Jamie Matusow, Editor-in-Chief, Beauty Packaging05.11.22
As Baralan celebrates its diamond jubilee this year, the family-owned and operated company has its eye on the present and future—and how it can best serve the Cosmetic Industry with innovative, sustainable packaging that brands can count on for top quality. Here, Jeff Carbone, Key Account Manager, Southeast Region, Baralan, describes how the company offers a one-stop packaging solution from glass bottles and jars, to caps, pumps, droppers—and a unique new series of glass airless containers.
Jamie Matusow: First of all, congratulations! I understand Baralan has a very significant anniversary this year.
Jeff Carbone: Yes, Baralan is celebrating 60 years in the cosmetic packaging industry. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Baralan has always been known for its innovation, quality and passion. After six decades, the company continues to offer a wide range of glass packaging to the cosmetics world and continues to evolve to address industry trends and market changes.
JM: What specific types of packaging are offered?
JC: Baralan specializes in high-quality, sustainable glass bottles and jars, with compatible accessories such as caps, pumps and droppers. We offer both stock and custom solutions.
JM: What makes Baralan stand out from other suppliers as far as availability, categories and services? What about supply chain?
JC: Baralan stands out in multiple ways. We have warehouses in California, New York, Italy and China, offering quick turnaround times and stability. In today’s environment, it can take several months before components are produced and shipped, with much uncertainty relative to accurate lead times. Baralan’s stock capabilities offer accessibility and security to all customers, ensuring that their products can be filled when needed, without harmful delays.
Second, our wide range of components allows brands to differentiate themselves. We have over 150 glass components in various shapes and sizes. Third, we offer decoration capabilities giving our customers the turnkey experience they desire. We remove the logistical headaches, providing our customers with high efficiency. In addition, Baralan’s quality and service are unmatched in the industry.
JM: I know Baralan is committed to sustainability. Can you provide some details?
JC: Baralan’s commitment to sustainability is second to none. We have found more brands making wise and eco-conscious decisions to reduce their plastic output wherever possible. Baralan has always offered glass components that are fully recyclable, but has increased its green portfolio. For many of our caps, compacts and other accessories, we offer both PCR and bio-based versions. We are doing our part and taking concerted efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.
JM: What about Baralan’s turnkey capabilities?
JC: Our product range allows for a complete package, along with the added benefit of decoration. It is sensible for brands to reduce their time and effort and avoid chasing down multiple vendors to more easily complete a package with Baralan. In addition, Baralan’s quality team guarantees that every Baralan component is compatible with its intended counterpart. Product stability is always required, but there is no concern that a Baralan jar will not fit with a Baralan cap.
JM: Any product or collection you are most proud of?
JC: We are proud of many of our products and continue to offer and develop new products every year. One in particular that we are very proud of is a new collection introduced in 2021 called the Maria Jar line. This is a new collection of wide mouth jars in various sizes—15-, 30-, 50-, 75- and 100ml—with more to come. We understood that the market is shifting toward glass from traditional plastic items such as body scrubs and butters, nutraceuticals, creams, etc. We created these jars to fill a void in the market and give brands added opportunities to become more sustainable.
JM: Briefly describe a recent innovative or challenging product that Baralan produced—and how it reflects the company’s expertise.
JC: We are very excited and proud of our most recent innovation called DEA (Developing the Evolution of Airless). This is our brand-new series of glass airless containers designed for several applications. Unlike other airless systems, DEA has no internal plastic container, making it the first airless system in which the filled product is directly in contact with its glass container. There are two versions available: classic and premium. We have had many challenges along the way, as this is the first of its kind. There had been tremendous testing and modifications along the way to ensure that the package was perfect for both the brand and the end user. This is a testament to our innovation and quality department. While being first to market is important, Baralan will not put anything out without all the proper steps completed.
JM: What’s next for Baralan?
JC: In celebration of our 60th anniversary, Baralan recently unveiled a new brand identity. This brand relaunch represents a natural transformation for us as we respect and honor the roots and values on which the company was built, but at the same time, we never stand still. This rebranding, inspired by a minimalistic and contemporary new logo, is designed to reflect the company’s continuous evolution. Coinciding with the rebrand, we have also strengthened our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, including the addition of several product portfolio and corporate-level initiatives aimed at creating a more sustainable future. Both moves represent our company’s growth and tangible shift toward becoming a better, future-focused company.
Jamie Matusow: First of all, congratulations! I understand Baralan has a very significant anniversary this year.
Jeff Carbone: Yes, Baralan is celebrating 60 years in the cosmetic packaging industry. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Baralan has always been known for its innovation, quality and passion. After six decades, the company continues to offer a wide range of glass packaging to the cosmetics world and continues to evolve to address industry trends and market changes.
JM: What specific types of packaging are offered?
JC: Baralan specializes in high-quality, sustainable glass bottles and jars, with compatible accessories such as caps, pumps and droppers. We offer both stock and custom solutions.
JM: What makes Baralan stand out from other suppliers as far as availability, categories and services? What about supply chain?
JC: Baralan stands out in multiple ways. We have warehouses in California, New York, Italy and China, offering quick turnaround times and stability. In today’s environment, it can take several months before components are produced and shipped, with much uncertainty relative to accurate lead times. Baralan’s stock capabilities offer accessibility and security to all customers, ensuring that their products can be filled when needed, without harmful delays.
Second, our wide range of components allows brands to differentiate themselves. We have over 150 glass components in various shapes and sizes. Third, we offer decoration capabilities giving our customers the turnkey experience they desire. We remove the logistical headaches, providing our customers with high efficiency. In addition, Baralan’s quality and service are unmatched in the industry.
JM: I know Baralan is committed to sustainability. Can you provide some details?
JC: Baralan’s commitment to sustainability is second to none. We have found more brands making wise and eco-conscious decisions to reduce their plastic output wherever possible. Baralan has always offered glass components that are fully recyclable, but has increased its green portfolio. For many of our caps, compacts and other accessories, we offer both PCR and bio-based versions. We are doing our part and taking concerted efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.
JM: What about Baralan’s turnkey capabilities?
JC: Our product range allows for a complete package, along with the added benefit of decoration. It is sensible for brands to reduce their time and effort and avoid chasing down multiple vendors to more easily complete a package with Baralan. In addition, Baralan’s quality team guarantees that every Baralan component is compatible with its intended counterpart. Product stability is always required, but there is no concern that a Baralan jar will not fit with a Baralan cap.
JM: Any product or collection you are most proud of?
JC: We are proud of many of our products and continue to offer and develop new products every year. One in particular that we are very proud of is a new collection introduced in 2021 called the Maria Jar line. This is a new collection of wide mouth jars in various sizes—15-, 30-, 50-, 75- and 100ml—with more to come. We understood that the market is shifting toward glass from traditional plastic items such as body scrubs and butters, nutraceuticals, creams, etc. We created these jars to fill a void in the market and give brands added opportunities to become more sustainable.
JM: Briefly describe a recent innovative or challenging product that Baralan produced—and how it reflects the company’s expertise.
JC: We are very excited and proud of our most recent innovation called DEA (Developing the Evolution of Airless). This is our brand-new series of glass airless containers designed for several applications. Unlike other airless systems, DEA has no internal plastic container, making it the first airless system in which the filled product is directly in contact with its glass container. There are two versions available: classic and premium. We have had many challenges along the way, as this is the first of its kind. There had been tremendous testing and modifications along the way to ensure that the package was perfect for both the brand and the end user. This is a testament to our innovation and quality department. While being first to market is important, Baralan will not put anything out without all the proper steps completed.
JM: What’s next for Baralan?
JC: In celebration of our 60th anniversary, Baralan recently unveiled a new brand identity. This brand relaunch represents a natural transformation for us as we respect and honor the roots and values on which the company was built, but at the same time, we never stand still. This rebranding, inspired by a minimalistic and contemporary new logo, is designed to reflect the company’s continuous evolution. Coinciding with the rebrand, we have also strengthened our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, including the addition of several product portfolio and corporate-level initiatives aimed at creating a more sustainable future. Both moves represent our company’s growth and tangible shift toward becoming a better, future-focused company.