The manufacturing side of the cosmetics business is still dominated by men, but there are a handful of fearless female entrepreneurs who have become leading suppliers in the sector. While women-owned businesses on the supply side are a rarity, Helga Arminak, a 25-year veteran, is a driving force in luxury packaging. She started her first business, cosmetics packaging company Arminak & Associates, in 1999, with $3,000 of personal savings, selling the business in 2014.
Her love of the industry drew her back with the launch of APackaging Group (APG) in 2019. Its success underscores her influence and expertise in manufacturing, focused on providing custom solutions that enable brands to express their unique identities. From sustainability to onshoring manufacturing, APG delivers products at unrivaled production speed, reshaping how brands present and protect their products.
Arminak sat down with BeautyMatter to share how she built APackaging Group into a global cosmetic and beauty packaging industry leader.
Can you share your backstory and how you landed in the business of cosmetic packaging?
I was born into a war in Beirut eventually moving the US when I was 12. The move was difficult; there was a language barrier, financial stress, bullying, and fear. To help contribute I began working as a teenager. I had many jobs and also learned how to become a makeup artist. This is what ignited my passion for beauty.
While working full-time and attending school full-time, I earned a bachelor of arts degree in international business with a minor in economics. My first job after graduation was with a global packaging company where I spent nine years opening markets across Asia and South America. During that time, I traveled extensively and lived abroad.
Though my professional background was rooted in packaging, my true passion had always been the cosmetics industry. In 1999, with $3,000 from my savings, I took the leap and launched my own company focused on cosmetic packaging.
What drew you back a second time to launch APG?
This has been my passion. I wanted to repeat the success I had with packaging but better and with a strong sense of purpose. Every business has its challenges, but my past experience provided a roadmap. Being a woman in manufacturing hasn’t been easy, but I learned the ins and outs of packaging. I’ve made mistakes along the way, but they are part of growing and building any business. Fear often stops people from taking risks, but those experiences made me fearless.
What is the most significant change you have experienced in the world of packaging?
One of the most significant shifts in the packaging industry has been bringing manufacturing back to the United States. For decades, outsourcing production overseas was the norm, primarily to reduce costs. However, changes in global economics, increased tariffs, and the need for more reliable supply chains have sparked a movement to localize production.
By manufacturing domestically, we can ensure faster lead times, higher quality control, and more sustainable practices. Bringing production to the US not only boosts the local economy but also allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness to customer demands. This shift has been transformative, as companies can now meet high standards while supporting American jobs and reducing environmental impact.
APG is known for its custom solutions. Please share a bit about your personalized service model.
Our approach to personalized service is built around problem solving and collaboration. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs, whether they’re focused on functionality, aesthetics, or both. Our team dives deep into each project, analyzing requirements, discussing challenges, and brainstorming solutions to deliver a result that aligns perfectly with the client’s vision and goals.
We believe in building strong partnerships, and that means being adaptable, proactive, and always ready to innovate. From initial concept to final production, we’re dedicated to providing custom solutions that not only meet our clients' specifications but also elevate their brand and bring real value.
The confluence of “permacrisis” becoming the new normal and TikTok virality require businesses to build resilient supply chains. Can you share the impetus for building your Defiance, Ohio, facility and nearshoring production capabilities?
The decision to build our facility in Defiance, Ohio, and to strengthen our nearshoring capabilities came from a commitment to helping our clients overcome the challenges of today’s unpredictable global landscape. With disruptions becoming the norm—from ongoing “permacrisis” conditions to the fast-paced demands shaped by platforms like TikTok—we recognized the need for resilient, responsive supply chains that could better serve our clients’ needs.
By establishing a local manufacturing hub, we can offer greater flexibility, reduce lead times, and provide consistent, high-quality output—all while mitigating the risks associated with overseas production. This facility represents our dedication to being a true partner, offering our clients the speed, adaptability, and reliability they need to succeed in a constantly shifting market.
What are the production capabilities of the North American manufacturing plane?
The North American manufacturing plant offers a broad spectrum of production capabilities designed to deliver high-quality, customizable packaging solutions. Our core production strengths include injection molding for dispensers, sprayers, foaming pumps, and caps, supported by advanced decoration capabilities such as precise color matching, hot stamping, and rapid SLA prototyping.
With a dedicated engineering team, we provide custom injection molding solutions tailored to specific client requirements. Our facility is equipped with automated assembly lines and high-performance machinery, enabling us to produce over 600 million pieces annually. In late 2024 to early 2025, we’ll launch an all-new HDPE Soft Touch Bottle production, followed by the 2025 debut of a fully automated silk-screen decorating system. These advancements underscore our commitment to quality, innovation, and meeting the evolving needs of our clients.
How should brands approach the consideration for manufacturing in Asia vs. North America?
We are a global company. We offer a wide variety of options locationally. Therefore, we lay everything out of the table for what makes sense for the customer.
1. Lead Time and Speed to Market: North American manufacturing offers shorter lead times and faster shipping within the region, which is crucial for brands that need to respond quickly to market trends or high demand, especially in fast-paced sectors. Conversely, production in Asia often involves longer transit times and more complex logistics.
2. Quality Control and Customization: North America tends to offer tighter quality control standards and more customization options, which is beneficial for brands seeking precision in design, decoration, or specialized features. Proximity to manufacturers allows for better communication and oversight, leading to smoother production processes and fewer surprises.
3. Cost: Asia has traditionally provided cost advantages, especially for large-scale orders, due to lower labor and production costs. For brands prioritizing budget over speed, manufacturing in Asia can still be economically appealing, although rising labor and freight costs, along with tariffs, are impacting this balance.
4. Supply Chain Resilience and Sustainability: As brands prioritize resilient, sustainable supply chains, nearshoring in North America is increasingly advantageous. Manufacturing closer to home reduces exposure to global disruptions and minimizes the carbon footprint of shipping. It also aligns with consumer expectations around sustainable practices and supply chain transparency.
Ultimately, the choice depends on each brand’s priorities. For speed, control, and resilience, North America may be preferable, while Asia can be a fit for brands looking for cost-effective solutions on large production volumes.
APG is uniquely positioned to meet the dynamic needs of its clientele that range from emerging brands to established industry giants. What are the production requirements for working with APG?
APG caters to brands of all sizes with the following production requirements:
These guidelines enable APG to provide high-quality, tailored packaging solutions to meet each client's needs.
APG is known for its strong commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. How do these principles guide your operations and product development?
APG’s strong commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness is embedded in every aspect of our operations and product development. Our team prioritizes sustainability in all new developments, ensuring that environmental considerations are at the forefront.
We actively research and adhere to the latest regulations, staying informed about rapid changes in the sustainability landscape. This proactive approach allows us to implement innovative solutions that minimize our ecological footprint while delivering high-quality packaging products. By prioritizing sustainability, we not only meet the needs of our clients but also contribute positively to the environment and society.
What is the latest packaging innovation that you have commercialized?
The latest packaging innovation we have commercialized is our Infinity line, a fully recyclable series of dispensing pumps designed to meet the stringent regulations of APR and RecyClass. We take pride in the performance and sustainability impact of this line, which not only enhances user experience but also contributes positively to the environment. By prioritizing recyclability, we are helping brands reduce their ecological footprint while providing high-quality dispensing solutions.
As APG looks to the future, what is happening at the forefront of packaging innovation that we can expect to see?
As APG looks to the future, we are focusing on several key trends at the forefront of packaging innovation. E-commerce and omnichannel packaging are driving the need for solutions that enhance convenience and accessibility while prioritizing sustainability.
We expect to see a continued emphasis on eco-friendly materials and designs that meet consumer demand for environmentally responsible products without compromising quality. Innovations such as smart packaging, which enhances the user experience and improves logistics, will also play a significant role. By aligning our strategies with these trends, APG aims to deliver cutting-edge packaging solutions that meet the evolving needs of brands and consumers alike.
