TTH Biotech part 2: Harnessing endemic natural species and Made in Taiwan items

1. What are the dominating trends in skin care, hair and make up that you are currently witnessing in terms of natural and biotechnology ingredient use?​

In our opinion, concepts like traditional herb, natural herb and folklore medicine have become more and more popular in the Asian market.

2. What are consumers key demands when opting for natural and biotechnology-based products?​

In Taiwan, concepts like “pure and natural” has become more popular due to the outrageous food safety issues in recent years.

3. How are brands responding to this?​

So there are some uprising brands using claims relating to the pure, natural, preservative-free or safe contents of products. Efficacy data or third-party certification are also trends in Taiwan.

4. What is TTH Biotech’s USP?​

The “Taiwanese endemic species”​ and “made in Taiwan”​ nature of our items.

5. How is TTH Biotech helping to transform the industry?​

I won’t say we can transform the industry but I think what we can do is present Taiwan to the world and provide good ingredients originating from Taiwan.

6. How big of an impact is the Made in Taiwan concept having?​

Made in Taiwan presents high quality at affordable prices when it comes to products like electronics and industrial details. For the cosmetic industry, it has become more popular in the past few years.

7. How crucial is the Made In Taiwan label to building engagement and loyalty with brands?​

I would say that this is also our goal. When it comes to customer service, loyalty and long-term cooperation, we focus on providing stable quality products, and an adequate service based on neutral trust and honesty. That is the spirit of Made In Taiwan.

8. What is the concept of evidence-based cosmetics?​

Basically, it will be like “every claim, we tested, is truly effective”. Along with natural herbal concepts and extractions becoming popular in cosmetics, some products may have detail activity tests but some do not.

Instead of “self-claiming”​ by brands, we believe that science reports or scientific evidence is more credible and important when supporting said claims. That is the spirit of evidence-based cosmetics.

9. What are the biggest hurdles relating to marketing your products?​

Due to the nature of our product, it may need some work to introduce the unique and rarity of the species. Therefore, we put a lot of work into introducing our products to our distributors and customers, along with educating them.

10. How important is TTH Biotech’s specific tone, style and voice to the success of the brand?​

I would say it is quite important. Taiwanese endemic species may not be known by many people and so we need time for people to know about the benefits of them.

11. What has been the company's standout moment to date?​

We have accomplished some satisfying engagements, and we will keep working on getting that standout moment.

12. What advice would you have for other entrepreneurs looking to enter the cosmetics sector?​

I would say it is quite competitive in this industry and it is important to establish your own unique brand characteristic or feature.

13. What are the differences between Taiwan and the wider APAC markets, when it comes to raw material preference?​

The Taiwanese market is quite open and has a high level of diversity. Therefore, I think every raw material-based product can find its own customer.

14. Does this enable Taiwan to differentiate itself from other APAC markets?​

I think it allows Taiwanese companies to establish brands and products with Taiwanese features or characteristics. Nevertheless, I think every country has its own special features that should be discovered.

15. Where do you see the future of raw material usage and handling heading?​

In our opinion, along with regulations become more complete, the cosmetics sector will become safer and have guaranteed activities for consumers.

For raw material manufacturers, not only will they develop new products or new species, but they will also provide comprehensive documentation and safety data sheets that will be the key for good manufacturers.