On Friday, L’Oreal, Mondelez, and Nestle announced advancements in their product development processes through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). These innovations aim to accelerate timelines and enhance efficiency in creating new products across various consumer goods sectors.
L’Oreal’s AI Innovations in Beauty
L’Oreal has been utilizing AI in its laboratories for four years, according to Fabrice Megarbane, president of L’Oreal’s consumer products division. The technology enables the company to predict how molecules will impact skin and hair, streamlining the formulation of beauty products. AI has made product formulation four times faster, allowing teams to test new combinations of molecules quickly.
One notable application of this technology involved repurposing molecules from skincare into a collagen-based shampoo aimed at enhancing hair volume. Megarbane noted that AI helps narrow down formulation options before moving to lab testing, which is crucial as consumer preferences evolve.
Mondelez’s Recipe Development Transformation
Mondelez, the parent company of brands like Cadbury and Oreo, employs AI to revolutionize its recipe development. Chief Information and Digital Officer Filippo Catalano stated that AI assists in generating and testing recipe options efficiently. This process has notably reduced the number of physical samples needed, leading to quicker product innovation.
