From global consumer trends, green claims and K-Beauty to PPWR, sustainable packaging design and reusable solutions: the two-day programme of the international supplier event for the cosmetics industry sets clear thematic priorities. The first day of the fair focuses on formulation and ingredients, whilst the second day centres on packaging solutions.

Day one focuses on ingredients and formulation

Euromonitor will examine global consumer trends for 2026 and beyond, highlighting what consumers will expect from brands and products in the future. The IKW will provide an update on the German cosmetics market, analysing current developments, challenges and potential.

LK Cosmetics will look at successful K-Beauty partnerships and present a concept for the launch of K-Beauty in Europe. Natrue will address the tension between cosmetics and green claims – a topic of growing importance for brand communication, product messaging and credibility. The sustainability aspect is explored in greater depth in the panel discussion “How can we understand sustainability not as an obligation, but as an opportunity.” Host Mark Smith from Natrue discusses with Christine Steger from Mann & Schröder and Miriam Hempel from NELE Kosmetik how sustainability can evolve from a regulatory obligation into an opportunity for innovation, brand profile and competitiveness.

Day two focuses on packaging

Judith Fiedler from OneRD highlights the specific challenges facing the cosmetics industry in the context of the European Packaging Regulation and outlines practical approaches. Brandpack presents the practical implementation of the PPWR using the new bottles for Salthouse, addressing design for recycling, labelling requirements and declarations of conformity.

The panel discussion “Are consumers ready for reusable packaging in the cosmetics market?” will also take a practical approach. Host Judith Fiedler discusses with Steffanie Rainer, Managing Director of reo GmbH, Felix Gass, Director of Strategy & Innovation at PSL – Packaging Strategy Lab, and Lars O. Zirpins, Managing Director & CMO of LOGOCOS Naturkosmetik GmbH & Co. KG, how the cosmetics industry can become circular. Reo will present its pilot project for an open platform for circular packaging solutions.

Another highlight on the second day is the keynote speech by Susanne Schgaguler, CMO at Weleda. She will demonstrate how a heritage brand can win over the hearts of Gen Z. The focus is on how brand identity, relevance and a contemporary approach can be combined in such a way as to effectively reach younger target groups in the long term.

Inspiration and guidance through the new Green Stories format

The programme on both days is complemented by further formats with a strong practical focus. At Meet the Start-ups young companies such as Eyva, Thea Care and matterr present their innovative technologies – including for recyclable packaging solutions and the use of artificial intelligence. In the Novelties in SPOTLIGHT format, exhibitors such as SEPPIC, SLI Chemicals and LIFOCOLOR will present new active ingredients and ingredients, formulations and packaging solutions.

The new Green Stories section also highlights best practices for sustainable cosmetic products. Steinfels Swiss presents sustainable cosmetic and cleaning products. PIRLO demonstrates how the packaging materials metal and plastic laminate differ in terms of material usage, recyclability and practicality, and where their respective strengths lie.

The established Sustainability Tours take place twice daily, in both German and English, with a focus on ingredients and formulation. As group sizes are limited, prior registration on the website is required.

The programme in the INNOVATION CORNER and in the new GREEN AREA in Hall 2 is accessible free of charge with a valid ticket. Full details of the programme can be found on the CosmeticBusiness website.