EU-developed active ingredients are decreasing...
The news comes after the European Crop Protection Association ran an analysis of global market trends where it found the number of active ingredients being developed and introduced in the EU to be steadily decreasing - despite global expenditure on agricultural R&D being on the rise.
This will ultimately mean that fewer new crop protection solutions will be in place to help meet the growing demand for high quality and affordable actives for Europe.
Which in turn will affect the availability of ingredients to cosmetic active suppliers and formulators, particularly those derived from microorganisms and plants as consumers move towards more natural based products.
"It's clear that Europe's challenging regulatory environment has led to a decline in R&D on products for use in the EU," says Friedhelm Schmider, ECPA director general.
"When companies assess the risk involved in committing resources to R&D for new products, they are increasingly looking outside the EU," he adds.
'Innovating today to meet the challenges of tomorrow'
However; Schmider says that the situation can be changed; "Europe can unlock all its innovation potential in agriculture by encouraging a regulatory environment more suited to innovation and job creation.
The crop protection industry, he says is ready to work with stakeholders and regulators to boost R&D solutions for European agriculture, so that the Continent can help meet the growing demand and that "by innovating today, we will meet the challenges of tomorrow."
Manufacturers can also do their part...
According to S&D Aroma, who work with farmers and producers to supply the personal care industry with essential oils, butters and waxes; the production of organic ingredients is able to meet demand, but in order to ensure a reliable supply finished products, manufacturers also have to plan ahead.
Managing director John Brebner tells CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com that by their very nature as agricultural products, organic ingredients cannot be produced instantaneously, therefore companies have to plan ahead in order to be sure they will receive what they need.
This way, growers can plant accordingly, he says, which helps to provide a reliable supply and ensures farmers are not left with surplus crops they cannot sell.
