International News

Ecolab Rolls Out Mip Cleaning Line in Europe

EUROPE: Ecolab Inc. has unveiled Mip, a product line of 10 new cleaning formulations said to deliver maximum cleaning efficacy and optimal environmental performance in the food and beverage industries. The range is intended to completely replace Ecolab’s current caustic-based clean-in-place (CIP) cleaners and will be available throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) during the fourth quarter 2011.

The new formulations cover all CIP applications such as tank, pipe and process equipment. In addition, they meet all REACH requirements and new Chemical Labeling and Packaging (CLP) regulations. These innovative formulations also have a unique, patent-pending composition that optimizes environmental performance as they are used within the processing environment.

“Ecolab creates products that deliver the highest cleaning and food safety results, along with optimal sustainability performance. The new Mip products set a new benchmark for CIP in terms of optimized use concentrations and performance for these specific applications. The new formulations also demonstrate how we at Ecolab use our expertise in research, development and engineering to enable our customers to achieve their cleaning and sustainability targets,” said Andreas Weilinghoff, senior vice president and general manager, food and beverage, EMEA.

The product range reduces hard complexing agents, such as EDTA, in most formulations while maintaining optimal water hardness compatibility. The formulation changes are anticipated to reduce salt load in effluent by over 30% and yield an estimated 15% carbon footprint improvement in comparison to the existing products.


8500-Plus Attend Natural Products Expo Asia
HONG KONG:Natural Products Expo Asia (NPEA) closed its most successful show to date on Aug. 27, with 8,572 visitors from across 54 countries and regions participating in the three-day trade show. Since the inauguration of Natural Products Expo Asia in 2002, this show has been integral in the growth of Asia’s organic and natural products market, according to the organizers.

The trade show showcased more than 5,000 products and supplies ranging from food and beverage, dietary supplements, natural and raw ingredients, cosmetics, healthy aging and other skin care products, spa facilities and supplies across international pavilions represented by Australia, New Zealand and North America, as well as other substantial exhibitors. The Japan and UK Pavilions debuted this year, introducing new launches such as “teaweed (green tea plus seaweed) skin cream” and rainforest honey.

Two new networking events explored a new realm of Asia’s natural and organic market with the trade show attendees. The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), US Commercial Service from American Consulate General and Nutrition Business Journal presented the forecast for the global organic and nutrition market at the opening VIP breakfast. The welcome reception, sponsored by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, offered a special time for exhibitors and buyers to mingle and connect in a relaxing atmosphere.

Running in conjunction with NPEA, the Nutracon Asia Conference and the Nutricosmetic Summit Asia covered key segments from functional food and beverage, dietary supplements, organic certification and cosmetic regulation. This co-location garnered overwhelming feedback from distributors, suppliers and other industry professionals.

Natural Products Expo Asia 2012 will be held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre Aug. 23-25, 2012.
More info: www.NaturalProductsAsia.com


Yankee Candle Opens First Company-Owned Canadian Door
CANADA: The Yankee Candle Company, Inc. has opened its first company-owned retail stores in Canada. The firm, which currently operates 528 stores in the US, planned to open a total of five stores in the greater Toronto area before Sept. 16.The first three locations in Pickering, St. Catharine’s and Hamilton, Ontario are now open. In the coming weeks the company will open stores in Barre and Kitchener, Ontario.

“Recognizing the potential of almost 40 million Canadian consumers, we believe this represents a significant growth opportunity for Yankee Candle,” said Harlan Kent, chief executive officer, Yankee Candle. “We recognize the unique product needs of the Canadian market and look forward to building a strong foundation for the future growth and success of Yankee Candle in Canada with this venture.”

Varying in size, the new Canadian stores will carry a larger selection of Yankee Candle products than currently offered in the marketplace, including candles and home fragrance products in 60 fragrances as well as candle accessories and gift sets.

Yankee Candle products will also continue to be distributed through wholesale channels in Canada by Rich Brands, and are available at select independent gift and specialty stores. The Canadian business will report to James Perley, executive vice president, general counsel and strategic planning.

“We are excited to bring Yankee Candle retail stores to Canada as part of our international expansion and believe that these stores, together with our plans to invest in and grow our existing wholesale business, will allow us to further develop and expand the Yankee Candle brand. We look forward to additional milestone openings around the world,” said Kent.

The top-selling brand of premium scented candles in the US, Yankee Candle maintains a strong international presence with a wholesale network of 5,300 store locations and distributorships in 48 countries, including Canada.


Look Launches Cosmetics Line
UNITED KINGDOM: IPC Media’s Look magazine is going from the printing press to pressed powders as it will reportedly launch a cosmetics range. The line will be produced under license by FB Beauty, according to published reports, and will be stocked at Superdrug stores. The color collection includes nail, lip and eye products and kits.


Mandom Creates English Website for Gatsby
JAPAN: Mandom Corp. has opened two English-language Gatsby sites—a global website and a Facebook page—as a means of communicating with more consumers on a global basis.

Gatsby, which was introduced in 1978, is a top-selling cosmetics brand among young Asian men. But there’s growing interest in the West for the looks Gatsby products help style and create, said Mandom, which was ranked No. 30 in Happi’s 2011 International Top 30.

Consumers, not only in Asia but also in the West, are posting articles and videos about Gatsby on the internet, including SNS and video-sharing sites, showing an increased interest for the brand and hairstyles groomed with Gatsby products. The products and techniques behind the made-in-Japan “Kakkoii” (cool) style seem to have attracted their interest.


Wild Flavors Acquires Assets of A.M. Todd
SWITZERLAND: Wild Flavors GmbH, Zug, Switzerland, has acquired certain assets of the A.M. Todd Group, Inc., a leading provider of mint flavors and ingredients based in Kalamazoo, MI. A.M. Todd is globally-recognized as the leader for natural mint flavors and value-added mint ingredients. The company also has unique technologies surrounding organic flavors and ingredients, according to Wild.

With the addition of A.M. Todd’s product portfolio, Wild will be able to facilitate enhanced growth for its customer base with new business lines while also allowing for expansion into new markets and channels.

“Wild has experienced tremendous success in responding to its customers’ needs and market requirements with outstanding innovation, creative product development, growing technological advancements, dependable supply chain interaction, and key customer focus. This transaction allows for further growth and leadership in creative product development resulting in great tasting products for the food and beverage industry,” said Erik Donhowe, Wild Flavors North America’s chief operating officer.

“With Wild’s competencies based on technologically-advanced product development and quality production processes, the acquisition of A.M. Todd assets and unique technologies will only strengthen Wild’s ability to meet and exceed our customers’ requirements,” said Michael Ponder, CEO, Wild.

Raymond Hughes, president and CEO for A.M. Todd said, “while A.M. Todd has developed the leading position in natural mint flavors, Wild will strengthen and complement the mint and ingredient competency through its fast-growing global business structure and strategies.”

Combining Wild’s expertise with A.M. Todd’s capabilities in the natural mint market as well as specialties in flavors, extracts and organic materials allows Wild to provide the industry with the highest level of quality, innovation and consistency in the development of flavors, colors, ingredient and systems.

Once approved by the shareholders of A.M. Todd, the completion of the acquisition is scheduled for Oct. 31.
More info: www.wildflavors.com


Calumet Links with Lipo, Agecom in Brazil
BRAZIL: Calumet Penreco LLC has announced that itwill continue support to its leading distributor for the Brazilian cosmetic, personal care and pharma markets, Lipo do Brasil Ltda and to Agecom Produtos de Petróleo Ltda, serving all other Brazilian market segments.

Calumet Penreco LLC manufactures a full line of naphthenic and paraffinic oils, aliphatic solvents, white mineral oils, petroleum waxes, petrolatum and hydrocarbon gels. Its product line includes brands such as Magiesol, Conosol, Drakeol, Parol, Versagel and Synergel.

According to Rich Callahan, global sales manager Calumet Penreco, the “excellent partnerships” with Lipo do Brasil and Agecom Produtos de Petróleo will enable it to grow its business in the Latin American markets, especially in Brazil.

“Our specialty hydrocarbon products are extremely suitable for the cosmetic, personal care and pharmaceutical markets and we welcome the opportunity to work with both Lipo do Brasil and Agecom Produtos de Petróleo to assist the leading personal care products manufacturers in developing new products using our quality raw materials,” he said.
More info: Lipo do Brasil Ltda, Tel: +55 11 2124-5300;Agecom Produtos de Petróleo Ltda; Tel: +55 11 2146-8900;
Web: www.calumetspecialty.com


Univar Acquires Brazilian Distributor Arinos
BRAZIL: Global chemical distributor Univar Inc. has acquired Arinos Química Ltda., a distributor of specialty and commodity chemicals in Brazil. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

“We are extremely pleased to announce the acquisition of Arinos,” said John Zillmer, president and CEO of Univar. “Arinos has a highly complementary business model to Univar, and provides a strong platform for future growth in the large and rapidly growing Brazilian chemical distribution market.”

Arinos is a leading chemical distributor in Brazil, providing a one-stop-shop for both specialty and commodity chemicals as well as high-value services. The company has strong relationships with more than 60 chemical manufacturers, and delivers more than 1,600 products to more than 6,500 customers in diverse end markets. Arinos has also developed more than 20 branded products through its formulation business. The company is well positioned in the Brazilian market, with a nationwide distribution network and deep expertise in high growth industries, according to Univar.

“Univar is an excellent partner for Arinos,” said Mateos Dias, CEO of Arinos. “The combination will create many synergies by providing enhanced services for our customers, access to a broader base of chemical manufacturers and products, and opportunities to leverage the global sourcing capabilities of Univar.”
More info: www.univar.com


Dupont Tate & Lyle Adds Distributors in Italy, Greece
ITALY: DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products LLC announced new distributor partnerships in Western Europe for its 100% bio-based product, Zemea propanediol. The company has appointed the IMCD Group as distributor for Zemea in Italy and Dichem Chemicals SA in Greece.

With these two partnerships, Zemea is now available in more than 40 countries worldwide.

The ingredient, which is for use in cosmetics, personal care and home cleaning products, is a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based glycols where the product’s lack of skin irritation, improved moisturization and excellent sensorial attributes are benefits. It has been recognized by Ecocert and the Natural Products Association as an ingredient of natural origin. IMCD is a leading company in marketing, sales and distribution of specialty chemicals and food ingredients, with offices and warehouses in 31 countries in Europe, Africa and Australia/Asia.

Dichem Chemicals SA is a leading agent and distributor of raw materials and packaging materials for personal care, pharmaceutical and home care industries in Greece and Cyprus.
More info: www.duponttateandlyle.com


Solar Power for Lumson’s International Headquarters
ITALY: Lumson has installed a solar panel system on its international headquarters in Capergnanica, Italy. The use of solar energy instead of traditional power allows Lumson to reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide discharged into the environment.
More info: www.lumson.com


Winner of Electrolux Design Lab Is Portable Spot Cleaner
SWEDEN: Adrian Mankovecký from the Academy of Fine Arts and Design Bratislava in Slovakia has won the Electrolux Design Lab 2011 competition for his Portable Spot Cleaner, which surpassed a field of 1,300 entries from more than 50 countries.

Established in 2003, Electrolux Design Lab is a global design competition open to undergraduate and graduate industrial design students worldwide who create home appliance ideas for how people prepare food, clean and do dishes both within and beyond the home. Entries are judged based on intuitive design, innovation and consumer insight. Participants are invited to present innovative ideas for household appliances of the future.

The Portable Spot Cleaner has two components—the user separates them, places one on either side of the garment and chooses the suitable cleaning program. Negative ions and steam refresh clothing and remove stains. The cleaner is powered with a sugar crystal battery, and can be used practically anywhere in the world.
More info: www.electrolux.com/new