Premium Beauty News – Asquan is now well established internationally. How would you describe the company’s current development?
Henri Tinchant – Asquan has enjoyed strong and steady organic growth for several years, and we are also looking for external growth opportunities. The market is constantly changing, and we are considering all possibilities. We currently have 120 active customers in Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East, with a direct presence in all these regions. As a packaging supplier for the make-up and skincare markets, we intend to be at the centre of the game.
Premium Beauty News – You develop your own designs and rely on a network of industrial partners, mainly in Asia. What is your take on the uncertainties surrounding global trade?
Henri Tinchant – There are indeed uncertainties, particularly concerning Sino-American relations. We have always diversified our production in Asia: we manufacture with partners in China, but also in Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. So far, China has remained the most efficient option in terms of production capacity, speed of execution and cost. The tariffs imposed by the United States are changing the rules of the game for entry into the country, but it is not easy to reorganise supply chains in the short term.
Our strength is that we are not traders. We have our own designers, laboratories, and tooling – the only thing we don’t have are the machines. That’s what makes us agile, and in the current context, it’s more of an advantage!
Premium Beauty News – You are EcoVadis Gold certified. How does sustainable innovation fit into your strategy?
Henri Tinchant – It’s a fundamental pillar. We offer a wide range of refillable packaging and have recently launched the Asquan Biodegradability Technology, a solution that makes plastic biodegradable without generating microplastics. And this plastic remains recyclable, both mechanically and chemically! This is a real breakthrough. Our sustainability efforts are being recognised, and this EcoVadis gold medal is a great acknowledgement of our commitment.
Premium Beauty News – In terms of product innovation, what are your most emblematic recent projects that showcase your expertise?
Henri Tinchant – We have two new patents pending. One is for a dual-compartment jar that allows controlled dispensing of loose powders – we call it the Powder Drop. The other is a flexible wiper that adapts to all applicator shapes, even the most unconventional. Then there’s our free-flowing cap, which allows the product to be released without removing the cap: simple, but in high demand. All of this is in line with our commitment to providing high-value-added dispensing solutions – a strategic area for us that often leads to patent applications.
Premium Beauty News – Where are these innovations developed?
Henri Tinchant – Design and innovation are primarily driven from the US West Coast. We also have offices in Paris, Hong Kong for finance and logistics, a subsidiary in Shenzhen with our engineers and quality control, and a holding company in Singapore. Our teams are lean – around fifty people – but highly agile.
Premium Beauty News – You tend to target the prestige and masstige segments. How do you position yourself in the face of major brands?
Henri Tinchant – Brands know us today. Our challenge is to become a core supplier, a strategic partner at the heart of their product development. This is particularly true in France, which is still a very prestigious but also very difficult market to penetrate. We want to stand out for our speed, our adaptability, and our impeccable customer service.
Premium Beauty News – Can you tell us more about your “full service” model?
Henri Tinchant – It is a real strength to be able to meet the needs of brands, whether they are beauty giants or indie brands. We offer full support from design to finished product. For example, we produce eyeliners in partnership with Nippon Shikizai, with filling taking place in France. This type of partnership is at the heart of our integrated and agile approach.