Aptar and Quadpack join forces to develop refillable wooden lipstick

Barcelona-headquartered beauty packaging supplier Quadpack has combined its expertise in wooden packaging with Aptar’s technology in lipstick mechanisms. The two companies have jointly developed a refillable lipstick which aims to push the boundaries of sustainability and sensory appeal in makeup packaging.

Minimising environmental impact

Dubbed “Iconic Woodacity lipstick”, the new packaging solution was designed for minimal impact and maximum consumer engagement. It combines Aptar’s Iconic mechanism with Quadpack’s Woodacity full-wood patented technology.

Aptar’s POM-free, glue-free and lubricant-free mechanism offers a smooth, constant and precise rotation, thus allowing smooth actuation of the bullet over time. According to the company, the mechanism is reliable and compatible with most filling lines without any adjustments, and recognised as a quality standard by leading makeup brands worldwide.

Attached to an aluminium tube, the mechanism is contained in a monomaterial wooden casing custom-designed and manufactured by Quadpack. Made of 100% certified ash wood from sustainably-managed forests, the casing opens and closes with an intuitive gesture. The patented ‘Solo Twist’ system features an oval-shaped interior which ensures that the cap auto-locks on a quarter turn. “The twist gesture is a departure from standard click closures, making it fresh and fun,” said Quadpack in a statement.

The lipstick is refillable with ease: consumers simply pull out the used mechanism and snap in the new one. It is also possible to use refills of different colours simultaneously with one single casing to further reduce the pack’s impact.

In addition, wood brings a natural touch and a specific sensory dimension to the pack.

Entirely made in Europe

The entire pack is made in Europe. The mechanism is manufactured by Aptar beauty + home in Chavanod, France (formerly Aptar Reboul). Aptar Chavanod uses renewable energy, while 95% of production waste is reused or recycled.

The wooden container – with PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification on demand – is made at Quadpack’s wood factory in Catalonia, Spain, where a biomass plant converts production waste into energy.