Packaging Innovations 2026 live: Aptar Beauty unveils recyclable and EPR-ready solutions

At Packaging Innovations 2026 in Birmingham, UK, Packaging Insights speaks with Michael Hoer, regional platform manager at Aptar Beauty, business segment of Aptar Group, about how the company’s solutions are evolving in response to emerging market and regulatory trends. 

From the show floor, Hoer tells us a primary focus of this year’s tradeshow is to advance sustainability in personal care packaging, with brands “developing hair care, sun care and body care applications produced using fully recycled materials.” 

The newly launched Aptar Beauty NeoDropper Autoload is among the offerings the company is presenting this year. The solution features an automatic filling system and a short, glass, applicator for enhanced formula protection and precise application.

“The NeoDropper is innovative because it features a very short pipette that is taken out through a deep tube, allowing for a cleaner application,” says Hoer.

The packaging is said to be designed for “prestige and dermocosmetic brands, achieving precision, simplified gestures, and consistent and effortless dosage.”

Waste-reducing product

The sealed bottle design prevents overflows and spills when overturned. Its high restitution rate helps minimize formula waste, Hoer tells us.

According to Aptar Beauty, scientific testing conducted at an independent microbiology laboratory reveals that, by avoiding direct contact between the formula and the applicators, the applicator can improve the protection level against bacterial contamination compared to traditional droppers. 

Michael Hoer, regional platform manager at Aptar Beauty, business segment of Aptar Group.“The microbial contamination is four times lower than that of traditional droppers,” says Hoer.

“The NeoDropper Autoload features a twist-and-push automatic dispensing mechanism. Twisting the cap releases the push-button actuator for dispensing. Upon opening, the formula automatically fills the applicator with the right dose.”

He explains that the packaging solution offers several decoration customization options for the upper and lower collars and the actuator. “These options include metallization, silk-screening, and lacquering.”

Furthermore, the dropper system is compatible with glass recycling streams depending on local capabilities.

Innovation for EPR compliance

Aptar Beauty is also presenting its PZ Advance spray pump with a full-PE Cartridge. Hoer tells us that the solution targets the UK’s packaging EPR.

“It features an all-plastic design, which makes it suitable for the main plastic recycling streams when paired with a high density PE, PET, or PP bottle,” he shares.

“PZ Advance is available with Aptar Beauty’s PZ Twist actuator, which is designed for convenience and on-the-go use. The company is also showcasing its PZ Twist Spray twist-to-lock spray pump with no additional cap at the event.”

Other Aptar offerings this year include the Astrea Airless Glass Dispenser targeting premium brands, the GSA Advance dispensing pump and GSA Luxe Pump in a premium metal finish, the twist-to-lock Ringo Aerosol Actuator for foam and gel formulas, and the Future Monomaterial Lotion Pump.

With live reporting from Milana Nikolova at Packaging Innovations 2026.