Breaking News on Cosmetics Formulation & Packaging - Europe US edition

News in brief

Unilever joins Climate Savers Computing Initiative

Personal care manufacturer Unilever has joined the Climate Savers Computing Initiative, pledging to work on the adoption of energy-efficient PCs and servers, with the aim of reducing global computer CO2 emissions by 54 million tons per year.

L’Oreal joins group to sponsor bioplastic research

L’Oreal has joined a number of industrial partners to sponsor research into bioplastics to develop new materials suitable for consumer goods packaging.

Flotation of China hair care company sparks investment fever

An IPO for leading China hair care BaWang has triggered investor interest that saw shares traded at the top end of forecasts, raising €152m for the company.

Old safety problems and black market sales threaten skin lightening promise

Skin lightening products are tipped for global sales success but safety issues and black market sales remain an impediment to growth.

Alcohol free fragrances could ‘revolutionize’ industry

Water-based fragrances could ‘revolutionize’ fine fragrance and personal care products, according to Dow Chemical Company.

US watchdog Consumer Reports reflects well on US sunscreens

US watchdog Consumer Reports tested ten sunscreen products and found that they all met or exceeded their advertised sun protection factor (SPF). This is in contrast to the more scathing report by UK Watchdog Which? on popular sunscreens in Europe.

Manufacturer fights back over LED anti-ageing study

UK-based LED anti-aging manufacturer Photo Theraputics has hit back over a recent study carried out by US consumer publication Good Housekeeping.

News in brief

Heidi Klum sues German trader over Ebay fragrance sales

German model and television presenter Heidi Klum plans to sue a German trader ₤100 000 for selling her fragrance too cheaply on Ebay, according to newspaper reports.

Weekly comment

Nutrition and cosmetics industries must clear up cosmeceutical confusion

The term cosmeceutical has always been controversial, but the blurring boundaries between the worlds of nutrition and cosmetics are highlighting divisions that neither industry can ignore.

Rhodia reinforces global presence through acquisition in Asia

Rhodia has just completed the acquisition of its minority partner’s shares in its joint venture Rhodia Thai Industries, as part of the firm’s wider strategy to reinforce its global presence in specialty surfactants.

News in brief

Dabur India completes acquisition of skin care firm

India-based consumer goods company Dabur India has completed the acquisition of skin care brand Fem, which becomes one the company’s subsidiaries.

Kao Corporation strengthens European production base

The Japanese cosmetics company has acquired the plant-related assets of German hair care manufacturer Reichardt International in order to enhance its distribution in the European market.

Symrise launches Ecocert approved active ingredient on sustainable ticket

Germany-based ingredients manufacturer Symrise is ramping up its eco credentials with the launch of its newly Ecocert approved active containing an ethically sourced ingredient.

Pressure to cut jobs feeds demand for more efficient equipment

Equipment that enables cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies to reduce headcount and save floor space is in high demand as pressure to cut costs mounts.

L’Oreal appeals against eBay ruling

L’Oreal has appealed against the French court’s ruling that eBay is not responsible for the sale of fakes on its website, although it confirms it is willing to resolve the issue via mediation.

Taxing new plastic would increase use of recycled material, says chemist

Taxing virgin PET is one of the best ways to get companies to move over to using recycled material for plastic packaging, according to a green chemist.

Totally natural hair dyes could be on market in two years

Hair dyes made with only natural ingredients could be on the market in two years, according to research teams at the University of Leeds and speciality chemicals company DyeCat.

Top three stories this week

L’Oreal found guilty of racist recruitment

L’Oreal has been definitively convicted of racism by France’s highest court for recruiting whites only to sell its Garnier hair products.

News in brief

Shareholders approve Ciba - BASF merger

Shareholders voted in favour of the merger of BASF and Ciba at the annual general meeting of Ciba in Basel.

In-Cosmetics Asia focuses on skin lightening trend

The forthcoming In-Cosmetics Asia expo will spotlight one of the biggest trends in the region, and one that is fast spreading worldwide – skin lightening.

First Fairtrade beauty products hit UK shelves

Fairtrade certification is well known in food and drink, but now for the first time in the UK, beauty products have begun to carry the Fairtrade Foundation mark.

CVS banned from selling defaced Coty’s Davidoff fragrance

A New York court of appeal has upheld a ban that stops US retailer CVS from selling Coty’s Davidoff fragrance if the packaging has been defaced.

Workers shift from Lonza to DSM

Over one hundred employees of Switzerland-based Lonza will become part of the DSM empire from January 2010.

Seaweed in cosmetics wins green technology funding

The Technology Strategy Board has invested in a project to develop skin and hair care products using natural compounds from British seaweed varieties.

News in brief

Packaging redesign ups demand for high-end skin care range

The German arm of RPC packaging has redesigned the premium cosmetics range Babor which called for a simpler, sleeker look.

McBride rides private label wave with strong results

Europe’s leading private label personal care and household products manufacturer has bucked the downward economic trend to report strong results.

Top three stories this week

P&G ventures into risky and uncharted territory with acquisitions, says analyst

A Mintel analyst has warned that Procter & Gamble (P&G) must commit significant resources to build the premium male grooming market and turn its recent acquisitions into a success story.

Caffeine could help protect against UVB-induced skin damage

Incorporating caffeine into sun care and after-sun products may help minimize the effects of UV damage and protect against skin cancer, according to US researchers.

Weekly comment

New Procter & Gamble head has a job on his hands

Robert Macdonald becomes CEO of Procter & Gamble (P&G) as its brands face fierce competition from discounters and private label alternatives.

Thinking outside the box: Refillable packaging opportunities

Creative ideas for refillable beauty packages have great potential for companies looking to improve their green credentials, says a packaging design expert.

Dupont uses packaging award to leverage sustainable business practices

The company is focusing on its Dupont Awards as a means of helping the personal care industry discover how packaging can be incorporated into a sustainable business strategy.

Metabolix announces launch of new bioplastic and biodegradable colorants

Telles has collaborated with plastics molder Nypro to develop its next generation of injection molding bioplastic, suitable for a wider range of applications.

Top three stories this week

Botox now being heralded as hair loss remedy

An aesthetic surgeon claims he has stumbled across a new use for the anti-wrinkle treatment Botox - as a solution for baldness.

News in brief

Sustainable chemistry gets a boost with Cognis-funded professorship

Germany-based company Cognis will be funding a position at the University of Wuppertal dedicated to interdisciplinary research and development in sustainable chemistry.

Lonza and DSM extend partnership and hint at restructuring

Lonza and DSM Nutritional Products have extended a partnership that has been operating for over 40 years in an attempt to remain competitive in difficult economic times.

Hair care firm to buy Kanebo spin-off for $261m, say sources

Hair colour maker Hoyu is set to buy a controlling stake in former Kanebo spin-off company Kracie Holdings for about 25 billion yen ($261m), according to press reports.

Valois launches sample packaging to adapt to 'multiple use' trend

Valois has just launched its latest sample packaging product, which it claims adapts to new consumer trends in cosmetics by providing a sample dispensing bottle which is both hygienic and functional for multi-use.

Eastman wins government award for green chemistry process

Eastman has won an EPA green chemistry award for its solvent-free biocatalytic process for cosmetic and personal care ingredients.

Rexam goes miniature for Narciso Rodriguez’ busy consumers

The new Essence line from Narciso Rodriguez is also available in small travel sizes using Rexam’s Sofistic 1ml sampler.

Boots pulls out of ethical trading commitment

Boots has been accused of “turning its back on workers” after the health and beauty retailer pulled out of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI).

Top three stories this week

Alberto-Culver cuts 160 jobs and reveals growth plans

Alberto-Culver, owners of the Alberto VO5 and Nexxus brands, plans to cut 160 jobs and reorganize its facilities to boost productivity.

ASA rules in favour of Coty and Rimmel over foundation claims

The UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled in favour of Coty following complaints that a TV advert, showing Kate Moss using Rimmel make-up, was misleading.

Greek naturals player Korres aims for international expansion

One of the newest players in the naturals market, Korres, intends to build on breakneck growth with new products and by concentrating on its key international market.

European Court decision backs L’Oreal in ‘smell-a-like’ case

L’Oreal has won a further victory in its war against Bellure fragrances, which it claims sold imitation fragrance products with reference to L’Oreal branded goods.

News in brief

Puig aims high with new Nina Ricci perfume

Puig Group has unveiled a new Nina Ricci perfume in Paris that it hopes will become a best-seller in international markets.

Treatt takes next step in Earthoil efficiency

Earthoil is transferring its UK operations to the site of its parent company Treatt, in a bid to increase efficiencies further and exploit synergies.

Top three stories this week

L'Oreal taken to court in Sweden for marketing claims

L’Oreal is being taken to the Market Court in Sweden for claims about anti-ageing products that the Consumer Ombudsman (KO) says it can’t substantiate.

Inneov calls for beauty supplement claims clarity

Inneov, the joint venture between Nestle and L’Oreal to develop beauty supplements, says regulatory clarity is needed in the area of beauty claims on non-topical beauty applications that in many cases fall between cosmetics and food law.

News in brief

Japanese company makes it possible to send fragrances over the internet

NTT Communications has developed a ‘fragrance communication’ system that makes it possible to send a variety of different fragrances using the internet.

EU Commissioner warns of slow progress on alternatives to animal testing in cosmetics

An EU Commissioner has warned that progress on alternative testing methods for certain endpoints looks set to remain static for several years to come.

Incensed by Burger King fragrance, PETA launch protest perfume ‘Gore’

In direct opposition to the release of Burger King fragrance, ‘Flame’, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Europe has created ‘GORE’, a fragrance which claims to capture the ‘actual aroma of rotting flesh’.

Top three stories this week

Nail varnish that can be switched on or off: The future of color cosmetics?

Environmentally friendly pigments that can instantly and reversibly change colour could be the future of color cosmetics, according to researchers in California.

Top three stories this week

Facebook and Twitter will ‘transform’ marketing, says analyst

The use of social networking sites has exploded in the last year and will ‘transform’ marketing, according to a recent survey.

Maesa reports loss but sticks to sales target

Contract manufacturer Maesa has released disappointing first-half earnings figures, but remains committed to its €100m revenue target for 2010.

News in brief

Kenya lowers cosmetics tax to encourage women to be beautiful

The Kenyan government has decided to lower the rate of tax on cosmetics products as a means of encouraging women to take care of their appearance.

Colipa’s Annual Report outlines research and regulatory priorities

Colipa has focused on “value and values” in its Annual Report, picking out sustainability and alternative testing methods as priorities for the year ahead.

Chemical suppliers can ride out recession by tapping into cosmetic trends

Maintaining investment in the research and development of innovative ingredients that tap into key cosmetics trends can help chemical companies survive the downturn.

News in brief

Ex-tabloid editor Piers Morgan strips for Burger King fragrance

Piers Morgan features in the advertising campaign for Burger King’s new meat-scented cologne, lying naked, except for a Burger King medallion and a strategically placed rug, in front of a blazing fire.

Marionnaud Group announces 700 job lay-offs

Luxury perfumeries and cosmetics chain Marionnaud has announced plans to lay-off around 700 employees in France, owing to the “very difficult current economic context”.

Cosmetics Valley takes on SEPPIC as latest recruit

French industry body Cosmetics Valley says chemical and biological specialties supplier SEPPIC has become the latest company to join its competitive cluster.

Top three stories this week

Colipa scientist calls for common ‘nanomaterial’ definition

Dr Gerald Renner from Colipa has called for a common definition of the term ‘nanomaterial’ at a conference in Brussels on regulation of nanotechnology.

Weekly comment

Global harmonisation for organic standards looks a distant dream

Despite high hopes and noble thoughts, the Cosmos standard for organic and natural cosmetics is unlikely to lead to global harmonisation.

Top three stories this week

P&G buys another luxury men's grooming company

Procter & Gamble has added another high-end male grooming brand to its portfolio through the acquisition of men’s skin and shave care brand, Zihr.

TACD publishes regulatory resolution on nanoparticles

TACD is urging the US and Europe to work together to address regulatory needs related to the use of nanomaterials in consumer products.

Gross margin growth expected in personal care, despite surge in oil price

European personal care companies should enjoy “strong gross margin growth” despite the recent surge in the oil price, says Bernstein Research.

Fragrant fashion show highlights young talent

International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) will showcase its second collaboration with the French National School for Decorative Arts (ENSAD) to celebrate the links between fashion and fragrance.

US cosmetics trade body hosts legal and regulatory conference

Covering chemical lists, social networking, and the Obama administration, the 2009 Legal and Regulatory Conference takes place this week in Vancouver, Canada.

Personal care market still offers opportunities for chemical suppliers

The fact that consumers still want effective, multi-functional personal care products means that there remains significant demand for innovative chemicals.

Nutricosmetics makers must be careful with health claims

New European legislation could present makers of beauty foods, beverages and supplements with regulatory headaches unless they are careful with their claims.

Cosmos certification may have come too late, critics say

The arrival of the Cosmos organic and natural certification may have come too late for it to be a globally recognised standard, critics are claiming.

COSMETICS COMPACT

Cosmetics Compact: Sunscreen shenanigans and questions over SPF tests

Cosmetics Compact brings you the highlights of the site’s top stories, in miniature. This week we shed some light on recent discussions over the rigour and reproducibility of the SPF test.

Companies challenged to pay for disposal of wasted packaging

The Local Government Association (LGA) has urged UK companies to contribute to the ₤100m annual disposal costs of excess packaging, in an effort to reduce package wastage.

News in brief

Clarins plans push on the Asian markets

The contribution to Clarins’ sales from China, Vietnam and Thailand is expected to grow from 15 to 20-25 percent in the next three years, according to the Bangkok Post.

Givaudan sells new shares to cut debt

Swiss fragrance and flavour supplier Givaudan has issued nearly a million new shares, in an attempt to pay off some of the debt from purchasing Quest.

News in brief

L’Oreal and Unilever eye Israeli cosmetics firm Careline, says paper

L’Oreal and Unilever are rumoured to be eying the Israeli cosmetics and toiletries manufacturer Careline.

Alcan transforms Bourjois mascara with new brush

Alcan Packaging Beauty has used its new injected brush to help Bourjois switch from a dual applicator to an all-in-one mascara without sacrificing the ‘false eyelash effect’.

European market for natural oral care set to boom

The natural trend is spilling over into the oral care segment and if latest market forecasts are anything to go by, consumers cannot get enough.

Lawyers warn of greenwashing trap

Companies making green claims should be prepared for a growing number of eco-fraud litigation cases, warns an article published in a legal journal.

Cognis adopts principles of green chemistry to hit environmental goals

Speciality chemicals supplier, Cognis, has adopted a new set of guidelines to combine the internationally recognized 24 principles of green chemistry and green engineering.

Companies urged to do more as UK unveils new packaging strategy

A major reduction in packaging, a rethink on how it is measured and a call for greater investment by packing companies to increase recycling are part of a strategy unveiled today by the UK government.

Beauty drink prototype, 'the crown jewel' for Frutarom at food trade show

A beauty drink prototype made with Frutarom’s new ingredient Collactive is the prize offering from the company at this year’s IFT trade show.

Beauty foods and drinks: In good taste?

Chocolates, jams and juices sporting beauty claims are all part of the 'beauty from within' trend tipped for immense growth. CosmeticsDesign explored a number of the latest products and put them to the taste test.

News in brief

Boots Alliance appoints ex-HBOS exec as CEO

Boots Alliance has announced Andy Hornby as the new group chief executive, who will be charged with the further development and management direction of the group

Dow Corning ‘transforms’ business with online push

In what it calls a transformation of its business, Dow Corning is enlarging its internet selling platform to improve efficiency and targeting the ‘megatrend’ sustainability.

Estee Lauder joins L’Oreal and P&G in lowering prices to boost sales

Estee Lauder has joined L’Oreal and Procter & Gamble in unveiling its strategy of targeting value products to appeal to cash-strapped beauty consumers.

Cosmos organic standard launched after lengthy consultation

The Cosmos standard for natural and organic cosmetics has been released after six years of debate between some of Europe’s biggest certification bodies.

News in brief

Lipotec claims new ingredient Melatime can enhance tanning

Melatime can prolong a tan up to two weeks after exposure, according to Spanish company Lipotec.

‘Good enough to eat’: the trend for food ingredients in cosmetics gains pace

A rising number of cosmetics companies are now formulating products from ingredients normally found in the kitchen. This is the latest trend to emerge from escalating interest in organic and natural products.

Beiersdorf opens €18m Nivea factory in China

Germany-based Beiersdorf has opened a new Nivea factory in Shanghai to support future growth plans in China.

Clarins and Alban Muller show support for sustainable ingredients sourcing

Two of the biggest names in European natural personal care have lent their support to L’Herboretum, a French project to encourage sustainable natural ingredient development.

Interactive timeline of the ugly economy and the beauty industry

Cosmetics Design has created an interactive timeline of the major news stories on job losses, corporate failure and restructuring in the cosmetics industry over the past six months to give readers a new perspective on the impact of the economic crisis.

P&G set to name McDonald as new CEO, report says

Robert McDonald is set to take over from A.G. Lafley as the new CEO of Procter & Gamble, according to a report in the Monday edition of The Wall Street Journal.

News in brief

Maesa develops ‘book-packaging’ for Aloette

Maesa has developed packaging that can be read as a book for Alloete’s Cosmetics's new colour line.

Private label and cheaper brands win out as recession bites

Consumers are continuing to turn their backs on premium cosmetics in favour of less expensive and private label brands, as a new market report underlines a further tightening of purse strings.

Which? SPF report could be dangerous to consumers, say industry insiders

The Which? report that questioned SPF values could turn consumers away from sun protection with devastating consequences, according to the UK trade body CTPA.

Call to shun degradable additives in cosmetics packaging

Cosmetics companies should avoid using degradable additives in PET packaging until four key questions can be answered, warns the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR).

Weekly comment

The internet provides a route out of recession for cosmetics companies

Cosmetics manufacturers should turn to the internet and social networking sites to talk with consumers and spread the word about their brands.

L’Oreal says cosmetics market should pick up in coming quarters

Amid celebrations for L’Oreal’s 100th birthday, chief executive Jean-Paul Agon told reporters in Paris that the sales environment would improve over the coming quarters.

News in brief

Grape extracts get a boost with guaranteed polyphenol levels

Merlot is the first grape variety from Cosmetochem’s range to come with an assured level of polyphenols.

Natural cosmetics masterclass to focus on food ingredients trend in cosmetics

Organic Monitor is holding a Natural Cosmetics Masterclass in London that will tackle the formulation and technical issues involved in using food ingredients in personal care products.

Unlocking the potential of social media in cosmetics

Social networking sites like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook are all places where companies can open up a dialogue with their consumers, but according to innovation agency Maddock Douglas few cosmetics firms are taking full advantage of their marketing potential.

Boots sued for its anti-ageing product claims

Skin care brand Skin.ny has taken out legal proceedings against UK retailer Boots as it believes the company misled the public over its Protect and Perfect Beauty Serum.

BASF opts out of care chemicals price war

The head of BASF’s care chemicals business said the company refuses to be drawn into a price war to compete in the depressed market for personal care ingredients.

News in brief

Symrise appoints new CEO as Linzbach steps down

Heinz-Jürgen Bertram will become the new CEO of the fragrance and flavours supplier Symrise on July 1 2009.

Recyclable perfume bottles, a new move for Valois packaging

A screw-on pump for perfumes helps consumers recycle the glass bottle after use, according to France-based packaging supplier Valois.

Unilever exerts further pressure on Sustainable Palm Oil Roundtable

Unilever’s Chief Executive Officer Paul Polman has re-stated the importance of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) as a crucial measure in reducing deforestation.

UK fragrance market set to top £1 billion

The UK fragrance market continues to show signs of growth, despite the economic downturn, and is set to top the annual sales of £1bn (€1.55bn) this year.

P&G resumes acquisition trail, buying men’s grooming company

Procter & Gamble has bought the Miami-based business Art of Shaving as part of its plans to expand into the international prestige men’s grooming category.

Alkaline formulations leave skin open to irritation, say Korean scientists

Skin care products should always be formulated to match the skin pH, and for dry skin, acidic products should be used, according to Korean scientists.

Japanese nutricosmetics ingredient goes mainstream

Found in beauty soup and marshmallows in Japan, the powerful antioxidant ingredient CoQ10 is entering new markets.

News in brief

Britney Spears wins fragrance war as Katie Price loses out

Britney Spears has won the battle of the celebrity fragrances in the UK, as glamour model Katie Price’s fragrance is snubbed by shoppers following the split from her husband.

Meet Our New Owners

Don’t miss this video interview with Robert Marr, chief operating officer of William Reed Business Media which recently acquired Decision News Media publisher of CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com and CosmeticsDesign.com.

Appointment of new Physicans Formula CFO threatens NASDAQ listing

Physicians Formula has received a NASDAQ Staff Deficiency Letter threatening the company with delisting if it does not fulfill requirements for its executive board.

Which? exposes inaccurate SPFs on popular sunscreens

UK consumer watchdog Which? has issued a report raising alarm over inconsistency in sunscreen industry guidelines.

Companies must work together to register chemicals for REACH

There is an “urgent need for action” to ensure that companies meet the first substance registration deadline under REACH of November 2010, according to the ECHA.

News in brief

'Toxic' shampoo kills fish and gets journalist into hot water

'Shampoo contains toxic chemicals' was the hypothesis Danish journalist Lisbeth Kloester wanted to prove when she added an anti-dandruff product to a tank full of fish on live TV.

Greenpeace says beauty industry is contributing to Amazon destruction

Greenpeace has named Unilever as sourcing cattle-based by-products used in beauty products that are contributing to the deforestation of the Amazon.

Gillette promotes intimate shaving on YouTube

Gillette is harnessing the power and reach of YouTube and social media websites to promote intimate male shaving.

Modiface launches five ‘virtual makeover’ applications for iPhone

Technology company Modiface has released five cosmetic makeover applications for the Apple iPhone, allowing consumers to try out new looks without any physical effort.

News in brief

Fribad Cosmetics Group declares bankruptcy

German company Fribad Cosmetics Group has declared bankruptcy after it was unable to pay its 241 employees in April.

CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com acquired by William Reed Business Media

Decision News Media, publisher of CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com, CosmeticsDesign.com and 15 other websites serving the international food, nutrition, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, has been acquired by the leading UK business-to-business publisher William Reed Business Media.

Major retailer launches private label organic range

Leading UK health retailer, Holland and Barrett, has launched a range of private label organic cosmetics called Dr Organic.

Revlon announces 400 job losses worldwide

New York-based Revlon has announced restructuring plans that will result in 400 job losses worldwide.

Weekly comment

Cosmetics industry cannot afford to ignore ethical claims

As more and more cosmetics companies gain kudos thanks to increasingly rigorous ethical sourcing and trading claims, companies that ignore the phenomenon stand to lose out.

Dispatches from Cosmetic Science Symposium

Complexity of natural extracts may make them more effective

The complexity of natural extracts and fragrances might be a key to their efficacy, but it also poses problems in terms of regulation, according to cosmetic scientists.