Cosmetic 360 is characterized by an approach based on innovation, the key condition for any exhibitor to take part in the event. Just like when it all started, every innovation will be materialized by a totem display on all stands, and expert paths will guide visitors within each area of application.
“This event embodies the Cosmetic Valley, as it highlights the importance of Research and Innovation across the whole industry. It also positions France as the place where investors, start-ups, and SMEs from all around the world come and meet each other. I will not reveal any details, but overall, I can say that this year, there will be multiple innovations in connected beauty, naturalness, and fast prototyping. We will talk about bioprinting of skin, plastic, or other materials,” announces Christophe Masson, CEO of the Cosmetic Valley, the organisation behind the event.
An interactive Start-Up Zone
The zone created in 2017 is an attractive feature of the show. It gathers 30 start-ups and will offer new animations this year:
– The Studio, a specific action initiated by the Coty group, will materialize the attending start-ups’ answers to the greatest industrial cosmetics challenges through interviews – a way to provide an immediate perspective on the different technologies showcased focusing on tomorrow’s needs.
– The Start-Up Solution Area designed by Beauty Tech Chartres will act as a transient accelerator for two days. It is intended for all visitors willing to create their own company and will provide support in the form of ten experts, workshops, and conferences to get a more concrete vision of each project.
Building relationships with prime manufacturers and distributors
Just like every year, several leading groups will settle in a specific area as prime manufacturers. Johnson & Johnson, Les Laboratoires Pierre Fabre, L’Oréal, LVMH Research, Puig, Rodan + Field, and Yves Rocher will be able to meet project managers that have submitted an application as part of the Open Innovation, so that they can exchange and even set up new partnerships. Over 200 qualified events will take place over the two days of the show.
And this year, this feature will be accessible to distribution companies, so that young brands can meet the global QVC network in search of French jewels to distribute.
To complete these different paths, the TechCorner animated by CNRS will put forward a new emulsion manufacturing process still under study. “The idea is to show how these processes still in the phase of academic research will impact tomorrow’s plants,” explains Christophe Masson.
As for historic partner Greentech, they will put an emphasis on a challenge intended to finance an action for the economic development of Burkina-Faso.
The global dimension of the event should also be highlighted: it counts over 30% of foreign exhibitors and hosts the global meeting of the Cosmetic Clusters International Network. Japan Beauty will be in the spotlight this year, in the presence of the Japan Cosmetic Center, which gathers ten Japanese companies as part of an animation programme set up by Shiseido.
A 3D Hackathon
Sponsored by LVMH, this year, this new challenge intended for young professionals and students will be focused on the design of a “new, sustainable product inspired by nature in the era of experience.” Hackathon Maker, as it is called, will offer participants the possibility to go beyond the formalization of an idea by developing its prototyping.
“Launched last year, the Hackathon embodies our will to make this show more than an exhibition: a moment to create innovation. Participants will start working in teams two days before it opens and will print their projects at the show with the 3D printer available to all. The projects will be presented to a jury, but also to the visitors,” adds Christophe Masson.
The different LVMH brands will play the role of mentors for the participants, Dassault Systèmes will make their CATIA software available for 3D design, and ID3P will provide the high resolution printer. A €4,000 prize will reward the winning team at the end of the second day.
