Beginning October 1, 2008, Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH will have exclusive marketing and distribution responsibilities for Dr. Straetmans’ Dermosoft, Dermofeel, Amylomer and Symbio quat product lines in Eastern Europe. Dr. Straetmans GmbH develops and supplies functional cosmetic ingredients with a focus on raw materials from sustainable resources, with a particularly strong portfolio of multifunctional antimicrobials for alternative preservation. The company has undertaken a strategic move to expand its presence in Europe.
According to a press release, Biesterfeld’s strong presence in the Eastern European countries allows it to introduce product lines in 14 countries at once. Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania are covered by sales forces from local offices. Additionally Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia will be covered from the office in Poland, the former Yugoslavian countries Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia from Croatia and Macedonia from Bulgaria.
Both companies see a growing demand for innovative ingredients, particularly alternative preservation systems. There is also a focus of many manufacturers on certified natural cosmetics, some of them producing according to standards such as BDIH or ECOCERT, and exporting to Western countries. The product lines of multifunctional ingredients (with different functions like alternative preservation), PEG-free, fully natural emulsifiers, antioxidants, oil components and conditioning agents are regarded as an excellent extension of Biesterfeld’s portfolio for the region.