PET / rPET
Lightweight, clear, and recyclable. Ideal for bottles and jars. PCR (post-consumer recycled) options available for sustainability goals.
PP
Durable, chemical-resistant, and cost-effective. Widely used for jars, closures, and custom containers. Mono-material compatible.
Glass
Premium look and feel for luxury cosmetics. Infinite recyclability, impermeable, and compatible with a wide range of decorating options.
Metal
Strong, airtight, and premium feel. Ideal for lip products, compacts, and airless packaging systems.
Single-Material
Designed to be easily recyclable using one material type. Increasingly required by EU PPWR 2026 for packaging recyclability compliance.
PCR Content
Post-consumer recycled materials that reduce virgin plastic usage. Available in PET, PP, and HDPE. Fully documented for EU compliance.
Material Comparison at a Glance
How the main substrates compare on the factors that drive packaging decisions
| Material | Weight | Look & Feel | Relative Cost | Recyclability | PCR Available | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PET | Light | Clear, glossy | Low–mid | Widely recycled | Yes (rPET) | Bottles & jars — serum, lotion, toner |
| PP | Light | Opaque, matte | Low | Recyclable; mono-material friendly | Yes (rPP) | Jars, closures, custom containers |
| Glass | Heavier | Premium, high-shine | Higher | Infinitely recyclable | — | Premium skincare, fragrance, reactive formulas |
| Metal | Light–mid | Premium, tactile | Mid–high | Recyclable | — | Lip, compacts, mascara, airless systems |
Costs are relative and depend on design, quantity and decoration — confirm with a quote. PCR means the same base material carrying post-consumer recycled content (rPET / rPP / rHDPE). Single-material design (mono-PP, mono-PET) boosts recyclability ahead of EU PPWR.
Which Material Fits Your Product?
A starting shortlist — your formula, filling line and decoration refine it further
- Water-light serums & lotions — clear PET/rPET bottles, or PP where opacity and chemical resistance matter.
- Creams & balms — jars in PP/acrylic for value, glass for a premium shelf presence.
- Lip, compact & mascara — metal or PP custom components with a premium finish.
- Reactive or light-sensitive formulas — glass is impermeable and fully inert.
- Sustainability-led lines — rPET/rPP/rHDPE content and mono-material design; see the Compliance Hub for EU PPWR guidance.