SC Johnson Cranks Up Windmill in The Netherlands

THE NETHERLANDS:SC Johnson has started up its first windmill at its Europlant in The Netherlands. This $4.7 million investment at Mijdrecht, which is the firm’s largest European manufacturing plant, adds to SC Johnson’s array of clean energy projects designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and further drives its voluntary GHG emissions goals.

“This wind turbine helps SC Johnson continue to reduce our emissions and energy use,” said Fisk Johnson, chairman and chief executive officer of the Racine, WI-based household care company. “What’s even more important is the end result—a better environment today and for future generations. And hopefully what we’ve accomplished here will create some momentum and inspire other global companies to follow suit with their own energy improvements.”

The 262-ft. tall, SC Johnson-owned wind turbine will generate 66% of the electricity needed to power SC Johnson’s Europlant, preventing 3,930 metric tons of GHG annually, which is equal to planting 110,000 seedlings or saving 30 acres of forest, according to the company. SC Johnson expects to produce roughly 6.1 million kilowatt hours of green electricity annually and reduce Europlant’s electricity demand from the local grid by 45% a year.

Connected to the local electrical grid, the turbine will supply energy to the 3 million sq. ft. manufacturing site, which produces Brise air fresheners, Mr. Muscle oven cleaners, Pledge furniture care dust cloths, Shout stain removers and Toilet Duck.

In 2008, SC Johnson signed a five-year deal with Spartan Renewable Energy in the U.S. to supply wind power for its Bay City, MI site.

First U.K. Beauty Products Carry Fairtrade Mark

UNITED KINGDOM: The Fairtrade Foundation has announced the first beauty products carrying Fairtrade Mark in the U.K. Products with the logo come from Boots, Bubble & Balm, Essential Care, Lush and Neal’s Yard. Each product contains one or more Fairtrade certified ingredients benefiting disadvantaged producers in Africa, Asia and Latin America. To date, 57 beauty products have been licensed by the organization.

“It’s great news that now the beauty industry will get a Fairtrade makeover and the farmers who grow the natural ingredients will get a fairer deal because we think they’re worth it,” said Harriet Lamb, executive director of the Fairtrade Foundation.

More info: www.fairtrade.org.uk

hte Celebrates 10th Anniversary

GERMANY: Celebrating its 10 anniversary is hte AG. During the past decade, the Heidelberg, Germany company has grown from a start-up with seven founding members to a highly efficient partner for high throughput experimentation and a leading provider of complete, turnkey workflow solutions for high throughput R&D. Today, the global firm employs more than 150.

hte was founded in 1999 by a group of scientists with a passion for advanced technology. Even prior to the start up of the company, founders and senior scientific and engineering staff were instrumental within the field of catalysis and high throughput experimentation. Clients include L’Oréal, Albemarle, BASF, BP and Chevron.

hte’s workflows are characterized by robust, high-performance, state-of-the-art technology, kept up-to-date through long established experience and constant innovation. The parallel reactor systems are custom built to client specifications in a demand-oriented and forward-thinking manner. The range of accompanying services includes consultancy, planning, delivery and installation, training and after-sales support.

“Our principal task for the future is not only to maintain our current market position but to expand it. We will remain a reliable and stable partner within the challenging area of catalysis,” said Dr. Dirk Demuth, chief executive officer of hte.

More info: www.hte-company.com

Coty Creates Russian Subsidiary

RUSSIA: Coty Inc. has opened a new Russian subsidiary in Moscow, a strategic initiative for establishing direct in-house marketing control of its products in Russia. Prior to the establishment of the subsidiary, Coty products were sold in Russia through multiple distribution partnerships.

The new subsidiary will manage the marketing, sales and distribution of select Coty products, including Rimmel color cosmetics, Adidas personal care products, Lancaster skin and sun care products as well as Calvin Klein, Celine Dion, Cerruti, Chloe, Chopard, David Beckham, Davidoff, Esprit, Jil Sander and Marc Jacobs fragrances. Roman Terekhov has been named general director of the new Russian subsidiary.