SALICYLATES' increases capacity of Sun Screen Chemicals

Indian UV filter manufacturer expands to answer global demand

By Katie Bird, 12-Aug-2010

Related topics: Formulation & Science, Skin Care

Salicylates and Chemicals is planning to more than double its production of UV filters by early next year to answer global demand for the ingredients.

The company is based in Hyderabad, India, and currently produces approximately 1500 metric tons of sunscreen chemicals for the personal care industry.

Increased global demand for UV-based products, along with ongoing plans to expand the company, is behind a proposed increase in production to 4,000 metric tons, which the company says will occur by the first quarter of 2011.

Products that will make up the expanded production will include octyl methoxy cinnamate, octocrylene, homosalate, octyl salicylate and other UV products.

Raw materials manufacture
In addition, chief executive Samir Sarvaiya told CosmeticsDesign.com USA that the company is also planning to start manufacturing the raw materials used to make the UV filters in its portfolio.

Producing raw materials such as salicylic acid and methyl salicylate, in addition to the rest of the portfolio, is expected to increase the competitive edge of the company, Sarvaiya said.

The company is hoping to lead the expansion of India into a global a hub for such ingredients, servicing both domestic and international markets.

Sarvaiya explained that the large scale production of raw materials in India, such as para anisic aldehyde and salicylic acid, the input costs for several of the ingredients used in cosmetics is lower, which will help the country become one of the key players in the sunscreen business.