French trade body changes name and targets consumers
la Parfumerie) has changed its name to reflect its broader outlook
and new consumer orientation.
It follows its US counterpart, the Personal Care Products Council, in changing its name FEBEA (Fédération des Entreprises de la Beauté) and both organisations were motivated by a desire to reach out beyond companies to consumers. The name was also chosen to better reflect its role as the French trade body for the cosmetics firms as well as perfume manufacturers. Along with the new name FEBEA has launched several initiatives that are designed to help the organisation respond to louder calls from consumers for more transparent information about beauty products. New Website One of these is the development of a website called www.parlonscosmetiques.com which will provide information on product composition, labelling, manufacturing, controls and usage. Of particular interest for manufacturers as well as consumers is an ingredients guide based on information from the European Union that will describe the role of different substances in beauty products. To attract consumers the website will use a variety of communication methods including reports, videos and interviews and it will give people the opportunity to ask questions, make suggestions or comment on the information. While the website is not a commercial initiative it does contain an address book of manufacturers to enable consumers to find particular cosmetic products. Well-being research As well as informing consumers about their cosmetics FEBEA is also looking to focus on deepening current research efforts related to well-being. To achieve this, the trade association has brought together a group of academics from a variety of disciplines to study the notion of physical and mental well-being and the factors that contribute to it. Some of this work will focus on the contribution of beauty products to well-being and personal and social development. Mission Although the FEBEA is extending its mission by working to inform the public about cosmetics and develop research on well-being, the organisation will continue above all to serve beauty manufactures. "The FEBEA will as well, and more than ever, be the mouthpiece for the beauty industry to stakeholders such as public bodies, the media and NGOs," said FEBEA president Alain Grangé. The address of the organisation's new website is www.febea.fr.
