On 5 June 2025, the IKW hosted a policy dialogue aboard the media ship Pioneer One. Amidst the waters of the River Spree in Berlin, representatives from politics, academia and industry discussed the societal contribution of the beauty and household care sector. At the heart of the event were new studies demonstrating the extent to which everyday products contribute to quality of life, wellbeing and sustainability.
In Dialogue
For the industry
We remain in contact and in dialogue - with authorities, politicians, the media, consumers and industry - to represent the interests of the sector.
And with our member companies in order to advise and support them. To this end, IKW offers a wide range of different events: Face-to-face events such as conferences, scientific and technical information events or workshops, digital formats in the form of briefings and webinars and international events such as trade fair appearances and business initiation trips.
Representation of interests
The representation of economic policy interests is becoming increasingly important. This is because the pressure on companies is increasing, but in our view, politicians are not acting close enough to the economy. Accordingly, IKW is also involved in a wide range of discussions with political decision-makers in ministries, the Bundestag, the European Parliament and the Commission.
Our appeal to politicians:
- Less bureaucracy
- A sense of proportion in regulation
Meetings took place, for example, during a visit to the BMAS with Bärbel Bas (BMAS) and Jörn Böttcher (Ministerial Director), as well as with Volker Wissing (at the time BMDV), Engin Eroglu (MEP), Kaweh Mansoori (HMWVW), Gitta Connemann (Parliamentary State Secretary), Dr Janina Jänsch (Head of Department for SME Policy at the BMWE) and Susanne Szech-Koundouros (Head of Department for European Affairs at the BMWE). In addition, in March 2025 we held talks with Julia Klöckner, President of the German Bundestag, and Prof. Dr. Martin Werding
Public Affairs Committee
In March 2026, the Public Affairs Committee was established with the purpose of coordinating and further developing the association's political advocacy work.
The objectives of the Public Affairs Committee:
- Strengthening the political visibility and relevance of the IKW sector
- Expanding and maintaining relationships with political institutions and stakeholders
- Proactive engagement in political decision-making processes in the interests of members
- Coherent political communication by the association
The committee's tasks include, amongst others, the communication of key messages, the analysis of politically relevant developments at national level, and advocacy based on the association's EU positions combined with local engagement.
Foreign trade fairs
IKW supports its member companies' international activities by applying for and organising trade fairs abroad. These support SMEs in particular in realising growth outside Germany's borders.
Funded trade fairs will take place in these regions in 2026:
- Miami / USA
- Bologna / Italy
- Istanbul / Turkey
- Dubai
- Hong Kong
- Mumbai / India
The Foreign Trade Fair Programme of the Federal Republic of Germany enables German companies to participate in international trade fairs and exhibitions at favourable conditions. The selection of events for the German Pavilion is based on an application submitted by IKW to AUMA (Association of the German Trade Fair Industry), which is supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
Stay in contact
We look forward to staying in touch with you! Since 2024 IKW has two Instagram channels: @wissen2glow for beauty care and @waschen_wischen_wissen for home care. Feel free to visit us on our social media channels (German mostly).