Focolari refers to his start-up ‘Mktg Industry’ as unique in that it combines creativity with manufacturing capabilities for the packaging industry.
After 10 years experience in the cosmetic marketing field, the expert says he recognized a gap in the market for one provider to offer a range of solutions that packaging suppliers could to to.
In addition, the company, which will focus on the cosmetic, make-up and luxury goods markets, will also provide various marketing and communication services, including corporate image consulting and art direction.
"We are able to offer a real 360° full service in designing, developing, manufacturing, marketing, communication and packaging tools for the likes of labels and shrinking sleeves, secondary packaging, paper and carton boxes, coffrets, cases, catalogs etc.”
The new enterprise is the result of the combination of a series of small businesses from the region of Crema, where it is located in Polo Tecnologico della Cosmetica, the main cosmetics industrial hub in Italy.
Brands that Focolari's company has already worked with to date includes Nivea, Lumson, and Ancorotti Cosmetics.
“I strongly believe it is still possible, even in this time, to start up a new company and to do business all over the world, counting on Italian (European) manufacturing capabilities, we MUST at least try, we owe it to the future generations,” says Focolari.
Packaging trends
The last time Cosmetics Design caught up with the entrepreneur was at a recent MakeUp in Paris event whereby Focolari revealed the world of photography, music and literature to be influencing the packaging segment.
Then, he had broken it down into four specific trends, 'Everlasting rigorous', 'Politically correct', 'Sensual roots', 'Fun and That's it'.
Everlasting rigorous: This trend stands for a classic and traditional style, one that remains grounded in the market despite the likes of what’s fashionable coming and going.
Politically correct: Dating back to the 70's, this trend has evolved from a rebel theme to that of a more conscious society. Highlighting a motto of ‘we can make a difference because we care’, the packaging expert says this theme has been highly influential in the cosmetics industry as we see companies continue to get success from being socially responsible.
Sensual roots: Focolari notes this trend as focusing on the origins of a culture, taking from the past and adding a sensual aspect to make it modern. He then points to a Chanel chain featuring a cross as an example of evolving a religious symbol to that of an object of sensuality.
Fun and That's it: This one is described as one accompanied by a 'I dont care, I'm trying to go beyond what's fashionable' attitude that plays on theatrical, energetic, entertaining but intelligent ideas.