Breaking News on Cosmetics Formulation & Packaging - Europe US edition

P&G's beauty division lags behind in Q1

Proctor and Gamble reported on target sales growth for the first quarter but beauty lagged behind other divisions after a health scare hit the sales of a key skin care product in Asia.

IFF reports strong sales but charges hit profits

New Jersey-based International Flavors and Fragrances has reported a strong increase in its third quarter sales driven by its flavors division, but profits are hit by administration charges.

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Multinationals flex naturals muscle

The increasing participation of multinationals in the natural and organic cosmetics sector, and the current lack of legislation, may be marginalising the smaller companies who have been operating in the sector for many years, according to Amarjit Sahota, the director of Organic Monitor.

Controversial safety attack on Clarins' perfume

The National Toxic Encephalopathy Foundation (NTEF) is intensifying its controversial campaign against Clarins' Angel Parfum with claims that it contains a dangerous ingredient and should therefore be reclassified as a drug by the FDA.

Trend for natural cosmetics growing in emerging markets

Emerging markets, particularly Brazil and Russia, are becoming increasingly open towards natural and organic cosmetics, with both domestic and international players getting involved in the trend.

Rexam Plastic redefines cosmetic operations

Following its recent acquisition and integration of O-I Plastics, Rexam Plastic Packaging has reorganised its business operations with a renewed emphasis on its cosmetics operations.

P&G to make products and operations greener

Proctor and Gamble (P&G) has announced its plans to improve the environmental profile of its products and operations, promising to reduce CO2 emissions by a further 10 percent by 2012.

Alcan takeover seals packaging sell-off

UK-based mining group Rio Tinto has taken over Alcan in a $38.1bn (€26.5bn) deal that will result in Alcan's packaging arm being separated from its aluminum mining business.

Struggling cosmetics firm announces further job losses

Cosmetics contract manufacturer Cosi is further slashing its workforce after disappointing sales and the loss of a large US customer put the financial health of the company in jeopardy.

European trade association to promote synthetic ethanol

A new European trade association has been formed to promote the interests of synthetic ethanol producers active in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and other industries.

Prepare for new bar code, says standards organisation

Manufacturers and retailers should start planning for the 2010 deadline for a new smaller, international bar code to improve logistics and the labelling of small, difficult products such as cosmetics, says the organisation that created the standard.

Lower US sales and higher costs hit Estee Lauder profits

Despite Estee Lauder reporting a healthy increase for its first quarter sales, profits have been hit by lower operating income as a result of increased marketing expenses and falling US sales.

RFID project launched to test electronic product code

UK processors and others are being asked to participate in a pilot project to test the use of the international electronic product code standard in conjunction with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

Major study launched for French cosmetics market

Three market research companies, - NPD, IRI and IMS - have joined forces to launch a major twice yearly study for the French beauty market, currently the fourth largest in the world.

L'Oreal is on track to hit high sales target

L'Oreal met high sales expectations for the third quarter with the help of strong Eastern European sales and several product releases including the launch of Diesel's first fragrance.

Sederma releases ingredient to fight against double chins

A new ingredient designed to fight against the appearance of a double chin illustrates the increasing segmentation of the anti-aging market.

Personal care firms must focus on search engine marketing

Personal care manufacturers should work on improving their online search engine marketing, suggests a new study completed in conjunction with Proctor and Gamble (P&G).

Rexam adds transparent lipstick to flurry of launches

In the fight to stand out from the crowd, the leading packaging firm, Rexam, today launched two innovations including a lipstick with a transparent cap and sleeve for quick identification.

Broccoli extract provides long-lasting sun protection

Topical application of broccoli extract may provide long-lasting protection against UV damage by stimulating the cell's own protective mechanisms.

Investment boost for biotech firm Proteus

France-based biotech company Proteus has received an investment injection after industrial partner PCAS increased its investment from 6 per cent to 32 per cent, a move that will allow it to increase its protein and biotechnology offerings to the cosmetics industry.

Duty-free cosmetics sales are back from the brink

A year ago the future of duty-free sales of cosmetic products in Europe was looking glum amid suggestions of a total sales ban, but things are looking brighter now, according to the European Travel Retail Council (ETRC).

Kimberly-Clark reports quarterly sales record

Operating profits at Kimberly-Clark increased by almost a third as the personal care giant posted record sales figures for the third quarter driven in particular by a strong performance in emerging markets.

Botox alternative is latest in trend for surgery inspired cosmetics

A 'topical alternative to Botox' is to be released next month by UK company Rodial is the latest in a trend for cosmetics inspired by cosmetic surgery.

L'Oreal's lipsticks contain highest levels of lead, study claims

L'Oreal is facing accusations from a consumer group that it has some of the highest levels of lead in lipstick on the US market.

Clarins fights back after US sales crisis

Luxury French cosmetics group Clarins has bounced back from a sales crisis in the US to post strong third quarter sales figures.

S Black eyes ingredients expansion through Azelis merger

UK-based life science company S Black is eyeing further expansion in the personal care and food sectors having become a part of the larger Azelis Group, a leading distributor of chemicals and polymers in the European market.

Luxury packaging trade show tackles green issue

This year' luxury packaging show, LuxePack, promises a record number of exhibitors and conferences tackling the issue of eco-luxury packaging.

Call for international co-operation within the cosmetics industry

The International Cooperation on Cosmetic Regulation (ICCR) is calling for increased international cooperation within the industry, in areas such as nanotechnology and alternatives to animal testing.

Toothpaste packaging firm bought out by equity investor

Leading UK toothpaste packaging manufacturer Betts Global has been bought out by private equity specialist Gresham in a move that aims to better position the company for future global growth.

Dairy boosts growing beauty foods market

Dairy is leading the current pack of beauty enhancing food and drink products, which is expected to grow and diversify over the coming years.

Nanoscale particles to block UV light in plastic packaging

Nanoscale titanium dioxide particles could be the next breakthrough in plastic packaging, having the ability to prevent ultraviolet light from reducing shelf life.

Unigen targets European cosmeceuticals market

Unigen announced it has established an office in Brussels, Belgium so as to facilitate its access to the European cosmeticeuticals market.

Vitamin K shows potential in the fight against wrinkles

Research suggests that vitamin K plays a role in protecting skin elasticity and may help protect against skin aging and the development of wrinkles.

Record international presence at Beyond Beauty Paris

Attendance at Beyond Beauty Paris rose significantly as the show attracted more international visitors and hit on the latest trends such as beauty foods and ethical shopping with a comprehensive conference programme.

Unilever denies exploitative marketing accusations

Unilever has fought back against accusations from a consumer group that the company uses the same exploitative marketing techniques that it recently denounced in a high profile campaign.

Colipa calls for research into animal testing replacements

Colipa calls for research into replacements for animal testing in preparation for the ban on animal tested ingredients in 2009.

LVMH reports strong sales in tough luxury market

Strong sales of cosmetics and perfumes at LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton indicate that there is still life in the luxury market.

Regis eyes European expansion with merger

Global hair care leader Regis is targeting further expansion in continental Europe by merging its European salon operations into the Franck Provost Salon Group, a move that creates the largest hair salon company in Europe.

Trade associations dismiss lead in lipstick safety claims

European and American trade associations have dismissed claims from a consumer group that some lipsticks on the US market contain unacceptably high levels of lead.

Global nanotech code up for consultation

A global consultation is underway to create a code that would guide companies developing, manufacturing and selling nanotechnology-engineered products.

Sophyto launches first organic professional skin care range

UK-based skin care start-up company Sophyto is claiming a world first with its professional organic skin care range, 11 SKU, a line that has been certified by the UK Soil Association.

Firmenich results show booming fragrance sales

Privately owned flavours and fragrance company Firmenich reveals strong sales growth across its business during the last financial year, with growth in its fragrance division said to have positioned it as the fastest growing fragrance house in the world for the second year running.

L'Oreal pursues ethical shopper with new foundation

L'Oreal is targeting the growing body of ethical shoppers with a €40m commitment to a new social responsibility initiative.

Courts rule against L'Oreal on copy fragrance

The London Court of Appeal has ruled against L'Oreal over its claim that Dubai-based Scion International has been making illegal copies of its perfumes.

Skin care inspired by cosmetic surgery

A noticeable trend at this year's Beyond Beauty trade show was the significant number of skin care ranges inspired by ever popular cosmetic surgery treatments.

Blackberry leaf extract to fight against wrinkles

Blackberry leaf extract could be the new ingredient in the fight against ageing skin thanks to its collagen- and elastin boosting properties, according to a recent study.

Interest group claims test proves safety of phthalates

In response to continued speculation from pressure groups over the safety of phthalates in cosmetics, the American Chemistry Council's Phthalate Esters Panel has unveiled study results claiming to show that specific phthalates have no effect on key hormones.

P&G pursues high growth with beauty brands

The head of Procter & Gamble (P&G) told investors yesterday that the company is pursuing a high growth strategy by focusing on fast growing and high margin divisions such as beauty.

Growth potential leads to investments in Poland

The continued growth and development of the cosmetics and toiletries market in Poland has led to a rash of investments in recent months, involving both domestic and global players.

Givaudan reports strong fragrance sales growth

Flavour and fragrance giant Givaudan recorded rocketing sales on the back of strong organic growth and the acquisition fragrance player Quest.

Organic sun care range to hit the mass market in early 2008

Lovea showcased what is claimed to be one of the first mass market organic sun care ranges at this year's Beyond Beauty trade show in Paris, announcing that the range will be launched early 2008.

Polimoon buys Spanish luxury beauty packaging division

Plastics manufacturer Polimoon is extending its personal care range to coincide with the acquisition of a luxury beauty packaging business in Spain.

Vitamin C and linoleic acid help in the fight against skin aging, study suggests

Higher intake of Vitamin C and linoleic acid are associated with better skin-aging appearance, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Symrise launches two moisturising ingredients

Symrise has launched two plant-based active ingredients that act as moisturisers and present alternatives to hydrolyzed proteins derived from wheat, milk soy and other similar sources.

French perfume player set for major expansion

Perfume maker Ulric de Varens lays down major expansion plans, including the development of its own stores, as it bids to become a major international player.

Rexam unveils new dispenser innovations

Keeping up with the incredible number of new innovations in the personal care packaging segment recently, leading player Rexam Dispensing Systems has unveiled two new technologies.

Union to help companies protect global biodiversity

The Union for Ethical Biotrade was launched at this year's Beyond Beauty trade show, in order to protect the world's biodiversity and the communities that look after them.

European harmonisation of organic and naturals to become reality

The move towards a European harmonisation of regulations concerning organic and natural cosmetics is under way, explained the President of Cosmebio at this year's Beyond Beauty show.

Which? survey questions hair dye chemicals

A Which? magazine survey has once again brought to the fore the potential hazards of certain chemicals used in hair dye products, suggesting that there are several highly allergenic and potentially carcinogenic chemicals still widely used in products that are not properly labelled.

Algae could produce iridescent colour effects for cosmetics

The farming of an algae species could represent a cheap and green method to produce iridescent pigment for cosmetics and packaging, according to a new study.

P&G, Rimmel and Alberto Culver criticised by UK advertising watchdog

P&G, Rimmel and Alberto Culver have all been criticized this week by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for breaking UK advertising rules.

Kimberly-Clark creates virtual store to test ideas

Kimberly-Clark has invented a virtual reality studio with eye-tracking technology to help the personal care company test out marketing ideas and product concepts.

P&G investigates the genetics of skin aging

Two studies investigating the genetics of skin aging are to be presented at the 21st World Congress of Dermatology in Buenos Aries, Argentina, by Procter and Gamble (P&G) Beauty.

Amcor Flexibles re-focuses US operations

Leading personal care packaging provider Amcor Flexibles says it is further investing in its manufacturing facilities in the US in an effort to meet the specific requirements of its personal care customers in North America and worldwide.

Timatic presents new extractor and bespoke service

Timatic, a company that produces equipment designed to process natural personal care products, is presenting its new bespoke service and extraction equipment at this week's Beyond Beauty Paris.

Brazil reveals all at Beyond Beauty Paris

Scantly clad beauties and the natural revolution are fuelling the boom in Brazil's cosmetics industry, showcased at the Beyond Beauty show in Paris this week.

LifeLab extends men's anti-ageing range

France-based LifeLab has chosen this week's Beyond Beauty show in Paris as the platform to extend its male anti-ageing range with a skin care cream aimed at men in their twenties, together with a nutritional supplement that has cosmetic effects.

Beiersdorf plunges into Chinese hair care market

Beiersdorf will pay €269.45m for an 85 per cent stake in China-based C-Bons Hair Care as the cosmetics giant looks to penetrate deeper into the fast growing market.

Plantic and DuPont to develop eco-friendly packaging

Eco-friendly packaging specialist Plantic will soon be entering the US market as part of a development, marketing and branding agreement with chemical firm DuPont.