ACTT4Cosmetics aims at fostering the creation of a more efficient, open, inclusive, and interconnected innovation ecosystem in the field of cosmetics across Europe by drawing on the strengths of existing ecosystems and by pulling in new, less well-represented stakeholders and less advanced innovation territories. By implementing joint activities (between R&I actors, public authorities, and the private sector) towards innovation deployment, ACTT4Cosmetics aims to integrate the entire value chain of the cosmetic industry to implement structural changes such as digital and ecological transitions, but also innovation as a lever for sustainable growth to respond to the main local and EU challenges in the field of cosmetics for the benefit of the society. To improve the digital and sustainability maturity and to find innovative sustainable solutions, the consortium will use ACTT4Cosmetics to inform the stakeholders, train the entire ecosystem through capacity building actions, boost sectorial and cross sectorial collaborations and share funding opportunities. ACTT4Cosmetics has 3 ambitious general objectives in line with the HORIZON-EIE-2022-CONNECT-02 call expectations: (i) Innovation deployment through digital transition in the Cosmetic sector, (ii) Reinforcing Green Transition in the cosmetic sector in order to fight climate change, (iii) Create consumer/citizen awareness of, implication in, and sensibilization on cosmetic industry. ACTT4Cosmetics gathers 8 partners and 2 associated partners from 6 countries. The partners are very complementary as they have both common assets and separate key competences. An implementation plan is presented in the form of 7 work packages. Synergy in communication and dissemination by the partners and stakeholders will permit to maximize the ACTT4Cosmetics project impact. Solutions to overcome the fundamental barriers by creating an open, inclusive, efficient cosmetic ecosystem to go towards Digital, Green and Societal Transition all over Europe.

The InnCoCells project will develop innovative and sustainable plant-based production processes for the commercial exploitation of scientifically validated cosmetic ingredients based on underutilised plant resources. We will optimise these resources for profitable and sustainable production using cell cultures, aeroponics and greenhouse/field cultivation. We will apply systematic approaches including metabolic engineering tools to optimise growth conditions and the yields of valuable bioactive, small-molecule compounds and ingredients. The optimised processes will be demonstrated by pilot-scale production and subsequent product extraction/purification. We will bring at least ten cosmetic ingredients to the pre-commercial stage. InnCoCells includes a cascade biorefinery concept in which by-products and biowaste are utilised for the extraction of further bioactive molecules. The processes will be characterised by techno-economic assessment and life cycle analysis to ensure economic feasibility and a reduced environmental footprint. The ingredients and extracts will be evaluated using a unique panel of innovative enzyme-based and cell-based assays to ensure safety and validate claimed activities based on robust scientific data without animal testing. We will implement a unique stakeholder engagement strategy, including the assembly of a Stakeholder Group to guide our research program based on the needs of industry, academia, farmers, policymakers and consumers. The consortium includes eight SMEs and one large company from the cosmetic sector among the 17 partners to facilitate exploitation. We will develop bespoke communications strategies for different stakeholders and for public engagement. We will also interact closely with the regulatory authorities in Europe. This industry-driven and interdisciplinary project will ultimately increase the strength of the European bioeconomy by supporting the development of innovative biobased goods and markets.