The delegation consisting of representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament and Permanent Representation of Belgium to the European Union was introduced to the full cosmetics production process. Strong emphasis was put on the cosmetics safety assessment requirements that must be met before a product is marketed and sold, as well as on the highest safety and environmental standards ensured by the manufacturer. Innovative technologies behind cosmetics were presented and the process of labelling of cosmetic products, especially small ones, explained.
Back
EU policy makers visit The Estée Lauder Companies’ plant in Oevel, Belgium
- Last updated: September 23, 2024
Cosmetics Europe, the European personal care association, and DETIC, the Belgian cosmetics association came together with The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) to organize a visit for the EU policy makers to the company’s global manufacturing and distribution center in Oevel, Belgium.
With the high-level visit coming at the very beginning of the new institutional term in the EU, cosmetics industry representatives highlighted some of its key recommendations for the EU policy makers to help ensure safe and innovative cosmetic products for consumers, and to support and maintain the competitiveness of the cosmetics industry in Europe. These included the need for science and fact-based policy making, coherent and consistent regulatory framework that encourages the development of sustainable products and reflects sectoral needs, as well as collaboration between all stakeholders to shape a digital framework that benefits consumers.
The cosmetics and personal care sector is a flagship European industry valued at €96 billion and supporting over 3.5 million jobs across the continent. The vast majority of Europe’s 500 million consumers use cosmetic and personal care products every day to protect their health, enhance their well-being and boost their self-esteem. Ranging from antiperspirants, fragrances, make-up and shampoos, to soaps, sunscreens and toothpastes, cosmetics play an essential role in all stages of our life and have important functional and emotional benefits.
The Estée Lauder Companies has a longstanding history in Europe, having established its first international manufacturing plant in Oevel, Belgium in 1965. The company is set to proudly commemorate its 60th anniversary there in 2025 and continues to strengthen its supply chain presence across Europe.