Bormioli Luigi: constantly adapting!

1946, 2025... 79 years ago, Mr. Luigi Bormioli officially founded Bormioli Luigi, which has now become one of the world leaders in the manufacture of bottles and jars for perfumes and cosmetics, as well as one of the world leaders in the field of tableware. With a turnover of €600 million and a workforce of more than 2,300 people spread across five glassworks and three decoration factories, the results are impressive. Especially since the company is still 100% family-owned. As for the Group’s presence in the United States, where the subsidiary employs eighteen people, it has continued to grow in both the cosmetics and perfume sectors.
We take stock with Simone Baratta, Director of the Prestige Perfumes Business Unit.

In fact, the history of Bormioli Luigi goes back much further! And, surprisingly, the family’s origins are French!

Simone Baratta: That’s right! The origins of our company date back to the Middle Ages. In the 14th century, the Borniolle family, who specialized in the art of glassmaking, left France to settle in Altare, Italy, where they became the Bormioli family.
In 1825, they moved to Fidenza, near Parma, to develop their business. It was not until 1946 that Luigi Bormioli officially founded Verrerie Bormioli Luigi. The company turned its attention to luxury perfumes in the 1980s and 2000s.
In 2007, a new factory near Milan increased production capacity by 30%.
In 2013, the company “After Glass” was founded in Parma for glass decoration.
In 2017, the acquisition of the Tableware division of Bormioli Rocco further expanded our influence.
More recently, we opened a sales office in Brazil in 2020, then inaugurated a new production plant in Azuqueca, Spain, in 2021. Initially dedicated to tableware, this plant has been reoriented towards perfumery and cosmetics thanks to the installation of four new IS machines, which will be gradually deployed between 2022 and next year.

In an interview back in 2008, Mr. Bormioli said, “I prefer to put money into machines rather than banks.” He wanted to illustrate his desire to invest in the right “production tool” for the “right market”! This is more relevant than ever.

Simone Baratta: More than ever, indeed! Because, despite the strong pressure linked to rising production costs, we are continuing to invest in our various units to meet unflagging demand. But a glassworks that does not innovate and does not invest is gradually heading for ruin!
A total of €250 million will be spent between now and 2025 on innovation, sustainable development, and production capacity. This involves investments in Spain and product innovations to provide eco-responsible solutions with a target of 50% decarbonization between 2019 and 2030. It also involves major investments in finishing at our “After Glass” decoration workshop.

The environment is obviously a huge challenge for you?

Simone Baratta: Yes, of course, but glass, a 100% infinitely recyclable material, has undeniable advantages at a time when brands and consumers are looking for solutions that are both more premium and more responsible.
To meet these expectations, we are focusing on innovation: lightweight solutions, recycled glass, interchangeable rings, etc.
We are investing in glass manufacturing and decoration processes to minimize the environmental impact of our operations by reducing CO2 emissions through the electrification of processes and the use of renewable energy sources, decreasing water consumption, and promoting the use of increasingly sustainable raw materials, particularly for decorations, such as water-based or bio-based lacquers.
Demand for PCR (post-consumer recycled) glass remains high, especially among premium brands, but the challenge remains to ensure a high percentage of PCR without compromising on quality, requiring targeted partnerships with suppliers to secure our supplies.

What are the “flagship” products developed and marketed in recent months?

Simone Baratta: We have launched many new products, driven by a dynamic market, particularly in perfumery in Europe and the United States.
These include a collection of bottles, “Ecoline,” which offers ultra-lightweight glass containers, reducing weight by 58%. We have developed interchangeable ring systems for perfumery and skincare.
Our refillable jar, “Reverre,” this model contains a removable glass cup that consumers can repurchase in stores and replace with a simple gesture. Its patented concept is based on a specific design to which a plastic ring is added to ensure safety, watertightness, and support. This sustainable packaging solution favors a premium design, as its lifespan is guaranteed.
A word also about our developments for the mascara, lip gloss, and lipstick markets. We offer turnkey solutions that include the bottle and a ready-to-use application system. Products can be customized in terms of decoration but also in terms of shape (square, oval, etc.).
The Swing lipstick case consists of a glass base and a glass cap connected to an insert containing the lipstick tube. It is refillable, allowing consumers to replace the lipstick when it runs out or to alternate shades as they wish while keeping the case.

The energy issue is particularly sensitive for a glassmaker.

Simone Baratta: That’s the least we can say! I would say it’s essential. In the Beauty sector, our production facilities are clearly moving towards electric or hybrid furnaces with the aim of reducing our CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030.
For electricity and gas, it is important to assess the impact of costs. We are adopting long-term contracts to ensure stability of supply and economy, hoping for a more sustainable European policy for the industrial sector.

You have been a loyal supporter of Luxe Pack trade shows!

Simone Baratta: Yes, of course. These shows are currently a perfect fit for our positioning. They are ideal opportunities for important meetings in the sector, and as long as this remains the case, we will continue to support them.