A conversation with Johanna Borné, chairperson of The Scandinavian Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCANCOS).
Johanna shares some valuable and inspiring insights about this year’s conference in Stockholm and what attendees can expect.
“This year’s conference will explore the ‘Future of Cosmetics’, celebrating advancements in cosmetic science, and ‘cutting-edge’ technology.
We look forward to two days of insightful discussions and networking opportunities”.
EURO COSMETICS:
Johanna, can you briefly tell us about your background and what is your main role at SCANCOS?
Johanna Borné:
I graduated with a MSc and PhD from Lund University, Sweden, in Chemical Engineering and Lipid Chemistry. More than 20 years’ international experience in world class consumer goods companies and in ingredients industry. Experienced in international business development, marketing, product innovation, and R&D management.
I am currently the President and Chair of SCANCOS working together the board to further develop the society, hosting an annual scientific conference and to represent SCANCOS at IFSCC events
EURO COSMETICS:
The Scandinavian Society of Cosmetic Chemists organizes a scientific conference every year which gathers some of the most important R&D formulators, marketing people and other important decision makers from the cosmetic industry of the Nordic countries. What can you tell us about it?
Johanna Borné:
Founded in 1966, SCANCOS is a leading Nordic organization dedicated to advancing the field of cosmetic chemistry. As a member of the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC), SCANCOS has a long history of contributing to global cosmetic science.
The society hosts an annual scientific conference that rotates among the Nordic countries. In 2023, the conference was held in Helsinki, and this year it will take place in Stockholm. Copenhagen will be the host city in 2025. Over the years, SCANCOS has also supported the IFSCC’s initiatives, organizing conferences on topics such as “Cosmetics and the Environment” (1991) and “Quality of Cosmetics: An Explosive Myth” (2001).
SCANCOS is a growing society with approximately 100 members from the Nordic countries and the Baltic states. The annual conference serves as a platform for members to network, share knowledge, and discuss best practices across the cosmetic value chain. Through a combination of presentations and panel discussions, the conference fosters interactive dialogues and attracts a wide attention. Notably, global attention due to the interest in the Nordic cosmetic market and Nordic ingredients.
The 2024 conference is expected to draw over 100 participants and speakers from various sectors, including international suppliers, the consumer goods industry, legislative authorities, regulatory bodies, service providers, and academia. Our media partner, “Euro Cosmetics,” will be present to cover the event, as they did in 2023 when the theme was “Cosmetics on the Edge.”
This year’s conference will explore the “Future of Cosmetics,” celebrating advancements in cosmetic science, and “cutting-edge” technology. We look forward to two days of insightful discussions and networking opportunities.
EURO COSMETICS:
This year the SCANCOS conference will take place in Stockholm, between the 28th and 29th of November. The theme is “The Future of Cosmetics”. Why this theme and what do you want to express with it?
Johanna Borné:
The theme “Future of Cosmetics” is very timely and highly relevant given the transformation occurring within the industry and research institutions. As they seek to develop innovative new products, organizations are increasingly quantifying sustainability performance, adding novel ingredients, considering regulatory compliance at an early stage and trying to integrate artificial intelligence.
This theme underscores the need for a paradigm shift in the cosmetics industry. We must embrace a holistic approach to product development and cosmetics that considers the people, planet, and profit.
EURO COSMETICS:
What can participants expect from this year’s conference? And what topics will be in focus in 2024?
Johanna Borné:
Participants can expect a comprehensive program focused on the “Future of Cosmetics.”
Key topics will include:
- Claims Substantiation & Clinical Studies: Ensuring honest claims,
- Innovative Ingredients: Cutting-edge technologies like stem cells and exosomes
- Effects of hydration and skin care ingredients on the skin barrier
- Circularity & Sustainability & Traceability: Demonstrating practical examples of upcycled ingredient and the quantification at each step of the value chain: From raw materials and ingredients – to the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, to the transportation up to the end of product life.
- An intro to AI in Cosmetic Product Development: Understanding the potential applications of artificial intelligence in product development.
- Update on Regulatory & Legal Considerations
A concluding panel discussion will summarize key conference themes and discuss future trends. Participants can ask questions and gain insights from industry experts.
EURO COSMETICS:
And what would you say are the advantages of participating the conference?
Johanna Borné:
It’s a very interactive “educational” event with an agenda bringing all stakeholders up to date while reviewing and discussing various elements and aspects of cosmetic science viewed from different perspectives. An excellent setting to network with professionals and build relations “in person”, across the value chain and segments, while sharing knowledge, creative solutions and best practices. Indeed, there will be plenty of opportunities for networking during the 2-days and normally the discussions last for long in the evening.
EURO COSMETICS:
The Beauty & Personal Care market in the Nordic countries is characterized by a strong focus on natural and sustainable products. How do you see further developments here?
Johanna Borné:
The cosmetics industry is actively seeking sustainable solutions and to quantify the sustainable performance across the value chain. In response to initiatives like the European Green Deal, the Nordic Swan label, and local marketing regulations, companies are focusing on:
- Honest Green Marketing: Avoiding misleading claims and promoting genuinely sustainable products.
- Marine-Based Ingredients: Utilizing seaweed and algae as natural and renewable resources.
- Highly advanced biotechnology: Bioengineered and fermentation-derived ingredients.
- Sustainable Packaging: Exploring alternatives to plastics, such as those derived from the forest industry.
EURO COSMETICS:
How important is the SCANCOS conference to you/the industry?
Johanna Borné:
Being passionate about various disciplines of cosmetic science, innovation, education, people and the planet it is most rewarding for myself and the board to build and develop SCANCOS, while organizing the annual SCANCOS conference. The conference is of great importance to various functions and seniority withing the cosmetic industry. Since it’s a forum to learn and get equipped for the future, to meet, to build relations and to share knowledge and best practices it naturally contributes to building the excellence of the organization and the business while accelerating the product innovation and the sales cycles.
The SCANCOS board has the ambition to continue to develop the society. In the future the plan is to implement an educational seminar series and to increase the interactions with other European societies and IFSCC for joint activities to ensure the SCANCOS member’s needs, and interest served in the best possible way.
EURO COSMETICS:
Johanna, thank you for the conversation. EURO COSMETICS team are very pleased about the media partnership with SCANCOS and to be able to attend the conference this year.
Johanna Borné
Chairperson of The Scandinavian Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCANCOS)
