Local EU demand to revive Catalonia’s ‘Cosmetic Valley’

By Michelle Yeomans

- Last updated on GMT

Local EU demand to revive Catalonia’s ‘Cosmetic Valley’

Related tags Spain Investment Manufacturing

Catalonia, Spain’s 'cosmetic valley' is set to experience a revival thanks to a re-emerging trend for local European businesses.

Cosmetics packaging player Quadpack and holding company Alba & Andrea are amongst those confidently placing their bets on local manufacturing talent, as they roll out plans to further invest in the Spanish region.

It all started six months ago when the partners purchased wooden component manufacturer Technotraf, and are now looking for more opportunities in Catalonia, specifically beauty packaging manufacturers or service companies that can process unfinished products imported from outside of Europe.

Quadpack CEO Tim Eaves says he recognized the country's talent back in the 90s when everyone was buying cosmetic packaging from Spanish –and particularly Catalonian – manufacturers, before everything moved to China.

"What we aim to do now is recapture the region’s glory days of the 90s. We want put Catalonia’s Cosmetic Valley back on the map,​" he says.

Pulling production closer to home

Although having traditionally sourced in Korea and China, Quadpack started pulling production closer to home back in March when it purchased Technotraf, in a joint venture with Alba & Andrea.

Sourcing closer to home made sense for them on multiple levels as Eaves says manufacturing or finishing products in Catalonia cuts turnaround times.

We also have a responsibility to the environment and, on a social level, to our community. Local production means a smaller carbon footprint, more jobs and a much-needed boost the the local economy,” ​he adds.

Meanwhile, investing in the Spanish region is not new territory for Alba & Andrea. The company has had similar success in local investments, notably in the fields of furniture and other sectors.

Owner Joaquim Carandell says the company is buoyed by its first successful venture in the beauty packaging sector.

"What we need now is the right manufacturer or service company that’s ready for expansion, we can provide the manufacturing and business know-how," ​he adds.

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