Airless Pumps
Airless packaging has been the buzzword in the industry for quite some time now. Many of the big players have jumped into the bandwagon because they recognize the benefits that airless containers bring. Some innovative firms even added their own eco-friendly features to address the growing demand on green products. Here, we take a look at the benefits and features of airless
Airless Pumps are Not Your Ordinary Cosmetic Containers
Thousands (or even millions) of dollars can go to the development of a new cosmetic product. But if the packaging does not support the brand’s or product’s image, all the hard work can go to waste in an instant.
The importance of investing in the right packaging, therefore, cannot be overly emphasized. These days, the right container must not only serve as an enclosure for the product, but also acts to protect the formulation, enhance consumer experience emphasize the product’s efficacy, and boost the brand’s image.
According to GBI Research, there is a growing trend in the cosmetic industry called cosmeceuticals, or products that fall under any of these three labels – skin care, hair care, and others. Experts say that cosmeceuticals will continue to increase in popularity, and that the market will grow to 4.6% by 2018.
What does this mean, and where does airless packaging come in? In their race to impress the market and stand out, manufacturers need to keep their catalogue on par with the rising demand in chemical-free and eco-friendly products. They do this by using advanced and innovative formulations.
But since these formulations are especially sensitive to contamination, companies need a special kind of packaging to protect their products. The best solution to date is airless packaging. The airtight environment that airless pumps create can prevent reactive compounds from disintegrating the product.
In a case study published by Aranca in 2012, airless dispensers are mostly used in the skin care sector. It gets 60% of the total cosmetic and pharmaceutical products that use airtight packaging technologies. In the same study, Europe is the biggest user of airless containers (58%). The US comes next (25%).
Specifications and Features of Airless Pumps
Airless pumps use different technologies, but the most common is the piston system. In this system, the container has a flexible pouch at the bottom that collapses when the product is used. This system is the cheapest and most widely used, and it usually comes with a rigid bottle.
Another airless dispenser system is called bag-in-bottle, which uses an inner bag that collapses as the product is used up. This system is not as common, but they are usually used in products that require an excellent barrier against oxygen.
As packaging companies readily provide customization services, airless pumps come in several styles, shapes, colors, and sizes. Common volume capacities of airless bottles include 15 ml, 30 ml, 50 ml, 100 ml, 120 ml, and more than 150 ml.
When it comes to decorations, upscale design is the new trend. Consumers are embracing this trend because it helps their product stand out. The sleek, modern look is not only attractive to consumers. But the functionality of airless pumps is an added value.
Techniques such as hot stamping, embossing, and silk screen printing are available to transform an ordinary airless pump into a high-end dispenser. Decoration options include double-walls, embroidered laces, and faux leather patterns.
Advanced features of airless pumps include metalized actuators, sleek collar shapes, and biodegradable options.
With many beauty products being launched in the market almost everyday, the need to stand out has never been greater. Packaging plays a vital role in a product’s success in the market, and when it comes to advanced formulations, airless pumps are the perfect solution.
