Beiersdorf Launches New Innovation Initiative

Nivea manufacturer Beiersdorf (Hamburg) recently held an internal trade fair featuring more than 200 researchers as part of its open innovation initiative, which focused on "special cosmetic textures and promising trends in skin care," according to the company.

Previously: Beiersdorf Awards Innovation Pitches

Select raw material suppliers attended, offering demo formulas "tailored" to Beiersdorf brands.

A second Supplier Fair with additional close strategic partners is being considered for 2016. This establishes an additional tool in the open innovation portfolio of the company.

Further reading: Beauty to Grow on Three Pillars 2015–2025  

Working with Pearlfinder, Beiersdorf has accessed 270 registered global partners that can submit innovation ideas to the brand's researchers.

"In order for the initiative to continue to develop positively, open innovation activities such as the Supplier Fair will be continuously expanded," Beiersdorf noted. 

“This allows us to give companies with which we have an especially trusting working relationship the opportunity to enter into direct exchange with our researchers to present ideas, concepts and innovations,” said Dr. Volker Kallmayer, head of raw material scouting. “The first event was already a complete success both for us and for our partners. More than 200 of our researchers learned a lot through intensive discussions and tried out samples brought by our partners. There have already been many requests made to exhibitors for formulas that are of interest for our innovation pipeline."