The UK trade association Cosmetics Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA) started up in 1945 and over the past eight decades has accompanied, supported and championed the UK cosmetics and personal care industry.
On 12 June, the CTPA held its 80th Anniversary Dinner in London with over 200 guests from the membership, government representatives, partners, stakeholders and friends.
Here it premiered a special anniversary movie “A Story That We Share”, told through the voices of numerous CTPA members and stakeholders themselves, to celebrate eight decades of work for the cosmetics industry.
To understand more about what is influencing the cosmetics industry now and in the future, we spoke to director-general Dr Emma Meredith about the changes the industry is facing – from the ever-growing use of technology to adapting to new sustainability regulations while remaining innovative.
Cosmetics Design-Europe (CDE): As you celebrate 80 years of the CTPA, what factors influencing the industry are most important to the CTPA now?
Dr Emma Meredith (EM): Collaboration is very important to CTPA, as is consistency as we continue to: represent a science-based industry and support its ability to continue to innovate; raise the profile of the industry’s essential products and services; defend a robust evidence-led and risk-based regulatory framework; maintain high standards to which companies need to adhere; and promote the industry’s integrity
CTPA has always thought big and is very much a solutions-driven organisation, which is put to good use as we address newer challenges. These include:
- Navigating the evolution of European cosmetics legislation, as a stand-alone nation, alongside other international regulations. This is why being an active, full member of Cosmetics Europe and participating in the International Associations Collaboration and ICCR (International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulation) is so important.
- Accompanying the transition to a sustainable future, by supporting industry and cooperating with Government on key policies, in particular Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR)
- Embracing new technologies, such digital labelling and product information while tracking the opportunities and challenges of online market places.
CDE: What do you think is going to be important in the future; how can companies future-proof themselves in the face of a rapidly changing industry?
EM: CTPA represents an industry that has always been very much in touch with the pulse of our society and has constantly evolved with it. Innovation and adaptation are part of our industry’s DNA. The importance with which companies focus on their consumers and their needs and the trends they drive is phenomenal.
This, however, is no use if we don’t guarantee the ability for companies to move forward and innovate – responsibly.
Innovation is crucial for our industry. This is why CTPA’s advocacy always defends the UK industry’s ability to innovate and remain competitive, while ensuring consumer safety and environmental standards are maintained.
Doing all this through the prism of sustainability will be key to companies meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow. CTPA offers information, best practice and one-to-one advice as part of its Sustainability Strategy.
Of course, numerous uncertainties will always remain, for example in economic environment and global events, but CTPA will continue to support its members in an ever-evolving landscape.
CDE: In what ways has the cosmetics industry changed in recent years?
EM: The industry has always moved and changed fairly quickly; current times are not different, but perhaps the most significant driver of change in recent years has been the COVID pandemic. Businesses had to pivot to survive in a completely different and challenging environment.
Out of that, we are seeing some interesting trends:
- towards a more holistic approach of wellbeing and mental health where cosmetic products are used in conjunction with other types of care and routines.
- the integration of AI into business allowing for greater personalisation and even more creativity.
An interesting perspective is on the different stages of life, in particular a renewed outlook on “longevity” and how our industry can best accompany and support consumers in this.
Also, something to be championed and promoted is our industry becoming more inclusive and diverse. We need to continue to build our understanding on this key subject, to ensure the cosmetics and personal care industry is an industry for all and by all.
