Colours, shapes, materials: the right cap for every pencil

Different shapes and sizes, colours, finishes: when creating a private-label line of makeup pencils, choosing the cap is a key point in the co-creation process, since the pencil and its cap are the packaging for the formula. For every project, together with the client we select the best solutions to convey the brand’s identity and the mood of the collection. The options are virtually endless, once you combine the range of colours and finishes available for each material.

The all-rounder: polypropylene

Polypropylene caps are true all-rounders, as this material offers an excellent balance of aesthetics, sustainability and cost. PP can be customised in any colour and allows for glossy, matt or translucent effects; it’s recyclable within European waste management chains and is accepted by international standards such as Cosmos. At Confalonieri we have also developed a black PP cap without carbon black, which can be correctly detected by optical sorting systems in recycling plants: this improves sustainability by enabling effective material recovery.

Versatile and sustainable: PCR polypropylene

If you want to increase the sustainability of your product, you can choose caps made from PCR polypropylene, which contains up to 95% post-consumer recycled plastic. Its performance is comparable to that of virgin PP in terms of aesthetics, and it fully complies with the new packaging regulations. It can be customised in any colour, comes in glossy or matt finishes, and is an excellent example of circular economy: it is made from recycled plastic and is itself recyclable. This material is more expensive than PP, but brings valuable added benefits in terms of innovation and communication.

Glam but less recyclable: ABS

ABS caps combine competitive costs with a very appealing look, as the material is naturally glossy and shows colours extremely well, while also offering excellent impact resistance. ABS caps can be produced in any shade, support sophisticated finishes and remain budget-friendly, but they do not stand out for sustainability. The material is not as recyclable as PP and is not rewarded within the EU’s eco-modulation systems, issues worth considering with “plastic taxes” now on the horizon.

Statement caps: SAN vs APINAT™

If you want a fully transparent cap for your private-label line, to highlight the colour or texture of the pencil as the focal point, SAN is the right choice, since it’s the only material that delivers a true “crystal” effect. Its aesthetics are flawless and costs are competitive, but this material does not have established recycling paths in cosmetic packaging, and it may face future disadvantages as sustainability regulations tighten.

On the other hand, if the strong suit of your brand or your next line is a commitment to environmental responsibility, you may consider an APINAT™ cap. This material is derived from plant-based sources and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions during production: a mission statement, in cosmetic packaging. The drawback here is aesthetic, since these caps are available only in white or matt white.

So, in short: what is the perfect cap for a private-label cosmetic pencil? It all depends on your brand and your project! Get in touch to explore all the possibilities of co-creation with Confalonieri.