign of professionalism;

• home fragrance:  
  • characteristics: stick diffusers, sprays and other olfactory furnishing solutions require packaging that knows how to combine functionality (avoiding product leakage and dispersion) and aesthetics, since these objects are often displayed in domestic environments;
  • added value: materials such as transparent or coloured glass, decorated aluminium or quality plastic allow you to create packaging coordinated with the interior design. Customizations include engravings, screen prints and special finishes for a high level of visual impact;

• travel size:  
  • characteristics: the mini-packs (often between 5 and 30 ml) are designed to ensure ease of transport and compliance with airport regulations, without sacrificing the protection of the cosmetic;
  • added value: ideal for both travel and promotional campaigns and product testing, travelsize packages offer the possibility for the consumer to try different references in small formats. Here too, the aesthetic performance and consistency with the full-size range are a significant plus in terms of branding.

Difference between primary and secondary packaging

Secondary packaging includes external packaging, such as boxes and cases, which enclose and protect the primary packaging, usually of high-end products. In addition to providing product information such as ingredients, how to use it and regulations, secondary packaging completes product protection. In addition, it contributes to the enhancement of the corporate image and performs an important branding function, recalling the design and colors of the primary packaging. In this way, it promotes brand recognition on the shelf or in the e-commerce channel, and helps to stand out from competitors.

Sustainability is also a key factor for secondary packaging: the use of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified cardboard or materials with low environmental impact makes it possible to communicate responsible choices that are close to the needs of a constantly evolving market. 

Decoration and customization of primary packaging

The customization of primary packaging is a key factor in standing out on the cosmetics market, as it allows you to communicate brand values and identity in an immediate and engaging way. There are numerous techniques and decorations for packaging, capable of giving uniqueness and aesthetic appeal to bottles, jars and containers, always taking into account the needs of durability and resistance to external stresses. Here are some of the main ways of decorating primary packaging:

• Screen printing: consists of the direct printing of inks on glass, plastic or aluminum, using a “screen” (screen printing frame) that allows you to reproduce drawings, logos or patterns with extreme precision. It is suitable for medium-long runs and guarantees high abrasion resistance;
• Pad printing: This is an indirect printing technique that uses a soft silicone pad to transfer ink to the container. It is particularly useful for curved or irregular surfaces (such as caps and bottles of complex shape), maintaining excellent detail definition; 
• Hot stamping: through a special foil applied hot-stamped to the surface, metallic, shiny or iridescent finishes are obtained. Ideal for those who want a premium and highly decorative effect, it is often used in the luxury fragrance and skincare sector; 
• Painting and coloring: The application of colored, satin or glossy paints can completely transform the appearance of a bottle or jar, making it more appealing or consistent with the colors of the brand. There are also protective paints resistant to scratches, solvents and UV rays, useful for ensuring the durability of the effect over time; 
• Metallization and special depositions: Processes such as vacuum metallization make it possible to obtain reflective or mirrored surfaces, available in various shades (gold, silver, copper, etc.). These finishes give a very high visual impact and are often used for limited collections or high-end products; 
• Engravings and reliefs: through special mechanical or chemical processes, it is possible to create textures or embossed decorations engraved on the surface of the primary packaging. This technique is appreciated for the possibility of “feeling” the decoration to the touch and increasing the consumer’s sensory experience;
• Digital printing and labelling: For quick personalisation needs, short runs or market tests, digital printing is an excellent solution. It is possible to create complex graphics in a short time, even experimenting with customized versions for different products. Labelling, with specially designed adhesive materials, completes the range of decorative options, allowing additional marketing or regulatory information to be integrated. 

Integrating one or more of these techniques into primary packaging does not only mean “embellishing” the container but offering added value to the consumer and strengthening the brand identity. In this way, personalization is no longer just an aesthetic operation but becomes an integral part of an overall strategy in which sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. 

Primary packaging with low environmental impact

In recent years, the focus on environmental sustainability has revolutionized the approach to primary and secondary packaging design. Many companies have activated internal divisions dedicated specifically to eco-design, with the aim of: 

1. reduce the weight of the containers, while maintaining the protection performance unaltered; 
2. use recycled and recyclable materials, such as lightened glass, bioplastics or regenerated aluminum;
3. reduce waste in the production phase, optimizing processes and adopting cutting-edge technologies;
4. design long-lasting solutions, promoting the reuse of containers through refill or refill systems.

This integrated approach makes it possible to offer sustainable primary packaging cosmetics, in line with the needs of a market that is increasingly attentive to eco-responsibility and the environmental performance of products. 

Primary packaging: tailor-made solutions

Primary and secondary packaging have a significant impact not only on the preservation and protection performance of the product, but also on the perception of the brand by consumers. Choosing professional, sustainable and technically advanced solutions means investing in the quality and image of your brand. 

From decorating techniques to innovations for sustainable packaging, companies specializing in primary packaging can offer complete services for the design, customization and production of containers for the cosmetic, pharma, home fragrance and other sectors. In a constantly evolving market, relying on primary packaging companies capable of innovating and offering tailor-made solutions is the key to standing out, offering safe, attractive products in line with the demands of an increasingly demanding public. 

Contact us: with know-how gained in over thirty years of activity and an in-house laboratory dedicated to eco-design, we at Eurovetrocap are the ideal partner to ensure the utmost attention to detail and an entirely sustainable process tailored to your specific needs.