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Performance is taking center stage in the beauty and personal care ingredients sector, as revealed on the floor of NYSCC Suppliers Day 2025. Host Victoria Meyer explores the notable shift away from buzzwords like “sustainability” and “natural,” uncovering how companies are reframing their focus towards innovation, plant-based solutions, and advanced product performance. 

Victoria is joined by John Harrold of Zinco Verde, who discusses novel, energy-efficient zinc oxide for sunscreens, and Christoph Krumm of Sironix Renewables, highlighting breakthroughs in bio-based surfactants derived from agricultural waste. The conversation unpacks how trends like neurocosmetics, microbiomes, and a pragmatic approach to environmental benefits are shaping the industry’s direction. Get a first-hand perspective on what’s driving R&D, purchasing, and consumer choices in today’s dynamic beauty ingredient market. 

Gain insights on the following topics: 

• Innovation Takes Center Stage: Companies are pivoting away from buzzwords like “sustainability” and “natural,” putting real innovation and performance at the heart of product development. 
• Neurocosmetics and Microbiome Science and how new ingredients target mood and neurological benefits alongside appearance, while microbiome-friendly formulations gain traction. 
• Sustainability Reconsidered: Companies shift from "sustainability" rhetoric to pragmatic solutions and value-driven innovation. 
• Plant-Based Performance: Industry messaging replaces "natural" with "plant-based" and "performance”. 
• Start-up leaders discuss bringing advanced technologies to market  

Killer Quote: “If you had asked me this when we spun out as a company, I would have told you bio based is the innovation, right? That is the reason for existing. That's really not the case. As we found. Bio based ingredients matter. People still want them. The reason for existing for us is performance.” — Christoph Krumm, CEO of Sironix 

0:00:24 Bonnie’s career in chemicals 

0:02:51 Responsible Care principles at Evonik  

0:04:20 Sustainability's growing importance. 

0:05:13 Evonik's sustainability pillars: next-generation solutions, technology, and culture. 

0:06:34 Customer demand for sustainable solutions  

0:08:29 The importance of culture in driving change 

0:13:49 Leadership and career lessons, women in leadership roles, Bonnie's career advice 

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