Issue: Vol. 18

Classic hygiene weaknesses in the production of cosmetics

14 November 2023 No Comments

This article emphasizes the importance of maintaining hygiene in the production of cosmetics to ensure consumer safety. It highlights common weaknesses in hygiene practices, such as the proliferation of microorganisms, contamination of water, deficient industrial hygiene, and the selection of raw materials. The consequences of hygiene failures are outlined, including customer complaints, health risks, product recalls, and economic losses. The article provides recommendations for maintaining high standards of hygiene, including regular cleaning, disinfection, and microbiological testing. It also stresses the significance of careful evaluation of raw materials and the establishment of a systematic approach to hygiene management. Inspections, open communication, and environmental monitoring are emphasized as essential components of effective hygiene practices in cosmetic production.

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An end to Greenwashing in the EU?

14 November 2023 No Comments

The European Commission (EC) has released two legislative proposals aimed at combating greenwashing. One proposal seeks to amend the existing Unfair Commercial Practices and Consumer Rights Directives; while the other aims to develop new sets of requirements to substantiate green claims. With the amended legislation now advanced in the legislative process and various unknowns remaining for the emerging Green Claims Directive, one fundamental question is whether the combination of these tools will achieve their primary objective to prevent overstated environmental information (‘greenwashing’) or whether the risks remain too high leading to an increased in the phenomenon of ‘greenhushing’.

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Odour control efficacy of a carpet cleaning home care product

14 November 2023 No Comments

The odour-reduction efficacy of a homecare product, linked to a portable carpet-cleaning device, was tested with and without the addition of a supramolecular odour-capture technology comprising a range of cucurbit(n)urils. Pet odour (cat urine) was simulated by applying a synthetic substance to carpet samples. Samples were either (a) untreated (control), (b) cleaned with a device incorporating a commercial cleaning formulation (benchmark), or (c) cleaned with a device containing the commercial formulation and the odour control technology (test product). A combination of sensory methodologies was applied to evaluate the odour of each sample and determine the differential benefit of adding the odour control technology to the commercial formulation. The results showed that there was a significantly greater reduction in the odour of cat urine by the test product containing the odour control technology than by the control and the commercial-benchmark samples.

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Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) shapes the future of the chemicals and materials sector – From international brands to leading chemical and bioeconomy companies to innovative start-ups for CO2 utilisation, companies are collaborating to guide a smart transition from fossil carbon to renewable carbon

14 November 2023 No Comments

The RCI is an organization that was founded after observing the struggles of the chemical and material industry in facing the enormous challenges to meet the climate goals set by the European Union. The RCI brings together 60 well-known international brands, leading chemical and bioeconomy companies and start-ups and 8 partners with the goal of supporting and speeding up the transition from fossil carbon (from the ground) to renewable carbon (above the ground) for all organic chemicals and materials.
Recent climate data indicates that about 70% of anthropogenic climate change comes directly from extracted fossil carbon from the ground, while the other 30% comes from agriculture and forestry – mainly land-use change and livestock production. To rapidly mitigate climate change, the inflow of additional fossil carbon (crude oil, natural, gas, or coal) from the ground must be stopped. For the chemical and materials industries, which is entirely based on carbon and cannot be decarbonised, a new strategy was needed – the defossilisation of carbon-based feedstocks through renewable carbon (carbon above the ground): biomass, CO2, and recycling. These carbon-sources cycle between atmosphere, biosphere and technosphere and are fully circular.
The vision is stated clearly: By 2050, fossil carbon shall be completely substituted by renewable carbon, which is carbon from alternative sources: biomass, direct CO2 utilisation and recycling. The members are convinced that this is the only way for materials, chemicals, plastics and other derived products to become more sustainable, more climate-friendly and part of the circular economy – part of the future.
The initiative wants to drive this message, initiating further actions by bringing stakeholders together, providing information and shaping policy to strive for a climate-neutral circular economy.

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Microplastics: a perspective on the regulatory landscape for the cleaning products industry

14 November 2023 No Comments

Insoluble polymeric microparticles that degrade very slowly and are practically impossible to clean up upon release into the environment have been the focus of legislation for the past few years. The estimate on the contribution of microplastics (intentionally added) from the cleaning products industry relative to the total estimated annual releases of microplastics emitted by (but not intentionally added to) products to EU surface waters is minor in magnitude yet still significant for developing regulations. We are now seeing the first wave of regulations on these microplastics being adopted with more to follow in associated fields such as packaging, personal care, home and fabric care, among others. This article attempts to capture the current state of the regulatory landscape for microplastics specifically as it applies to the cleaning products industry and explains some of the proposed derogations such as those for water-soluble and biodegradable polymers. Science-based argumentation and subsequent legislation is necessary to manage this ubiquitous issue of microplastics and the path is long but is clear it will be for the betterment of our environment.

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Modification of triglycerides

14 November 2023 No Comments

The quest for sustainable formulations in the personal care market will require a re-examination of raw materials that support sustainability claims. Natural oils that are derived from plants are of particular interest. There are a great number of natural oils available to the formulator and processes that are used to alter the aesthetics of triglycerides used in formulations (1, 2).
This article will discuss the variety of glycerol esters, processes used to make and modify them and their use of in formulations. While glycerol esters have a common ester group they are made or modified by using different processes including esterification, transesterification, interesterification, and intraesterification. Despite the fact that all chemical processes result in esters the specific mechanisms are different, the by products are different and how they are used in formulation are different.

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Destination: beauty inspiration

14 November 2023 No Comments

In Provital we are globetrotters, we visit the countries where beauty trends and innovations start, we buy and try disruptive products. That’s why we are experts in trends and we can inspire you with the latest hits in the beauty industry. Enjoy the trip with us!!

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To formulate with silicones or not? An eternal question

14 November 2023 No Comments

The debate around the use of silicones in personal care formulations has been waging for many years. Some formulators – encouraged by pressure from consumers to omit them from personal care products – have been slowly removing these divisive ingredients, leading to a surge in the number of silicone-free products on the market. Others have boldly launched campaigns to reinstate their presence in hair care formulations. But which side of the argument is right? In this article, Cornelius’ experts will explore the benefits that silicones can impart on personal care formulations, how they can be used more sustainably, what alternatives exist, and the novel solutions that are emerging in the market.

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