Mann & Schröder, the Baden-Württemberg-based manufacturer of hair and body care products, has been granted its first patent for an in-house development. The patent protects a novel granule formulation for the we:care² brand. “For the first time in 75 years, we have received official protection for one of our developments,” the company announced. The development is also seen as a step towards personal care products without single-use plastic. The aim is to replace liquid formulations with water-soluble granules.

Paper instead of plastic

The patented granule technology is part of the company’s sustainability strategy and is set to be used in further product categories in future. “By offering granulate-based hand soaps and shower gels, we can replace plastic bottles with paper sachets made from renewable raw materials,” said Managing Director Christine Steger. The company aims to reduce single-use plastic by up to 90 per cent without compromising on quality, sensory experience or skincare benefits.

Extensive testing

According to the company, many granules used in personal care products had previously failed to meet users’ expectations. The group’s research and development department therefore developed the new formula. The new granules dissolve into a clear, runny hand soap or shower gel that resembles a traditional product in terms of consistency, fragrance and lathering properties. Development began back in 2021 and has undergone three rounds of testing. Each phase, however, brought with it new requirements, tests and documentation. The finished product is now the result of courage, perseverance and a passion for innovation, says Steger.

Christine Steger, CEO of the Mann & Schröder Cosmetics Group, will take part in the panel discussion “How we can understand sustainability not as an obligation, but as an opportunity” – Best practices from the beauty industry – at the CosmeticBusiness on 11 June at 1.30 pm. The panel discussion will take place in the Green Area in Hall 2 at Stand A01.

Source: Mann&Schröder