Canadian Cosmetic Cluster Team
Uniting Canadian Cosmetics and Bringing it to the World
Immersive Learning and Real Connections - Reflections on the EIT Regenerative Aquaculture Course3/11/2024 Photo Credit - SAMS This October, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit SAMS (Scottish Association for Marine Science) in Scotland as part of the EIT Regenerative aquaculture course. It was an incredible experience where I learned about aquaculture, which is central to our Beauty by the Sea initiative. Understanding where our ingredients come from and the methods behind sustainable farming was invaluable. The course went beyond seaweed, shellfish, and fish; it covered the broader scope of aquaculture, an industry rich in innovation and sustainability. The program featured cutting-edge knowledge, advanced innovations, and insights from various experts. We had hands-on experiences, such as visiting farms, nurseries, and witnessing the latest industry advancements. SAMS is one of the world’s premier institutes in marine sciences, making this a rare and valuable learning opportunity. The course, offered by EIT as a European partnership, brought together members from Poland, the UK, Scotland, and other parts of Europe, adding a diverse perspective to our learning experience.
Uniquely, this program also emphasized entrepreneurship. The business component provided crucial insights into building a sustainable venture in agriculture, making it ideal for startups and those looking to develop a comprehensive understanding of the regenerative agriculture supply chain. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in entering or advancing within this field. It spans about a month, including live lectures in the UK time zone—so be prepared for early mornings if you're joining from different time zones! The experience, however, is immersive and deeply engaging. The knowledge shared by the speakers, combined with the camaraderie among participants, creates an impactful and even life-changing experience. EIT offers various courses in sustainable food and agriculture; though primarily food-focused, they hold immense relevance for those in cosmetics, materials, and other related industries. This course in particular gave me a fresh perspective on the food industry, which deepened my understanding of supply chains from a cosmetic viewpoint. Stay tuned for more about the speakers, the EIT program, and all related links below. I’d especially recommend keeping an eye out for future courses, such as those on microalgae, which provide valuable insights for anyone passionate about sustainable and regenerative practices in food, agriculture, and beyond.
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At the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster, we are dedicated to helping businesses successfully navigate the Canadian cosmetic market, focusing on both new and established companies ready to make an impact. As weight management trends evolve, demand for innovative, non-surgical solutions is rising sharply. This trend is evident in Canada, where over a quarter of adults and one-third of youth are classified as obese, adding substantial pressure to the healthcare system with an estimated annual cost of over $9 billion. To meet this demand, companies are introducing advanced solutions like Aqualyx, a non-surgical fat reduction treatment, that address these needs without invasive procedures.
Welcome to the upcoming Blue Economy webinar series from the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster. Before the series officially begins, we’d like to provide a brief introduction to some foundational terms to prepare you for what’s to come. Today, we’ll focus on five essential concepts: Blue Economy, Aquaculture/Regenerative Aquaculture, Macroalgae, Microalgae, and Blue Beauty. Our goal is to enhance your understanding of these marine networks and reveal the immense potential of the Blue Economy.
The Blue Economy represents more than financial opportunity; it is a holistic approach to economic growth that blends marine science with environmental stewardship. This vision is about creating sustainable, ocean-based industries that benefit our economies without harming marine ecosystems. Through this introduction, we’ll explore the core ideas that will guide our journey in the upcoming series. The Blue Economy is here to stay, and the opportunity for growth is immense. This sector's expansion is not only a path to economic prosperity but a crucial element in addressing some of our greatest environmental challenges. For cosmetic companies, engaging with the Blue Economy offers a chance to lead with transparency, showing customers how the products they use can be a force for good in preserving our planet. Marine beauty, or "blue beauty," is already a growing trend, and as consumers become more eco-conscious, the demand for products that support the Blue Economy will only rise. Our aim at the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster is to support businesses entering the Blue Economy as producers and partners, whether you’re interested in wild harvesting, aquaculture, or seaweed farming. We connect you with global experts and provide resources for sustainable growth. Together, we can foster a future where economic activity benefits both people and the planet, creating a thriving marine ecosystem that supports us all. This is the moment to get involved. As the Blue Economy booms, there is space for new ideas and sustainable innovations. From our partnerships to our knowledge-sharing events, we’re here to help guide you through this exciting field and support the positive change we can bring to our oceans and our industries. Join us for an informative webinar about the Beauty growing Italian market!
An initiative of Italian Cosmetic Cluster, Polo della Cosmesi, where several experts of the Italian industry will be going into the insights, regulatory maze and opportunities of the market. The webinar will be divided into 2 parts, scheduled for November 5th (part 1) and November 26th (part 2). In the first part, experts will analyze total consumption, sales segmented by channels and by functional and product categories. It will focus on the Italian cosmetics industry and the importance and role of the main players. The second part will then examine various types of possible agreements and partnerships, but also the legal and regulatory requirements for conducting business in Italy. 4 speakers will take part in the meeting:
These experts will provide an overview of the country’s legislation and European law (to which the Italian cosmetics industry is subject), including a detailed analysis of regulations on cosmetics, packaging, ingredients and product registration process. This webinar aims to equip participants with the necessary insights and practical guidance to access and thrive in the Italian cosmetic market, covering both strategic market analysis and operational considerations for business setup and growth. The global beauty and personal care industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with science and innovation at its core. To foster continued growth, regional communities of professionals dedicated to cosmetic science and formulation are essential. In light of this, the creation of the Rocky Mountain Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) marks a significant milestone in the industry, opening doors to new opportunities for collaboration, education, and innovation in the heart of North America. Why the Rocky Mountain SCC Matters The cosmetic industry thrives on cutting-edge research, advancements in formulations, and the development of sustainable practices. The Rocky Mountain SCC will be a crucial platform for scientists, formulators, chemists, and industry experts across the region to come together and exchange ideas that push the boundaries of cosmetic science. By establishing this chapter, the local industry will be better positioned to respond to consumer demands, regulatory changes, and technological advances that are shaping the global beauty landscape. The Rocky Mountain region, known for its rich natural resources and commitment to environmental sustainability, is an ideal location for a dedicated community of cosmetic professionals. This chapter will not only strengthen local connections but also provide a platform for harnessing regional expertise in clean beauty, sustainable ingredients, and innovative product development.
Toronto, September 2024 — The Canadian Cosmetic Cluster is excited to announce the launch of its Beauty and the Sea project, a series of events aimed at promoting the blue economy in the cosmetic industry. With a focus on marine-based ingredients and sustainable practices, the project will feature a combination of webinars and in-person events beginning in November 2024 and continuing through 2025.
The first event is a webinar on November, introducing the blue economy and its relevance to cosmetics. Attendees will explore marine ingredients used in formulations, the environmental benefits of aquaculture, and the emerging role of bioplastics in packaging. The session will highlight how regenerative aquaculture—particularly the farming of kelps, algae, and oysters—can reduce carbon footprints while benefiting both the environment and cosmetic products. Later in November, we will partner with Macro Oceans for an in-depth webinar on formulating with marine-derived ingredients, focusing specifically on sugar kelp. This session will provide insights on incorporating sugar kelp into skincare, haircare, and other formulations, demonstrating its profitability and sustainability. We will also cover the importance of water conservation in formulation and offer strategies for integrating eco-friendly practices into supply chains, making this webinar valuable for both small and large cosmetic brands. As we progress, these webinars will evolve into in-person events. In January 2025, we will host a live formulation session at Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto, where participants can interact with marine ingredients in a hands-on setting. The event will offer the opportunity to network with industry professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the environmental significance of marine-based formulations. In February, we will host a second event in Vancouver in collaboration with the Pacific Seaweed Industry Association (PSIA). This event will focus on bridging the gap between seaweed growers and cosmetic brands, offering practical guidance on how to scale up the commercialization of marine ingredients for the cosmetic, packaging, and textile sectors. In this interview, Rachel Baker of TEJO sits down with Margarita Sidorova, founder of the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster and a renowned expert in cosmetic formulation and sustainable beauty innovation. TEJO is a Toronto based tech company focused on helping spas sell more products with their skin diagnostic system. This system can be used from a smartphone and has integrated booking and ecommerce.Together, they explore the exciting advancements in eco-conscious beauty and sustainable ingredient sourcing. Margarita shares her unique insights on how the cosmetics industry is evolving, with a particular focus on the role of natural ingredients and environmentally responsible practices. This conversation offers invaluable takeaways for those passionate about the future of beauty and sustainability. Additional ReadingAlright, let’s talk scaling up—it's not just for brands! Everyone loves talking about how a brand can grow, but there’s way more to it in the cosmetics industry. We’ve got ingredients, packaging (hello, bioplastics), lab research, manufacturing, and even consumer panels. The entire supply chain is involved! When you start, it might feel like you're lost in a business jungle, but eventually, you’ll realize, "Hey, it’s time to grow!” And that means investing more cash, chasing bigger clients, and maybe even gulp dealing with spreadsheets.
Step 1: Show Me the Money Let’s be real, you can’t scale up without some serious dough. You’ll need to budget for everything—whether you’re ramping up production or dreaming about that shiny new marketing campaign. How much cash do you need? Start crunching the numbers. How many more units do you want to sell? Are you planning to rent a new warehouse, or perhaps launch a mega marketing campaign that’ll have people shouting your name from the rooftops? Hiring new staff is also a consideration, unless you’d rather outsource. Sometimes it’s cheaper to grab a freelancer or consultant who can handle the marketing magic for you. And hey, who doesn’t love a good private-label situation? Whether it’s LED masks, oxygen machines, or good ol’ Gua Sha tools, the possibilities are endless. Need new manufacturing space? That’s gonna cost you, too. Don’t have a money tree in the backyard? Well, time to knock on your investors' doors or call the bank. Heck, some folks even remortgage their house. It’s more common than you’d think, even if they say, "Oh, it's just a family investment." In an era where a single tweet can make or break a brand, public relations has become the unsung hero of the beauty industry. Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Jason Krell, a seasoned PR professional and TV lifestyle expert with nearly two decades of experience under his belt. Jason has a knack for cutting through the noise and ensuring his clients not only get noticed but also stay relevant in an increasingly crowded marketplace. From the shifting sands of digital media to the art of storytelling, he’s here to share his insights on why a solid PR strategy is more crucial than ever. Jason has helped his clients with earned media placement across Canada and the US, including in top publications like Oprah’s O Magazine and Essence. Get ready to take notes!
Maneuver Men's Grooming is more than just a brand; it's a movement born from personal struggle and a desire to create meaningful change in the beauty industry. Founded by a former firefighter trainee, Udrea Russell who faced the common yet frustrating challenge of razor bumps. Maneuver was created to provide tailored grooming solutions for men and women of color. Some of their most popular products being the Hair Growth Oil, the Razor Bump Spray and Ingrown Hair Exfoliator. The brand’s mission goes beyond skincare; it’s about empowering a community, creating a space where individuals can feel confident and take pride in their appearance while stepping into leadership roles within their communities.
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Canadian Cosmetic Cluster TeamUniting Canadian Cosmetics and Bringing it to the World Archives
November 2024
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