Can you tell us more about the journey of Tecnocosmesi?
FedF: Tecnocosmesi was founded in 1979 by Mr. Fausti, a chemist with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry. His expertise in pharmaceutical procedures and formulation laid the foundation for his venture into the cosmetics business. Fausti’s desire to create aesthetically pleasing products that combined his formulation skills with his creativity marked the start of Tecnocosmesi. The company initially operated on a small scale but gained recognition in the exclusive niche of the cosmetics industry. By the early 90s, Tecnocosmesi opened its first factory in Varedo, north of Milan. The fusion of pharmaceutical rigor and cosmetic innovation set Tecnocosmesi apart, leading to partnerships with exclusive brands. A commitment to continuous innovation, R&D, and sustainability has been key. In 2003, Tecnocosmesi expanded its operations to Massalengo, south of Milan, focusing on international markets. Today, 95% of its products are sold worldwide, and it has offices in Paris, New York, as well as a manufacturing plant in Canada, emphasizing high-end products that are accessible and environmentally responsible.
What are the key trends influencing the industry and Tecnocosmesi's approach to innovation and product development?
SS: The cosmetic industry is currently shaped by several key trends, notably the demand for more natural and clinically backed products, emphasizing consumer well-being. At Tecnocosmesi, the focus is on creating products that align with these trends while maintaining ethical standards. This includes sourcing ingredients responsibly, emphasizing biodiversity, and ensuring product traceability and transparency through techniques like blockchain. We prioritize minimalism in formulations, using only necessary ingredients and exploring green chemistry and biotechnological methods like fermentation for cleaner, safer ingredient production. Vegan and cruelty-free products are also a significant focus, alongside efforts to reduce environmental impact through renewable energy use and efficient production processes. A notable innovation is the development of cosmetic soft gels, combining our expertise in nutrition and cosmetics. These products feature minimalist, waterless formulas and are part of our broader approach to 'in and out' beauty, where supplements and cosmetics with similar active ingredients are used in tandem. This holistic approach to beauty, both internal and external, is a guiding principle in our product development and research.
How challenging is it to create natural, sustainable, and effective cosmetic products in the lab?
SS: Creating cosmetics that are natural, sustainable, and effective is extremely challenging. The transition to using natural-derived ingredients presents difficulties in achieving product stability and maintaining high performance. Despite these challenges, our 45 years of innovation and expertise empower us to meet these ambitious goals. We are dedicated to developing products that match the efficacy of regular cosmetics while incorporating natural ingredients, a task that demands creativity and technical skill.
How does Tecnocosmesi maintain the Italian legacy in manufacturing color cosmetics and continue being a trailblazer in the industry?
FedF: The Italian legacy in manufacturing color cosmetics stems from a tradition of quality and uniqueness. This legacy is deeply rooted in Italian culture, where necessity has historically driven innovation. Similar to Italian cuisine, which combines simple ingredients in unique ways, our cosmetic industry has developed through overcoming challenges such as high costs and limited natural resources. Italian creativity, combined with a historical knack for product development, results in distinctive, non-standard products. Tecnocosmesi embodies this legacy by constantly pushing boundaries and finding the best balance between raw materials, technology, and production methods. We recognize a growing demand for unique, artisanal products and strive to meet this through innovative, ethical, and environmentally responsible practices.
Looking at the industry's direction in the next three to five years, what do you consider as the biggest opportunity for a company like Tecnocosmesi?
FedF:
The future of the cosmetics industry is increasingly leaning towards high-quality demands. The availability of information allows consumers to make informed choices, leading to higher expectations.
Tecnocosmesi's advantage lies in our strong background and our evolving vision, which is shaped by external influences. We focus on expanding our international presence, knowing our products are already recognized within the industry. The challenge lies in maintaining our commitment to quality while adapting to the dynamic market and the needs of a wider audience. We aim to blend the wisdom of the first generation with the fresh perspectives of the second, ensuring that our legacy of quality and innovation continues to drive our success.
What has been the biggest challenge in growing Tecnocosmesi in North America?
FedF: The primary challenge in expanding Tecnocosmesi in North America is creating demand for our unique products. The consumer mindset here differs from Europe, but we observe a growing trend, especially among younger generations, for better formulas and more ethical products. Establishing long-term relationships with customers who share our vision for the future is crucial. Educating consumers about the benefits of our innovative products, like TALC-free formulas, is key to overcoming this challenge. Our goal is to promote understanding that different ingredients and formulations can lead to healthier and more environmentally friendly outcomes without compromising on quality.
Could you share additional insights about Tecnocosmesi as a company?
FranF: A vital aspect of Tecnocosmesi is that we are a family-owned company without external investors. This independence gives us a unique freedom in the industry, setting us apart from competitors who might be influenced by investor interests. We believe this aspect of our business model is appealing to our customers, as it allows us to maintain our core values and focus on long-term quality and innovation rather than short-term investor-driven goals.
