Beauty Manufacturing Tracker: Next-level Innovation
In an era of rapid technological advancements, market growth and fragmentation, supply chain realignments and consolidation, and more, beauty’s manufacturing space (turnkey, contract manufacturers, white label producers, etc.) has never been more dynamic. To keep track of emerging innovations, services and capabilities, Global Cosmetic Industry has launched an ongoing series of roundups, providing brands with inspiration and information to support future product development or strategic production decision-making.
AI-assisted Product Development
Most of the AI-related headlines in beauty have centered on consumer-facing experiences, from novel marketing to enhanced skin diagnostics for more personalized product recommendations. Yet it’s also reshaping product innovation.
Recently, packaging and turnkey manufacturer Element Beauty Group launched its Element AI service to "improve and accelerate the development process of new beauty solutions," according to the company. The manufacturer’s designers reportedly use the platform to efficiently expedite designs, which can cut overall costs due to the increased speed and efficiency it offers. In particular, the AI tool quickly analyzes data and generates "unique design options" that can be modified by human designers. Not only can Element AI generate textures, colors, finishes, shapes and forms for quick-to-production designs, it can generate hundreds of options for a single package "in a matter of seconds." This volume of concepts can inspire brands, provide new perspectives on creative strategies and more, according to the company.
The increased efficiency allows for multiple prototypes to be developed quickly to facilitate A/B testing for on-shelf and online settings. It can also nimbly optimize designs based on material or sustainability specifications.
"AI is bringing the next level of expertise to improve the conception and design of packaging," says David Pina, innovation director at Element Beauty Group. "AI will never replace human interaction, and human inputs, but it is a step further to ensuring that we will release the best products on the market."
Troubleshooting Product Development Challenges
Univar Solutions has launched BeautyLAB to help brands overcome formulation challenges to ensure speed to market without sacrificing product quality/efficacy.
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The lab-focused program features Univar Solutions’ technical experts around the world who leverage partner suppliers’ ingredients to boost product efficacy and quality and overcome formulation challenges.
The program also includes a website with digital content, like videos, focused on product development issues, as well as access to select concept formulations to inspire innovation.
Key areas of focus for BeautyLAB include eco-friendly, science-backed, high-performance formulas, per the company, with particular specialty in areas such as sun care (mineral or chemical), skin care (serums, creams, lotion hybrids, etc.) and hair care.
In the sun care sector, for instance, Univar Solutions has developed a video series, #sunschool, to address common challenges. The platform also offers access to concept formulas such as the Work Harder SPF 50 Sport Spray, Clear & Bright Sunscreen Stick SPF 30, Invisible Defense Silicone Sunscreen Gel In Vitro SPF 30, Protect & Play Hybrid Priming Cream SPF 25, and many more.
Read the full report here: https://www.gcimagazine.com/brands-products/contract-manufacturing-services/article/22880841/beauty-manufacturing-tracker-nextlevel-innovation
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