Geka increases its footprint with the acquisition of new patent

Leading mascara brush maker Geka says it is increasing its hold on the mascara brush category by buying the patent rights for 2 K Technology.

The acquisition gives Geka sole supplier rights for the technology worldwide, which is an injection moulding process that uses two different materials in one tool to help give the brush added functionality.

The new patent comes in addition to existing patents it already owns for the Moltrusion technology, the ‘Sandwich process and the 2 Shot Technology, which help contribute to one of the most extensive portfolios in the industry.

The 2 Shot Technology has been on the market since 2004 and was developed exclusively for two of Beiersdorf's Nivea-brand mascaras. Geka says that the acquisition of the new patent means that this type of technology can now be used without any exclusivity.

Geka portfolio now contains over 600 brands

“At present, we own over 600 brands, patents, industrial property rights, and design patents registered in our name,” said Franco Luca, CEO for the Germany-based company.

“This makes us the strongest partner for the liquid cosmetics industry. We are the only company that is able to offer such a wide range of products – a range that is now available to all customers following the acquisition of the 2K patents,” he said.

The 2 K Technology incorporates a fixed brush core manufactured from a hard plastic, while a softer elastomer is then injected around it to help shape the bristles of the mascara brush.

2 K increases brush flexibility

The company says that compared to its own 1k process, where the core and bristles are made from a single semi-rigid plastic process, the new process means that the bristles can be manufactured to be finer, helping to create a more flexible brush that makes application easier.

Luca explained that the process has again been developed in close association with leading cosmetics supplier Beiersdorf, and incorporates a manufacturing process that moulds the brushes on high-tech machines with complex tools.

The company also said that it plans to incorporate its technology platform for moulded brushes to move its business forwards in applications that can be used in the lips, skin and hair categories.