b'C H E M I C A L G R O U PCosmetic Business LEVVELs-UP Global Portfolio with NXT LEVVEL Distribution AgreementN ow more than ever, we see beauty retailers marketing clean, sustainable and natural ingredient taglines - a booming trend that is here to say, according to market research firm Mintels annual beauty report. Whileconsumers certainly see the marketing impact - whether it be from the hottest influencer on Tik-Tok or popular direct to consumer skincare brands - introducing these ingredients requires special sourcing further up the supply chain. In fact, SC Americas group companies Presperse and Cosmotec are delivering natural ingredients to the worlds largest beauty brands in part thanks to a recent sales agreement signed by their sister company, Summit Cosmetics Corporation.Earlier this year, Summit Cos-metics Corporation (SCC), a global cosmetic ingredient de-veloper and distributor, executed a Global Distribution Agree-ment with NXTLEVVEL, a commercial scale manufacturer of next generation biomass de-rived chemicals, for the distribu-tion of its NXT SOLV product line to the Beauty and Personal Care industry. The agreement is for a five-year term and grants sales rights to SCC and its sister cosmetic companies, all of which are Sumitomo Corpora-tion Group Companies.NXTLEVVEL has developed world-leading technology inbio-solvents based on levulinic acid. These affordable bio- retaining clarity; and enhance natural formulations bybased chemicals are essential to reduce dependence on fossilreducing greasiness, providing a dry, silky after-feel. This fuels and will play a critical role in the reduction of carbonproduct line is essential to the success of SC Groups cos-emissions. As an alternative to traditional solvents, NX- metic business as it provides an alternative to emollients, one TLEVVELs products offer outstanding benefits for personalof the groups major product categories.care formulations, whilst addressing the needs of environ- Im very excited that NXTLEVVEL and SCC are em-mentally conscious consumers and adding value for brandbarking on a relationship to promote our range of biobased owners. solvents in the Beauty and Personal Care industry, leverag-This partnership with NXTLEVVEL will allow us toing the strength of our technology along with SCCs global diversify our existing portfolio to better-meet the demandsreach and relationships, commented Aris de Rijke, CEO of of consumers and our customers as the industryand worldNXTLEVVEL Biochem. This agreement will grant ourseek more sustainable solutions and technologies, saidproduct line access to new markets and customers that can Shohei Shibukawa, Global President & Officer of Summittake advantage of our innovative, biobased solutions.Cosmetic Corporation.This agreement is an important part of Sumitomo Cor-The NXTLEVVEL bio-solvent product line providesporation Groups global cosmetic business strategy. Adding numerous benefits to formulators, including the ability tothese important bio-based ingredients helps to align the dissolve a wide range of active ingredients; allow for ancompanies with the goals of their key customers, a signif-increased concentration of actives; enable high water loadingicant value-driver for these important relationships. Even for moisturizing formulations by incorporating water intomore, the global sales rights the agreement grants is a crucial anhydrous systems; expand solubility of ethanol while step to growing the business on a global scale.20 visions Winter 2022'