International News

Jafra Starts Operations In New Delhi

INDIA: Jafra Ruchi Cosmetics India, the joint venture between the Ruchi Group and the parent company of Jafra Cosmetics International, Vorwerk Group, has started operations in New Delhi, India.

Located in Connaught Place, the business offers 53 Jafra products including the flagship Royal Jelly line, Jafra Dynamics lines as well as skin brightening and fragrance products selected specifically for the Indian market.

“We are confident that India will quickly become a leading growth market for Jafra’s worldwide portfolio. Our unique and competitive partnership with Ruchi has allowed us to fast track our market entry into India and will provide the foundation for success. Most importantly, the Jafra business opportunity will provide powerful income earning opportunities for many people in India who are looking for the chance to transform their lives,” said Jafra president and chief executive officer Friedrich Kroos.


Canadian Non-Profit Calls For More Regulations
CANADA: Canada needs stronger rules to keep toxic chemicals out of personal care products, according to a report issued by the David Suzuki Foundation, a Canadian non-profit group. The report outlines the findings of an online survey conducted earlier this year in which participants were asked to inspect ingredient lists for 12 sets of “potentially harmful” chemicals used as ingredients in cosmetics. More than 6,200 Canadians participated in the survey, providing information for 12,500 personal care products.

“Our survey results indicate the widespread presence of a ‘dirty dozen’ ingredients in products that we use on our bodies every day,” said Lisa Gue, environmental health policy analyst with the David Suzuki Foundation. “Clearly, we need more effective regulatory action to keep these potentially harmful chemicals out of consumer products.”

The report, according to the foundation, identifies “several weaknesses” in Canada’s cosmetic ingredient labeling and notification requirements. For example, manufacturers are not required to disclose specific fragrance ingredients; instead using the generic term “parfum” on ingredient lists to disguise a cocktail of potentially harmful chemicals. Products labeled “unscented” and “fragrance-free” may contain unspecified fragrance ingredients used to mask the odor of other chemicals, according to the group. “Parfum” was the most commonly reported ingredient, identified in more than half of the products entered in the survey.

“The fragrance loophole clearly fails the sniff test,” said Gue. “Cosmetic manufacturers should be required to specify which chemicals they use as fragrance ingredients, and potentially harmful ingredients should be replaced with safer alternatives.”

In the survey, 98% of participants agreed that Canada’s laws should be strengthened. Other recommendations in the report include: identifying potentially hazardous ingredients in personal care products with a standardized system of warning labels; allowing public access to ingredient information that cosmetic manufacturers submit to Health Canada; and controlling commercial use of the terms “unscented/fragrance-free” and “natural/ bio/organic.”
More info: www.davidsuzuki.org/publications


Competition Ratchets Up In Natural Cosmetics Market
UNITED KINGDOM:Slowing market growth rates and an influx of new entrants are raising competitive stakes in the European natural cosmetics market, still, Organic Monitor projects the European market will expand 12% this year.

Although outpacing the total cosmetics market, growth is far below the 20% plus growth rates observed in previous years, according to the organization’s new briefing report.

According to Organic Monitor, market winners since the economic downturn have been competitively priced brands. Consumers are especially attracted to the value proposition of private label products, which are most prominent in Germany, where they comprise about a third of all natural cosmetic sales; supermarkets, drugstores, organic food retailers and even discount stores have introduced private label ranges. For example, Alverde, the private label of DM drugstores, is emerging as the leading brand of natural cosmetics in Germany, the group said.

Most growth in the European market is coming from mainstream retailers, with brands targeting these channels gaining ground. Burt’s Bees is showing healthy growth as it increases distribution in supermarkets and pharmacies, according to Organic Monitor. Other new entrants are taking a segmented approach, focusing on specific consumer groups and/or channels. For instance, the UK brand Bulldog is expanding in the Nordic region with its range of natural male grooming products while the Israeli brand Yes To Ltd. is targeting chemists and drugstores with its range of food-based cosmetic products.

In comparison, some premium natural and organic brands are losing market share because of sluggish demand from organic food shops and beauty retailers.

In response to the changing market conditions, many natural cosmetic firms are taking the direct route to get closer to consumers. Apart from online retailers, a growing number of companies are opening concept stores across Europe. Paris is becoming the epicenter of natural cosmetic retailers; leading brands, such as Weleda, Dr. Hauschka and Couleur Caramel, have opened concept stores in recent years. Leading French brands, including Melvita and Florame, are building international retail networks. Attracted to healthy growth rates, many large brands such as Garnier and Schauma are entering the natural and organic cosmetics market.

As competition increases and retail shelf-space becomes crowded, Organic Monitor predicts not all new entrants willbe successful. Extending existing product ranges with natural/organic lines do not always appeal to green consumers. Instead, market winners will be those companies which can adopt strategies based on product differentiation.
More info www.organicmonitor.com


Kao Rolls Out New Water-Saving Detergent
CHINA: Kao Corp. will reportedly introduce a liquid laundry detergent that can reduce water usage.

The easy-rinsing detergent has been granted a seal for water-saving products by a certification entity affiliated with the Chinese government.


Ecolab Detergent Storage Wins Packaging Award
GERMANY: Ecolab Inc.’s newly launched ProTec storage system has won the 2010 German Packaging Award in the transport category. The award is sponsored by the German Packaging Institute.

ProTec is a sustainable and efficient transport and storage container for liquid detergents. It includes a 200-liter drum with an integrated drip tray; if the drum inside leaks, the patent-pending ProTec container collects the spilled liquid. As a 100% closed system, ProTec helps eliminate human exposure to spilled liquids. Integrated suction lances further reduce exposure to chemicals and machinery, and complete drum changes can take as little as 30 seconds.

In addition, empty drums are cleaned and re-used by Ecolab.

ProTec is suitable for various applications including warewashing and in-building cleaning environments such as hospitals, supermarkets and offices. It will be available to European customers in the spring of 2011.
More info: www.ecolab.com


Rhodia Increases IBCH Production in China
CHINA: Rhodia has increased its isobornylcyclohexanol (IBCH) production capacity in China in conjunction with the transfer of its Wuxi plant to the group’s new industrial platform located in Zhenjiang.

Rhodia’s Aroma Performance business unit is strengthening its position as a leading global producer of IBCH, which is used by the perfumery industry. Rhodiantal IBCH is a key ingredient in the formulation of the sandalwood note for use in fine fragrances, home and personal care products and incense.

“This investment reflects our ongoing strategy aimed atstrengthening the position of aroma performance in the rapidly growingspecialty products market in Asia,” said Dominique Rage, chief executive officer of Rhodia Aroma Performance.

The new plant will begin operations in 2011, according to the company.


New Moisture Range Marks Kanebo’s Evita Anniversary
JAPAN: Ten years after the launch of Evita, the first cosmetics brand targeting women “over 50” in Japan, Kanebo is reinforcing its strategy for the mature consumer segment by rolling out a new Deep Moisture range within the line.