More than 130 representatives from industry, public administration, academia, industry and expert organisations gathered in Warsaw for the Clean & Care Forum 2026+, organised by the Polish Association of Cosmetic and Detergent Industry (PSPKD). Held under the theme "Industry 2026+ | Cosmetics and Detergents: Legislation, Trends and New Standards", this year's edition provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the European Union's evolving regulatory framework and its implications for the competitiveness of the cosmetics and detergents sectors as well as the companies operating within them.
Legislation shaped through dialogue with industry
The conference was opened by Iwona Poniatowska-Banaszek, President of the Polish Association of Cosmetic and Detergent Industry (PSPKD), who highlighted the unprecedented scale and complexity of regulatory changes facing businesses today. She stressed that in this rapidly evolving environment, close cooperation between industry and public authorities is essential.
A special guest at Clean & Care Forum 2026+ was Piotr Müller, Member of the European Parliament and rapporteur for the Omnibus VI package. His participation, coming immediately after the conclusion of the trilogue negotiations, gave the event particular significance. During his speech: "Europe Under Pressure: Regulation, Energy and Asian Competition", Piotr Müller underscored the need for legislation that reflects market realities:
- Good economic legislation is created in cooperation with those who invest, manufacture, create jobs and strengthen the competitiveness of the European economy every day.
Expanding on this point, the MEP encouraged businesses to actively engage in industry associations, noting that such organisations provide policymakers and institutions involved in the legislative process with essential practical expertise. This, in turn, contributes to better-informed policymaking and higher-quality regulation.
Piotr Müller's speech framed the discussions that followed. As regulatory pressure continues to grow, energy costs remain high and competition from Asian markets intensifies, participants stressed the need for legislation that protects both human health and the environment while supporting the competitiveness of European industry, business growth, investment, exports and job creation.
Following the successful conclusion of the Omnibus VI negotiations, PhD Anna Oborska, Director General of the Polish Association of Cosmetic and Detergent Industry (PSPKD), highlighted the importance of Poland's voice in Brussels:
- We are very pleased to see that Polish Members of the European Parliament have recognised the concerns of our industry. I would like to express my particular thanks to Mr Piotr Müller for his openness to our proposals, his willingness to engage in dialogue and his careful consideration of the industry's views and needs.
Forum participants agreed that the work on the Omnibus VI package demonstrated how constructive dialogue between business and European institutions can lead to legislation that better reflects the realities companies face.
The European regulation: safety, predictability and competitiveness
Emma Trogen, Deputy Director General of Cosmetics Europe, made a significant contribution to the discussion on legislative simplification - the core of the successive Omnibus packages, including the so-called Chemicals Omnibus (Omnibus VI). She emphasised that the aim of the proposed changes is not to weaken existing standards but to create more transparent, predictable and workable regulations that will provide businesses with greater legal certainty. As she pointed out:
- The European Commission's efforts to simplify legislation are both timely and welcome. From the perspective of the cosmetics industry, this is a step in the right direction. This is not about deregulation or lowering safety standards. It is about developing legislation that is fit for purpose, provides businesses with greater legal certainty and can be implemented effectively in practice.
This approach is intended to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens and costs for businesses, including avoiding costly product reformulations where product safety has already been demonstrated.
The detergents sector faces similar challenges. Julie Janssis from Detergents Europe highlighted that the practical impact of new legislation is often determined by implementing measures (secondary legislation). For this reason, monitoring these measures is just as important as following the legislative acts themselves. She also stressed the key role of industry associations in helping companies navigate regulatory requirements and maintaining an ongoing dialogue with the European Commission:
- If companies have questions about how to apply the new rules, they can raise them through their industry associations. These associations can then bring them to the European Commission, which, together with the Detergents Expert Group, will further clarify how the new legislation should be interpreted.
Innovation as a response to new market challenges
One of the key questions addressed at the Clean & Care Forum was whether the speed of regulatory change leaves companies enough room to develop and implement innovation. Participants agreed that, while new obligations are placing increasing demands on the industry and businesses, well-designed regulation can also act as a driver for the development of new technologies and the creation of competitive advantage.
The perspective of the aerosol sector, which is facing challenges related to product safety and the circular economy, was presented by Alain D'haese from the European Aerosol Federation (FEA). He stressed that innovation is not only a response to market expectations today but also an essential condition for addressing global challenges. As he pointed out:
- There is a lot of room today for new products, new technologies and new ideas - perhaps more than ever before. This is because the challenges facing companies go far beyond regulation itself. We are dealing with global issues such as climate change and environmental pollution. Innovation will therefore play a key role - it will be at the centre of companies' activities and remain a key driver of market success.
A similar message emerged from the panel discussion "Business in Times of Transformation – How to Build Competitive Advantage?" with PhD Marta Pawłowska (ACC Chemicals), Waldemar Ferschke (Medisept) and moderated by PhD Piotr Nowaczyk (Dr Nowaczyk Centre for Research and Innovation).
Panelists agreed that in a rapidly changing regulatory, technological and market environment, sustainable competitive advantage is built by companies that can quickly adapt to new realities, effectively leverage AI and modern technologies and develop competencies aligned with future challenges. They also noted that a deep understanding of regulation, combined with the ability to anticipate legislative trends can act as a catalyst for innovation, enabling companies to prepare in advance for new market requirements and to view regulatory change as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat.
Strong representation from public authorities and regulatory experts
One of the key strengths of the Clean & Care Forum was the participation of senior representatives from the Polish public authorities responsible for developing and implementing legislation impacting the cosmetics and detergents sectors.
The discussions and expert sessions brought together representatives of:
- the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology;
- the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products;
- the Bureau for Chemical Substances;
- the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate;
- the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection;
- regional and district Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations;
- the Polish Committee for Standardization.
A shared responsibility for the future of the industry
In her closing remarks at the Clean & Care Forum 2026+, PhD Anna Oborska, Director General of the Polish Association of Cosmetic and Detergent Industry (PSPKD), emphasised that effective representation of the industry's interests is only possible through long-term cooperation and the active engagement of companies:
- Clean & Care Forum 2026+ once again confirmed my belief that the best solutions emerge when public authorities, businesses, industry associations and experts come together to discuss the challenges they face. This kind of dialogue cannot be built overnight - it requires years of consistent effort, mutual trust and credibility. I am proud that PSPKD has built relationships that ensure the voice of the Polish industry is heard by both the Polish authorities and the European institutions. For almost 35 years we have seen that a strong, united industry voice can make a real difference. The stronger the industry's representation, the greater its ability to shape legislation that is effective, proportionate and workable in practice. That is why I encourage companies to play an active role in PSPKD and help strengthen our voice.
PSPKD extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, participants and partners of the Clean & Care Forum. This year's partners included Cosmetics Europe, the European Aerosol Federation (FEA), the Polish Employers' Association of the Aerosol Industry, the Polish Chamber of Commerce, the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers, the Polish Society of Cosmetic Scientists, Cracow University of Technology, Silesian University of Technology, the Warsaw Academy of Medical and Technical Applied Sciences and the Advertising Council.
PSPKD also extends its thanks to the Forum's media partners:
· EPS Media www.chemiaibiznes.com.pl
· SOFW Journal (www.sofw.com)
· Biotechnologia www.biotechnologia.pl
· Wydawnictwa FARMACOM www.przemyslkosmetyczny.pl
· BMP www.kierunekkosmetyki.pl
Next year will mark a significant milestone for the Polish Association of Cosmetic and Detergent Industry (PSPKD), which will celebrate its 35th anniversary. The anniversary will provide an opportunity not only to reflect on the Association's achievements but also to set the course for future initiatives supporting the growth and competitiveness of the industry. PSPKD invites stakeholders to follow its communication channels and join the events and initiatives planned throughout this anniversary year.
About PACDI
The Polish Association of Cosmetic and Detergent Industry (PACDI) is an industry organization established in 1992 that brings together more than 150 companies from the cosmetics and detergents sectors. The mission of PACDI is to promote the development of the industry and protect the interests of cosmetics and detergents companies by fostering a supportive business environment. PACDI represents the industry and its members in relations with public administration, the media, and other stakeholders — both in Poland and across the European Union. The Association actively participates in legislative processes by submitting comments and proposals from its member companies on newly drafted and amended legal acts.
The Association’s members include well-established manufacturers and distributors, retail chains, suppliers of raw materials, and other companies cooperating with the cosmetics and detergents sectors, including biocidal products.
PACDI is a member of international industry organizations: Cosmetics Europe, International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products (A.I.S.E.), and the European Aerosol Federation (FEA) as well as Polish Chamber of Commerce, The Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers and Advertising Standards Council.
The Director General of the Polish Association of Cosmetic and Detergent Industry is Anna Oborska, PhD, Eng
