Knowlton Development Corporation (“kdc/one“), a global leader in beauty, personal care, and home care manufacturing solutions, has announced the acquisition of Italian packaging specialist Laffon S.r.l. This move is set to enhance kdc/one’s packaging capabilities, particularly in the make-up sector, and expand its reach in the European market.
Laffon, founded in 1982 and based just north of Milan, is renowned for its highly automated facility, which specialises in the production of make-up packaging. The acquisition enables kdc/one to better meet growing market demands for regionalised manufacturing solutions, offering customers increased flexibility and speed. This strategic move builds on kdc/one’s earlier acquisition of the HCT Group in 2020, as the company continues to bolster its expertise in packaging design and production.
Sandra Wisniewski, Global President of Beauty and Personal Care at kdc/one, commented on the acquisition, saying: “This strategic acquisition significantly enhances our ability to offer innovative packaging solutions, complementing our full-service capabilities, which include ideation, design, formulation development, and manufacturing.”
Denis Maurin, President of Sales and Innovation at HCT by kdc/one, echoed these sentiments, describing the acquisition as a pivotal moment for the company. “This marks a new chapter in HCT’s journey. Extending our manufacturing capabilities to Europe means we can provide our cosmetics clients with a complete regional solution, enhancing the agility of our services. We are also excited to welcome the talented Laffon team to the kdc/one family.”
Laffon specialises in the injection moulding, decoration, and assembly of cosmetic components, using advanced digital and screen-printing technology. The company’s focus on sustainability aligns with kdc/one’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its operations. Both companies have invested heavily in sustainable packaging solutions, aiming to minimise the use of oil-based plastics and prioritise materials derived from renewable sources.
Luca Rossi, Managing Director of Laffon, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are excited to join the kdc/one family. This is a significant step forward for both companies. Our expertise in packaging will now be supported by kdc/one’s comprehensive services, creating an ideal synergy for growth in the cosmetics industry.”
The acquisition is expected to provide kdc/one with a stronger foothold in Europe, where demand for innovative, sustainable packaging is rapidly increasing. By integrating Laffon’s capabilities into its existing operations, kdc/one will offer its clients a more flexible and responsive supply chain.
Both kdc/one and Laffon are committed to developing packaging solutions that reduce waste and energy consumption. Laffon places a strong emphasis on using raw materials from renewable sources and ensuring that its manufacturing processes are as energy efficient as possible. This commitment aligns with HCT by kdc/one’s efforts to create recyclable packaging, promote the use of recycled and bio plastics, and encourage refillable solutions in the cosmetics industry.
With this acquisition, kdc/one aims to continue setting the standard for sustainability and innovation in the beauty packaging sector.