Collaboration can bring about solutions that cannot be produced in-house alone. The real challenge often lies in finding the right partner with the right competencies. Mase International Marketing Services, a leading distributor of cosmetics and toiletries in Asia, had previously found a partner via IPI’s network to develop a novel dye ingredient for a new range of hair dye products that limits hair damage and retains colour for a longer period. This time, Mase was looking for a partner that could help improve the stability of its hair lightening product and prevent quality degradation during transportation and storage.
Through TechInnovation 2014, Mase was introduced to the Consumer Care Technology Programme team from the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE). IMRE’s Consumer Care Technology Programme aims to provide solutions for the consumer care industry, especially in the areas related to sustainable and green materials; as well as materials with high efficacy and intelligent encapsulation for active ingredients. Both parties entered into a research collaboration on 26 February 2016 with the project expected to complete in September. IPI also facilitated Mase with their application for the Capability Development Grant (CDG) in the area of Technology Innovation from SPRING Singapore.
"IPI is the perfect platform for SMEs to find relevant partners for R&D collaboration. Their team is knowledgeable and helped us to bridge the gap between innovation and business. I am also grateful to IPI for their assistance in connecting us with SPRING Singapore and helping with the grant proposal preparation," said Ng Ling Ching, Director of Mase.
“This project demonstrates the value that IPI can bring to local SMEs in connecting them to technology providers like IMRE for product innovation. We will continue to focus on industry needs and enable enterprises in their innovation and technology adoption journey for business growth,” said Dr Sze Tiam Lin, Director, IPI.
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- For more information about Mase International Marketing Services, please visit www.mase.com.sg
- For more information about the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), please visit www.a-star.edu.sg/imre
- For more information on another success story featuring Mase, please visit https://www.ipi-singapore.org/success-stories/collaboration-accelerates-in-house-rd-efforts.html
Mase International Marketing Services had previously achieved success by collaborating with partners to develop new ingredients for hair dye products. However, the company faced a new challenge: improving the stability of its hair lightening product. During transportation and storage, the product was susceptible to quality degradation, which could impact customer satisfaction and brand reputation. The company recognized that in-house capabilities alone were insufficient to address the technical complexities involved in stabilizing the formulation. Mase needed access to advanced materials expertise and innovative encapsulation technologies to prevent degradation and ensure consistent product efficacy. Finding a partner with the right competencies and experience in consumer care materials was critical to overcoming this hurdle and maintaining the company’s competitive edge in the market.
IPI Singapore introduced Mase International Marketing Services to the Consumer Care Technology Programme team from the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) through TechInnovation 2014. By leveraging its extensive innovation network, IPI facilitated a strategic research collaboration between Mase and IMRE, enabling both parties to combine their expertise for product improvement. IPI also supported Mase in applying for the Capability Development Grant (CDG) in Technology Innovation from SPRING Singapore, assisting with the grant proposal preparation and connecting the company to relevant funding opportunities. This comprehensive facilitation by IPI ensured that Mase had access to both the technical expertise and financial resources required to address its product stability challenge, paving the way for innovative solutions tailored to the needs of the consumer care industry.
"IPI is the perfect platform for SMEs to find relevant partners for R&D collaboration. Their team is knowledgeable and helped us to bridge the gap between innovation and business. I am also grateful to IPI for their assistance in connecting us with SPRING Singapore and helping with the grant proposal preparation."
"This project demonstrates the value that IPI can bring to local SMEs in connecting them to technology providers like IMRE for product innovation. We will continue to focus on industry needs and enable enterprises in their innovation and technology adoption journey for business growth."
Mase International Marketing Services is a leading distributor of cosmetics and toiletries in Asia. The company is committed to delivering high-quality personal care products and has a track record of leveraging research collaborations to develop novel ingredients and enhance product performance.