Procter & Gamble’s Zevo Insect Killer brand recently conducted a survey that found that the last thing that people want to find in the storage containers housing their holiday decorations are creepy-crawly bugs. Aimed to learn more about consumers’ fear of bugs, aka Bugxiety, ahead of holiday hosting, the survey found that:
WILSON
Homes decked in festive foliage, with holiday fruit bowls, and cookie crumbs sprinkled around the floor can create an inviting space for those creepy crawlers to wander in. While some people (39%) would call an exterminator upon first sight, almost a third (32%) would look to kill bugs immediately.
Global aerosol dispensing supplier LINDAL Group has announced Arianna Chang as Sales Director for its North America facility in Columbus, IN.
CHANG
Reporting directly to Group Sales Director, Phil Lever, Chang will be leading sales, business development, customer service and customer technical service teams in North America, providing commercial support for all U.S. customers.
Chang will transfer from her former role as Sales Manager for LINDAL de Mexico & Central America where, for more than five years, she successfully directed commercial, technical and customer service teams.
Having gained an MBA in International Business at Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, and possessing over 10 years’ experience in the aerosol and packaging industry, Chang brings strong leadership capabilities to the position. In her former sales role at Precision Valve Mexico, she developed and implemented the commercial strategy for Mexico, Central America and the 20 million in the U.S.
“We have undergone a challenging period of significant change in our commercial team and operations in North America and I am excited to say this move will restore some much-needed stability to our customers,” said Lever.
“Arianna’s product and market knowledge, technical expertise and commercial proficiency will allow her to make a tangible impact at LINDAL North America. I am confident that these key attributes will ensure a consistent and reliable service is brought to our valued customers,” he continued.
“It’s a pleasure to take on the role of Sales Director at LNA,” noted Chang.
“I have been fortunate in leading a fantastic and successful team in Mexico, and I am looking forward to achieving the same at LINDAL North America to ensure we uphold and exceed a high-level service for our valued U.S, customers,” she concluded.
Reddi-wip real cream whipped topping and parent company Conagra has partnered with Ugly Christmas Sweater on a new, limited-edition human and pet holiday sweater collection.
The festive, coordinating sweaters mimic the bright Reddi-wip can with playful designs like a whipped cream dollop hoodie. The human sweater has two long pockets that hold two Reddi-wip cans for on-the-go enjoyment, while the pet-friendly version has one small, zippered pocket to store a little treat for your furry friend and includes a matching winter hat.
“We’re excited to bring a new level of fun and warmth to pets and their owners this holiday season,” said Lindsay Brady, VP & General Manager, Sides, Sweets & Snacks, Conagra Brands.
“We know people enjoy celebrating moments big and small with their beloved pets and think our new Reddi-wip sweater collection is the perfect thing to wear for their holiday cards,” Brady added.
Some of the key features of the sweaters include:
The sweaters are available beginning November 15 for a limited time on UglyChristmasSweater.com, while supplies last. The human sweater is $49.99. The pet sweater and matching hat comes as a set for $34.99
The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) has announced the appointment of Thomas Myers as the new President &CEO, effective January 2024. Myers currently serves as PCPC’s Executive VP for Legal & Regulatory Affairs &General Counsel.
MYERS
“Tom’s profound understanding of our industry and exceptional understanding of the legal, regulatory and political landscape uniquely position him to lead PCPC,” said PCPC Board Chair Barbara Menarguez, General Manager of Fragrance & Beauty at CHANEL.
“His vision aligns perfectly with our industry’s innovative spirit, dedication to quality and commitment to safety,” Menarguez added.
Myers has been with PCPC since 2010. In his current role, he oversees legal and domestic regulatory issues facing the industry and is intricately involved in the operations of the organization. Before joining PCPC, Myers worked with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and in private practice for international law firms.
WESTINE
Lezlee Westine, who steps down as President &CEO at the end of the year, leaves behind a legacy of growth and success. Since 2009, Westine’s leadership has solidified PCPC’s role as an advocate for the industry and its commitment to innovation, quality and safety. Most recently, she led the PCPC team in support of the historic Modernization of Cosmetics Reform Act of 2022, which modernizes federal regulatory oversight of cosmetics and personal care products and creates a comprehensive and uniform national framework for cosmetics regulation.
“This is an exciting time for our industry thanks to the strong foundation laid by Lezlee,” said Myers.
“I am honored to be selected as PCPC’s next leader and I am confident that, together with the Board and staff, we will continue to drive growth and innovation for the industry and the consumers who rely on our products every day,” he noted.
The Chemours Co. announced it is expanding production of Chemours HFC-152a by approximately 20%. In addition to helping meet customer demands for lower global warming potential (GWP) propellants and foam blowing agents, the expansion will enable reduced VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in consumer products and support the growing demand in thermal insulation foam products, the company said. The capacity expansion will occur at Chemours’ manufacturing facility in Ingleside, TX, with completion expected by mid-2024.
HFC-152a is a versatile, low GWP, non-VOC, aerosol propellant and foam blowing agent used in a wide range of personal care, household, industrial, and construction applications. The HFC-152a capacity increase enables the availability of multiple products ranging from adhesives and lubricant oils to hair care and body spray products to thermal insulating foams. Chemours HFC-152a is sold in the foam blowing agent market as Formacel Z-2 and in the aerosol propellant market as HP 152a.
“As regulations drive the continued phasedown of high GWP propellants, HFC-152a will continue to be a critical tool for aerosol formulators and insulating foam producers…” said Joseph Martinko, President of Thermal & Specialized Solutions at Chemours.
Natura &Co has reached agreement to sell The Body Shop to international private equity group Aurelius, marking a new step in the Brazilian personal care and cosmetics company’s strategy to simplify and refocus its operations.
Under the transaction, Aurelius has signed an agreement to acquire The Body Shop for an enterprise value of GBP 207 million ($254.32 million). including an earn-out of GBP 90 million ($112 million). The closing of the transaction is expected to occur by December 31, 2023.
With the transaction, Natura &Co will continue its drive to refocus on its strategic priorities, the company said, notably accelerating the integration of the Natura and Avon brands in Latin America, focusing on its core relationship selling model, and further optimizing Avon International’s footprint.
Ian Bickley, CEO of The Body Shop, said in a statement, “Today, we celebrate a truly historic moment for The Body Shop as we join forces with Aurelius to begin a new chapter, allowing us to continue building the relevancy of this global brand for future generations.”
JACOBSEN during the Continental Can Co. years…
Robert “Bob” Jacobsen, aerosol industry veteran, passed away on Nov. 4, 2023, at the age of 92.
Jacobsen was a lifelong promoter of the aerosol industry, having been employed since 1955 at Continental Can Co., U.S Can and DS Containers.
Jacobsen was also an enthusiastic subscriber of SPRAY, often sending our staff handwritten letters in support of the magazine. His dedication to the aerosol industry is appreciated and will be missed.
JACOBSEN
Read Jacobsen’s full obituary HERE
The Brazilian Aerosol Association (Associação Brasileira de Aerossóis e Saneates Domissanitários or ABAS) has announced a new Board of Directors to serve the Brazilian aerosol market for the next two years.
de FREITAS SILVA
Alyne de Freitas Silva has been elected to continue in her role as President. Attila Almasy of Aercamp is the new first VP and Geisa Cividini Miksza of Aeroflex is second VP. Jorge Angel of Ball has been appointed Chairman of the Board.
Board members for the packaging sector are Lucio Xavier of Fareva and Rafael Alan Silveira of Beiersdorf Nivea, with Csilla Almasy of Aercamp named as an alternate. For the metal packaging division, the council includes Angel and Marcelo Jorcovix of JBS with Aislan Pereira of Trivium as an alternate.
For valves, the newly-elected Holders are Moacir Camargo of Lindal and Denis Cruz of Precision Valve; Douglas Kielwagen of Majesty is an alternate. In the propellents sector, Paulo Gordo of Copa Energia and Ingredi Tomadon of Ultragaz have been named Holders.
Flavio Roman has been elected as the Director of Special Events and Marcos Serafim is the Director of Technical Regulations.
“ABAS is completely reinventing itself to support and encourage the development of this giant aerosol market in Brazil,” said de Freitas Silva in a statement.
“For the 2024/2025 biennium, we gained strength and now there is new governance, 100% focus on the aerosol segment and many challenges ahead in our three pillars of strategic action: sustainability, government relations and training,” she concluded.
Procter & Gamble exec Freddy Bharucha has been promoted from Senior VP of North America Personal Care to be the company’s first President of North America Personal Care & Beauty Operations. In addition to leading P&G Beauty’s media efforts and heading up its cross-category retail strategy, Bharucha will also serve on the board for the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC).
BHARUCHA
A 21-year veteran of P&G, Bharucha has lived and worked across a range of global markets including Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, India-Middle East Africa, Greater China and Latin America. He has held leadership positions spanning multiple categories at P&G, including beauty, health, fabric and home care.
“With a consistent track record of brand, business and organizational growth, Freddy is well-positioned to take on this newly created position,” said Alex Keith, P&G Beauty CEO, and Markus Strobel, President of P&G Skin &Personal Care, in a joint statement.
“I’m simply humbled by this recognition and honored to be entrusted with the opportunity to play an even more hands-on role in P&G Beauty’s continued evolution,” Bharucha said.
The Lighthouse for the Blind (LHB), a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, MO, specializing in chemical manufacturing, filling and packaging, has successfully acquired the assets of Falcon Safety Products located in Branchburg, NJ. As part of this acquisition, LHB plans to establish two new facilities in Berkeley, MO, with the aim of expanding employment opportunities for individuals who are legally blind.
Falcon Safety Products is a manufacturer known for producing compressed-gas dusters and signal horns, including the Dust-Off brand of consumer electronics cleaning accessories. The company also has a strong presence in the marine and safety signal horns market. Its product line includes portable safety horns, as well as marine accessories such as Line-Master Mooring Snubbers, rigging tape and marine screen cleaner.
Eric Warnhoff, President & CEO of LHB, shared in a statement that the acquisition of Falcon Safety Products is a significant milestone for the Lighthouse.
“It will result in the creation of more than 30 job opportunities for visually impaired individuals in the St. Louis metropolitan area,” he noted.
“This development marks a momentous occasion for the Lighthouse and further builds upon the foundation we laid in 1986 when we began manufacturing aerosols in Berkeley, MO,” he added.
LHB has been dedicated to creating employment opportunities for individuals who are legally blind since 1933. Currently, the organization employs blind individuals at two manufacturing plants: a liquid and aerosol manufacturing plant, as well as a packaging and kitting facility. These facilities produce, fill, assemble and package over 300 products for commercial and government customers. Falcon Safety Products will now be part of LHB’s portfolio of commercial brands, including Quake Kare, Tear Mender, RapidFix and Badge Magic. The sales of these products will contribute to its “See the Future” Community Outreach Programs, which provide vital support and services for children and adults who are legally blind in Missouri.
Philip Lapin, President of Falcon Safety Products, said, “We are happy to have sold to a U.S.-based company with a charitable mission and manufacturing experience in our key categories.
“Members of our customer facing team will be aboard to help smooth the transition. We wish them well in their continuing mission to assist the visually impaired community,” Lapin noted.
For further information on Lighthouse for the Blind and its initiatives, visit its official website at www.lhbindustries.com.
