CCUK's Industry event summary for November 2025

Congress on Regulatory Issues in Chartres, France, November 19-20

Our director, Olivia Santoni of Bloom Regulatory, attended this regulatory congress in Chartres, France, organised by Cosmetic Valley.

Olivia commented, “The event was well attended by regulatory experts and was a perfect opportunity to brainstorm on upcoming regulatory challenges. This year, a particular focus was given to environmental legislations, from PFAS to water legislations and packaging. It also covered upcoming changes to the cosmetics and chemicals legislation and highlighted the difficulties for companies to keep abreast of those changes. Those difficulties are recognised by the EU Commission as we are seeing ‘stop the clock’ actions being taken to postpone some legislations. Although those postponements allow the industry to be more prepared, it also unfortunately brings more uncertainties.”

Focus on International Regulations

The second day focused on international regulations, particularly in the USA, China, and the Middle East. We are witnessing new initiatives ranging from cosmetovigilance to labelling and licensing requirements. Overall presentations highlighted the fact that the regulatory landscape is becoming increasingly complex for companies to navigate in a challenging economic environment.

The Importance of Collaboration

In this evolving landscape, collaboration is essential. As we face new challenges, sharing knowledge and resources can help us adapt. By working together, we can better understand regulatory changes and their implications. This collaboration can foster innovation and ultimately strengthen our sector's position.

Future Challenges

As we look ahead, it is crucial to remain informed about regulatory changes. The complexities of compliance can be daunting, but they also present opportunities for growth and innovation. Are we ready to embrace these changes? By staying proactive and engaged, we can navigate these challenges effectively.

DACHSER Celebrates Innovation and Sustainability at the Pure Beauty Awards 2025

In October, a team from our members, DACHSER, had the pleasure of attending the Pure Beauty Awards 2025 at the iconic Grosvenor House Hotel in London as an event sponsor.

Now in its 24th year, the ceremony brought together over 300 of the UK and Europe’s most influential beauty professionals—from global brands and indie innovators to suppliers, distributors, and industry press.

As Pure Beauty Editor Amanda May noted, this awards program honours the “trailblazers who are making beauty more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.”

Simon Alexander, Business Development Manager for Contract Logistics, commented, “It was an evening of energy, creativity, and celebration, all centred around the people and products shaping the future of the beauty industry.” He presented one of the awards and added, “Behind every beautiful product is a Smart Supply Chain. At DACHSER, we know that logistics is the silent strength behind every brand’s success. Our dedicated Cosmetics Solutions support beauty companies with end-to-end global logistics—ensuring that products arrive in perfect condition, on time, and ready to impress. From imports and exports to warehousing and fulfilment, DACHSER provides the structure and precision that let brands focus on what they do best: creating exceptional products.”

Award Winners

Team DACHSER was honoured to present the awards for three key categories:

• Best New Fragrance - James Hurcomb

• Best New Lip Product – Simon Alexander

• Best New Sustainable Innovation - Josh Mower

  
  

Demeter Awards

CCUK has again been a sponsor at the second Biobased and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA) Demeter Awards and Innovation Showcase. Held at the iconic Royal Society of Chemistry HQ in Piccadilly on November 17, these are the only UK awards dedicated to recognising excellence in the bio-based sector. Director Jane Evison represented CCUK on the day with a tabletop in the exhibition area.

The day featured a mix of company pitches for the three main awards in front of a panel of judges, plus three individual panel sessions and ample time for networking. Members Croda Beauty and Holiferm were finalists and delivered impressive pitches.

Sadly, Croda Beauty was not successful on the day, although Holiferm was the first runner-up in the Collaboration award. However, the Clean Food Group, who won the Start-Up of the Year award, worked closely with Croda and THG LABS, so they should be congratulated too. The special new Bioeconomy Champion Award Winner was Professor James Winterburn, who has been instrumental in founding Holiferm and a pioneer of driving sustainable innovation.

Insights from the Panel Sessions

CEO of Holiferm, Charles Dimmler, participated in the panel session: “How to Create the UK’s First Trillion-Dollar Biotechnology Company,” chaired by Paul Mines. Other panelists included Isabel Webb (DSIT), Sam Olof (Revena & Science Creates), and Toby Reid (Pioneer Group).

THG LABS and Holiferm were also part of a panel on Bio-Based Ingredients in Consumer Goods. Chaired and reported by Dr Jen Vanderhoven, with Sarah Hosking (Unilever), Kristal Goodman (THG LABS), Russ Tucker (twig), Joanna Gavins (University of Sheffield), and Clare Walker (Holiferm), this panel explored how bio-based ingredients add brand value.

On which sectors will change most, Sarah said reformulation is already shifting; Kristal highlighted cosmetics; Clare said every sector can transform, and Russ noted that cosmetics can adopt bio-based solutions fastest. On AI, Russ said it reduces bias in strain-engineering and improves formulation; Sarah highlighted AI-driven enzyme discovery.

Discussing low-value wastes and feedstocks, Clare stressed collaboration to build new supply chains, with Kristal calling for regulatory reform. When asked whether sustainability, cost, or performance drives adoption, the panel agreed that performance leads. Joanna argued that labels alone cannot convey bio-based benefits; brands need clear narratives, evidence, and accessible language. Clare and Kristal emphasised honest claims and strong data. The panel agreed that new value chains rely on collaboration.

Awards Presentation

Once again, the awards were presented by former Secretary of State for the Environment and Chair of the Climate Change Committee, Lord Deben. He told delegates, “What you do is not just a job. It’s actually helping the world to adapt to and mitigate climate change, which we have been stupid enough to allow to happen.”

Start-Up of the Year Award

• Winner: Clean Food Group

• First runner-up: Solena Materials

• Second runner-up: A&B Smart Materials

  
  

Product Innovation Award

• Winner: Woodly

• First runner-up: Xampla

• Second runner-up: Futamura

  
  

Collaboration Award

• Winner: Pulpex

• First runner-up: Holiferm

• Second runner-up: Bio-Industrial Cluster North

  
  

Looking Ahead

An inspiring day set the scene for the Parliamentary Reception in the House of Commons in London on December 3rd, when BBIA will launch their White Paper, ‘Bio-Based Policy for People & Planet’. Director Gill Westgate will represent CCUK there. The White Paper will outline recommendations to help the Government unlock significant economic and environmental opportunities for the UK.

The UK bio-based chemicals and materials sector has the potential to generate over £204 billion a year for UK plc, support rural regeneration, create skilled jobs, and reduce reliance on fossil resources, according to BBIA. BB-REG-NET, an Innovate UK-funded research initiative led by the BBIA, has spent the past 12 months investigating the opportunities and challenges for bio-based and biodegradable chemicals and materials in the UK, culminating in the launch of this White Paper.