Health & Beauty Industry Update 2021 | Rawlings News

Since the beginning of the annual tax year back in 2020, we noticed a steep incline in the Health and Beauty sector, particularly in the aromatherapy, cosmetic and pharmaceutical markets. For that reason, I sat down with our Health and Beauty Account Manager, Dan Smith, who has more than 14 years of experience in the industry to understand the key trends underpinning this noticeable increase. 

Lockdown Candle Craze

In last month’s blog, we touched upon an excellent candle brand, Harrogate Candle Company, who have developed “extravagant aromatherapy lines” throughout 2020 and 2021. Continuing from this, the largest leap in health & beauty subsectors has to be the candle industry. Over the past few months, the demand for candles glass and glass suitable for home fragrances has been described as “incredible” by our industry leader. Dan believes this is down to an increasing trend in homemade candles and fragrances developed by small and budding brands. 

Alongside a rise in demand for our candle glass range, Dan has seen an increase in client experimentation when it comes to packaging for candle glass; specifically focused towards our amber squat jars which are used typically for creams and ointments. Much like the trend in consumers drinking out of mason jars, this new take on the candle industry is exciting to see as clients begin to reimagine the landscape of traditional candle glass packaging creating a point of difference and variety for consumers. 

SME Online Success

Due to the circumstances the world has experienced over the past year, consumers have been forced to adapt their typical buying habits from in-store to online. For that reason, this has opened a level playing field for many brands that may have been overlooked in the past. The main businesses that have gained a positive result from this have been prominently SME’s. More specifically in the niche areas of the health & beauty industry. Due to this, these brands have had more access to customers than ever, helping to build everlasting relationships with consumers and boost revenue. 

According to research, over 90% of companies are defined as SME’s, 51% of which increased their online interactions with 66% of sales coming from e-commerce in 2020. Not only that, it’s predicted that e-commerce will make up 22% of global retail sales by 2023.

With all these factors in mind and the inevitable increase of online sales, is the high street dying?

CBD Continuing to Thrive

Since we published an article on CBD products back in August last year, the CBD marketplace has continued to thrive. And due to the positive backing from the media from health benefits and other contributing factors, we’ve seen the gradual relaxation of the laws surrounding CBD to make it more accessible and safer for customers than ever!

Not only that, according to Grand View Research, “The global cannabidiol market size was valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 21.2% from 2021 to 2028.”

If you would like to learn more about the breakthrough of Cannabidiol, click here.

Supplement Market Growth

Another marketplace to consider is the dietary supplement industry. Over the past few years, the culture surrounding health and fitness as well as wellbeing has really grown. We believe this has been heightened during lockdown which has led customers to the supplement industry. 

In fact, according to Grand View Research, “The global dietary supplements market size was valued at USD 140.3 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.6% from 2021 to 2028.”

This bold forecast has been contributed by the fast-paced lifestyle we now live, which is now pushing a dependency and desire for nutrition supplements.

Priority on Sustainability

Although sustainability is a common theme across the board, it’s a  necessity for most health & beauty brands. In fact, as aromatherapy brands promote an all-natural and chemical-free product, more clients are looking to go green and reduce their carbon footprint by using recyclable glass in their products. Not only that, 65% of customers believe that eco-friendly products are important to them, with a third of customers actively purchasing more expensive products for this reason. Much like our clients and their customers, Rawlings are passionate when it comes to sustainability and renewable resources which is why:

• We expect our suppliers to demonstrate environmental accountability for their products and supply chain
• We lobby manufacturers to improve their recycled content levels and provide greater transparency for our clients and their customers
• We continue to scrutinise our own products and services to minimise our carbon footprint
• We believe that sustainability is everyone's responsibility

Now you’re up to date on the most recent industry movements, why not get in touch and see  How our packaging experts can help with your next packaging project. Find out more here