The US market for cosmetic and toiletry containers is expected to grow over 2% per year through 2003 to over 16bn units, the Freedonia Group reported. Value gains are forecast at over 4% growth per year to $2.3bn. While markets like shaving products are mature, others, notably hair and skin care products, will benefit from new product introductions and favourable demographic shifts. The latter include gains in the teen and college-aged segments as well as the aging of the large "baby-boom" generation. Glass containers will remain dominant in perfume and mid-to-upper lotion and cream markets, as well as in the packaging of nail cosmetics. Glass' premium image will shield it from widespread loss of market share to plastics. An exception to this is liquid foundations, which are increasingly moving to plastic bottles.
