France’s Cosmetics Valley continues to grow with 13 new members
The French industry association is focused on providing support for human and financial resources, as well as materials sourcing and furthering research and development causes in the field of personal care.
Among the new members are cosmetics brands Matis and Ales Groupe, and Chimex, a supplier of cosmetics actives that is part of the L’Oreal group. In addition, the University of Cergy-Pontoise has become the sixth university to join the cluster.
Stronger industry links
New member SGD, a supplier of glass packaging, said that the membership “reaffirms the worldwide leadership of SGD in glass bottles for cosmetic, perfume and pharmaceuticals and shows the historical know how and the international reputation of the Normandy area.”
Back in November 2009 when 12 other new members were welcomed, Cosmetics Valley CEO Jean Luc Ansell told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com that an increase in members translates into the creation of stronger links within the cosmetics and fragrance industry and a more effective network between companies.
He added that confirming the acceptance of new members represents innovation opportunities within the industry, as companies can be connected with research centres.
Bernard Leroy, the general director of recent recruit Intertek, was also quoted as saying: “Cosmetics Valley is an excellent cluster which stimulates innovation and helps its members to sharpen their competitive edge. Intertek…will be able to interact closely with the R&D department and production manufacturer sites to develop innovative solutions in France and worldwide.”
Growing membership
Cosmetics Valley has expanded significantly since it was created in 2004, and its members now include 550 businesses, 6 universities and 200 public research laboratories, according to the latest figures.
Although 80 per cent of its member businesses are small and medium enterprises, according to the association, prestige brands such as LVMH and Shiseido are also members, alongside global companies Procter & Gamble and Unilever.
To join, companies must be located within the geographic scope of the industry body (departments in the Central, Haute-Normandie and Ile-de France regions)
In addition, they must obtain sponsorship from a company currently part of the association and either generate a specific percentage of turnover in cosmetics or fragrance or possess research laboratories or training facilities.
