25th anniversary, the EFfCI annual conference celebrated a quarter century in Genoa

Exploring, innovating, and collecting the challenges of a rapidly changing world. It may, or may not, be coincidence that this year the European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients (EFfCI), chose Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, to celebrate its 25th Annual Conference. The two-day event, held on October 1st and 2nd, just steps from the sea, at the impressive Magazzini del Cotone, attracted over 130 participants to the Ligurian city.

The conference, titled ‘The Impact of Sector Regulation and Its Effect on Business Competitiveness’, brought together international guests from three continents. TKS Publisher had the honour of being present at the event as the official media partner on behalf of the HPC-Today Journal.

Following the remote session entitled ‘Eu Com’, led by George Manikas, Scientific and Policy Officer, and a presentation by Amelie Ott, Director of Environmental Sciences, on the ‘International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety’, it was the turn of the ‘China Update: CAFFCI and EFfCI China Hub’, with presentations by Yao Yongbin, Director of the CAFFCI Industry Research Center, and Sally Yang, EFfCI China Hub WG Chair.

Reflecting EFfCI’s international and cross-sector spirit, the conference addressed key issues and opportunities shaping the cosmetic ingredients industry. Distinguished speakers included John Chave, Director General of Cosmetics Europe, Beta Montemayor, Vice President, Director Science, Regulation and Market Access at CAC CCOsmetics Allaiance Canada and active member in ICCR, and Piercarlo Frigerio, Central Director EU.

The Genoa meeting was also an opportunity to celebrate World Cosmetic Ingredients Day and EFfCI Awards, which recognized national associations that have played a leading role in promoting the centrality of ingredients in the cosmetics supply chain.

One of the highlights was the much-anticipated ‘Four Musketeers’ session, Natalie Obermann (VP of International Affairs the Personal Care Products Council), Beta Montemayor, John Chave, and Alexander Mohr, President of IFRA. Their lively discussion covered topics such as AI as a support for the regulatory system, simplification and changes in the ingredients industry in relation to the 25th anniversary of the EFfCI, and their central role in the supply chain between basic chemistry and the creation of finished product.

The first day concluded with a gala dinner in the evocative setting of the Genoa Aquarium. The second day of the Federation’s work, led by Giacomo Santus, focused on updates from the EFfCI working groups through the dedicated session ‘Brainstorming Clinique’.

Having left the Ligurian coast, the EFfCI Annual Conference is now ready to sail towards the next edition.

Carlo Intini
CEO Tks Publisher