New lab opens to advance the development of silicones for cosmetics

Shin-Etsu Silicones America, which is a US subsidiary of Shin-Etsu, says that the new facility in Totowa, just 20 miles from Manhattan and New International airport, will allow the company to be closer to strategic customers in both New York and New Jersey.

New York is headquarters to some of the world’s leading cosmetics players, including Avon, Estee Lauder, Revlon and Clinique, while New Jersey is home to some of the biggest ingredients suppliers, including International Flavors and Fragrances, Croda and Lonza and Arch Personal Care.

Innovating sensory solutions for silicones​

The company says that the new lab is dedicated to innovating sensory solutions for the personal care and cosmetics industry, enabling it to meet the rapidly evolving needs for increasingly innovative product solutions for its customers.

One of the major aims of the project is to design high quality silicones that can be incorporated into cosmetics formulations containing natural ingredients, while maintaining the sensory efficacy of the silicones.

Serving local cosmetic chemists​

Likewise, the move will also make it more convenient for locally-based cosmetic chemists to utilize the laboratory without having to travel to the company’s corporate headquarters in Akron, Ohio.

This will also serve to give Shin-Etsu research and development personnel the opportunity to spend more time with their clients and offer them a more personalized service, the company said.

In line with this, the company has undertaken the investment of relocating some of its research and development staff from the company’s headquarters in Ohio to New Jersey, in an effort to provide an experienced staff.

“Speed is critical to our customers. We constantly strive to improve our efficiency, and this laboratory will enable Shin-Etsu to rapidly develop innovative products that meet the changing needs of our customers,”​ said Jun Hamuro, president and CEO of Shin-Etsu Silicones America.