The United States has approved a significant increase in customs duties on paper bags from certain countries, in order to discourage the import of low-cost paper bags. Procos reacts to this new regulation. 

"In the United States, imports of low-cost, fully machine-made paper bags are now subject to a duty of around +135 %. While these taxes are aimed at paper bags for mass applications, the specifications of what defines these bags are quite vague, putting companies like ours at risk, even though we don't manufacture these types of products. There is only one customs number for all paper shopping bags".explains Leander Kritikos, CEO of Procos, a German manufacturer of packaging for major luxury brands.

The request comes from the Coalition for Fair Trade in Shopping Bags, which welcomed the final findings announced by the US Department of Commerce that imports into the US of paper shopping bags from Cambodia, China, Colombia, India, Malaysia, Portugal, Taiwan and Vietnam are being sold at less than fair value, and that imports from China and India are otherwise being subsidized. This opinion follows a positive final dumping finding concerning imports of paper shopping bags from Turkey, and a petition filed by the consortium in May 2023.

"We informed our customers in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises. We have also proposed other solutions to get around this regulation.explains Leander Kritikos. We have to develop a customized solution for each customer."

To ensure that its shopping bags are not subject to the new taxes, the German manufacturer adjusts the size of the bags, replaces the paper handles with woven ribbon (customs duties only apply to 100 % paper bags), and plays with the weight of the bags. The company stresses that Procos experts have the necessary tools to offer a customized solution for each shopping bag, as close as possible to the original design.

"Procos has already begun to develop alternative solutions, including samples in adapted sizes and has developed modified production processes. We are committed to supporting our customers and partners as they navigate these new regulations, providing innovative solutions that comply with the requirements of the US market. A specific bag is already available for the brands concerned. Made entirely from FSC-certified, EUTR*-compliant paper, it incorporates the features required to escape the scope of the new taxes".explains Leander Kritikos.

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Yaël Zajac

The new version of the Idôle eau de parfum bottle from Lancôme (L'Oréal group) features a Classic Inune pump from Aptar Beauty, part of the AptarGroup, a global specialist in dispensing and dispensing technologies.

Manufactured in France, at the Le Neubourg (27) site, the Classic Inune pump stands out for its POM (polyoxymethylene)-free motor, robust design and 10 % weight, which is lower than the average for pumps on the market.

A short, gentle spray is all it takes. The slim pump adds to the sensoriality of the object. The top sub-assembly is adorned with an elegant metal finish, produced by a bespoke anodizing process in the rose gold hue emblematic of the Lancôme house. The top trim follows the slender, delicate movement of the bottle.

Elegant refillable bottle, adapted pump

With its new bottle, a symbol of the new contemporary femininity, Lancôme materializes its commitment to greater sustainability, in particular with its new refillable case.

In line with its demanding specifications, Aptar Beauty offered Lancôme the Classic Inune pump, its top-of-the-range product, in its refillable version with SNI 15 screw attachment. This pump preserves the integrity of the juice, protecting it from any contact with the metal of the pump system.

"This new launch is the fruit of close collaboration between the L'Oréal and Aptar teams. To meet the challenges of sustainability and the aesthetic criteria of the Eau de Parfum Idôle bottle, we naturally chose our Classic Inune spray: elegant and discreet, it blends perfectly with the bottle's sleek design, even in its refillable version. It guarantees optimum compatibility, meeting the requirements of the most prestigious perfume houses, such as Lancôme. "Sophie Magdelaine, Global Platform Senior Manager Fragrance, Aptar Beauty.

The first fragrance collection from Charlotte Tilbury (Puig Group) was created in collaboration with award-winning perfumers Anne Flipo, Juliette Karagueuzoglou and Dominique Ropion to invite you on an emotional journey. Love Frequency, Magic Energy, Calm Bliss, More Sex, Cosmic Power and Joyphoria - six fragrances for six emotions: love, energy, serenity, seduction, empowerment and happiness - make up this collection.

Stoelzle Glass Group has manufactured and decorated the six bottles.

TNT Group was asked by the brand to develop the ring common to all six fragrances. Made in zamak, with a rose gold finish, then varnished, it was meticulously designed, in particular for its inner groove to ensure impeccable assembly with the colored cap.

TNT Group specializes in the design, development and manufacture of high-quality metal parts - zamak, aluminum, brass, stainless steel and plastic - for the perfume, cosmetics and make-up industries. Its portfolio includes a variety of products such as covers, shields, decorative plates, boxes, cases and packaging with applicators.

The professionally-inspired Pro Peeling Éclat brush mask from Thalgo's Spiruline boost line, enriched with acidic seaweed ferments with peel-like action, gives a new-skin effect and instantly relaxes the skin, according to its designers.

The product's On/Off system enables the formula to be dispensed and then, once closed, applied with a washable brush that can be separated for recycling. This patented system comes from Cosmogen's Squeeze'n Tint range.

Thalgo has also chosen Cosmogen's Ø 19 mm PE tube with an "ice cube" effect roll-on with three stainless steel balls for its Défatigant Regard treatment. In a single gesture, it smoothes away signs of fatigue, wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness for instantly fresher-looking eyes, according to Thalgo.

Quadpack offers a complete range of exclusive applicators to accompany dip-in packaging.

To meet new trends in liquid formulas, beauty brands are looking for effective, innovative applicators.

Quadpack, the international manufacturer and supplier of beauty packaging, offers a complete range of dip-in solutions and applicators to meet virtually any need.

These application systems are the result of the work of Quadpack's Creative Hub, which brings together employees and innovation partners. Designed on the basis of market research, trend analysis, customer feedback, technical expertise and creativity, the applicators are distinguished by a combination of functionality and sensoriality. The range, which is in full development, incorporates classics, as well as exclusive patented designs that, according to Quadpack, "take make-up and skincare products to the next level."

"Classic flocked applicators are evolving. Among our collection of applicators, brands will discover new designs that add value to the formula and stimulate the consumer experience. We've designed original shapes inspired by nature. We also have metallic designs that provide a "cool touch" effect.says Mateia Crippa, Category Specialist at Quadpack. They all bring a touch of creativity to the application of the formula. Thanks to our mix-and-match strategy, we're able to support new gestures with a reduced investment for the brand."

The mix-and-match system for dip-in solutions consists of two steps: first selecting a bottle, then matching it with an applicator.

Quadpack's patented applicators include those for the Skin-Up Bottle:

• Centered, a model suitable for both high and low viscosity formulas: the leaf-shaped applicator features a central reservoir for applying the formula. Its clean, soft surface provides smooth, easy access to the lip contour. This model is suitable for both high and low viscosity formulas.
• 360, a facial applicator featuring a rounded tip on a flexible elliptical neck. This applicator features four product absorption zones and a localized application tip, so that the entire face can be covered without having to dip the applicator back into the bottle. Ideal for liquid foundations and concealers, according to Quadpack.
• Sorbet Touch is an applicator designed for low-viscosity foundations and blushes, allowing the formula to be absorbed and applied to lips and face without spilling a drop. Soft and flexible, its finger-like structure enables the product to be applied and blended without constraint for a high-definition result.
• Kimono features multiple absorption surfaces to apply the correct dose of foundation or concealer to the desired areas of the face, without having to dip the applicator back into the formula. This model features a rounded tip for rapid blending along contours, and a spatula-shaped surface for easy handling.

Other flocked applicators fit the Gala Lip Gloss bottle:

• Quadzone: this rigid, precise applicator, suitable for high-pigmentation formulas and modulable solutions, features blending properties for well-defined lines and controlled application. Four absorption zones ensure a fine layer of color and even product distribution.
• For layering looks involving a base and a finishing touch, Crush makes lip gloss application quick and effortless. The spoon shape features a double reservoir for thick coverage while maintaining even application. 
• Precise and flexible, Ace is a short applicator that glides over lips, leaving a veil of opaque color. Its concave, beveled reservoir allows pigments to flow from the tip to shape lips with ease.
• With Dicot, designed for low-viscosity lip glosses and lip oils, the product emerges from the reservoir without dripping, in a pleasant, soothing gesture. The wide face of the applicator ensures even coverage, while the defined tip allows precision work on the lip contour.
• Sorbet Kiss is a flexible applicator. The beveled felt tip glides over lips and cheeks for easy blending. A large-volume reservoir for low-viscosity, no-runoff formulas lets you create multiple touches of color.

Currently under development, the collection already includes over 40 applicators for a wide range of bottles. Quadpack can also meet specific specifications.

Interparfums relied on the expertise and know-how of FaiveleyTech to create the cap for the new Lacoste Original men's fragrance.

The Beauty business unit of FaiveleyTech, an international group of French origin specializing in high value-added plastic injection molding, has produced an intensely black polyamide cap with a high-gloss, scratch-resistant finish for Lacoste Original, Interparfums' new men's fragrance in a deliberately minimalist bottle.

The Lacoste logo, symbol of the brand, is engraved on the galvanized white bronze top. A ballast inside the top adds weight to the creation.

The design of this cap, in partnership with Interparfums teams, took into account environmental issues. To limit the product's carbon impact, the choice was made for a partially bio-sourced material, whose surface quality avoids the need for a varnish step. 

"We are very proud to have participated, alongside the brand's teams, in the development of this singular, masculine fragrance in the emblematic Lacoste colors."says Beryl Tomaschett, FaiveleyTech Orgelet Sales Manager.

This cap, produced in substantial volumes, was made for the 60 and 100 ml sizes of eau de parfum.