HNT
NaturalNano supplies proprietary Halloysite Nanotubes to Fiabila for use in that company’s nail polish and nail care products.
Halloysite is a clay and a member of the mineral sub group kaolin. As an industrial mineral, “halloysite is becoming increasingly important due mainly to its use in nanotechnology applications which take advantage of its tubular habit,” explains clayandminerals.com.
Comprised of aluminum, silicon, hydrogen and oxygen, HNT “can be filled with such things as active ingredients including many that are used for cosmetics, household and personal care products…and other agents that could benefit from extended release,” according to the NaturalNano site.
The NaturalNano company focuses on refining nanomaterials for proprietary commercial applications. “While halloysite nanotubes are found in large quantity in the Earth, the process of mining and separating them is technically challenging,” the site states.
“Scientists and engineers [at the company] are developing patent-pending proprietary processes for extracting, separating, and classifying specific types of halloysite nanotubes from halloysite clay.” And, it seems to be this specialty that has secured the ongoing relationship with Fiabila.
Contract extension
“Fiabila has an exclusive license for the use of HNT in nail care products,” according to the press release from NaturalNano announcing the deal.
Company partnerships like this one allow both partners to demonstrate a unique value proposition in their respective markets. “The extension of our Supply Agreement with Fiabila allows NaturalNano to continue to showcase our patented process for our HNT in Fiabia's strong international nail polish brands. NNAN is also pleased to report that the Fiabila extension was accompanied by another order for HNT."
In Fiabila’s case, the unique value of including HNT in product preparations is that “nano formulation nail polishes are said to improve the application process due to the fact that the nano particles make the consistency of the polish less dense. This also allows for easier removal of the product,” according to an earlier article in Cosmetics Design regarding the companies’ partnership.