Interview | World Aerosols talks to Laurent Flond

What interested you about becoming involved in the aerosol industry?

The potential opportunities led me to take my first position in connection with the aerosols in 2008. I took responsibility for continuous quality improvement at our aerosol plant in Saint-Quentin. It was the start of my long story within the aerosol industry. After that, I had the opportunity to develop products (including hairspray) for the professional division, to be in charge of the aerosol compatibility laboratory and finally, to be the Director of the Packaging Science Center for the Aerosol Category. I am also involved in Comité Français des Aerosols (CFA) and Féderation Européenne des Aerosols (FEA) to support the aerosol industry and to help it innovate.

The aerosol is a packaging form that offers unique performance for the consumer, a continuous fine spray, which makes it possible to deliver many types of formulas. In recent years we have seen many innovations on the market such as dry shampoos, toot touch-ups, compressed aerosols, plastic aerosols, and I am sure there will be many innovations to come in the future.

Last but not least, the aerosol community is made up of passionate experts, who like to share their knowledge and who want to continue to develop this technology through innovation.

What do you enjoy most about your role at L’Oréal? 

The world is changing, consumption patterns and consumer expectations are changing. As director of dispenser science, I work with my team on the aerosols of tomorrow that will support these changes. One of the biggest challenges we face is the protection of our planet. The aerosol must evolve to offer more sustainable solutions, but without any compromise on safety and with performance and consumer experience in mind. Being part of the adventure to prepare for the future is motivating and exciting.

What does a typical day look like for you? 

Every day is different, that’s what makes my job so exciting.

Can you tell us about your proudest moment so far (in work or otherwise)? 

I was very proud when we launched our first plastic aerosol and saw it on the store shelves. It took years of hard work for the teams.

What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking about joining the aerosol industry? 

Go for it! It’s an industry where there is a lot to learn and where you meet passionate people. It is a dynamic and varied industry that needs talent to create the innovations of tomorrow.

What are you most looking forward to in 2022? 

I hope that we definitely get out of this pandemic to be able to physically reconnect with our partners, suppliers and the aerosol community around the world.

Wold Aerosols – part of Paris Packaging Week’s ADF media partners – is published six times a year and covers all aspects of aerosol production and usage globally.