SITE VISIT Harald van der Hoeven
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“This is how we are successful in the
market,” says Stefan Borchert. “People rely on us. We have a lot of customers. They can repeat the studies we make. They confirm the data we give them”. And just in case CLR’s customers do
not replicate the results claimed, it has an application lab at its Berlin HQ, with staff who are dedicated to solving clients’ formulation problems. It is small, consumer-led touches such as this that allow CLR to thrive in a global industry where mergers and acquisitions are increasingly frequent. Does CLR fear being left behind due to
being a family-owned, private company in a world often searching for economies of scale? Not a bit of it. In fact, it sees its independence as a huge asset. “There aren’t as many private-owned
companies in this market anymore,” says Stefan. “We hear from many customers that mergers can be a nightmare for them. “The service was better before, they can’t
get samples any more or on time, or they have to pay for samples. We are more flexible.” Stefan does not rule out CLR making
acquisitions to bolster its market offering. “We wanted to acquire a supplier of ours but that didn’t work out. We’re not looking currently but if there’s a chance, yes, why not?” Is Stefan tempted to sell up and allow CLR
continues van der Hoeven. “All these things together are part of the
R&D process. It’s time-consuming, but very important to us. We don’t want to make an active ingredient just for the sake of it working. “We also want to satisfy all the needs of our
customers. Sustainability is a big topic for our customers. That includes big global players who are very serious about this”.
Precision makes perfect CLR’s increasing focus on sustainability
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does not come at a cost of the quality of its products. German companies are renowned for their high-quality engineering, and CLR is no different. “We invest a lot of money in the quality of our products,” says van der Hoeven. Much of the investment is in custom-made
centrifuges, filtration technology and other precision equipment to make its postbiotic lysates and other active ingredients. Quality control is also a big factor, as is product testing. Put all together, CLR is proud of its science-led reputation for high quality.
to join those cosmetic ingredient makers who have been acquired by another major player or a private equity firm? “I get emails and letters. One merger and
acquisition company contacts me every four weeks. They always send me Christmas gifts.” Are there others? “Sometimes it could be
a competitor trying to buy us, or it could be lawyers, or it could be finance people.” “I never have conversations about it. I
never reply to them. Why should I reply? I don’t want to sell, so there is no need. CLR is not for sale.”
PC March 2025 PERSONAL CARE
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