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We are well and truly into spring, with May offering us several public holidays allowing us to catch our breath a little – and this year a very special commemoration of 80 years since
VE Day.
I have been reflecting on how so many generations throughout the ages have faced tumultuous times, and ours is no different.
While CTPA cannot influence global geo-political concerns, the Association can, and does, help its members and the wider industry on issues that have a direct impact on how businesses of all sizes operate in a global economy.
Tariffs
The announcement of new tariffs on many countries and goods by US President Donald Trump, and the subsequent delays on implementations, has caused great concern and uncertainty for our industry. As you will have seen from the CTPA Statement, CTPA is actively engaged on this important topic – both from a UK perspective, working with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), and also at an EU level with input to the discussions at Cosmetics Europe.
While CTPA welcomes the recent UK Government’s announcement of a trade deal with the US, and recognises the positive step it represents, our industry’s products are not directly referenced and it does not change the impact expected on cosmetic products by existing tariffs. CTPA will therefore continue to actively monitor the situation, engage with members and provide updates as things progress.
Vital Advocacy
My colleagues and I continue our daily public affairs work, advocating on behalf of our members, and for the good of the industry as a whole.
As the pEPR (packaging Extended Producer Responsibility) laws and obligations continue apace, adding significant financial and resource-intense burdens on businesses, CTPA is highly engaged with Defra (the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and PackUk, the new scheme administrator for EPR. While we welcome the aims of pEPR, CTPA is working with members to provide critical feedback to the authorities to ensure the cosmetics industry’s perspectives and challenges are effectively represented.
As the UK/EU Summit approaches, on 19 May, CTPA has been in contact with the CBI, Defra officials and the Defra Minister for environmental regulation (including chemicals and REACH), and has shared its key asks on UK REACH, also highlighting the review of the implementation of the UK/EU TCA (Trade and Cooperation Agreement) could provide an opportunity to increase UK/EU regulatory cooperation and data sharing between UK/EU regulators. We have also written a joint letter with Cosmetics Europe, sent to key contacts within DG Trade. The letter explains that both the EU and UK industries support regulatory cooperation, and outlining how this approach will be beneficial for the competitiveness of both the EU and UK.
CTPA Sun Protection Campaign 2025
We should never lose sight of the positive and powerful impact our industry’s products have on our daily lives, for our hygiene, wellbeing and health. An extremely important example of this is sun protection.
Those of you who know me well, know that sun protection is a subject very close to my heart. I am proud that as an industry we provide products that are a critical part of our sunsafe regime, helping to keep us and our families safe when exposing our skin to the sun. Research undertaken for CTPA showed that 88% of UK adults think suncream is important for the health of their and their family’s skin in providing protection from the sun (Survey conducted for CTPA by Opinium Research on 2000+ adults, May 2024).
I hope you have seen the recently launched CTPA Sun Protection Information for 2025. The campaign provides important information for consumers about how to enjoy the sun safely via a dedicated page on www.thefactsabout.co.uk: All About Sunscreens., while also providing CTPA members with specific resources on the topic.
I invite members to amplify CTPA’s sun-safety messaging through your own channels.
Look Good Feel Better
Perhaps the ultimate example of our products providing emotional benefits is through the industry’s charity Look Good Feel Better (LGFB).
I was fortunate to attend a LGFB session at Charing Cross hospital recently, as an observer. I found it incredibly moving and uplifting and proof, not that I felt I needed any, of the importance and relevance of LGFB and its work.
All of the volunteers were so kind, thoughtful and attentive. It was so good to see all of the attendees getting involved and to hear their chatter and laughter.
I am pleased that at the upcoming CTPA 80th Anniversary Dinner, a Silent Auction and raffle will be held in support of Look Good Feel Better.
If your company is not involved with LGFB, may I urge you to consider this and contact the LGFB Team. Thank you.
It’s Here!
I am delighted to announce that the digital, interactive CTPA 2024 Annual Report is now live!
As we celebrate CTPA’s 80th Anniversary in 2025, the Report highlights CTPA’s achievements in 2024 and breadth of work for both its members and on behalf of the wider cosmetics and personal care industry in the UK.
2024 was an exceptional year for CTPA and the UK. A General Election year, it marked a clear shift in CTPA’s Advocacy work with our first ever Manifesto raising the profile of CTPA’s key asks in the name of the UK cosmetics industry, evolving into the CTPA Agenda for Government, launched in the House of Commons at the end of 2024.
I would like to thank my colleague Eleanor O’Connor, Communications Officer, for leading this project for the first time this year with, I am sure you will agree, fantastic success.
I hope you enjoy reading the Annual Report.
CTPA, your Association - working for you, for 80 years and counting
