The US consumer packaged goods industry will begin including a 2D barcode along with the UPC or EAN barcode on packages beginning in 2027 before phasing out the latter altogether. Industry has been pushing for change that enables more information to be communicated from packaging to retailers and consumers, so standardizing use of QR codes and the like should be a welcome evolution.

“I Am Sweating But Nothing On My Armpits!” and other no-sweat advertising claims made for Unilever’s Degree Advanced 72H antiperspirant products were challenged by P&G in the National Advertising Division forum.

On the wings of innovation and a new host of influencers, Coty says CoverGirl ranked number three in the US in earned media value among its peer set in the third quarter ended 31 March, versus sixth in the same period last year. CEO Sue Nabi had more to say about the firm’s social media “step-changing” in her remarks on Q3 results.

Cataloging materials by category across US states or even internationally, chasing down information from supply partners, and other aspects of extended producer responsibility (EPR) program compliance can be a lot easier in collaboration with a software solutions vendor or other third party, says Michael Washburn, principal at Washburn Consulting.

London-based Unilever is resetting targets including virgin plastic reductions and increases in packaging that is recyclable, reusable or compostable. Based on a report last year from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on industry progress against goals to reduce plastic waste, Unilever will not be alone in having to recalibrate.

Beauty and personal-care companies should draft an artificial intelligence use policy as soon as possible, regardless of their AI plans, given its ubiquity and the potential for employees to use it on their own, says Melanie Howard, partner at Loeb & Loeb LLP.