This year, at the Cosmetic 360 trade show, we proudly led a delegation of Canadian companies, and it was a truly remarkable experience. We spent an entire week immersed in French culture, forging connections with new companies, and sharing the company of other clusters. One of the most memorable aspects of this trip was reuniting with our global cluster counterparts. For me personally, this was the highlight of the week, as it underscored the incredible journey we have undertaken together over the past decade. Many of us have been involved from the beginning—since 2015 in my case—and this event served as a celebration of our collective achievements. From the opening ceremonies to the parade and everything in between, it was a testament to the collaborative spirit we’ve fostered, overcoming challenges and supporting one another along the way. There’s a profound sense of friendship and community that has grown over the years, and it was palpable throughout the week.

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.