Finding new partners digitally

COSSMA: What functions does the platform offer?

Udo Eberlein: At launch, ozmi offers an array of features to simplify cosmetics creation and make the process more pleasant for both suppliers and brands. Product-lifecycle management features include project brief creation and editing, project overview, recipe creation, and inviting and assigning project members. The search and discovery tool enables users to look for and find the right ingredients and partner businesses with filters, product pages, and service pages. A simple RFQ flow speeds up the quote process, and once two users have reached a deal, collaboration tools enable them to communicate within the project management workflow.

How did the idea for ozmi comeabout?

Within BASF, there was an initiative called BASF 4.0, and the aim was to explore which digital business models could be applied to various industries. When this initiative focused on the cosmetics creation industry, the idea of a “matchmaking platform” came up. The company vetted the idea and tested it internally and externally. In 2019 Chemster was founded. A team was assembled, and further research and development led to the October 2020 launch of the ozmi platform.

Who can offer their services on the platform?

It is open to all professionals in the beauty and personal care world, in cluding small-scale independent businesses. Cosmetics brands, formulators, testing institutes, regulatory consultants, ingredient and packaging suppliers, and all other suppliers are welcome to join.

Who is the platform’s target group?

It is open to companies occupying any niche in the cosmetics-creation industry. Established professionals, new market entrants, smaller independent businesses, larger and more prominent companies — they will all find ways to improve their results by digitalising their workflows. Indie companies and smaller suppliers, in particular, will find some of their processes simpler in many ways. 

How does the connection between the production stages work?

Creators can bring the entire process, or as many steps as they want, into the platform. They can come up with the product brief, create the recipe, find suppliers, arrange testing and regulatory verification and purchase packaging, taking advantage of the collaboration, product-lifecycle management and guidance features. We believe that the more process steps users bring into the platform, the more efficiency and collaborative power they will gain, so it is set up so they can create the workflow that’s best for them.

What are the advantages of working with the platform?

For brands, the number-one advantage is reduced time to market. The cosmetics creation industry’s lack of transparency and analogue inefficiencies create bottlenecks that needlessly extend the time it takes a brand to launch a product. These bottlenecks are eliminated while the user experience is as simple as any other popular digital consumer platform. For suppliers, visibility is increased,

which can lead to more leads and improved sales. With an attractive custom profile, each supplier can showcase their offering to this entire cosmetics-creation ecosystem, allowing buyers to easily find and contact them. A simple RFQ and negotiation process can help orders be placed quickly, and easy access to accurate, up-to-date information ensures that companies are equipped to meet client expectations. For everyone, built-in communications, product-lifecycle management and smart guidance features will make the whole experience smooth, simple and fast.

What have the platform’s - and its users’ - first experiences been like?

We have been very pleasantly surprised by the number of sign-ups we received in the first few weeks after launching the product. We have been busy validating and getting new partners on board. And every day it is impressive to see how many innovative and inspiring products, services and companies there are in the personal care business. So far, users like the look and feel of the platform, as well as how easy it is to discover products, services, and ingredients and connect with other partners.

Who can help if there are problems at one level?

We have a customer success team which will take care of any userrelated questions or issues on the platform. We strive to respond as fast as possible; usually within 48 hours, on business days.

Who is the owner of ozmi?

The platform is the first product by Chemster, a startup based in Mannheim, Germany, and San Francisco, USA. The company is currently wholly owned by BASF. Chemster is now in the process of recapitalizing the company, and BASF will move to pera minority position in order to further cement the open independent platform status.

What is the vision for the future of cosmetics creation, and for its own platform?

We’re seeing aspects of the business move to digital right now. The Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on trade shows, interaction, and procurement are just some examples of functionality moving online. We want to help companies navigate their digital transformation. For the platform, we are continuing to build new and useful functionality. We are paying close attention to what our users want and need. We intend work at the forefront of the digital revolution within the cosmetics- creation industry, building and implementing the latest technology and functionality.