Airless Packaging Market

Market Overview

The global airless packaging market size was valued at USD 5.83 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 9.02 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.97% during the forecast period (2024–2032). In recent years, manufacturers have increasingly adopted airless packaging technologies to enhance the shelf life of their products and minimize waste, increasing the demand for airless packaging and driving global market growth. Moreover, the prominent stakeholders in this market are introducing novel and innovative products to enhance their market share, thereby creating opportunities for market growth.

Highlights

• Plastic dominates the material segment 
• Bottles and jars dominate the product segment 
• Cosmetics and personal care dominate the application segment 
• Europe held the largest market share

Airless packaging is a method of storing and dispensing products, typically cosmetics or skincare items, in containers designed to minimize exposure to air. Unlike traditional packaging with pumps or tubes that allow air to enter, airless packaging systems utilize mechanisms that create a vacuum, preventing air from entering the container. This airtight environment helps preserve the product's integrity by reducing oxidation and contamination, thus extending its shelf life and maintaining its efficacy over time.

Airless packaging also allows for more precise product dispensing, minimizing waste and ensuring the user can access every last bit. With its ability to protect sensitive formulations from degradation and maintain hygiene standards, airless packaging has evolved to become increasingly popular in the beauty and skincare industry, offering consumers a more reliable and efficient way to store and use their favorite products.

Market Dynamics

Global Airless Packaging Market Drivers

Rising Concerns Regarding Product Preservation and Shelf-Life Extension 

One of the primary drivers propelling the development of the airless packaging market is the escalating concerns among manufacturers regarding product preservation and shelf life extension. In today's competitive market landscape, maintaining the quality and efficacy of products throughout their lifecycle is paramount for brand reputation and consumer satisfaction. Airless packaging systems offer a compelling solution to address these concerns by minimizing exposure to air, light, and contaminants, thereby preserving the integrity of the packaged products.

Manufacturers across industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage are increasingly turning to airless packaging technologies to increase the shelf life of their products and decrease the risk of spoilage, degradation, or contamination. By implementing airless packaging, companies can safeguard their formulations' potency, freshness, and safety, enhancing consumer trust and loyalty. As a result, the rising emphasis on product preservation and shelf-life extension is a significant driver fueling the adoption of airless packaging solutions in the global market.

Global Airless Packaging Market Restraint

High Initial Investment 

One of the primary restraints hindering the growth of the airless packaging market is the high initial investment required for implementing airless packaging systems. While these systems provide long-term benefits such as reduced product wastage and extended shelf life, the upfront costs associated with equipment purchase, installation, and maintenance pose significant challenges, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Customizing airless packaging solutions to meet specific product requirements can further escalate costs, limiting adoption among budget-conscious manufacturers. Moreover, the complexity of airless packaging machinery and the need for skilled people to operate and maintain it add to the overall investment burden. As a result, cost-sensitive businesses may hesitate to invest in airless packaging technology, preferring conventional packaging solutions despite their limitations in product protection and shelf-life extension.

Global Airless Packaging Market Opportunities

Launch of Novel Products

The key market players are introducing new and innovative airless packaging solutions. For instance, in November 2023, Aptar Beauty, a subsidiary of Aptar, a multinational consumer packaging firm, introduced their first mono-material airless dispenser. The packing material, Dubbed Mono Micro, is made entirely of polyethylene (PE). This includes the container, actuator, exterior cap, inside piston mechanism, and label. The dispenser has obtained a certification of 100% recyclability from the European evaluation institute, Institut cyclos-HTP.

Furthermore, in October 2023, Aptar Beauty and Pinard Beauty Pack announced their agreement to introduce a new airless packaging solution dubbed Future Airless PET. This packaging is 100% recyclable and will be launched in the market. The versatile omnichannel airless packaging, offered in generous sizes, is suitable for various applications, including personal cleansing, body care, hair care, and suncare goods. The product utilizes Aptar's Future polyethylene (PE) pump and Pinard's patented Airless polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle-in-bottle technology. Consequently, all these factors create opportunities for market expansion.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global airless packaging market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Europe Dominates the Global Market

Europe is the most significant global airless packaging market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. Europe is a key region driving growth in the airless packaging market, strongly emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and premiumization. With increasing environmental consciousness and regulatory focus on reducing plastic waste, European countries are embracing eco-friendly packaging solutions, including airless packaging, across various industries. The region's thriving cosmetics and personal care sector, renowned for its premium brands and advanced formulations, fuels the demand for high-quality packaging solutions that offer product protection and preservation. 

Additionally, collaborations between packaging manufacturers and beauty brands are expected to propel European market growth, significantly contributing to the global airless packaging market. For instance, in April 2023, Quadpack, a worldwide maker of cosmetics packaging, supplied its Regula Airless packaging for NUORI, a skincare brand based in Denmark, for its latest product line, The One. Regula Airless is manufactured using 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), effectively safeguarding the contents from contamination without artificial preservatives. The complete product range was created exclusively in Europe. The product was blended in Denmark, while the packaging was produced at Quadpack's production location in Kierspe, Germany. Consequently, the factors above are estimated to augment the market growth.

The Asia-Pacific region presents substantial growth opportunities for the airless packaging market, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and changing consumer preferences. Nations such as China, Japan, and South Korea are witnessing a surge in demand for airless packaging solutions, particularly in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors. The region's growing middle-class population, rising disposable incomes, and increasing awareness of product safety and hygiene propel market growth. Moreover, government initiatives promoting sustainable packaging and stringent regulations regarding product quality and safety further boost the adoption of airless packaging technologies in the region, making it a key market for industry players to target. 

Furthermore, the regional market players are continually investing in eco-friendly packaging solutions. For instance, in March 2021, Yonwoo, a leading manufacturer of airless piston packing from South Korea, has been at the forefront of developing mono-material airless pumps. They have continued to invest in environmentally responsible solutions, striving to create eco-friendly and user-friendly products. This is estimated to increase opportunities for the Asia-Pacific airless packaging market.

Segmental Analysis

The global airless packaging market is segmented by material, product, and application.

Based on material, the global airless packaging market is bifurcated into glass, plastic, and metal. 

The plastic segment dominates the global market. Plastics are the dominant material choice within the airless packaging market, offering versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. This segment encompasses various plastic materials such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS), each tailored to meet specific packaging requirements. Polypropylene (PP) is widely used for its excellent chemical resistance and high clarity, making it suitable for transparent packaging applications. Polyethylene (PE) offers flexibility and impact resistance, making it ideal for squeeze tubes and flexible bottles.

Polystyrene (PS) is favored for its lightweight nature and rigidity and is often utilized for jars and rigid bottles. Plastic airless packaging provides manufacturers with opportunities for customization, including color options, surface finishes, and printing capabilities for branding and product differentiation. Moreover, plastics offer environmental benefits such as recyclability and lightweight design, aligning with industry sustainability initiatives. As consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging grows, innovations in biodegradable and compostable plastics further enhance the appeal of plastic airless packaging solutions.

Based on product, the global airless packaging market is segmented into bottles and jars, bags and plastics, and tubes. 

The bottles and jars segment is expected to own the highest market share. Airless bottles and jars represent integral segments within the airless packaging market, catering primarily to the cosmetics and personal care industry. Airless bottles are designed to dispense liquid formulations such as serums, lotions, and foundations without allowing air to enter the packaging. By eliminating air exposure, airless bottles prevent oxidation and contamination, ensuring the longevity and efficacy of the contained products. The precise dispensing mechanism of airless bottles also minimizes product waste, making them a preferred choice for high-end skincare and beauty brands seeking to enhance product integrity and user experience.

In contrast, airless jars are ideal for thicker formulations such as creams, ointments, and masks; airless jars offer similar benefits as airless bottles but cater to products with different viscosities. The vacuum-based dispensing system of airless jars preserves the freshness and potency of the formulations while providing consumers with convenient and hygienic product application. With their ability to maintain product stability and extend shelf life, airless jars are widely adopted by cosmetics and personal care manufacturers, aiming to deliver premium skincare solutions to discerning consumers.

Based on application, the global airless packaging market is divided into cosmetics and personal care, home care, pharmaceutical, pet care, and others. 

The cosmetics and personal care segment contributed to the largest market share. The cosmetics and personal care segment is a significant growth driver in the airless packaging market, accounting for a substantial share of the demand. With consumers increasingly prioritizing product efficacy, hygiene, and convenience, manufacturers in this segment are turning to airless packaging solutions to meet these evolving needs. Airless packaging offers several benefits for cosmetics and personal care products, including protection against oxidation, contamination, and spoilage, thereby ensuring the integrity and longevity of formulations. 

Moreover, the precise dispensing mechanism of airless packaging reduces product waste and allows for controlled dosage, enhancing user experience. This segment encompasses various products, such as moisturizers, serums, foundations, and lotions, catering to diverse skincare, haircare, and makeup needs. As consumer preferences continue to drive innovation in the cosmetics and personal care industry, the demand for advanced airless packaging solutions will escalate further.

Recent Developments

• April 2024 - APC Packaging unveiled ERAJ, the EcoReady Refillable Airless Jar, at LPNY. This product combines sophistication and environmental consciousness to create contemporary beauty packaging. ERAJ has a center dispensing design and airtight double-wall structure to maintain the integrity of the product and prolong its shelf life. The ERAJ is specifically designed for thick formulations and ensures accurate dosing while maintaining hygiene.
• March 2024 - APC Packaging unveiled the EAPP EcoReady All Plastic Airless Pump, a dispensing solution that combines plastic material with airless technology to provide a more environmentally responsible design.