Breaking News on Cosmetics Formulation & Packaging - Europe US edition

Sustainable packaging is not a priority for brand owners, says survey

The vast majority of manufacturers have not tackled the issue of sustainable packaging, according to a survey of brand owners.

Ethical ingredients sourcing gets boost from grant money

Sustainable and ethical ingredient sourcing should become easier with grants awarded by the Union for Ethical BioTrade.

Scientists discover greater skin bacteria diversity

Soap, deodorant and antibacterial developers will be intrigued to know that US scientists have discovered a greater variety of skin bacteria than previously documented.

Rexam develops packaging solutions for Pucci and Dior

Consumer packaging company Rexam has used its latest innovations to develop packaging for the luxury brands Pucci and Dior.

“Extreme ethical” emerges as new cosmetics trend

According to Mintel, ‘extreme ethical’ is set to be a major cosmetics trend for 2009, with many cosmetics companies seeking to become advocates for social change.

Cognis reports sharp drop in quarterly sales

German specialty chemicals firm Cognis has posted a net loss of €33m for the first quarter following a sharp drop in turnover.

Frutarom blames currency and destocking for sales drop

Functional ingredients, fragrance and flavour supplier Frutarom has reported a decrease in sales and net income for the quarter but confirms growth plans.

Automated tissue engineering could revolutionise skin testing

German scientists say they have developed a new, more efficient means of reproducing skin cells for use in cosmetics testing.

News in brief

Mibelle announces new sales manager

Switzerland-based company Mibelle Biochemistry, has announced the appointment of Vincent Briffaut as sales manager in France.

News in brief

ESS Technologies introduces end-of-line packaging machinery

ESS Technologies has developed a machine combination for packing and palletizing to help manufacturers save both time and space.

Parabens' bad press based on flawed science, says industry insider

The removal of parabens by some cosmetic manufacturers is a reaction to “outrageous claims” made by the media and pressure from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), not consumer pressure, according to Dene Godfrey from S Black.

Dispatches from Cosmetic Science Symposium

Green chemistry can help industry reduce its environmental impact

The industry must change the way it thinks about waste and traditional chemistry if it wants to reduce resource use, according to a green chemistry consultant.

BSB Innovation Awards reveal latest cosmetic inventions

Symrise, Arch and Juvena picked up the prizes at this year’s BSB Innovation Awards for cosmetic ingredients and finished products.

Vitiva plans rosemary extract launch for beauty beverages

Slovenian extracts firm Vitiva is gearing up for the launch of a new rosemary extract for clear, hot-filled beverages next month, which it says has a neutral taste and colour.

Cosmetic Valley showcases ten cosmetic R&D start-ups

French industry organisation Cosmetic Valley is promoting ten new start-up R&D companies at the forthcoming Research and Innovation expo in Paris.

Health groups push Johnson & Johnson on 'toxic' chemicals

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) and 40 other charitable organizations have delivered a letter to Johnson & Johnson (J&J) calling for the removal of ‘toxic’ ingredients from its products.

correction

Natrue and NPA yet to sign agreement

An article published on CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com on May 22 misstated that natural certification bodies Natrue and the NPA had signed an equivalency agreement.

Weekly comment

Being organic or natural won't necessarily make a product green

Contrary to popular belief, organic and natural cosmetic ingredients are not necessarily more environmentally friendly.

Marinova launches seaweed extract for beauty supplements

Australian biotechnology company Marinova has launched Maritech Synergy, an organic-certified seaweed extract for beauty supplements.

Wastewater database underlines personal care impact

Scientists in France have developed a database of information about both the occurrence and treatment of personal care residues in waste water.

Transparent Packaging develops scented packaging

Transparent Packaging has developed packaging which can be made to smell like the product inside.

Dow Corning silicone blends work with wider ingredients range

Dow Corning, the US-based skin and hair care formulation company, has developed two patented silicone organic elastomer blends that can be used with polar organic ingredients.

News in brief

Ascent Nutrition launches probiotic beauty supplement

Ascent Nutrition has launched a beauty supplement containing probiotics, cranberry seed oil and fish collagen peptide.

News in brief

Venture Packaging Innovations goes into administration

Bespoke packaging manufacturer, Venture Packaging Innovations, went into administration this week, according to press reports.

Top three stories this month

Natural ingredients are not necessarily safer or more effective, say cosmetic chemists

Cosmetic chemists fought hard against the idea that natural ingredients are inherently safer than their synthetic counterparts at this week’s cosmetic science symposium.

Online beauty product sales continue to grow

American women are spending more and more beauty dollars on the internet but are turning away from traditional stores, according to an NPD Group survey.

Natrue works on equivalency agreement with US naturals body

Natrue, a European certifier of natural cosmetics, is working on a mutual recognition agreement with the Natural Products Association (NPA) in the US.

Polish drugstores benefit from increased sales of mid-priced cosmetics

A new report by PMR analysts has found that drugstore chains in Poland are strengthening their hold on the market, reflecting increased consumer demand for mid- priced cosmetics.

News in brief

Demise of British bees could threaten supply of cosmetic ingredient

The falling honeybee population in Britain could threaten the future production of a popular cosmetic ingredient, according to a Co-operative Group report.

Cognis opens new affiliate to grow Indian business

Cognis has opened an affiliate in India following the successful establishment of a liaison office in the country last year.

ISP describes how business reorganization will affect R&D

ISP recently announced a reorganization of its business with the aim of making its research and development operations more efficient. CosmeticsDesign.com spoke to marketing director Joël Mantelin to discuss how the changes will affect the speed to market of ISP’s products.

Dispatches from Cosmetic Science Symposium

Cosmetic scientists ask if cosmetics of the future could replace surgery

In 30 years time will consumers be popping pills, applying creams or going under the knife in the fight for eternal youth?

Subnil launches its fastest ever tube filler

Tube packaging specialist Subnil has launched its fastest tube filler to date with a capacity to produce up to 300 tubes a minute.

dispatches from suppliers' day

Organic preservatives come at a cost, but formulators are now willing to pay

At Suppliers’ Day in New Jersey last week CosmeticsDesign.com spoke to Kris Kudrnac of K3 Corporation who explained how the industry is experiencing a “mad rush” for natural and organic preservatives.

HallStar launches free online webinars

Chicago based specialty chemistry company, HallStar, has launched a series of online webinars to ‘educate’ formulators on how to integrate new chemical technologies into plasticizer and personal care products.

Coty closes two plants, formerly owned by Del Laboratories

Coty is closing two manufacturing plants in North Carolina to protect its profits against the financial fallout from the recession.

Organic certification boom results in confusion and lawsuits

Several new organic and natural standards have been launched over the last 18 months on both sides of the Atlantic. CosmeticsDesign.com talked to Amarjit Sahota, director of Organic Monitor, to get under the skin of the “certification wars”.

News in brief

Cosmoprof Asia predicts high attendance for 2009

Cosmoprof Asia, a cosmetics exhibition focused on the Asia-Pacific markets, is predicting a positive turnout for its 2009 event, having received a high number of confirmations for its 14th Edition.

Natural and organic leaders gather in New York

Leading names in the natural and organic cosmetics market gathered in New York earlier this month for the Natural Beauty Summit.

Dealmakers search for acquisition bargains in cosmetics and pharma

Corporate bargain hunters are looking for good buys in cosmetics and healthcare as the economic downturn throws up a range of acquisition opportunities.

AHPA presents case for organic cosmetics to be included in NOP

Michael McGuffin, President of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), has lent his support to the CACC recommendation that the National Organic Program (NOP) should be amended to explicitly include cosmetics.

Bosch launches new, more efficient, carton machine

Bosch Packaging Technology has developed new cartoning machine, which it claims to be faster, more adaptable and with improved security features than its previous CUT 120 model.

Arylessence expands range of organic and natural fragrances

Fragrance house Arylessence, has launched a broader selection of 100 per cent certified organic fragrances, which builds upon their existing collection.

Scientist links chemical cocktail to birth defects and infertility

A leading UK scientist has linked exposure to a cocktail of chemicals in cosmetics and cleaning products to birth defects and infertility in men.

Top three stories this month

Hallstar claims to have broken new ground in sunscreen formulation

Specialty chemicals player Hallstar has launched a new photostabilizer at the Suppliers’ Day show in New Jersey to help sunscreen formulators combine two important active ingredients.

Marchesini launches new robotic line for cosmetics and pharma applications

Marchesini has launched a 120 carton per minute robotic line combining a thermoformer and cartoner that claims to offer cosmetics and pharmaceutical manufacturers greater packaging flexibility, improved cleaning access and quicker change over.

L’Oreal loses legal battle against Ebay in France

Online auction site Ebay has achieved an important victory against cosmetics brand L’Oreal over the sale of counterfeit perfumes.

Dispatches from suppliers’ day

Organic ingredient launches only just starting to match marketing buzz

Organic alternatives to certain synthetic ingredients have been elusive. Peter Boncelet from Earth Supplied Products explains why organic cosmetics have yet to fully live up to the marketing hype but suggests that chemistry is starting to catch up.

dispatches from suppliers' day

Suppliers’ Day 2009 creates a buzz in face of economic gloom

The two day event closed its doors at the Raritan Center, New Jersey yesterday, having sold all its exhibition space and attracting a solid attendance.

News in brief

Competition opens for HBA International Package Design Awards

Entrance is now open for the International Package Design Awards (IPDA), which showcases the best cosmetics packaging from around the world.

News in brief

YouTube sparks new cosmetics business model

Online video broadcaster YouTube has been used to launch a new make-up line from Lauren Luke, a 27 year old mother of one, turned internet sensation, from South Shields, UK.

WWF accuses RSPO of hypocrisy over sustainable palm oil pledge

New figures released by the World Wildlife Fund (WFF) today reveal that only one per cent of sustainable palm oil has been bought, in spite of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) pledge to use sustainable product.

Skin health trend drives the new foundation boom

Foundation sales have leapt up over the past year prompting industry commentators to embrace foundation instead of lipstick as the ultimate recession beater.

Cosmetics advertisers must get tough on regulators and sharp on data

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in the UK has snared some of the biggest cosmetics names in regulatory traps because of their advertising claims. CosmeticsDesign.com spoke to Chris Gummer from Cider Solutions to discover who is to blame for the high number of guilty verdicts.

dispatches from suppliers' day

Eastman showcases green emollient esters

Chemicals giant Eastman is using Suppliers’ Day to promote its emollient esters platform for leave-on skin care products.

Start-up explores new selling strategy for beauty supplements

Functionalab, a nutricosmetics start-up company, has developed a new strategy for marketing beauty supplements that puts the accent on education and consultation.

Swiss companies launch skin renewal ingredient that works from the skin's surface

The efficiency of anti-ageing active dermatopoietin lies in its ability to work from the skin's surface rather than having to cross the skin barrier, according to manufacturers United Cosmeceuticals and United Technologies.

Moisturising power of shea butter highlighted by scientific studies

Swedish company AAK says it has confirmed the moisturising power of shea butter, which is often claimed but has never been tested.

Rexam restructures plastics packaging operations

Rexam is restructuring its plastic packaging operations following “sustained weakness” in personal care and closures this year.

Choice raises alarm over regulation of cosmetics advertising

Australian consumer watchdog Choice claims that the Australian standards and advertising boards are not doing enough to regulate cosmetics advertisements, which often dazzle the consumer with scientific language and unsubstantiated claims.

Nature-identical fragrances could be a greener option, says IFF

Nature-identical fragrances are a way to capture the fragrances from nature in an environmentally sustainable way, claims IFF.

News in brief

IFRA engages new laboratory for compliance program

IFRA has appointed a new international testing laboratory, Eurofins Scientific, to carry out third party independent analysis for the IFRA compliance program.

Marchesisni launches combined thermo former and cartoner at Achema

Italian machining specialist Marchesini’s claims its new 150 carton per minute Unica monobloc packaging system offers syringe makers greater packaging flexibility, improved cleaning access and quicker change over.

Top three stories this month

Destocking: It's the perfect excuse for poor performance

Cosmetics companies looking for something to blame for poor financial results are turning to the ever so convenient excuse of destocking.

Aveda wins ‘cradle to cradle’ certification

Organic cosmetics company Aveda claims to be the first beauty company to earn ‘cradle to cradle’ certification.

Beyond Beauty changes location for 2009

The event will stay in Paris, but this year Beyond Beauty will shift closer to the centre of the city, opening its doors at Porte de Versailles on September 13.

Symrise restructures as first quarter profits suffer

Symrise is closing a production facility in Spain as part of restructuring plans which aim to improve the company’s bottom line.

L'Oreal reports limp sales as luxury takes a tumble

L’Oreal reported flat first quarter sales but differences between divisions were marked with luxury and professional product sales being the hardest hit.

Do nanoparticles penetrate the skin?

According to Professor Tilman Butz who led the NANODERM project, the answer to is no, not in healthy human skin. The project looked at the dermal penetration of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and Butz concludes that as they don’t seem to cross the skin barrier they are safe to include in sunscreen products.

Study shows berry acid to be effective against wrinkles

Ellagic acid derived from berries has been shown to be an effective anti-wrinkle treatment, a study by scientists in at Hallym University in South Korea has suggested.

Naturex targets cosmetics with new range of actives

Naturex steps up its focus on cosmetics with the release of the first three ingredients in its NatBeauty range.

Interpolymer aims for wide audience with new opacifier

Interpolymer has extended its range of cosmetic polymers with the launch of a new opacifier that it claims offers greater compatibility.

Professor discusses potential of 3D skin model to test cosmetic ingredients

The ban on animal testing for cosmetics ingredients introduced in Europe earlier this year has highlighted a lack of alternative testing methods. CosmeticsDesign spoke to Professor Zee Upton, from the Queensland University of Technology, whose model developed for investigating wound healing, may also be used to test cosmetic ingredients.

Diamond Packaging turns to wind power, weight loss and recycling

Diamond Packaging has turned to wind power, weight loss and recyclable materials to create a greener package for Highland Lilac Perfume.

BASF reports sales slump and cuts 2,000 jobs

BASF has announced plans to cut about 2,000 jobs by the end of the year after first quarter sales fell sharply.

Beiersdorf blames retail destocking for poor Q1

Beiersdorf first quarter results were hit by poor sales in its Western European and US markets, which the company blamed on retailer de-stocking.

Top three stories this month

Is natural really better in the world of cosmetics?

The upcoming conference organised by the UK Society of Cosmetic Chemists hopes to tackle the natural versus synthetic debate from a scientific perspective.

Senator introduces bill calling for tighter controls on baby care products

US Senator Kristen Gillibrand has introduced a new bill calling for tighter controls and regulations on the ingredients that go into baby care products.

News in brief

FDA flags up filth at P&G Olay factory

A Proctor & Gamble (P&G) factory in Puerto Rico that manufactures Olay skin care products has failed to meet federal operating standards, according to the FDA.

Avon sales suffer from a slump in US sales and a stronger dollar

Weak domestic sales and a stronger US dollar have dragged down Avon’s first quarter results.

News in brief

Bare Escentuals reports big fall in sales

Mineral cosmetics maker Bare Escentuals reported an 11 per cent dip in first quarter sales and a 35 percent fall in net profits – but results were better than expected.

Health Canada publishes labeling guide on unusually packaged cosmetics

Health Canada has published an information sheet to clear up regulatory confusion surrounding cosmetics with small, ornamental, non-existent or odd packaging.

Weekly comment

Boots’ independent efficacy trial gives it a winning hand over competitors

In today’s competitive marketplace, proving a product’s efficacy is an important way for manufacturers to set themselves apart from rivals, and double-blind placebo-controlled trials is one of the best ways of doing so.