Innovation was on show at LUXE PACK Monaco's 2022 edition. In part two of our coverage, Luxe Packaging Insight brings a curated selection of the latest solutions in glass, plastics, new materials, accessories, paper/cardboard, closures and decoration & finishing.
GLASS/PLASTICS
Glassomer is adapting its new glass manufacturing technology to the luxury packaging sector. Its innovations are based on a combination of powerded glass and a temporary polymer binder used for shaping. This material can be processed either by stereolithographic 3D printing or by injection molding. In both cases, it is no longer necessary to melt the glass at very high temperatures, resulting in reduced energy consumption. With 3D printing in particular, it is possible to prototype glass products within two to three weeks and eliminate the cost of a mold. With injection molding, on the other hand, it is possible to manufacture lighter bottles on an industrial scale and in more varied designs. In 2023, Glassomer plans to present its first products developed with customers in large series using injection molding.
Pochet Group is enhancing its subsidiaries’ stock packaging and accessories solutions through novel materials and decorations. The company presented a lightweight glass jar with a wooden cap, protected by a box made of Portuguese cork, as well as 3D-printed plastic parts produced in partnership with Polypro, such as a cap in the shape of a seashell and a collar reminiscent of a marine sponge. In terms of decoration, the company is experimenting with fish leather, stone leaves, and a 100% vegetable rubber with a velvet effect for packaging accessories. In make-up, a slim metal compact houses a refillable cardboard palette, and the inside of the lid is designed to show a reflection without the addition of a mirror. Functionality being a key demand in this market, the group has developed Optimo, a wiper for lip glosses and liquid foundations, which cleans the flocked-tip applicator stem as it is removed from the bottle.
Pochet Group subsidiary Aura showed several tools, such as the Soupçon spatula, designed to extract the right dose whether the user is right- or left-handed; an applicator with interchangeable heads for facial massage; and stone gua sha accessories, surfing the return of the lithotherapy trend.
Saverglass showed Supreme, a luxury decanter. Its polished flat sides juxtapose with rounded edges, while the thick base has a round and regular punt. Available in 70cl and 75cl formats, the extra premium decanter weighs 1,210g. With Supreme, Saverglass is targeting aged brown spirits such as amber rum, cognac, whisky, bourbon and tequila.
Cosmogen unveiled a collection of 3D printed textured applicators mounted on its Fresh tube. Designed for lip and eye-contour care, the metal-tipped applicators come in different shapes and designs, allowing the consumer to apply a moderate dose of the formula.
Cosmogen also showcased five new zamak applicators for its Tense tube range. Each massaging tip features a different relief pattern, and its shape is fully customizable. As it is removable, the applicator can be reused on a new tube, which is available in either virgin or recycled plastic grades. Caudalie’s Premier Cru Eye Cream, featuring the first generation smooth surfaced zamak applicator, won a Formes de Luxe Award this year. Click here for the full list of winners.
A new version of the supplier’s massager tool was also on show. Dubbed Eco Ridoki, the new design features a PCR PET handle and a removable stainless-steel roller to facilitate recycling. The single-piece handle is cut out in the center, making it lighter by up to 30%.
Awantys showcased cosmetics and fragrance packaging solution AWYOCEAN, made from ocean-collected plastics. The PP, HDPE or PET-based packaging material is collected by local communities, NGOs or public authorities and turned into granulate, which is processed in conventional injection molds and can be decorated. The supplier began producing components in AWYOCEAN in January of this year.
ACCESSORIES
In a bid to make refillable perfume bottles appealing to consumers, Seram has developed the Clip & Match concept based on a collection of accessories intended to be attached to the screw pumps: ribbons, a lace pompom, acrylic medallions containing a decorative element, faux leather flowers, etc. Made of stainless steel, the clip is thin and flexible enough to fit under the pump cover. The company is also launching packaging and labels using increasingly diversified processes, such as laser-engraved denim to bring out more or less clear lines in the textile, reconstituted leather laser cut to reveal a silicone inscription slipped underneath, and bamboo decorated with a thermoformable stone leaf.
WOOD
Pujolasos launched its latest innovation, P-Refill at the show, a wooden jar with a disposable PP or PCR plastic interior cup. The monomaterial wooden exterior made of PEFC and FSC-certified ash wood has a light protective varnish. The removeable inner cup locks to the wooden exterior thanks to threads on the jar’s interior. It can be removed for recycling and replaced with a refill format. P-Refill is fully compatible with Pujolasos’ previously patented Woodle caps featuring a disposable plastic inner cap, as well as the supplier’s Woon wood and cork cap.
DECORATION & FINISHING
Altus Coating presented its latest solutions that include between 10-20% bio-sourced ingredients from food by-products. These new coatings are compatible with glass, wood and aluminum. Its Alcoat Range is destined for glass – a single coat, water-based, thermal-dried solution, as are Alcure and Allux, both solvent-based UV solutions applied directly onto the glass forgoing the need for an adhesive primer. Altus explains that these coating solutions require less than one second to harden, meaning there is no need for them to be artificially dried and thus saving energy. For wood surfaces, Altus Coating presented solvent-based UV varnish, which is formulated to not penetrate the substrate and therefore reduces the amount of product needed. A water-based thermal coating was unveiled for aluminum surfaces, in addition to a solvent-based UV solution that can meet the resistance demands required when shaping the substrate.
PAPER/CARDBOARD
Dahlinger showed a prototype for The Mineralist, a merchandising display made of paper and wood fiber. The base consists of three layers of cardboard and features a suede-effect insert to secure the product in place that is also in paper, with a coating sprayed to achieve a suede-like look and feel. The display comes with a cardboard cover, which slides into place and locks via the groves on its inside. The product holds together with what is described as bio-sourced glue.
Pusterla is developing a cardboard box with a tamper-evident system based on a patent filed by Industrie Grafiche Bressan for pharmaceutical packaging; it has obtained an exclusive license for the perfumery-cosmetics sector. The single-material solution is free of glue and plastic labels. The principle: when the box is opened, a tab section comes off and reveals a color, which acts as a tamper indicator.
DS Smith's E-nest kraft box is designed for e-commerce. It integrates a new generation of inserts, made simply of a self-sealing paper that envelops the objects to protect them. The self-sealing function is provided by a thin layer of paraffin wax deposited on the surface of the paper. The box is filled from the bottom by the packager; the consumer opens it from the top to remove the contents behind the paper.
NEW MATERIALS
Finnish plastic alternative packaging manufacturer Paptic showcased a tubular sleeve made of its Paptic Tringa 60 gsm. It is designed to replace garment bags and polybags, and due to its tubular design, it can be used to protect belts or handbag handles. It claims to be tear-resistant and durable, as well as pleasant to the touch.
Also on display was a Paptic Tringa 45 gsm pouch, intended for food or cosmetics industry. Because of its flexible design, it can be used as a seed pouch or a soap liner and is fully customizable in terms of decoration. Both products don’t require new machinery as they run on existing printing and converting production lines, they are 100% recyclable and are assembled using heat sealing or stitching.
Rissmann presented a packaging for spirits created with German start-up Proservation, which has developed a moldable material made from grain waste. The material is shock-absorbing and can be used as an alternative to polystyrene for the production of inserts. The ingredients are locally sourced and said to be entirely natural, with no added plastic. In theory, this makes it biodegradable and compostable at home; a request for certification to this effect is currently underway.
STOPPERS & CLOSURES
PVL Beauté highlighted new perfume caps. These include concrete caps that are currently manufactured by a porcelain factory in China that can replicate different textures and can be mass dyed in pastel shades. The company also manufactures single-material wooden caps in France’s Jura region. Three small holes drilled under the lower rim renders the wood more flexible, eliminating the need for a plastic insert.
Jules and Jim are among Coverpla's latest standard fragrance cap releases. The first is square, the second is round. Both are made of zamak with a plastic insert and manufactured in Italy. Also in the catalog are Wally, a recycled Surlyn cap with a smooth aluminum layer, and Torrid, a wooden cap with either a cork or polypropylene insert.
FORMULATION
In collaboration with Cosmogen and the laboratory GBC, Superga Beauty is releasing the first serum formula poured into a stick. Made from hyaluronic acid and other active anti-aging ingredients, this treatment is 99% natural and its packaging is refillable. Superga Beauty has also worked with GBC to develop EcoScent+, a range of fragrance derivatives that includes shower gel, body lotion, aftershave, and hand cream. The formulas contain a minimum of 95% natural ingredients and can be adapted to existing fragrances. Finally, the company has entered into an agreement with Expressions Parfumées (Givaudan) to use its patented water-based perfume. The fragrance claims to be very stable, and as powerful and long-lasting as an alcohol-based perfume. Unlike most water-based formulas, it does not have a cloudy appearance. It is eligible for Cosmos certification.
