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.
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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.

Alright, 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.
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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!