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ADDITIVES REGULATION ON THE ANVIL
Brenntag expands distribution deal with 3M US FDA mulls standardised testing methods for detecting

for glass bubbles asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products

German chemicals and ingredients The US Food and Drug Adminis- important to test for the presence of
distributor, Brenntag, has announced tration (FDA) has announced a pro- asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic
the expansion of its current exclusive posed rule to establish and require products.
distribution agreement with American standardised testing methods to detect
conglomerate, 3M, on glass bubbles for and identify asbestos in talc-containing The proposed rule would require
the UK into France and Iberia. cosmetic products. This proposed rule, manufacturers of talc-containing cos-
if finalised, is aimed at protecting metic products to test for asbestos
3M glass bubbles are used as alter- consumers who use talc-containing using an analytical approach that in-
natives to conventional fi llers in a cosmetic products from harmful exposure cludes both Polarised Light Microscopy
variety of materials. These are made of to asbestos. This proposal is part of the (PLM) (with dispersion staining) and
soda-lime borosilicate glass, which is a agency’s work to fulfi l the requirements Transmission Electron Microscopy
true glass with inherently greater water under of the Modernization of Cosmetics (TEM)/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy
and chemical resistance than other hollow ranging from dimensional stability to and industry knowledge, will provide Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA). (EDS)/Selected Area Electron Diffrac-
glass microspheres made of sodium solar refl ectivity. Mr. Sean Appleton, end-users with a compelling proposi- tion (SAED) to detect and identify the
silicate glass, also known as water EMEA Business Leader, Advanced tion which will help them to overcome “For many years the FDA has been methods to detect asbestos to help presence of asbestos. Manufacturers
glass. These microspheres not only Material Division at 3M said, “Our range a number of industry challenges such as sampling and testing talc-containing ensure the safety of talc-containing may alternatively rely on a certifi cate
offer weight saving opportunities but of innovative materials, combined light weighting, thermal dispersion and cosmetics for asbestos as well as work- cosmetic products,” she added. of analysis from the talc supplier. The
also contribute to functional benefi ts with Brenntag’s depth of experience production effi ciency.” ing with our federal partners on efforts proposed rule contains provisions that
to reduce consumers’ risk of exposure Talc is a naturally occurring mine- would require manufacturers to keep
PETROCHEMICALS to asbestos, a known human carcinogen, ral that has many uses in cosmetics records to demonstrate compliance
GC ties up with KBC to accelerate digital from contaminated talc-containing and other personal care products, such with the rule.
cosmetic products,” said Dr. Linda as absorbing moisture, preventing the
transformation Katz, Director of the US FDA’’s Offi ce appearance of caking, making facial If the proposed rule is fi nalised,
of Cosmetics and Colors. “We have makeup opaque, or improving the feel cosmetic products would be consi-

Thai chemicals major, PTT Global market, while carefully considered the scientifi c evi- of a product. Asbestos, a known carcino- dered adulterated under the Federal
Chemical Public Company Ltd. (GC) building a more dence and complex policy issues rela- gen, is found in the same rock types Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C
and KBC Advanced Technology sustainable and ted to detecting and identifying asbestos as talc deposits and may be insepa- Act) if a manufacturer fails to operate
Pte. Ltd., a technology consulting prosperous future in talc and talc-containing cosmetic rable from talc in the mining process. in compliance with either the testing
firm specialising in the energy and in line with its products. We believe that the proposed Because there is the potential for con- or recordkeeping requirements of the
petrochemical sectors and a Yoko- corporate strategy,” testing techniques are appropriate tamination of talc with asbestos, it is rule.
gawa company, have announced a GC said.
strategic collaboration to accelerate Ashland sells fragrance fi xative business to Mane
GC’s digital transformation through Mr. Pornsak
the signing of a Memorandum of Mongkoltrirat, US-based speciality chemicals scent and boost the longevity of other
Understanding (MoU) under ‘The Chief Operating company, Ashland, has agreed to sell its fragrances.
Intelligent Digital Technology Officer of GC, Avoca business to France’s fragrances &
Collaboration Program’. added, “By utilis- fl avours fi rm, Mane. Ashland noted that the Avoca busi-
Artifi cial Intelligence (AI) with process ing KBC’s Advanced Process Simula- ness has remained challenged over the
This partnership will leverage simulations technology, GC and KBC tion technology, we are enhancing our Ashland’s Avoca business supplies past few quarters as customers have
advanced process simulation technolo- will gain improved decision-making digital capabilities. This partnership Sclareolide, a fragrance fi xative, and a sition of Pharmachem. Sclareolide is a moved from plant-based to lower-cost
gies and the combined expertise of GC tools, drive innovation, and unlock will signifi cantly improve our supply range of contract manufacturing capa- fragrance ingredient commonly derived bio-based materials. The company
and KBC to optimise GC’s entire value new business opportunities. This colla- chain performance, boost production bilities from two production facilities from plant sources like clary sage and recently exited an unprofi table tolling
chain, starting with enhanced supply boration will enable GC to strengthen effi ciency, and foster innovation – key in North Carolina and Wisconsin. The tobacco. Known for its musky, woody operation at Avoca and had reduced
chain and production effi ciency. “By its competitiveness and meet the elements for strengthening our competi- Avoca business line represents the last aroma, it is widely used in skin care and workforce at a larger facility in
integrating advanced analytics and evolving needs of the petrochemical tive position.” entity from Ashland’s previous acqui- other cosmetics to enhance formula’s response to lower demand.

156 Chemical Weekly January 14, 2025 Chemical Weekly January 14, 2025 157

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