THE INTELLIGENT ENTERPRISE FOR THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY

April 30, 2021 | 125 views

Learn SAP’s perspective on where the oil and gas industry will go and how SAP contributes to the evolution of the industry in a digital world.

SAP Industries White Paper  |  Oil and Gas© 2021 SAP SE or an SAP affiliate company. All rights reserved. 2“In the experience economy, oil and gas companies that are intelligent enterprises embrace market standards and the cloud to innovate and differentiate.”

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Vibrantz Technologies Inc.

Vibrantz Technologies is a leading global technology leader in color solutions, functional coatings and specialty minerals whose purpose is to bring color, performance and vibrancy to life in countless products across a broad array of end markets.

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Chemical Technology

Key Trends in the Digital Transformation of the Chemical Industry

Article | July 20, 2022

The chemical business is intricate, with numerous sub-sectors dealing with various challenges. Thus, there are some differences in the sector's main areas of digitalization. For instance, while specialty chemicals with smaller batches but larger profit margins are concerned with improving quality, large factories are concentrated on accelerating throughput speed. To be able to react to quick and repeated changes in demand, supply, and working circumstances, however, every plant must optimize output, reduce waste, improve safety and sustainability, and become more nimble. Therefore, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing are expected to be the three most popular applications for digital transformation during the coming two years. Key Trends Production Optimization The first and most valuable use cases of digitalization in chemical plants center on production optimization through improved equipment performance, process automation, remote and predictive monitoring, and simplified maintenance. Chemical factories, which often provide basic chemicals for use as end products in other sectors, have a special responsibility to maintain consistently high product quality. However, doing so can be challenging given the significant variations in raw material supply and quality. In addition, as process engineers can change the mix on the fly in reaction to fluctuations in quality, feedstock, or ambient temperatures, better data and analytics enable finer and more frequent adjustments. Lowering Waste The main advantage of digitally transformed plants so far has been cost reduction. The price volatility of raw materials is a problem for the chemical production sector because customers naturally want constant low prices. Minimizing waste is critical since facilities must contend with rising energy costs. Analytics tools that monitor fluctuating raw material prices aid factories in negotiating the best deals with suppliers and preparing in advance for price spikes. The risk of oversupply is reduced since plants can prepare the proper quantities of various products thanks to more precise demand predictions. Sustainability, Compliance, and Safety The chemical industry is heavily regulated as a result of the quantity of hazardous chemicals and the number of end-use industries that rely on it. Businesses are adopting digital transformation to boost safety awareness, reduce emissions and dangerous flare incidents, and guarantee a transparent and accurate audit trail. Plants that quickly adopt digital solutions for remote monitoring, supply chain visibility, waste reduction, production optimization, raising their safety profile, and opening up new opportunities will profit from higher profits and increased revenue, whereas those that hesitate for too long risk failing in the long run.

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Chemical Technology

Ways Your Chemical Company Can Benefit From Digitization

Article | August 8, 2022

The chemical industry is evolving. The marketing, purchasing, and selling of chemicals are being affected by forces in the market, with digitization unquestionably having the most significant impact. Many of the existing digitizing models have likely already been given some thought and then rejected. Chemical businesses are currently conducting pilot projects or starting to gradually scale up their digital initiatives after moving past the proof-of-concept stage. Although this past year brought many difficulties, it also provided an opportunity to revise and re-evaluate foundations moving forward. The Great Reset, as the World Economic Forum has dubbed this time period, is illuminating how the chemical industry might leverage digital technologies to advance. Whether prompted by governmental requirements or consumer desires, chemical businesses' net-zero ambitions will necessitate new expenditures throughout the whole chemical value chain. As a result, back-office costs must be as efficient as possible to free up money to pay for those investments while keeping a profit. Consumer pull The most essential requirements for the success of a new product are a solid understanding of customer needs and wants, the competitive climate, and the makeup of the market. The primary factors that influence the needs of the consumer are price, timing, and quality. Therefore, companies create ongoing procedures and plans with these three factors in mind to better serve client needs and grow their market share by regularly creating new products. Technology pushes The influence of digital technology is constantly growing. One of the foundational elements of 21st-century sources of growth is data-driven innovation. There are numerous items and procedures in the history of innovation that were the result of an accident or careful forethought. Vast volumes of data, or "big data," are being produced and used as a result of the convergence of numerous phenomena, including the growing migration of socio-economic activities on the Internet and the decline in the cost of data collecting, storage, and processing. Large data sets are becoming an essential resource for the economy, supporting the development of new markets, procedures, and goods while also generating substantial competitive advantages. For example, a billion customers can now access broadband at a reasonable price because of the digital world's supporting infrastructure. In addition, cloud computing and the enormous amount of information processing equipment it needs are developing swiftly, and low-cost connected gadgets are being introduced into every industry. Economic benefits The financial gains that can be realized through digitization are genuine. The new digital technologies and businesses have seen an influx of cash, and the public markets are rewarding early adopters with record values. The effects of digitization are spreading swiftly throughout every business. Digitization is the changing of life and work as a result of new technologies, not only their acceptance. Much like earlier technologies, modern emerging technologies like the cloud and big data quickly become part of businesses' operations. Unknown to many, this is having a much more significant impact on the industry that makes these tools as well as on customers. Digitalization that derives from and includes strategic business objectives can greatly benefit chemical firms. Cost savings of roughly 30 to 40 percent can already be made on average today. Additionally, in certain situations, digitalization aided in improving service quality and affected the bottom line by, for instance, enabling new business models. On average, platform-driven digitization projects pay off after 18 months.

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Chemical Technology

The Digital Transformation of the Chemical Industry: The Key Trends

Article | July 14, 2022

From novel process technologies to sustainable plastics— the chemical industry is scaling up its digital initiatives. This has opened new doors for organizations to explore opportunities to increase efficiency and streamline the process. Admittedly, the chemical industry has been a little slower in implementing digital transformation. But COVID-19 has vastly increased the momentum of digitization among chemical plants. According to a KPMG survey, 96% of industry CEOs saw digital transformation accelerate in their organizations, with 48 percent saying it advanced by a few years. In addition, according to a recent Manufacturing Leadership Council (MLC) survey, 82% of respondents agreed that the pandemic had "created a new sense of urgency" in driving investment in new technologies and digitalization. Digital transformation solutions offer tremendous potential in the chemical sector. It can play a significant role in driving more value. So let's dig deeper and look at key technologies in bringing digital transformation to the chemical industry. Circular Economy Chemical manufacturers cannot exist within their own four walls any longer. They recognize the importance of working with their customers and other businesses and organizations to conserve resources and protect the environment. Chemical companies may source raw materials from recyclers as part of a circular economy, which necessitates fool proof solutions to confirm their quality and availability. Circular economy consortiums may advocate for reducing environmental threats such as ocean plastics or exposure to hazardous chemicals, opening up new avenues for innovation. Customers are constantly looking for new ways to reduce waste and protect their ecosystems. For example, farmers may benefit from solutions that can instantly analyze soil quality, weather, and crops to determine the best products and schedule for applying fertilizers, crop protectants, or new seeds. Using this data, they use only what they need, generate less waste, and maximize output. Error-Proof Operations Chemical firms are also embracing technology to achieve operational excellence. They've discovered the benefits of using machine learning andIoT technologies to automate standard back-end processes. Technologies such as these reduce the need for human intervention — and thus the possibility of human error. Blockchain technology can also significantly reduce counterfeit chemicals' use, which is especially important for chemical manufacturers who supply products to the pharmaceutical or agricultural industries. In addition, blockchain technology can enable track-and-trace processes that require less work and waste while protecting the enterprise's reputation. Staying Sharp in the Dynamic Market Staying agile in an uncertain M&A environment is a top priority for some businesses. For example, chemical firms must be able to quickly divest assets, adjust portfolios, and adapt operations in response to market changes. Technology can provide executives with the visibility into operations, shipments, and market conditions required to make critical decisions and remain agile. Data Analytics The chemical industry is leveraging cloud-based storage systems to store and share confidential data anytime and anywhere. Additionally, data analytics solutions can analyze all the data effectively to provide valuable insights to the industry. This will help you make meaningful decisions in real-time.

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Chemical Technology

We need a global agreement that sets targets for reducing plastic waste

Article | May 20, 2021

What follows is an entirely personal take on the challenge of plastic waste and does not represent the views of ICIS or any other expert opinion I have sought out. The views are put forward in the spirit of debate as we move forward, as an industry, to solve the crisis of plastic waste.

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Spotlight

Vibrantz Technologies Inc.

Vibrantz Technologies is a leading global technology leader in color solutions, functional coatings and specialty minerals whose purpose is to bring color, performance and vibrancy to life in countless products across a broad array of end markets.

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Chemical Management

Actylis Launches a New cGMP WFI Generation, Storage, and Distribution System with Additional ISO Class 7 Manufacturing Space

businesswire | September 26, 2023

Actylis, a leading global manufacturer of critical raw materials and performance ingredients for the life sciences and specialty chemicals markets, today announced the launch of Water for Injection (WFI) and additional ISO Class 7 manufacturing space at its Baie d’Urfé site in Montreal, Canada. Used for the preparation of media, buffers, and other aqueous solutions, Actylis’ WFI meets monographs for pharmacopoeias worldwide, and can be provided in both custom and standard packaging configurations. Gilles Cottier, CEO at Actylis, said: “Today we are delighted to announce the opening of this new WFI system at our Baie d’Urfé site. Investment in this new WFI generation, storage, and distribution system reflects our ongoing commitment to support our customers, and to continuously develop our range of products and services. The new system positions us to be a preferred outsource partner for our customers’ buffer solutions. We understand that capacity is often a pinch-point for our customers, and we are delighted to be able to propose this option to them.” Damien O’Rourke, SVP Manufacturing Operations at Actylis added: “Our new WFI system, redundant with our Limerick, Ireland WFI capabilities, incorporates the latest advancements in water purification technology, adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) that guarantees the production of WFI that meets or exceeds the most rigorous quality standards. In addition to the services this enables for our customers, the investment provides Actylis and our customers with a robust multi-site business continuity plan to ensure dependable supply.” Jean-Francois Raymond, Site Director, elaborated on some of the specifics of the system: “We are excited to have this new system here at Baie d’Urfé come on stream. The WFI system is fully qualified with all supporting validation documents, and is capable of generating and maintaining water as per required USP and PhEur/BP specifications of Water for Injection.” The new system’s strategic location in Montreal positions it as a pivotal hub for biopharmaceutical companies across North America and beyond. Its proximity to major transportation networks ensures timely distribution of WFI to manufacturers, enabling them to streamline their production processes and meet growing market demands. About Actylis Actylis is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of differentiated specialty ingredients to life sciences and specialty chemicals end markets. With business operations in ten countries, Actylis manufactures and supplies over 4,500 chemical compounds used principally by the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, nutritional, agricultural and specialty chemical industries. Building on a series of strategic acquisitions, Actylis has integrated their manufacturing, R&D, quality, and sourcing capabilities to create a worldwide supplier of critical raw materials that includes a robust manufacturing footprint. Its global operations include a significant presence on the ground in North America, Europe, India, and China. Actylis is well positioned to innovate new solutions, ensure quality, and customize products to meet customers’ specific needs. Its expanded capabilities and decades of global sourcing expertise are especially valuable now that supply chain management is a critical strategic issue for companies worldwide.

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Chemical Management

Danimer Scientific and Chevron Phillips Chemical Expand Collaboration to Include Application Development for Rinnovo™ Polymers

businesswire | September 21, 2023

Danimer Scientific, Inc. a leading next-generation bioplastics company focused on the development and production of biodegradable materials, today announced it is expanding its collaboration with Chevron Phillips Chemical (“CPChem”) to explore development and commercialization of cast extrusion films, blown extrusion films, injection molded parts and rotational molded parts using Rinnovo™ polymers produced in a loop slurry reactor process. Rinnovo™ is a type of polyhydroxyalkanoate (“PHA”) synthesized from lactones produced using Danimer’s proprietary Novo22™ catalyst technology, which can be used in the production of biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics. The collaboration expands on Danimer and CPChem’s previously announced agreement, in which Danimer is evaluating the use of CPChem’s loop slurry reactor design to develop a continuous reactor system in the manufacturing process for Rinnovo™. Stephen E. Croskrey, chief executive officer of Danimer, said, “Our business relationship with CPChem continues to yield results, and we’re excited for the further opportunities that lie ahead. CPChem’s Research and Technology lab in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is a premier facility staffed with world-class talent that we believe will accelerate the path toward adoption of Rinnovo™ materials in high-volume applications that will assist in lowering the cost to serve key markets.” Opened in 1950 by Phillips 66, CPChem’s Bartlesville facility contains first-class research equipment allowing for rapid testing of products across various processing conditions. Additionally, the facility’s testing and analytical capabilities provide a more rapid feedback loop, accelerating the development and optimization of resin formulations. “We continue to be excited about the potential of our MarTECH® process technology and related collaborations to advance Danimer’s Rinnovo™, another CPChem initiative that can help accelerate change for a more sustainable future,” said Venki Chandrashekar, CPChem vice president of research and technology. About Danimer Scientific Danimer is a pioneer in creating more sustainable, more natural ways to make plastic products. For more than a decade, its renewable and sustainable biopolymers have helped create plastic products that are biodegradable and compostable and return to nature instead of polluting our lands and waters. Danimer’s technology can be found in a vast array of plastic end products that people use every day. Applications for its biopolymers include additives, aqueous coatings, fibers, filaments, films and injection-molded articles, among others. Danimer holds more than 430 granted patents and pending patent applications in more than 20 countries for a range of manufacturing processes and biopolymer formulations.

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Chemical Management

Vantage® Launches "Effortless Color" Formulation Collection for Multifunctional Color Cosmetic Essentials

prnewswire | September 14, 2023

Vantage has just introduced "Effortless Color," a collection of eight color cosmetic formulations building on consumer trends for multifunctional products. The latest installment in its 'Spark Inspiration' quick formulation program offers cosmetic chemists and formulators a starting point to accelerate their innovation pipeline as they create new product formulations. The eight "Effortless Color" formulations range from hybrid foundations to multi-use blushes and bold lip products. These prototypes marry the advanced technology from Vantage's premium ingredients with formulations expertise from the Company's in-house research & development team. Supported by market trends and industry knowledge, the resulting kit offers beauty manufacturers high-performing, on-trend product formulations which can be used as is or as a starting point for their creations. "Guided by market insights revealing that more than two thirds of American makeup users seek multi-functional products, we've meticulously curated formulations that honor the diverse spectrum of beauty through effortless, yet multifaceted essentials. This new collection is the latest of our Spark Inspiration series, that are aimed at accelerating our beauty customers' innovation pipeline," said Sebastien Massard, Global Director Strategic Marketing, Personal Care. The collection's hybrid foundations, multi-use blushes and bold lip formulations feature the Company's high-performing ingredients including actives like the BP TRILURONIC ACID A and the STRATAPHIX series; natural oils such as LIPOVOL® GTB and DW JOJOBA OIL; and natural silicone alternatives from the JEECHEM® NDA line. The formulations include Three versatile face products. Fresh Canvas Multi-Use Concealer can be used as a spot treatment to hide blemishes or as a full-coverage foundation. Tinted Zinc Shield is a lightweight tinted moisturizer that also includes an SPF-30. Hydrating Tinted Face Oil offers a buildable finish and can be applied on its own or worn as a primer before adding concealer or foundation. Blush Duo to bring a pop of color and help create a cohesive makeup look. Color Sculpt Trio is presented as a stick formula that glides on smoothly and quickly as it's applied. All-Over Glow Blusher can be used to brighten cheeks and eyes, acting as a two-in-one liquid blush. Three formulated lip products that each provide a different finish and benefit. The Hydrating Satin Lipstick is made with hydrating ingredients which offer a rich, creamy formulation. Dreamy Velvet Lip, a bold, matte liquid lipstick, leaves a smooth, lush finish. Plush Fruity Gloss provides a glassy shine leaving the lips feeling full and plump. About Vantage Personal Care Vantage Personal Care is one of the fastest growing and most reliable suppliers of personal care and beauty formulations and ingredients. An agile provider of forward-looking solutions that delight our customers through a responsible portfolio of naturally derived products, Vantage Personal Care focuses on skin, hair and sun care and color cosmetics. Vantage Personal Care serves its customers with formulation troubleshooting, new product development, and alternative sourcing solutions and on being the fastest developer of new product concepts in sensorial textures, skin health & delivery systems, and natural oils.

Read More

Chemical Management

Actylis Launches a New cGMP WFI Generation, Storage, and Distribution System with Additional ISO Class 7 Manufacturing Space

businesswire | September 26, 2023

Actylis, a leading global manufacturer of critical raw materials and performance ingredients for the life sciences and specialty chemicals markets, today announced the launch of Water for Injection (WFI) and additional ISO Class 7 manufacturing space at its Baie d’Urfé site in Montreal, Canada. Used for the preparation of media, buffers, and other aqueous solutions, Actylis’ WFI meets monographs for pharmacopoeias worldwide, and can be provided in both custom and standard packaging configurations. Gilles Cottier, CEO at Actylis, said: “Today we are delighted to announce the opening of this new WFI system at our Baie d’Urfé site. Investment in this new WFI generation, storage, and distribution system reflects our ongoing commitment to support our customers, and to continuously develop our range of products and services. The new system positions us to be a preferred outsource partner for our customers’ buffer solutions. We understand that capacity is often a pinch-point for our customers, and we are delighted to be able to propose this option to them.” Damien O’Rourke, SVP Manufacturing Operations at Actylis added: “Our new WFI system, redundant with our Limerick, Ireland WFI capabilities, incorporates the latest advancements in water purification technology, adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) that guarantees the production of WFI that meets or exceeds the most rigorous quality standards. In addition to the services this enables for our customers, the investment provides Actylis and our customers with a robust multi-site business continuity plan to ensure dependable supply.” Jean-Francois Raymond, Site Director, elaborated on some of the specifics of the system: “We are excited to have this new system here at Baie d’Urfé come on stream. The WFI system is fully qualified with all supporting validation documents, and is capable of generating and maintaining water as per required USP and PhEur/BP specifications of Water for Injection.” The new system’s strategic location in Montreal positions it as a pivotal hub for biopharmaceutical companies across North America and beyond. Its proximity to major transportation networks ensures timely distribution of WFI to manufacturers, enabling them to streamline their production processes and meet growing market demands. About Actylis Actylis is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of differentiated specialty ingredients to life sciences and specialty chemicals end markets. With business operations in ten countries, Actylis manufactures and supplies over 4,500 chemical compounds used principally by the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, nutritional, agricultural and specialty chemical industries. Building on a series of strategic acquisitions, Actylis has integrated their manufacturing, R&D, quality, and sourcing capabilities to create a worldwide supplier of critical raw materials that includes a robust manufacturing footprint. Its global operations include a significant presence on the ground in North America, Europe, India, and China. Actylis is well positioned to innovate new solutions, ensure quality, and customize products to meet customers’ specific needs. Its expanded capabilities and decades of global sourcing expertise are especially valuable now that supply chain management is a critical strategic issue for companies worldwide.

Read More

Chemical Management

Danimer Scientific and Chevron Phillips Chemical Expand Collaboration to Include Application Development for Rinnovo™ Polymers

businesswire | September 21, 2023

Danimer Scientific, Inc. a leading next-generation bioplastics company focused on the development and production of biodegradable materials, today announced it is expanding its collaboration with Chevron Phillips Chemical (“CPChem”) to explore development and commercialization of cast extrusion films, blown extrusion films, injection molded parts and rotational molded parts using Rinnovo™ polymers produced in a loop slurry reactor process. Rinnovo™ is a type of polyhydroxyalkanoate (“PHA”) synthesized from lactones produced using Danimer’s proprietary Novo22™ catalyst technology, which can be used in the production of biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics. The collaboration expands on Danimer and CPChem’s previously announced agreement, in which Danimer is evaluating the use of CPChem’s loop slurry reactor design to develop a continuous reactor system in the manufacturing process for Rinnovo™. Stephen E. Croskrey, chief executive officer of Danimer, said, “Our business relationship with CPChem continues to yield results, and we’re excited for the further opportunities that lie ahead. CPChem’s Research and Technology lab in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is a premier facility staffed with world-class talent that we believe will accelerate the path toward adoption of Rinnovo™ materials in high-volume applications that will assist in lowering the cost to serve key markets.” Opened in 1950 by Phillips 66, CPChem’s Bartlesville facility contains first-class research equipment allowing for rapid testing of products across various processing conditions. Additionally, the facility’s testing and analytical capabilities provide a more rapid feedback loop, accelerating the development and optimization of resin formulations. “We continue to be excited about the potential of our MarTECH® process technology and related collaborations to advance Danimer’s Rinnovo™, another CPChem initiative that can help accelerate change for a more sustainable future,” said Venki Chandrashekar, CPChem vice president of research and technology. About Danimer Scientific Danimer is a pioneer in creating more sustainable, more natural ways to make plastic products. For more than a decade, its renewable and sustainable biopolymers have helped create plastic products that are biodegradable and compostable and return to nature instead of polluting our lands and waters. Danimer’s technology can be found in a vast array of plastic end products that people use every day. Applications for its biopolymers include additives, aqueous coatings, fibers, filaments, films and injection-molded articles, among others. Danimer holds more than 430 granted patents and pending patent applications in more than 20 countries for a range of manufacturing processes and biopolymer formulations.

Read More

Chemical Management

Vantage® Launches "Effortless Color" Formulation Collection for Multifunctional Color Cosmetic Essentials

prnewswire | September 14, 2023

Vantage has just introduced "Effortless Color," a collection of eight color cosmetic formulations building on consumer trends for multifunctional products. The latest installment in its 'Spark Inspiration' quick formulation program offers cosmetic chemists and formulators a starting point to accelerate their innovation pipeline as they create new product formulations. The eight "Effortless Color" formulations range from hybrid foundations to multi-use blushes and bold lip products. These prototypes marry the advanced technology from Vantage's premium ingredients with formulations expertise from the Company's in-house research & development team. Supported by market trends and industry knowledge, the resulting kit offers beauty manufacturers high-performing, on-trend product formulations which can be used as is or as a starting point for their creations. "Guided by market insights revealing that more than two thirds of American makeup users seek multi-functional products, we've meticulously curated formulations that honor the diverse spectrum of beauty through effortless, yet multifaceted essentials. This new collection is the latest of our Spark Inspiration series, that are aimed at accelerating our beauty customers' innovation pipeline," said Sebastien Massard, Global Director Strategic Marketing, Personal Care. The collection's hybrid foundations, multi-use blushes and bold lip formulations feature the Company's high-performing ingredients including actives like the BP TRILURONIC ACID A and the STRATAPHIX series; natural oils such as LIPOVOL® GTB and DW JOJOBA OIL; and natural silicone alternatives from the JEECHEM® NDA line. The formulations include Three versatile face products. Fresh Canvas Multi-Use Concealer can be used as a spot treatment to hide blemishes or as a full-coverage foundation. Tinted Zinc Shield is a lightweight tinted moisturizer that also includes an SPF-30. Hydrating Tinted Face Oil offers a buildable finish and can be applied on its own or worn as a primer before adding concealer or foundation. Blush Duo to bring a pop of color and help create a cohesive makeup look. Color Sculpt Trio is presented as a stick formula that glides on smoothly and quickly as it's applied. All-Over Glow Blusher can be used to brighten cheeks and eyes, acting as a two-in-one liquid blush. Three formulated lip products that each provide a different finish and benefit. The Hydrating Satin Lipstick is made with hydrating ingredients which offer a rich, creamy formulation. Dreamy Velvet Lip, a bold, matte liquid lipstick, leaves a smooth, lush finish. Plush Fruity Gloss provides a glassy shine leaving the lips feeling full and plump. About Vantage Personal Care Vantage Personal Care is one of the fastest growing and most reliable suppliers of personal care and beauty formulations and ingredients. An agile provider of forward-looking solutions that delight our customers through a responsible portfolio of naturally derived products, Vantage Personal Care focuses on skin, hair and sun care and color cosmetics. Vantage Personal Care serves its customers with formulation troubleshooting, new product development, and alternative sourcing solutions and on being the fastest developer of new product concepts in sensorial textures, skin health & delivery systems, and natural oils.

Read More

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