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Kimberly-Clark Professional warns of the dangers of forced-air and electric hand dryers

site-industries-cosmetiques A liquid emerges from a bottle.

Kimberly-Clark Professional is accelerating the delivery of hand hygiene information and expertise by creating a dedicated hand-drying site to provide tips on which hand towels to use and highlight the dangers of using forced-air and electric hand dryers (Jad).

The Covid-19 pandemic has raised consumer awareness about the importance of hand hygiene and the risks of spreading germs. Nearly 95 % of adults do not wash their hands long enough to thoroughly clean bacteria and viruses, so germs can remain on hands after washing(1)

While the focus has been on regular and proper hand washing, Kimberly-Clark Professional would like to address the crucial issue of hand drying, which is just as important as hand washing: how do you dry your hands properly?

To better understand the importance of the subject and to allow as many people as possible to understand the truth about the dangers of using forced-air and electric hand dryers for hygiene, Kimberly-Clark Professional provides its expertise based on scientific studies:

"Scientific studies have proven that paper towels are the most hygienic option for hand drying, but there are concerns about the dangers presented by alternative drying methodsexplains Elise Gouveia, Sales Director France, Kimberly-Clark Professional. Forced air hand dryers can spread germs and bacteria if they are present on wet hands. In this time of unprecedented health crisis, it is essential to address all germ hot spots to provide a safer and more hygienic environment. Therefore, it is important that users are fully informed about the hygiene risks of forced-air hand dryers and can review the results of scientific studies before using or purchasing this type of hand dryer."

According to Kimberly-Clark Professional, the evidence is in, "research shows us some striking facts about forced-air hand dryers, the use of which could be akin to a sneeze that lasts 12 seconds, the time it takes for the hand-drying cycle of this type of device."

Kimberly-Clark Professional reminds us that:

  • A forced-air hand dryer projects up to 2 meters(2) water droplets in the air that may contain germs on the hands. These aerosolized bacteria can survive up to 15 minutes in the air. Forced-air hand dryers can increase the level of bacteria on the fingers by up to 42%(3).
  • A hand dryer spreads 1300 times more germs than a paper towel(4)
  • Even with Hepa filters and careful cleaning and maintenance, forced-air hand dryers do not leave hands and washrooms as clean as paper towels, 
  • After 15 minutes, 100 times more particles remain in the air when using forced-air hand dryers than when using single-use paper towels(5).This finding is all the more alarming when you consider that these particles could be found at about the height of a small child's face(6). Drying with paper towels, on the other hand, reduces to 77%(7) bacteria on the fingers. 
  • The interior surfaces of forced-air hand dryers can contain up to 48 times more bacteria than a toilet seat(8). Results of a University of Westminster study found that forced-air and warm-air hand dryers can harbor bacteria on the interior surfaces. This could lead to cross-contamination if users reach inside and touch the surface of the unit or if bacteria are carried in the air stream and deposited on wet hands.(9).

For hygienic hand drying, use single-use paper towels

Taking all these facts into account, the WHO recommendations for hand hygiene in health care advocate paper towels for hand drying.

Hand towels offer, according to Kimberly-Clark Professional, "the best solution for hand hygiene and general hygiene in the washroom."

A recent study found that 90 % of people using washrooms prefer paper towels when given a choice between single-use paper towels and forced-air hand dryers(11). This study showed that paper towels consistently outperformed all other drying techniques, especially in terms of bacteria left on the palms and fingertips(12).

 "With the current emphasis on the importance of hand hygiene, we feel it is essential to share these facts based on scientific studies so that clients can make informed decisions."says Elise Gouveia. TConsider your hand hygiene throughout the day and the objects you touch - from car steering wheels to lift buttons. Ask yourself not only how often you wash and dry your hands, but also how you wash and dry your hands and for how long. The science is clear, and the official WHO guidelines are clear: dry your hands thoroughly with a single-use paper towel; use the towel to turn off the faucet; your hands are now clean.(13)"

(1) - Borchgrevink, C.P., Cha, J. and Kim, S., 2013. Hand washing practices in a college town environment. Journal of environmental health, 75(8), p.18.; Hand Washing Practices in a College Town Environment, Journal of Environmental Health; https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5116.pdf: Boyce JM, Pittet D, Centers for Disease Control Guideline for hand hygiene in health-care settings. Recommendations of the healthcare infection control practices advisory committee and the HICPAC/SHEA/APIC/IDSA hand hygiene task force. Society for Healthcare epidemiology of America/Association for professionals in infection control/infectious diseases Society of America. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2002;51 (RR-16):1-48.

(2/4/5) - P.T. Kimmitt & K.F. Redway, "Evaluation of the Potential for Virus Dispersal During Hand Drying: A comparison of Three Methods," Journal of Applied Macrobiology 120 (2016)

(3) - Eurofins-Inlab study (2012)

(6) - E.L. Best, K. Redway, "Comparison of Different Hand-Drying Methods: The Potential for Airborne Microbe Dispersal and Contamination," Journal of Hospital Infection 89 (2015)

(7) - University of Westminster, "Changes in the number of different types of bacteria on the hands before and after drying using paper towel, continuous cloth roller towel, warm air dryer and jet air dryer" (2010)

(8) - Eurofins-Inlab study (2012)

(9) - University of Westminster, "Changes in the number of different types of bacteria on the hands before and after drying using paper towel, continuous cloth roller towel, warm air dryer and jet air dryer" (2010)

(10) - Huang C, Ma W, Stack S, "The Hygienic Efficacy of Different Hand-Drying Methods: A Review of the Evidence," Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2012; 87(8): 791-798. And World Health Organization 'Global Hand Washing Guidelines' 

(11) - ETS Observational Study, ISSA/Interclean Amsterdam (May 2016)

(12) - Snelling AM, Saville T, Stevens D, Beggs CB, "Comparative evaluation of the hygienic efficacy of an ultra-rapid hand dryer vs conventional warm air hand dryers," Journal of Applied Microbiology 2010; 110: 19-26

(13) - World Health Organization, Global Hand Washing Guidelines

Iberchem Group announces agreement to acquire French perfumery company Parfex

site-industries-cosmetiques Iberchem acquires French perfumery Parfex.

Parfex will strengthen Iberchem's offering in natural and sustainable fragrances, while hosting a creation center for the group's fine fragrance division.

The Iberchem Group, part of Croda International Plc, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire the French perfumery company Parfex S.A. ("Parfex"). Based in Grasse, France, Parfex will play an important role in Iberchem's plan to expand its offering of certified sustainable and natural fragrances, while hosting a new creation center for the group's fine fragrance activities. In addition, the acquisition strengthens Iberchem's presence on the European market and, thanks to Parfex's privileged location, enhances its portfolio of natural-origin ingredients for high-end markets. Iberchem's acquisition of Parfex is its first since joining Croda in November 2020.
Established in Grasse in 1985 and today employing 75 people, Parfex specializes in the creation of fragrances for the high-end cosmetics and fine perfumery markets. The company has maintained steady growth over the past decade thanks to its creativity, the reliability of its high-quality operations and the dynamism of its team. It now sells its fragrances in over 50 countries worldwide. Parfex will retain its independent identity within the Iberchem Group, as well as its current structure. However, it will now benefit from the technical expertise, financial support and international sales network of Croda and Iberchem, enabling it to seize new growth opportunities.
Steve Foots, Managing Director of Croda, said: "We believe that the transition to more natural raw materials is a potential differentiator in the fragrance market. Parfex will play an important role in Iberchem's plans to expand its sustainable fragrance offering, and further strengthens our position in the creation of higher value-added fine fragrances." 

"This acquisition is a cornerstone of the company's growth plan," said Ramón Fernández, CEO of the Iberchem Group. "With its history and abundance of natural raw materials, Grasse is a world-renowned French city particularly relevant to any perfume house. Parfex will further strengthen our portfolio of sustainable and natural fragrances, serving our ambition to rank among the leaders in this industry."

"It is with great satisfaction that we integrate Croda and become the premium brand of their dynamic Iberchem fragrance division," said Kurt Tschopp Managing Director of Parfex. "I'm very excited about this agreement, which opens up new horizons for our company and secures its future. Thanks to the many synergies between the three companies, we have significant opportunities to accelerate our growth. We will focus on our passion to continue to create fragrances that are highly appreciated by consumers, to serve our customers and to strengthen our brand on an international scale".

The Pochet Group's synergies at the service of Ginza Eau de Parfum by Shiseido

site-industries-cosmetiques A pink perfume bottle on a white background, highlighting the synergy between Pochet and Shiseido's Eau de Parfum Ginza.

The Pochet Group combines its expertise for Ginza Eau de Parfum, the new women's fragrance from Shiseido Ginza Tokyo.

Ginza represents the homeland and Tokyo origins of the Shiseido Ginza Tokyo brand. An ode to femininity and the many facets of women. 

As if carved from a block, the bottle pierced by a black dagger reveals rounded curves and lets a bright pink juice show through the transparent glass. 

"A black dagger plunges directly into the bottle, symbolically recalling the inner strength hidden in every woman.explains Shiseido Ginza Tokyo. 

The hood that forms the top of the dagger is injected in black plastic and satin lacquered to give depth and power to the whole. 

The part of the dagger immersed in the juice was a real technical challenge taken up by the Qualipac teams, in partnership with the Shiseido Ginza Tokyo teams.

Elegantly hiding the dip tube, this soft plastic piece has been designed to be malleable enough to be inserted into the bottle. 

To bring Ginza Eau de Parfum to life and serve the Shiseido Ginza Tokyo brand, the Pochet group has pooled its expertise in bottle making, plastic injection and aluminum: the bottle is made by Pochet du Courval - Guimerville, the dagger (cap and dip tube cover) are made by Qualipac - Château-Thierry, and the aluminum collar is made by Qualipac Aluminium (Saint-Saturnin du Limet). 

Givaudan Active Beauty tackles oily skin problems

site-industries-cosmetiques Active Beauty tackles oily skin problems.

Givaudan Active Beauty launches Mangixyl, a microbiome-friendly cosmetic ingredient targeting oily skin through sebum regulation. Created from mango leaves, this innovation meets Givaudan's corporate objective of "creating happier, healthier lives with a love of nature".

The mango leaves are obtained in collaboration with the Bendia association, based in the village of Koro, Burkina Faso, in the heart of West Africa. Run by volunteers, this women's initiative enables women to find employment by linking them with suitable jobs in the leaf harvesting process.

After harvesting, mango leaves undergo a green fractionation process to produce Mangixyl. This all-natural, microbiome-friendly active ingredient regulates sebum production (up to 15.9 % after one month depending on skin tone, says Givaudan Active Beauty) to relieve the discomfort caused by oily skin - a widespread concern among consumers worldwide. Double-blind, placebo-controlled tests on three different skin ethnicities (African, Asian and Caucasian) also showed a 49.5 % improvement in sebum quality. "Reflecting our commitment to inclusive beauty, Mangixyl is a universal, gender-neutral ingredient suitable for all age groups and skin tones."says Givaudan Active Beauty.

Fine Fragrances and Active Beauty Sourcing Manager Maxence Billas said: "Mangixyl is an excellent example of how we work closely with communities to source ingredients responsibly, with the utmost respect for people and the environment. This approach allows us not only to support these communities, but also to secure our supply chain and give our customers access to high-quality, responsibly sourced products, at a time when sustainability and traceability are at the heart of consumer concerns."

Active Beauty manager Laurent Bourdeau said: "The creation of Mangixyl shows how we combine a high level of scientific innovation with trending consumer insights to develop products that are not only good for people, but also for the planet. Our focus remains our guiding star as we continue to develop new sustainable products for our customers and their consumers."

Mangixyl joins Givaudan Active Beauty's growing portfolio of natural botanical actives, and is used in a marketing concept called S3D Womango. This light, mattifying day cream for all consumers also contains Bamboosilk A, Curbilene and CristalHyal. Thanks to its three levels of action, S3D Womango, according to Givaudan Active Beauty, immediately reduces shine, balances skin hydration and sebum production throughout the day, and reduces excess sebum over time without drying out.

Wauters/B.Pack: complementarity at the service of luxury packaging

site-industries-cosmetiques L'interdite Givenchy eau de toilette, Wauters/B.Pack: complementarity at the service of luxury packaging.

In 2002, when B.Pack, France's last remaining cardboard manufacturer, was looking for new investors, Wauters was the obvious choice. Although it had met with a number of potential investors, B.Pack identified with Wauters' values.

For their part, Wauters, who had never had any intention of growing the company by acquisition, met B.Pack at the suggestion of one of their customers.

It was a shared vision of the business that prompted the takeover of B.Pack :

- a family spirit
- proximity
- French manufacturing
- the same attention to detail and the same high standards in every project. 

Wauters (at Villebon-sur-Yvette, Essonne) and B.Pack (at Couches, Saône-et-Loire) are equally committed to investment and innovation. This joint research has led to the development of new solutions such as bio-sourced inks and wafer paint.

Both sites have always been equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and in an equitable way: after the installation of a new offset press in 2020 on the Couches site, a new press is also being installed on the Villebon site.

Complementary equipment

The complementary nature of the facilities at the two sites has enabled us to meet the different demands of the luxury goods industry.

Small series and small formats are produced at Couches, while large series and large formats are produced at Villebon. This flexibility in terms of production quantities enables the Wauters Group to accompany the product throughout its life cycle:

- from launch with large quantities to the maturity phase, when quantities decrease,

- and vice versa, from small series at B.Pack to large series at Wauters when market demand is stronger.

Format flexibility also enables us to meet the different demands of brands for the same product line: fragrance cases, by-products, samples, make-up, skincare...

Sharing know-how

Whether production is carried out at Wauters or at B.Pack, the Group guarantees the same quality criteria and the same end result.

Internal guarantors work on both sites to pass on technical elements and methodology, and to train teams in the same way.

In addition, the Group has invested in similar tools for both sites:

- an Epson proofing printer for color output

- Measure Color, which measures spectrocolorimetry (quantity of ink printed on the sheet) and measures a color in relation to a target (chromatic circle). This makes it possible to define with a customer the authorized Delta E, i.e. the possible maneuvering range around the target color. This very precise data serves as a common reference between the customer, the Villebon site and the Couches site.

Reuse of tools, transfer of documents and in-house team training: sharing know-how between the two sites also saves time and money.

Cosmogen, partner of 900.care

site-industries-cosmetiques A blue vase with flowers and a bottle of soap on a green background, with Cosmogen as partner.

Cosmogen is a partner of 900.care, a young brand of ecological, refillable hygiene products made in France.

900.care has selected a pump from Cosmogen's dispensing range for the bottle intended for its dissolving stick hand foaming gel. Cosmogen says it is delighted to support 900.care's philosophy of "making people love ecology", in line with its own CSR values.

Cosmogen's dispensing line comprises a selection of high-end, turnkey, customizable, Ecocert-certified and food-safe bottles, sprays and airless products.

900.care relies in particular on a system of practical and ecological solid refills. On first purchase, the product is received with its reusable bottle/container. Only refills are then ordered. According to the brand, the formulas are healthy, natural (over 95% %), sensorial and highly effective. To reduce their carbon footprint and support the local economy, all 900.care products are made in France.

Superga Beauty buys Cosmeurop perfume site from L'Oréal

site-industries-cosmetics Superga Beauty acquires L'Oréal's Cosmeurop fragrance site.

Paris-based Superga Beauty, a subsidiary of the Superga Invest Group, which has been serving the world's leading luxury and beauty brands for over 20 years, has completed a new external growth operation, strengthening its activities in the perfumery products industry.

Superga Beauty has been the official owner since 1er The acquisition of Cosmeurop's perfume production site in Strasbourg last April marked the end of discussions with the L'Oréal group that had been underway for several months. 

As a reminder, L'Oréal had acquired this site at the end of March 2020 from the Clarins group, as part of the acquisition of the Mugler and Azzaro brands. For its part, L'Oréal remains committed for three years, with a gradual withdrawal.

With the acquisition of the Cosmeurop site from L'Oréal, the Superga Beauty group is accelerating its development and pursuing its industrial investments in France. Already owner of five industrial sites, the subcontractor is now involved in the entire beauty production chain: maceration, manufacturing, filling, copacking and full service.

Superga Beauty aims to double its sales within three years. After a string of acquisitions in recent years, the family-owned French group has gradually become a key player in the European beauty industry, and recently gained a foothold in India with the creation of Superga Beauty India in March 2021.

Cosmeurop: a first-class industrial facility 

This new acquisition adds to Superga Beauty's industrial base, giving it outstanding production capacity (700,000 liters per year) and "recognized industrial excellence in perfume", which the group intends to build on for its future development. The 16,000 m² Cosmeurop site is based in Strasbourg, close to the freeway network. The plant is ISO 14001, ISO 50001 and ISO 22716 certified.

"Our position in the beauty market has unquestionably strengthened in recent years in the Full-Service/Full-Buy manufacturing and/or packaging market. This operation represents a major step forward. We're going to expand massively in the perfume sector by bringing to market this extraordinarily high-performance tool for perfume groups", explains Leslie Bréau Meniger, President of Superga Beauty. 

Conquering new markets

"We are focusing on subcontracting and its development. Our ambition is to have sites that are as efficient in every respect (quality, safety, HSE, etc.) as those of the brands, so that they trust us with 10 0%", explains Leslie Bréau Meniger. She adds, "We aim to support brands from the smallest to the largest, thanks to a complementary and highly agile offering across all our production sites."

To this end, Superga Beauty is strengthening its sales structure to achieve its business diversification objectives. This latest acquisition is part of a dynamic that will enable Superga Beauty to meet the demands of high-volume orders, whatever the distribution channel.

Gattefossé launches EleVastin to fight against skin sagging

Gattefossé launches EleVastin

EleVastin is a targeted solution to gravity-induced skin sagging. According to Gattefossé, the ingredient boosts skin elasticity and provides the support it needs to cope with this downward pressure. 

Renewal of the skin's elastic potential 

Gattefossé reports that EleVastin's efficacy has been demonstrated in models of increasing complexity. The active ingredient increases the synthesis of key proteins involved in the production and maintenance of functional elastic fibers: elastin, fibrillin-1 and fibulin-5. It also protects elastic fibers against degradation by elastases. Through this mechanism of action, it ensures an increase in elastic fiber density coupled with improved skin elasticity. This last result was obtained on an advanced spheroid model developed entirely in our cell culture laboratory. 

Combating the signs of gravity-induced ageing 

Tested at only 1 % and on 37 volunteers, the active ingredient demonstrated its ability to reduce sagging in the lower part of the face. Skin elasticity is significantly improved vs. placebo. Facial contours are better defined, and deep, vertical wrinkles are significantly reduced. An original measurement of the effects of gravity on facial morphology was carried out, confirming EleVastin's ability to limit the impact of gravity on the signs of aging.

A 100 % ingredient of natural origin 

Traditional plants used for therapeutic or culinary purposes are an unlimited source of inspiration for Gattefossé scientists. One such plant, Murraya koenigii, has been used for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic medicine and cooking. In association with its long-standing local partner, the leafy stems of the Murraya koenigii tree are harvested by hand in the preserved environment of Reunion Island, on plots managed without inputs (no fertilizers or pesticides). Traceability is guaranteed from the tree to the Gattefossé laboratories. A synergy of phytomolecules is obtained thanks to an innovative blend of plant-derived solvents and a rational extraction process. The active ingredient is Cosmos approved and has a natural origin content of 100 % according to ISO 16128.

"The phytochemical content of Murraya koenigii is both very rich and well described, enabling us to adopt a very methodical plant extraction research strategy. By adjusting solvent polarity, we were able to target more specifically certain molecular families such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and alkaloids. At the same time, in our laboratories and in partnership with experts in proteomics and biomechanics, we have developed innovative in vitro evaluation models. These have enabled us to provide a comprehensive demonstration of the ingredient's biological efficacy".explains Boris Vogelgesang, Cosmetic Active Ingredients R&D Director.

"EleVastin is the fruit of Gattefossé's latest advances in plant extraction and objectification. In our cell culture laboratory, our scientists develop in vitro models that are ever closer to real skin conditions. The reproducibility of results obtained with EleVastin on different models is a real guarantee of the ingredient's efficacy. What's more, EleVastin's excellent naturalness profile is the result of several years' work on developing solvents and finding the perfect match with plant material. We are very proud to supply the cosmetics market with this robust and 100 % natural active ingredient".reports Laurie Canel, Cosmetic Active Ingredients Product Manager.

Greentech : Circalys, a chrono-detox and energizing feel good active ingredient

site-industries-cosmetiques An energetic woman feeling good on her headphones while listening to music infused with Circalys, a chrono-detox active ingredient from Greentech.

Greentech launches an innovative new natural active ingredient based on the concept of chronobiology and a psychobiological approach. This ingredient helps reduce the impact of fatigue on skin and mood.

Modern lifestyles rhyme with fatigue

"Our new hectic lifestyles are disrupting our natural rhythm, leading to increasing fatigue in almost 45 % of the population, especially women. Circadian rhythms are our internal clock. Out of kilter, they will influence most biological processes, resulting in tired skin and impacting mood, says Greentech. Aware of these important repercussions, Greentech has created Circalys, an innovative active ingredient titrated in andrographolide, a molecule identified by Greentech R&D to counter the disruption of circadian rhythms and revitalize the skin. Inspired by Ayurveda, Circalys was developed from Green Chirette (Andrographis paniculata), a major detoxifying plant in traditional Ayurvedic medicine."

Modulator of circadian rhythms and the brain-skin axis

China and Cosmos approved, 100% of natural origin (ISO 16128), Circalys modulates the skin's biological rhythms, restoring a stimulating "young" clock gene expression profile in aged/fatigued keratinocytes and acting on circadian modulators involved in key cellular pathways. Circalys increases skin cell longevity and reduces cellular damage, revitalizing the skin. Circalys also acts as a modulator of the "brain-skin" axis, boosting the biological pathways of oxytocin, endocannabinoids and endorphins, for relaxed skin protected from the consequences of modern lifestyles.

According to Greentech, Circalys effectively reduces the impact of fatigue on skin and mood.

Clinically tested on night shift workers for 28 days, the company reports that Circalys was shown to significantly reduce visible signs of facial fatigue (puffiness, dark circles and under-eye wrinkles). Volunteers also found their skin more luminous, comfortable and rested.

Thanks to three scientifically-recognized psychological tests, Greentech has also proven that the use of Circalys in a cosmetic formula significantly modulates the impact of fatigue on mood: increased sense of well-being, reduced perceived stress and negative affect ("yoga" effect).

Exsymol, silicon expert for 50 years

Exsymol - Silicon

Exsymol shares its silicon expertise in a new video broadcast on its Exsymol TV video channel, in the "Word from the Expert" category.

Mélanie Mollet, communications manager, and Lionel Valenti, scientific expert, talk about this key skin element. Like collagen and hyaluronic acid, silicon acts as a veritable architect and conductor of the skin's functions. According to them, adding silicon to the skin restores its flexibility and resistance.

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