07.08.09
Mibelle Biochemistry Opens Sales Office in France
FRANCE: Mibelle Biochemistry, a Swiss-based company that specializes in the research and development of actives for the cosmetic industry, has opened a sales office in France. The new office is located at 4 Place Louis Armand in Paris.
In other news, Vincent Briffaut has joined Mibelle Biochemistry as sales manager, France. He is responsible for the distribution of Mibelle Biochem-istry’s full portfolio. Prior to his new post at Mibelle, Mr. Briffaut was a sales manager at Solabia.
More info: www.mibellebiochemistry.com
Canadian AOCS Meeting Is Oct. 4-6 in Toronto
CANADA: The Canadian Section of the American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) will hold its 23rd meeting Oct. 4-6, 2009 at the Le Méridien King Edward Hotel in Toronto. The theme of the conference is “Fats and oils functionality in processed foods: from the fundamental to the applied.”
The keynote addresses by internationally-renowned speakers, a poster session with dedicated viewing time and a student competition will take place at this conference, which offers an excellent opportunity for AOCS and CAOCS members to network with existing and new colleagues.
Sessions will cover healthy developments in fats and oils; innovations in oilseed crops; processed foods applications: bakery, dairy and snack foods; and industrial and non-food applications.
A key function of this meeting is to provide a forum for students to present their research. Awards will be presented to the best student oral and poster presentations. Travel bursaries will be available to qualified graduate students who would like to present. This meeting will showcase innovations in fats and oils research from Canada and around the world.
Social events tentatively scheduled include a pre-conference Niagara Region winery tour and a conference banquet.
More info: www.aocs.org
Cognis Opens Office in India
INDIA: Cognis has opened an affiliate in Mumbai, India, with Cognis India— a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Cognis Group—operating under the name of Cognis Specialty Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. Cognis first opened a liaison office in India in February 2008 to get closer to its customers in the region and gain a greater understanding of local markets. The new affiliate will continue to grow Cognis’ business in India, and highlights the importance of this region.
The decision to found the new affiliate marks another milestone for Cognis in realizing business opportunities within India. It also reflects the success of the liaison office, as well as the significant growth achieved by Cognis in India in the last few years. For example, in 2008, Cognis’ sales in India grew by 30%, according to the company.
To grow its business in India, the company will continue to explore options for establishing local sourcing and production facilities.
“We still see India and the whole Asia-Pacific region as a market with significant growth potential that fits perfectly with Cognis’ strategy. Many of our existing and potential customers are also exploring business opportunities in India, and our direct links in the country have enhanced our customers’ confidence and helped us give them the competitive edge they need to succeed,” said Guido Appl, general manager of Cognis India. “Opening the liaison office proved to be a valuable strategic step, and showed the potential within this market, which in turn prompted our decision to establish a full affiliate.”
More info: www.cognis.com
Stefani’s Harajuku Lovers Opens Flagship in Taiwan
TAIWAN: Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Lovers has opened a flagship store in Taipei, Taiwan, marking the brand’s first independent store in the world. The Harajuku Lovers doll fragrance was launched in Taiwan at the end of 2008.
Henkel Launches Anti-Bacterial Premium Detergent
INDIA: Henkel India Ltd. has launched a new version of Henko Stain Champion premium detergent with anti-bacterial and disinfection properties. Although an upgraded version of the existing product, this new variant is reportedly available at the same price, according to Jayant K. Singh, managing director, Henkel India Ltd.
UK Environment Secretary Reveals Packaging Strategy Plan
UNITED KINGDOM: A new packaging strategy plan announced by Environ-ment Secretary Hilary Benn, looks at packaging in the future and what store shelves and kitchen cupboards could look like if the amount of packaging produced, used and thrown away was reduced and the amount recycled was increased.
Under the plan, the entire chain from production to disposal of packaging will be tackled, including:
• Enforcement action will be made easier against manufacturers of excess and unnecessary packaging, and consumers will be encouraged to continue to report excessive packaging to Trading Standards;
• The Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) will work with manufacturers and retailers to reduce packaging for everyday products in line with the best on the market;
• The recyclability of packaging will be improved and clear guidance will be provided for manufacturers on designing it with recyclability in mind;
• The use of refillable and reusable packaging could be expanded, to give customers the option of buying anything from laundry detergent to coffee by simply taking empty containers back to shops to be refilled.
According to the plan, the government will work with local authorities and packaging producers to improve household recycling services, so that more types of packaging are collected for recycling. Recycling rates for plastic, glass, and aluminum will be targeted for improvement, which will mean more “recycling on the go” points introduced in public places.
In addition, the plan is consideringbanning some materials, such as aluminum and glass, from landfills altogether.
“We need to rethink the way we deal with packaging, from production line to recycling bin,” said Mr. Benn. The plans we’ve announced today set out how we will achieve that—with the goal of making it as easy as possible for consumers to avoid needless packaging in the first place and to get rid of what they do receive in a way that doesn’t just create more landfill. I also want consumers to play their part by reporting excess packaging wherever they see it—because we’re all in this together.”
Mr. Benn continued, “In a few years time I want people to be able to shop without having to worry about what they’re going to do with the packaging when they get home, and where it will go after they’ve disposed of it.”
The plan, which is called “Making the most of packaging,” covers all of the UK and is being published jointly by Defra, BERR, the Welsh Assembly Government, Northern Ireland Executive and the Scottish Government. The administrations have also announced how they will each take forward the strategy.
Information can be downloaded at www.defra.gov.uk
Beyond Beauty Paris Scheduled for Sept. 13-16
FRANCE: Beyond Beauty Paris, which will be held Sept. 13-16 in Paris, brings three professional trade shows—Cosmeeting, Creative and European Spa—together at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. According to David Bondi, president of ITEC France, organizer of the expo, in times of crisis, “every company needs to focus on what’s essential, and Beyond Beauty Paris concentrates the key points of the beauty sector—it is the most complete European event of the early fall season and consequently the No. 1 choice for most players. Right now more than ever, professionals need to meet and talk.”
Cosmeeting reveals cosmetics trends and highlights new beauty concepts. Its Zoom space, which presents a selection of young emerging brands, will be part of the event as well as a new space called Beyond Zoom, exclusively for niche brands.
In addition to the Beauty Challenger Awards, a jury of experts will present the Beauty Organics Awards, which will recognize the best organic-labeled launches.
At the same time, Creative will be held over a three-day period during which more than 250 participants will be present, representing cosmetics industry suppliers showcasing innovation and product development in packaging, private label and formulation.
The spa event of Beyond Beauty Paris, which has been renamed the European Spa Exhibition & Summit, will be held Sept. 13-14. With the help of a steering committee made up of important market players such as Clarins, Comfort Zone, Decléor and Lemi and others, show organizers have worked on a set-up.
The Proguidespa.com Hub, exclusively designed for the European Spa Exhibition & Summit, contributes to identifying those with European-level projects and promotes networking, according to the show.
For more information on the show, log onto www.beyondbeautyparis.com.
New Green Guidelines for Cognis
GERMANY: Cognis has adopted a new set of guidelines that combine the internationally recognized 24 principles of Green Chemistry and Green Engineering. By doing so, the company contends it is both reducing its environmental footprint and putting in place a clear framework for the development of high-performance, natural-source products aimed at the growth markets of wellness and sustainability.
Paul Anastas, the “father” of the 24 principles recently spoke at a Cognis-hosted sustainability symposium in Monheim. He shared the platform with members of the Cognis management board in a discussion on future “green” chemical solutions.
In addition to adopting the widely recognized 24 principles of Green Chemistry and Green Engineering as its roadmap for the development of new solutions, products and processes, Cognis aims to further increase the proportion of natural-source raw materials, make better use of residues, further optimize catalysts, and make additional cuts in its emissions.
“The 24 principles help us to strike the right balance between environmental goals, economical viability, and product performance and convenience. Cognis is one of the first companies to put a set of objective ‘green’ criteria at the heart of its decision-making and operational processes,” said Antonio Trius, chief executive officer, Cognis.
More info: www.cognis.com
Shiseido To Expand Cosmetics Doors Throughout China
CHINA: According to a report in the Nikkei Weekly, Shiseido plans to expand its network of cosmetics stores in China to 4000 by adding 700 outlets this fiscal year. Shiseido, which currently sells its products at specialized cosmetics stores mainly in coastal regions, intends to move into Sichuan and Gansu provinces as well as other parts of the country’s interior.
The company also plans to bolster sales at department stores, introducing its high-end Maquillage brand at approximately 800 store locations where it currently sells its products.
Natural Cosmetics Conference Is Sept. 22-23 in Nürnberg
GERMANY: The Natural Cosmetics Conference will be held Sept. 22-23, 2009 at the Congress Center in Nürnberg. The themes of the conference include market and brand trends, focus customer, brands and brand introduction, natural personal care at the POS, labels, seals, symbols and test marks along with packaging system sustainability for natural personal care products.
More info: www.naturkosmetik-branchenkongress.de