International packaging manufacturer debuts recyclable mini options

25-Apr-2023 - Last updated on 25-Apr-2023 at 15:04 GMT

“As a packaging provider, we evolve our portfolio to fulfill consumers’ and brand’s needs without impacting the environment, and this is where the innovation happens,” said Karen Merchán, Senior Category Specialist at Quadpack. © Quadpack

Quadpack has released the Regula Petit Jar, an innovative and sustainable design for cosmetics and personal care product manufacturers seeking recyclable options for sample or travel-sized product launches.

Last month, global cosmetics and personal care product packaging company Quadpack announced the launch of the Regula Petit Jar, an opportunity for manufacturers and suppliers seeking a recyclable and sustainable option for miniature product sizing. The Regula Petit jar is offered in two sizes (30mL and 15mL) and features recyclable PET composition with a PP cap that is also recyclable.

For more insight into the packaging development process, potential product applications, and the benefits of transitioning to recycled material utilization in product packaging, CosmeticsDesign spoke with Karen Merchán, Senior Category Specialist at Quadpack, to learn more.

Packaging design and development

When the Quadpack development team set out to design the Regula Petit Jar, it was imperative to keep in mind that “as a packaging provider, we evolve our portfolio to fulfill consumers’ and brand’s needs without impacting the environment and this is where the innovation happens,” Merchán said. Therefore, the “Regula Petit Jar was conceived considering different aspects of our sustainability strategy,” she explained.

The design team focused on “testing and homologation” to maintain cohesion during the packaging design process. Consistency was also an essential consideration to the design team, as “it is important that the miniature pack looks and handles the same way as its larger counterpart, if it is part of a range,” shared Merchán. “PCR PET and other recyclable plastics do require experience to achieve the same functional and aesthetic results,” she further explained, which was required to produce the final results with the Regula Petit Jar options.

The latest addition to the Regula jar range “gives brands a fully recyclable option in PET and PP,” and offers a massive increase in circularity if brands “select the PCR PET jar, which reduces carbon emissions by 31%.”

Benefits & meeting consumer demand

As consumers have returned to regular travel schedules following the COVID-related restrictions of the past few years, the demand from cosmetics and personal beauty care product companies for mini-sized products has surged in recent months. From a quantitative perspective, Merchán shared, the number of skin care launches in the US in small sizes of less than 15mL is up 18% compared to 2020, according to Mintel data.

Additionally, the demand for sustainable packaging has been well-documented and is rising. Therefore, the options offered by Quadpack’s Regula Petit Jar are well-positioned for positive brand reception for new product launches or repackaged relaunches this year.

A further benefit of packaging options like the Regula Petit Jar for cosmetics and personal beauty care product brands is “early regulatory compliance,” added Merchán. “In Europe especially,” she explained, “new laws are being introduced that stipulate the use of sustainable materials. By making the switch now, manufacturers and brands are ahead of the game.”