Annual Report 2023.2024

supports. advises. represents.

IKW, The German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association, supports, advises, and represents more than 440 member companies in the beauty and home care sector. We answer questions related to personal care, cosmetics, detergents and cleaning products and we are available as a reliable contact for all societal groups.

Situation

In an interview, Georg Held, Chairman of IKW, and Thomas Keiser, Director General of IKW, explain the economic situation of the industry and the current challenges facing member companies. They also highlight the industry's commitment to sustainability and provide an outlook for the year 2024.

Economic development

A well-groomed appearance and a beautiful home are important to people, even in difficult times. In 2023, they spent 33.4 billion euros on beauty and home care products in Germany and abroad - a new high. Nevertheless, the economic situation for companies has clouded over.

Medium-sized business activities

85 per cent of IKW member companies are SMEs. IKW places a special focus on advising and promoting them.

Activities

Sustainability – responsibility through proximity

Sustainability means fulfilling current needs without compromising the environmental, economic and social potential of future generations. IKW members have been facing up to this responsibility for a long time.

IKW studies – a comprehensive view

The world is changing - rapidly, continuously and sometimes contradictorily. The studies by renowned market research experts commissioned by IKW highlight social trends using the example of beauty and home care.

In dialogue – for the industry

IKW advises and supports its member companies with a wide range of event formats such as conferences, seminars, briefings and workshops. It represents the sector in dialogue with authorities, politicians, the media, consumers and industry. 

Beauty Care

Cosmetic products not only make life more beautiful. Many products contribute to health and well-being. Whether it's toothpaste, shampoo and face cream or deodorant, hair gel and sunscreen - cosmetics come into contact with the human body and are used by most people on a daily basis. This proximity creates an intensive need for information, which IKW fulfils openly and transparently.

Home Care

A clean home and well-groomed clothes make a decisive contribution to quality of life. Above all, it is about feeling comfortable within your own four walls and in your own (second) skin. In addition, the aspects of health, value retention and sustainability play an important role in household and clothing care.

About IKW

Here you can find out more about facts & figures, tasks, objectives and range of services, as well as the structure, cooperations, member companies and employees of IKW.