Responding to changing market demands, leading brands are increasingly embracing both standard and custom refillable bottles. These designs encourage consumers to reuse the packaging for longer periods, aided by components that can be easily separated for efficient recycling. Bormioli Luigi is behind a growing number of iconic bottles that have been adapted to refillable versions, their distinctive decorative elements underscoring the value and extended lifespan of each product.
Another notable trend is the return of glass caps replacing more common materials, reflecting a more conscious and aesthetic approach. Bormioli Luigi brings its historical expertise to this "Back to glass" strategy.
The same pattern is emerging in the makeup and skincare sectors, where refillable pots—most of which are currently made from plastic — are gaining popularity.
Glass makeup: innovating for beauty
Bormioli Luigi continues to innovate in the makeup market. Following the Murano line of lip gloss and mascara, available as a standard version and notably adapted by brands for complexion products, the group has expanded its expertise to refillable glass lipstick. After Tango in glass and wood, the new generation is called Swing.
Lighter and with thinner walls, this model meets consumer expectations for design and usage rituals. With Swing, Bormioli Luigi comes back to glass and offers brands the option to integrate up to 15% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) glass. For functional reasons, the removable central ring is designed in plastic, but it can be made from various recyclable materials while maintaining the same mechanical resistance and the same "click" closure. By removing this ring, it is easy to isolate it from other components for recycling.
Available in standard red or silver versions, Swing lends itself to all forms of customization: internal or external lacquering, metallic effects, sputtering, screen printing, metallization, transparent lacquering, and more. The central ring is also customizable in terms of colour and decoration to give the product and its refill a unique identity.
“Today, it is all about compromise, combining desirability with durability. As we know, refillability is a major challenge for us as manufacturers and, for the consumer, it represents a new approach to usage and brand loyalty. We are rising to this challenge, but we are also working extensively on lightweighting and resistance, drawing on our group expertise and our lead with the Ecoline lightweight range," explains Simone Baratta, Director of the Perfume & Beauty Division.
Reverre: an all-glass refillable jar
The Italian glassmaker has chosen to innovate with a glass jar featuring a removable cup, also made of glass. Considerably lighter, this model significantly reduces the use of raw materials without compromising on design or durability.
The airtightness of this patented concept is guaranteed by a plastic ring, the presence of which does not hinder the product’s recyclability. This standard jar, named Reverre, is offered with two development options: the pre-developed catalog model, which simply requires customization through decoration and embellishments, or a fully bespoke development of the concept. In the latter case, everything is possible—from the shape of the glass to the size of the inner cup and the lid. It is then up to the Bormioli Luigi teams to implement the appropriate industrial processes and solve the technical challenges related to the design.
"We wanted to offer brands this eco-responsible solution: a glass product that remains compatible with the formula and whose protection can be reinforced by a strengthening lacquer or a protective filter," concludes Simone Baratta.
