COSSMA

When sustainability is treated as a discipline embedded in everyday processes – in sourcing decisions, in formulation, in the choice of certification, in the way a product is described – the task of communication changes entirely. The message follows from the substance rather than being assembled around it. This is the difference between a company that has something to communicate and one that is searching for something green to say.

photo: HalynaRom/Shutterstock.com Over the past several years, we have noticed a significant shift in how companies approach sustainable packaging. What was once primarily driven by environmental responsibility 
and brand positioning is increasingly becoming a question of competitiveness, resilience, 
and long-term economics.

Brenntag has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Cargill for the Mexican personal care market. Under the agreement, Brenntag will distribute Cargill Beauty’s portfolio of nature-derived ingredients for skin care, hair care, color cosmetics, and oral care applications.

London Packaging Week has announced 87 finalists for its 2026 Innovation Awards, selected from hundreds of international entries across 18 categories. The shortlisted projects cover luxury, beauty, premium drinks, food, consumer goods, and sustainability, with a focus on commercial, environmental, and consumer value.

Symrise has launched “Dragosine“ green, a multifunctional L-carnosine ingredient designed for skin longevity, well-aging, and prejuvenation concepts. Produced entirely from plant-based sources using green biotechnology and fermentation, the ingredient has a natural origin index of 1.

photo: Khorzhevska/Shutterstock.com For decades, the beauty and personal care industry viewed bacteria as something to eliminate, emphasizing deep cleansing and odor removal. Today, microbiome science has fundamentally reshaped that perspective. The skin microbiome is now understood as a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that interact closely with immune and barrier functions, and healthy skin 
depends not on sterility, but on the balance and functionality of this microbial community.

Marie Salamagne and Frank Voelkl were promoted to the rank of Master Perfumer. The rare distinction recognizes fragrance creators whose talent, perseverance, and influence have helped shape contemporary perfumery. Master Perfumers serve as guardians of olfactory excellence and continuously explore and reinvent the ingredient palette. They also drive innovation at the intersection of science and creativity while mentoring the next generation of perfumers. www.dsm-firmenich.com

The Supervisory Board has extended the appointments of Katja Scharpwinkel and Anup Kothari to its Board of Executive Directors. Scharpwinkel has served on the board since 2024 and is also Industrial Relations Director and Site Director of BASF’s Ludwigshafen site. Kothari is responsible for Industrial Solutions and Surface Technologies and serves as Chairman of BASF Corporation in the United States. www.basf.com

Senior perfumer John Gamba has received the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Perfumers. The award was presented at the World Perfumery Congress in Monterey, California, on June 25, 2026. It recognizes Gamba’s creative leadership and longstanding commitment to mentoring the next generation of perfumers. Givaudan also highlighted his vision, generosity, and significant contribution to the company and the fragrance industry. www.givaudan.com

The cosmetics industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by consumer demand for sustainability, transparency, and environmentally responsible products. While much attention has been given to packaging and product claims, the environmental impact of cosmetic ingredients themselves is becoming increasingly important. Traditionally, cosmetic ingredients have been obtained through plant extraction, animal-derived sources and chemical synthesis.