The cosmetics industry is accelerating the development of refillable packaging as brands respond to stricter environmental regulations, growing consumer expectations and increasing pressure to reduce single-use packaging waste.

Ahead of London Packaging Week 2026, packaging suppliers and beauty brands are preparing to showcase refillable packaging systems designed to combine premium aesthetics with improved circularity, reflecting a broader shift toward reusable packaging solutions.

Regulations Continue to Drive Packaging Innovation

The move toward refillable packaging comes as regulations such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes place greater responsibility on brands for the environmental impact of their packaging.

These policies are encouraging cosmetics manufacturers to explore packaging formats that reduce material consumption while supporting reuse and recyclability.

Unlike many consumer products, cosmetics packaging must also maintain premium appearance, product protection and brand differentiation, making refillable solutions both a design and engineering challenge.

Packaging Suppliers Expand Refillable Solutions

Several packaging manufacturers will present new refill systems during London Packaging Week.

Amcor is showcasing its AmPrima refillable spouted pouches, manufactured from polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) with options for bio-based materials and post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.

The company will also introduce its Exclusive Refill packaging format, designed to support both sustainability objectives and regulatory compliance.

Meanwhile, Curve Pack is presenting refillable cosmetic bottles intended for premium skincare products.

The system combines:

• Glass or aluminum outer bottles
• Replaceable polypropylene inner containers
• Airless dispensing technology
• PCR material options
• Premium decorative finishes

The design allows consumers to retain the outer package while replacing only the product cartridge after use.

Beauty Brands Continue to Test Reuse Models

Cosmetics companies are also expanding refillable product offerings.

Paco Rabanne is displaying refill options across its Fame fragrance collection, while Cahé Cosmétique is using Lablabo’s Baia Refill system for facial skincare products.

The airless dispensing design combines recyclable glass containers with replaceable polyethylene refill pouches, helping preserve product quality while reducing packaging waste.

Sustainability Extends Beyond Refills

Other packaging innovations presented at the exhibition focus on recycled materials and local manufacturing.

Spectra Packaging will showcase refillable shaving cream bottles developed with UK brand Fuss Free Shaving.

The packaging incorporates 35% Prevented Ocean Plastic (POP) and has been designed for letterbox delivery, improving both logistics efficiency and material sustainability.

According to Spectra Packaging, its adoption of POP materials has helped divert more than 60 million plastic bottles from coastal environments since integrating the material into its packaging supply chain.

Consumer Adoption Remains a Challenge

Despite increasing investment in refill systems, wider adoption remains gradual.

Industry observers note that refillable packaging programs continue to face challenges including limited consumer awareness, unsuccessful pilot programs and the continued dominance of conventional plastic packaging formats.

Nevertheless, growing regulatory requirements and corporate sustainability targets are expected to increase interest in refillable packaging across the personal care sector.

Circular Packaging Moves Beyond Recycling

For the cosmetics industry, refillable packaging represents a broader transition from single-use packaging toward circular packaging systems that emphasize reuse alongside recyclability.

As PPWR implementation and EPR programs continue to reshape packaging design, suppliers are increasingly developing refillable solutions that combine premium appearance, product protection and material efficiency, allowing beauty brands to reduce packaging waste without compromising consumer experience.

Last Updated on 31/07/2026 by Jota Machinery