The global beauty market experienced a significant 8% growth in 2023 compared to the previous year, reflecting its robust expansion across diverse regions (Statista). Projected to reach $580 billion by 2027, the market is set to grow at an annual rate of 6% (McKinsey). In Europe, beauty industry revenues are forecasted to reach $145.20 billion in 2024, growing steadily at 1.81% annually from 2024 to 2029 (Statista). Online sales during Black Friday and Cyber Monday surged by 20% in 2023, driven by heightened global consumer interest in health, beauty, and fashion (Shopify).
Read our guide to learn how to ship cosmetics safely – and sustainably!
Effective beauty product shipping packaging must prioritize durability, sustainability and efficiency. Durability ensures the product withstands handling and transit conditions, while sustainability emphasizes eco-friendly materials like recycled or recyclable components. Efficient designs minimize volume, reducing shipping costs and environmental impact.
Packaging should be functional yet reflect the brand’s values, ensuring consumer satisfaction without sacrificing environmental responsibility.
Beauty products come in a variety of shapes and sizes, requiring thoughtful packaging to ensure safe delivery while minimizing environmental impact. Items like serums, lipsticks, and compact palettes typically weigh between 0.2 to 1 kilogram, while bulkier products, such as skincare sets or haircare items, add to the weight (IMP Marketing, GCI magazine). Common package dimensions range from 20x15x5 cm to 30x20x10 cm to accommodate small, lightweight products while safeguarding them during transit (Peel Insights).
Using oversized boxes filled with fillers like foam or paper isn’t ideal. It increases material waste, shipping costs, and greenhouse gas emissions, undermining efforts toward sustainability. Compact and tailored packaging reduces these inefficiencies, ensuring products arrive intact without unnecessary bulk. Read our in-depth comparison here.
Optimizing packaging for beauty products is a critical factor in reducing environmental impact and improving operational efficiency. Properly sized, lightweight materials minimize waste, lower shipping expenses, and decrease carbon emissions, aligning with sustainability goals. By embracing eco-friendly designs and reducing reliance on excess fillers, brands can enhance their commitment to both customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility.
Beyond ample size and cost effectiveness, packaging must offer temperature resistance, padding, and protection from moisture or breakage to preserve the product’s integrity. For instance, thermal insulation is critical for heat-sensitive items like creams, while adequate padding prevents breakage during transit. A damaged beauty product is subject to leaking, which leaves the consumer dissatisfied – and creates unnecessary costs for the company.
Proper sealing mechanisms reduce the risk of leaks or product contamination, particularly important in organic and synthetic cosmetics, both being in direct touch with the skin. Furthermore, resealable designs enhance convenience for customers. Not only is the product return easier for the customer, but also the overall customer experience is enhanced.
Using cost-effective packaging solutions like padded or bubble mailers allows businesses to strike a balance between safety, affordability, and sustainability.
Padded mailers, for example, provide sufficient protection for small, lightweight items, reducing the need for bulkier packaging. Similarly, fillers made of recycled materials, such as plastic bubble wrap, safeguard products while minimizing environmental impact.These shipping packaging solutions not only reduce shipping cost by lowering package weight, but also align with eco-conscious consumer preferences, enhancing a brand’s reputation in the competitive beauty industry.
The unboxing experience is a pivotal touchpoint in e-commerce, but it doesn’t have to revolve around traditional boxes. A well-designed padded envelope or mailer can evoke the same excitement, aligning with the brand’s aesthetics while being sustainable. A clear message about the eco-friendly practices behind the packaging reinforces brand trust and customer loyalty.
An effective shipping solution should offer customization options such as overprints, to strengthen branding. Textured or special overprints can elevate the unboxing experience by adding a luxurious or personal touch. Applying customization to both the exterior and interior of the shipping packaging can positively surprise customers, reinforcing their loyalty to the brand in effect.
A prime sustainable solution for enhancing branding is using environmentally friendly water-based inks, that are increasingly used for overprints, reducing Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions. These inks maintain vibrant colors and durability while minimizing ecological impact, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
To balance safety and sustainability, it’s essential to avoid excessive fillers and opt for appropriately sized protective materials. Packaging made from recycled or recyclable materials certified by recognized ecolabels like Blue Angel or FSC guarantees responsible sourcing and reduced environmental impact. Blue Angel, for example, ensures resource efficiency, minimal emissions, and adherence to strict environmental standards for plastic materials, while FSC certification promotes sustainable forest management practices.
To be sure that shipping packaging solutions are genuinely environmentally friendly, it is important to assess the entire lifecycle of the materials. As we mentioned, certifications like FSC or Blue Angel offer transparency by verifying sustainable sourcing and production, however adherence to standards like the EU Timber Regulation further support eco-friendly claims.
Some companies take a step further to reduce their carbon footprint by promoting sustainable logistics solutions. This includes choosing couriers that utilize bike deliveries for urban areas, or electric vehicles for longer distances. Collaborating with companies that aim for climate neutrality, such as implementing carbon offset programs or using renewable energy in operations ensures a tangible reduction in emissions.
These initiatives not only support sustainability goals but also resonate with environmentally conscious consumers.
Padded mailers and courier envelopes are versatile, lightweight alternatives to traditional boxes. Their smaller size reduces material use and shipping costs, while still offering robust protection against impact and external elements. Perfect for compact beauty items, they ensure secure delivery with minimal waste, making them a tailor-made solution for the e-commerce beauty industry.
Furthermore, flat-laying poly mailers significantly optimize storage space, as a much larger quantity of ready-to-use poly mailers can be stored in the same space as flattened boxes.
We calculated that a 100 poly mailers stacked and ready to use takes up 50 times less space than a 100 of similarly-sized boxes. The reference size of the box was 400x250x10 mm when folded flat, so it would host an average beauty gift set.
Such optimisation enables companies to stock up on the products and use the costly storage space more effectively.
Our Foam Mailers offer a padded and lightweight solution ideal for shipping flat, delicate items like books, certificates, or thin electronics, particularly useful in case of lacquered products, or products with a delicate and shiny packaging. These mailers are lined with protective foam, which cushions contents against shocks and pressure during transit. Foam mailers are slim and flexible, allowing for easy handling while minimizing packaging bulk. Their compact design not only reduces shipping costs but also offers a practical choice for e-commerce businesses that prioritize cost-efficiency and product safety. Additionally, they are recyclable, aligning with sustainability goals when properly disposed of.
Bubble Mailers product line provides robust protection for small- to medium-sized goods, combining durability with sustainability. Options like our Eco Bubble Mailers utilize recycled and certified materials, both for the paper and the plastic film, reducing thus the environmental impact of the shipping packaging, while maintaining excellent cushioning properties, and being made of 90% Post-Consumer Recycled Content.
For items requiring extra durability, Extra Strong Bubble Mailers are designed to resist punctures and tears, offering reliable protection during rough handling. These mailers are versatile, suitable for items like cosmetics or beauty accessories, and they help cut shipping expenses while maintaining product safety.
Courier Envelopes are an eco-friendly and budget-conscious solution, perfect for securing items packaged in small boxes. Made from durable materials (reinforced, recycled and certified polyethylene), these envelopes offer tear resistance while remaining lightweight.
Their slim design is particularly advantageous for businesses aiming to minimize shipping costs without compromising protection.
Courier envelopes are also easy to customize with branding, making them an excellent choice for companies looking to enhance their eco-conscious reputation while delivering a professional presentation.
Our recyclable bubble wrap, partly made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, is an eco-friendly option for void filling and product protection during shipping.
This material is designed to cushion fragile items like glassware, electronics, or cosmetics, effectively absorbing shocks and preventing damage. Its lightweight nature reduces shipping costs while maintaining excellent protective qualities. Using PCR bubble wrap helps divert plastic waste from landfills.
One of the key benefits of recyclable bubble wrap is its potential for reuse by customers. Once received, it can be used again for storage, packing, or future shipments, extending its lifecycle and reducing the need for new packaging materials. Encouraging reuse among customers promotes a circular approach to packaging, which is crucial for reducing overall material waste. Furthermore, the flexibility and durability of the bubble wrap ensure it remains effective even after multiple uses, enhancing its value as a sustainable packaging solution.
Recyclable bubble wrap offers an easy disposal method when it has reached the end of its usability. Clear recycling instructions will simplify the process.
By choosing recyclable and reusable void fillers like bubble wrap, companies effectively protect their products and the environment.
Customizable Packing List Pouches partly made from Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials provide an excellent solution for securely and sustainably shipping waybills and labels.
These pouches can be tailored with company branding, enhancing the customer experience while serving a functional purpose. Often used for attaching invoices, packing lists, or shipping labels to parcels, they ensure that important documents stay intact and are easily accessible during delivery. By using PCR materials, companies reduce their reliance on virgin plastics, making a positive environmental impact without compromising on the strength or security of the packaging.
Customization options allow businesses to utilize pouches that are not only functional, but also reflective of their brand’s commitment to sustainability.
These pouches protect documents from the elements, ensuring that critical information such as waybills or return labels remains secure throughout the whole shipping process.
By opting for materials that are recyclable or made from recycled content, companies reduce waste, helping to keep plastic out of landfills while maintaining a practical, eco-friendly solution.
The use of such pouches contributes to a more circular economy by incorporating recycled content into everyday shipping practices.
Additionally, these pouches can often be recycled after use, minimizing their environmental footprint even further. Encouraging customers to recycle the pouches once they’ve completed their use fosters a sense of shared responsibility in reducing waste. By combining the benefits of customization, security, and sustainability, companies can elevate their packaging while making a tangible contribution to global sustainability efforts.
Instructing customers on how to properly recycle packaging materials not only supports sustainability efforts but also strengthens your brand’s environmental commitment. Clear labeling or inclusion of simple recycling instructions—such as “Please recycle this packaging” or directing customers to local recycling programs—demonstrates responsibility and encourages action.
By choosing sustainable shipping packaging solutions, such as recycled and recyclable materials, brands align themselves with growing consumer demand for eco-conscious products and services.
Adopting sustainable packaging enhances a brand’s image by positioning it as environmentally responsible, a key factor in gaining consumer loyalty. When brands prioritize eco-friendly packaging, it resonates with customers who are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases. As businesses adopt packaging solutions like recycled content materials or reusable shipping bags, they convey a message of long-term sustainability that appeals to a growing base of eco-aware consumers. This proactive stance not only supports global sustainability but also differentiates a brand in an increasingly competitive market.
Read more on the topic from our September’s article.
Shipping emissions between the EU and China significantly differ in their environmental impact. EU-EU shipping, which benefits from stringent EU emissions regulations, is by design more eco-friendly due to the implementation of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and other green initiatives.
In contrast, China-EU shipping involves longer distances and less stringent regulations on emissions, contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions, as evidenced by research showing China’s subsidies for its shipping industry and its less rigorous environmental policies.
Using raw materials with certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and Blue Angel ensures that packaging is sustainably sourced. These certifications guarantee that materials like paper and wood come from responsibly managed forests, and meet rigorous environmental and social standards, such as the EU Timber Regulation.
Such certification systems help combat deforestation and promote sustainable forest management, offering consumers and companies confidence that the materials used are truly eco-friendly and ethically sourced.
Also, packaging that prioritizes both consumer safety and environmental sustainability is essential for reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. ISO certifications and clear recycling instructions are vital for ensuring that packaging can be properly recycled or disposed of. Using environmentally friendly packaging solutions made in Europe and promoting proper recycling practices also reinforce a brand’s commitment to sustainability, ensuring that packaging serves both functional and eco-conscious purposes.
The global beauty market grew by 8% in 2023, reflecting its robust expansion across regions and a continued rise in e-commerce sales, with projections indicating further growth in the coming years (Statista, McKinsey). As beauty businesses strive to meet increasing demand, choosing the right packaging becomes crucial for ensuring product safety and sustainability.
FILMAR products offer a reliable solution for your packaging needs. With a wide range of sizes and versatile uses, our packaging options cater to various beauty products while maintaining eco-friendly standards. FILMAR’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in our customizable solutions, allowing businesses to align their packaging with both their environmental goals and brand identity. Whether you’re shipping cosmetics, skincare, or personal care items, our products offer the perfect combination of reliability, sustainability, and customization.
Engage with us today to find the best sustainable packaging solution for your e-commerce business and enhance your brand’s commitment to eco-friendly practices!
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FILMAR Group’s product offer aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging. Our solutions, such as Eco-Bubble Mailers, Co-Ex Filbags, and Adhesive Shipping Label Envelopes represent this commitment. The products are crafted from sustainably sourced, recycled and recyclable materials, meeting both consumer expectations and regulatory requirements like the EU PPWR.
By choosing FILMAR’s eco-friendly packaging, companies can reduce their environmental impact, support recycling infrastructures, and enhance their brand reputation. Our customizable solutions not only contribute to a circular economy but also provide practical, sustainable options for businesses of all sizes.
Discover our certified, sustainable shipping envelopes and poly mailers:
