Evonik, a leading supplier of specialty chemicals, is driving the internationalization of its research and development for the cosmetic industry forward. The company recently opened new innovation centres in Midrand (South Africa) and Singapore, which develop product solutions in the area of personal care for customers in the Sub-Saharan Africa region and in Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, respectively. The new facilities supplement the worldwide network of laboratories of Evonik’s cosmetic business, which also includes sites in Essen (Germany), Guarulhos (Brazil), Hopewell (USA), and Shanghai (China).

Evonik recently opened new innovation centres in Midrand (South Africa) and Singapore

In Brazil, Evonik has also added a hair laboratory to the applications laboratory that has existed in Guarulhos since 2012, in order to support its customers in Central and South America in the development of innovative hair care products.

Custom-tailored innovative products for customers

With these new laboratories, the company is reinforcing its activity in attractive growth markets and can serve local and regional customers from a local base even better.

In body and hair care, the requirements of consumers upon personal care products vary widely around the world. In response, we provide custom-tailored solutions, which we develop right at the local site with determination and scientific excellence,” claims Tammo Boinowitz, head of the Personal Care business at Evonik.

For instance, women in Brazil often wash their hair twice a day and therefore need more care. Particularly popular are conditioners with regenerative effects, which are not washed out after application. In contrast, in Europe, consumers prefer products of light consistence that are rinsed out.

Attractive growth markets

Evonik intensifies its investments in the cosmetics sector which is considered as one of the most promising worldwide. "With around five per cent per year the market for cosmetic products is growing faster worldwide than the global gross domestic product. In Brazil alone, the demand has risen steadily in recent years by about 10 percent. The main driver in emerging economies is the growth of a middle class with strong purchasing power. At the same time, consumers worldwide are increasingly seeking high-quality products that are custom-tailored to their needs," explains the company.

For instance, Evonik has developed a body lotion formula for the South American market that releases moisture when applied - so that it simultaneously nourishes and refreshes.