Breaking News on Cosmetics Formulation & Packaging - Europe US edition

Beiersdorf rebrands one of the biggest names in personal care

The Nivea brand has been redesigned to give it more of a global identity and harmonise the many different personal care and cosmetics sub-categories it is present in.

Policy and governance of nanotech must be rethought, report

There are ‘entrenched failings’ in the current policy and governance of nanotechnology, according to a report from EU-funded project Deepen.

News in brief

Rituals Cosmetics nominated for Mapic award

Netherlands-based Rituals Cosmetics has been nominated for the 2009 Mapic awards, which honour companies in the retail and real estate sectors.

Natural Beauty Summit looks beyond organic

The third Natural Beauty Summit will be exploring sustainability, carbon footprints and green chemistry when it opens its doors in November.

BRIC economies point to way through the downturn

Global personal care players would do well to increase their focus on the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) economies as a means of exiting the economic downturn quicker.

US authorities target phthalates as part of chemical scrutiny overhaul

Phthalates will be one of six controversial chemicals to be reviewed as part of a move to overhaul the way potentially dangerous substances are scrutinized in the United States.

Private label drives growth in organic and natural markets

Private label natural and organic products are gaining market share in Europe but far from stealing sales from established brands they are pushing the growth of the sector.

France mulls law to prevent retouched ads

French politician Valerie Boyer is targeting the beauty industry with a proposal to the country’s national assembly to regulate retouched advertising images.

France launches public debate on nanotechnology

France has launched a public debate on nanotechnology in an attempt to involve as many citizens as possible in deciding the future of this emerging technology.

News in brief

Axilone provides unique metalised finish for Boss Orange packaging

France-based packaging providing Axilone has used single block of anodised mirror-effect metal to help create the new packaging for the Boss Orange fragrance.

Beauty industry ‘not talking to consumers’, analyst claims

The economy may not be the sole reason why beauty sales are falling in the US, as market research from the NPD Group points to evidence that consumers are not being addressed properly.

Weekly comment

Green packaging is more about improving recycling than new materials

When it comes to environmentally friendly packaging some of the most important savings are being missed through poor recycling options – and this applies to all plastics bio- and fossil fuel-based.

Naturex merger to double 2009 earnings

Naturex, the French-based botanicals giant that recently acquired the ingredients business of Spanish company, Natraceutical Group, will earn €185m in 2009 – up from its 2008 income of €93.2m, as it announced details of the deal.

Unilever-Sara Lee acquisition gets the nod from analysts

Analysts and market experts have given the thumbs up to Unilever buying the Sara Lee personal care business.

Evonik looks to sell specialty chemicals division

Germany-headquartered industrial giant Evonik has agreed to sell its specialty division Alzchem, if the company’s board and Germany’s cartel office agree.

Cosmetic Valley launches eco-responsible charter

France-based industry association Cosmetic Valley is holding an event to mark the launch of its charter for eco-responsible business practices.

EU Advocate General opinion disappointing for brand owners

In a disappointing decision for brand owners a European Advocate General has said buying and selling trademarks as keywords to trigger sponsored links is not an infringement.

News in brief

L’Oreal to shed Sanoflore factory

French cosmetics giant L’Oreal will get rid of its Sanoflore manufacturing plant before the end of 2010, according to French newspaper Le Figaro.

Unilever buys up Sara Lee cosmetics division

Unilever has paid €1.275bn for the global body care division of US-based consumer goods player Sara Lee.

Danone kills beauty yoghurt but comeback likely

Danone has killed the Essensis beauty yoghurt worldwide blaming lower consumer spending but the dairy giant remains convinced of beauty food potential.

Packaging supplier says destocking appears over

Plastic packaging supplier RPC said despite overall sales decline predicted for the next few months, profit should be ahead of the previous year levels.

New packaging closure cuts out need for preservatives

Packaging company Promens has developed a sterile closure system for cosmetics products which is claimed to cut out the need for preservatives.

in-cosmetics launches lifetime achievements award

The organisers of the forthcoming In-Cosmetics event, to be held in Paris next April, are starting a new industry lifetime achievements award.

Clariant unveils new color technology for HDPE

Chemicals player Clariant has unveiled a new color technology for HDPE blowmolding aimed at enhancing the shelf appeal of personal care packaging while adding processing efficiencies.

Chromadex plans to scale up anthocyanin manufacturing process

Botanical standards supplier Chromadex has received funding to commercialize a manufacturing process for anthocyanins, the new ‘super class’ of phytochemical compounds.

Research aims to unravel the secret to happy skin

UK scientists have begun a study to tackle the question of what personal care formulations can make skin feel good.

Sunscreens should be recommended despite lack of clinical evidence

Sunscreen use should be encouraged despite the lack of evidence demonstrating the ability of modern sun protection products to prevent melanoma, says scientist.

Beyonce sued over Coty fragrance name

Actress and singer Beyonce Knowles is being sued by clothing retailer Abercrombie and Fitch over the use of her name to promote a new fragrance.

News in brief

UK online sales continue to rise

Shopping for non-food grocery items continues to rise in the UK, latest research from Mintel shows.

Rexam benefits from growth in developing markets

Developing markets such as those in Latin America are increasingly demanding up market packaging solutions, according to packaging supplier Rexam.

Indian companies focus in on global organic cosmetics market

The Indian division of global certification body Ecocert says that an increasing number of Indian companies are looking to get involved in the organic cosmetic market.

News in brief

Management reshuffle at Arch Chemicals

Connecticut-headquartered Arch Chemicals will be losing its chief operating officer and executive vice president Louis S. Massimo as he leaves to pursue personal projects.

Organic Monitor to host sustainability summit

A series of presentations organised by Organic Monitor is to be held in Frankfurt in November covering the areas of sustainability and green chemistry.

Alcan creates rolling sponge applicator for L’Oreal

A roll on sponge applicator produced for L’Oreal’s new foundation compact allows for perfect application quickly and easily, claims manufacturer Alcan Packaging.

News in brief

eBay found guilty of counterfeiting in AdWords case

The Paris Tribunal de Grande Instance has ruled that by using LVMH’s brand names such as Kenzo and Givenchy as keywords to power its advertising via the Google platform, eBay is responsible for brand counterfeiting.

Project combines wine by-products with cosmetics

Spanish natural cosmetics provider Alfaverde Productos Naturales has teamed with German researchers on a project to combine make-up with a red wine by-product.

Clariant unveils green labeling for the cosmetics industry

Specialty chemicals player Clariant has announced EcoTain labeling, which it claims will help the industry create greener formulations.

New spray frosting is environmentally friendly, claims Alpha

Alpha Packaging used last week’s HBA trade event to introduce its most recent launch to the industry.

Estee Lauder cuts unprofitable brand

Estee Launder has ceased distribution of its Prescriptive brand as part of moves to enhance the profitability of the company.

Eyelash enhancer's risks not communicated on website, says FDA

Allergan’s online promotional materials for its eyelash enhancer Latisse do not adequately show the potential risks of the product, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.

ISP reacts to consumer demand for broad spectrum sun care

US-based global supplier of speciality chemicals, International Specialty Products, ( ISP), has launched Escalol S, a UV absorber with broad spectrum protection, in reaction to a ‘major trend’ in sun care.

Symrise launches deodorant gentle on skin and environment

Germany-based ingredients supplier Symrise has launched a deodorant which claims to be gentle on the skin and remain environmentally friendly.

Graphic Packaging targets packaging label enhancement

Standing out on the store shelf has never been more important, which is why Graphic packaging has launched a series of labeling innovations to enhance efficiencies.

Unilever launches Dove for Men in Italy

Major personal care manufacturer, Unilever, has launched an assault on the men’s grooming market in Italy by releasing a range of products that have been formulated especially for men.

Formulation software gets to the bottom of costing

Formulator Software has added new functionality to its software technology that allows users to incorporate multi-vending costing functionality.

News in brief

EcoPak range extended with Push twist-up applicator

The Chicago Paper Tube & Can Company has extended its EcoPak range with a new twist-up applicator, EcoPak Push.

Brazil becomes focus of ethical trading union

Ethical sourcing of cosmetic ingredients in Brazil stands to benefit from the opening of a Union for Ethical Biotrade representation in the country.

Green tea’s cosmetic potential due to moisturising and antioxidant qualities

Green tea is a good candidate for skincare products for its moisture absorption and retention properties as well as its antioxidant quality, according to Chinese scientists.

HBA awards originality in package design of the year awards

Originality was rewarded at HBA’s International Packaging Design Awards as Lancome’s Lotus eye shadow compact won the Grand Award at the ceremony.

Cosmeeting Beyond Beauty Paris 2009 awards: A triumph for natural cosmetics

Natural and organic cosmetics cleaned up in the Cosmeeting Beyond Beauty Paris awards that took place last night; testament to the impressive growth this market area has experienced in 2009.

News in brief

Changes to the board at US cosmetics trade group

The International Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors has promoted cosmetic company Murad’s Jeff Murad to its Board of Directors.

Anti-cellulite ingredient added to Rovi’s active ingredients line

An anti-cellulite active that promises to reduce the fat stored in the skin is the latest addition to Rovi’s new actives portfolio.

Collagenna expands into Latin American markets

Global General Technologies, owner of Collagenna Skin Care Products, says it has struck a distribution and licensing agreement that will see it expand further into the South American market.

Silab pushes natural ingredients with multi-functional purpose

French cosmetics ingredients company Silab has launched a new range of organic actives made from natural raw materials as part of a company focus on this booming market area.

Natural cosmetics to experience “sizeable growth” in China, predicts NPA

The Chinese market for natural cosmetics is predicted to experience a period of impressive growth, according to the National Products Association (NPA), which has announced plans to continue its market development program between the US Department of Commerce and China through to 2010.

News in brief

DKNY fragrance launch goes social media route

The new DKNYMEN fragrance is being showcased using the Social Media Solution to promote an online Director Challenge.

Big demand for effective skin lightening ingredients

Demand for effective skin lightening ingredients that could replace hydroquinone in pigment control products is significant, according to market researchers.

Analysts continue to tip beauty foods for growth

Women continue to show interest in beauty foods, despite the economic downturn, and the crossover between food and beauty continues to grow.

Body Shop comes under fire over Colombian palm oil

UK-based The Body Shop is under pressure both lawyers and a British charity after sourcing palm oil from a Colombian company linked to the eviction of peasant farmers.

Kairos launches anti-acne hair care treatment

US hair and skin care provider Kairos has launched what is claimed to be a first of its kind anti-acne hair care treatment.

News in brief

Boots ad campaign targets X-Factor viewers

UK high street retailer Boots is launching a series of ad campaigns to run alongside the X-Factor tv talent show, aimed at promoting its cosmetic ranges.

Vitamin C can help skin heal, say scientists

Vitamin C can help promote wound healing and DNA repair in the skin, according to scientists who investigated the substance’s effect in human fibroblasts.

Rexam’s French cosmetics packaging arm cuts jobs

Restructuring in Rexam’s colour cosmetics packaging sector will lead to 188 job losses across two sites in France.

Trading down boosts sales for UK contract manufacturer

Annual performance at private label products supplier McBride has benefited from the growing popularity of cheaper own-brand products.

Cognis unveils new natural personal care ingredients

Germany-based ingredients provider Cognis says it will showcase a range of natural-based and eco formulations at next month’s SEPAWA congress in Würzburg.

Fragrance and flavour supplier IFF plans European plant closures

International Flavors and Fragrances has begun talks that could result in the loss of over one hundred and fifty jobs in Europe.

News in brief

Powder promises to keep users sand-free, even on the beach

Sandsation Body Powder has been developed by a group of US entrepreneurs, with the aim of easily rubbing off sand that sticks to the skin during visits to the beach.

HBA opens doors to biggest ever conference program

HBA organizers are making the final preparations before opening the doors to the industry on September 15, featuring an industry-leading conference program.

P&G acts with ‘urgency’ to return to organic sales growth

Consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble expects to return to organic sales growth by the end of the year after reporting two quarters of organic sales declines.

Tax breaks available for cosmetic manufacturers in China

Cosmetics manufacturers in China stand to benefit from tax breaks as the government attempts to boost the industry during the economic crisis.

Council’s attempt to defend Malaysian palm oil dubbed misleading

The Malaysian Palm Oil Council’s (MPOC) recent attempt to defend the crop’s environmental credentials has been judged misleading by the UK’s advertising authorities.

Cosmetics Valley opens doors on packaging networking event

French cosmetic industry body Cosmetics Valley is opening the doors on a cosmetics packaging conference tomorrow in Paris.

Merck acquires effects pigments manufacturer in China

Leading pigments supplier Merck has acquired Suzhou Taizhu Technology Development, a supplier of pigments based in the Shanghai area of China.

Consumers still in the dark over cosmetics ingredients

A new survey shows that three quarters of UK consumers do not read personal care product labels for the ingredients because there is ‘no need’.

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Economic crisis redefines the cosmetics industry

Despite cries of the ‘lipstick effect’, the cosmetics and personal care industry has not been protected from the economic downturn and some analysts argue recent alterations to the market and changes in consumer behaviour might be here to stay.

News in brief

Inter Parfums hits acquisition trail

Inter Parfums is looking to conclude an acquisition deal in 2010 and puts slow progress down to complex negotiations, not financing problems.

European Union tests new airport scanners for cosmetic controls

Tests are being carried out on new scanning equipment in airports across the European Union that could see current restrictions on traveling with cosmetics lifted.

Danisco launches broad range of cellulose gum products

Danisco has completed a 1,500 tonne expansion of its cellulose gum production capacity to make way for a new range of products for use in bakery, beverage and dairy, as well as oral care and pharmaceuticals.

Impurity found in baby shampoo not an environmental toxin, Health Canada

An impurity found in baby shampoo and other personal care products should not be included in the list of toxic ingredients under the Environmental Protection Act, according to Health Canada.

Sales for beauty retailer Ulta boosted by new stores

Fragrance and cosmetic retailer Ulta has reported sales growth for its second quarter but much of the increase is down to new stores.

News in brief

M&H Plastics goes curvy with new Contour bottle

Packaging supplier M&H Plastics has expanded its standard range of bottles with a curved offering.

Coconut oil extract with nisin combats food bugs: Study

A study from China sheds new light on a coconut oil extract’s potential as a food preservative, but high fat or low starch content may reduce its action.

High flavanol chocolate can protect skin from UV damage

High flavanol chocolate can help protect the skin against UV damage although marketing on this claim may be challenging.

Luxe Pack Monaco focuses on brand identity

Luxe Pack opens its doors in Monaco on October 21 and this year will focus a round table to discuss designer and brand identity as well as a full conferencing programme.

Scientists claim gene discovery holds anti-ageing key

A joint research project between scientists in Singapore and Germany claims that the discovery that genetic mutations lead to premature skin ageing could have impacts on anti-ageing formulations.

Research shows women holding on to cosmetics too long

New research says that British women are holding on to cosmetic products even if they have deteriorated with age, pointing to opportunities for the industry.

Organic, Fairtrade Shea butter available from Ghana for first time

Shea butter supplier Akoma has received organic and fairtrade certification for its Shea products sourced in Ghana in, what it claims is a first for the industry.

News in brief

Britney Spears Circus fragrance will hit US stores next month

Elizabeth Arden has based the new Britney Spears fragrance on her most recent album and worldwide tour in an attempt to attract more of the star’s fans.

Dermalogica condemns Boots for stocking its brands

Dermalogica has sent a letter out to all of its stockists in the UK and run an ad in the nation’s Daily Mail newspaper, claiming the retailer is unauthorised to sell its products.

Trace amounts of lead in lipsticks is not a cause for concern, says trade body

Lead can be found in small quantities in lipsticks but the levels are well below those recommended by international regulatory authorities, according to the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC).

Recovery in Japanese market could boost Shiseido’s performance

Hopes of a recovery in consumer spending linked to the election of the Democratic Party of Japan has led analysts to up the outlook for Japanese firm Shiseido’s domestic sales.

Antioxidant sun care range increases global presence for Algatechnologies

Israeli antioxidant supplier Algatechnologies has increased its market presence in the US with the launch of a sunscreen and skincare range from the Perrigo Group.

Cermex enhances automation of packaging processing

In line with the growing trend for automation in all aspects of processing, Cermex has integrated more robotics into its packaging applications.

Safic-Alcan strengthens personal care position with new ingredients

Chemical supplier Safic-Alcan will be offering new waxes and an avocado powder in the hope of strengthening its position in the personal care sector.

News in brief

IRB granted patent for GPI derivatives in US market

Italian Biotechnology company IRB has been granted a patent in the US for its Glycerophosphoinositol (GPI) derivatives.

Green packaging event hopes to promote US-Franco trade links

French companies have a lot to offer the US in terms of green packaging, according to French business development agency Ubifrance.

Research aims to boost bioplastics from potatoes

Corn starch-based Bioplastics have proved increasingly popular for eco-friendly personal care packaging, but now researchers are investigating ways to enhance potato starch for this purpose.

Drug and cosmetics CMOs to benefit from Coca-Cola’s India win

Pharmaceutical and cosmetics contract manufacturing organisations (CMOs) in India can now claim tax credit on their advertising spend following a recent appeal court victory for US beverage giant Coca-Cola.

EU and cosmetics industry to co-fund animal testing alternatives

The European Union has agreed to match funds in the research and development of alternatives to conventional animal testing methods.

Clariant sells US specialty silicones business

Swiss chemicals player Clariant has sold its specialty silicones business to SiVancce, part of GenNx360 capitol partners.

News in brief

Henkel contracts in new IT outsourcing services

Germany-based personal care provider Henkel has signed a fiver year contract with Unisys to provide its IT outsourcing services.

Cognis appoints new CFO to succeed Edelmann

Germany-based ingredients provider Cognis has appointed Marco Panichi as its new chief financial officer, replacing outgoing Klaus Edelmann.

Data proves US prestige market to be hard hit by downturn

The US prestige beauty market shrank by 7 per cent in the first half of 2009, to register the 11th consecutive month of negative growth.

Eveline Cosmetics launches e-commerce website

Eveline Cosmetics has launched an e-commerce site for its extensive cosmetics range, enabling it to tap into consumers worldwide.