Univar builds laboratory for formulators and suppliers

The creation of a laboratory to help formulators overcome technical problems and develop innovative and effective products is unprecedented for a distributor in Europe, said Univar spokesperson Matthew Ottaway. Univar presented the new laboratory at In-Cosmetics in Amsterdam today where Ottaway told CosmeticsDesign.com how the facility would benefit formulators and suppliers alike. Benefits to formulators ​ Ottaway said it will be of particular benefit to small manufacturers who will be able to sample the efficacy and feeling of different formulations. He said manufacturers will also receive advice and support so that if they are developing a conditioner but the mixture keeps separating, Univar can help solve the problem by studying the formulation and the process behind its development. In addition to these services manufactures will also have access to a database of formulations to help them create new products. Benefits to suppliers ​ From the perspective of suppliers, the laboratory will help showcase the functional qualities of their ingredients. Univar will pursue finished product marketing initiatives for it partners to demonstrate innovative ingredients and was presenting its laboratory at In-Cosmetics with Dow Corning. "We, at Dow Corning, are very excited that one of our key distributors, Univar, has set up a laboratory to better service and sell to the personal care market,"​ said Dow Corning spokesperson Scott Fuson. The laboratory will also give support to suppliers who do not have their own facilities in Europe. In the longer term Univar intends to use the laboratory to develop joint technical initiatives with a view to bringing new formulations to the market.