Plastics to increase domination of cosmetics packaging

A new research report on the global packaging of cosmetics and toiletries sees strong worldwide growth for the category–and an even larger share for plastic containers.

Pw 19053 World

Is the marketing of cosmetics and toiletries truly a global business? According to new research, the top 10 manufacturing companies generate nearly two-thirds of all global sales of these products. That figure is just one conclusion gleaned from a research report, “World Cosmetics & Toiletries Packaging, 2000-2005,” published in April by Market Tracking Intl. (London, England).

In total, the report says, the worldwide market for cosmetics and toiletries packaging reached $8.5 billion in 1998, and was predicted to reach the $9 billion mark this year. Packaging for the category is expected to total $10.5 billion by 2005. The growth rate has fluctuated in recent years, from increases of nearly 14% in ’95 to 4.6% the following year. Last year, the growth rate for the value of packaging for cosmetics and toiletries was a weak 5.7%, due largely to pressure on the global economy.

Within packaging, plastic containers make up the largest segment, at slightly more than 40% in ’98 (see chart). If plastic laminated tubes were combined with containers, the overall plastic packaging was predicted to have reached nearly 55% in ’98.

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