January 12, 2004

By: Nicole Sims
Website: http://www.1st-in-cosmetics.com

US Cosmetic& Toiletry containers demand to reach 23 billion units in 2007

US demand for cosmetic and toiletry containers is projected to expand 2.6 percent per year to 23 billion units in 2007Advances will reflect healthy growth in cosmetic and toiletry product shipments and the further development of nontraditional sales channels.New cosmetic product introductions and a broadening array of products for the male, teen and younger adult markets will also drive unit expansion.These and other trends are presented in Cosmetic & Toiletry Containers, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industrial research firm.

Hair care, oral hygiene and skin care are the three largest markets, together accounting for nearly two-thirds of unit demand in 2002.The strongest prospects will exist in the skin care and liquid soap markets.Skin care product container demand will benefit from healthy expansion in the over-45 population, which is fueling rapid sales of skin creams and lotions as well as non-drying skin cleansers.Liquid soap container advances will benefit from the rising presence of formulations offering skin benefits like moisturizing and exfoliation.The popularity of gift sets will also aid unit gains.

Plastics, the dominant container material in most cosmetic and toiletry markets, will continue to represent the growth segment of the industryWhile advances for plastics will in part be the result of displacement of glass, metal and paperboard, expansion will arise primarily from cost advantages, as well as new product introductions and relaunches of existing products that use new packaging designs.Among plastic containers, tubes will experience the best prospects, fueled by above-average growth for squeeze tubes, which will continue to make inroads against plastic bottles in a variety of markets based on performance and aesthetic attributes, along with expanded usage in prestige brands.

Paperboard container demand will be restrained by the elimination of secondary packaging in many personal care products as part of ongoing source reduction efforts, along with competition from plastic boxes and blister packs.Glass cosmetic and toiletry container prospects will remain weak as the development of resins that can be formulated to resemble glass results in further losses.Metal cosmetic and toiletry container advances will be hampered by lower cost plastics.

About The Author:

Nicole Sims is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cosmetics.com.  Tips on skin care, hair care and beauty products to bring out natural beauty.