SILAB has launched two new production facilities over the past three years as part of a three-year program to increase production in global markets as part of a £25m investment package (30 millions of euros).
Biotechnology has focused on site extensions, new technology and infrastructure to provide innovative and sustainable solutions.
The deputy general manager of Strategy, Xavier Gaillard, said that the expansion program is born from the desire to “offer the cosmetic and dermocosmetic market more and more innovative solutions, while responding to the major current security challenges, traceability and sustainability supply”.
Immense possibilities
Natural active ingredients are an important growth area for SILAB and a “major strategic development route”. The new lab therefore represents “a powerful innovation lever” to support growing activity driven by customer demand, says Deputy General Manager Innovation Brigitte Closs-Gonthier.
“Microorganisms are so diversified that they open up an immense field of possibilities. This may interest you : Artificial intelligence could spot chickens in distress. Biomimetic approaches also allow the development of new processes, such as bioguidance.
“This is an area where much remains to be discovered. It offers great prospects for the development of innovative new active molecules,” he said.
Investment strategy
SILAB supplies global markets and develops around four to six standard or proprietary ingredients per year. See the article : A development program was held in Madisonville for small business owners.
Bioassets account for 20% of research and development, but the company is continually improving resources to bolster innovation through site expansion and skill progression.
The launch of a state-of-the-art unit last year quadrupled the capacity to produce yeast, microalgae and bacteria. The fully automated line uses an integrated L main bioreactor to significantly expand production and add value to natural raw materials.
Closs-Gonthier said: “SILAB now has the means to further diversify its production of microorganisms and master their fascinating properties, opening access to some unique molecules of interest.”
The new on-site technology enabled the development of Lactobiotyl, an ingredient derived from the bioguided fermentation of the plant-based probiotic Lactobacillus arizonensis, known for its resistance to desert conditions. It is aimed at dry skin, to recover hydration and luminosity.
Sustainable approach
SILAB has recently developed spray-dried water-soluble powders “with strict bacteriological standards”, following the construction of a 1,800 m2 production unit in 2019 with the capacity to process 50 metric tons of material, and at a cost of 9 million of pounds sterling (11 million euros). ). To see also : Hi-tech manufacturing: New system goes live after Covid impact.
Preservative-free powders contribute to sustainability goals and contain a high concentration of active molecules, compared to liquids, for smaller doses and have a longer shelf life.
Investment resources have also been used to build an in-house training center in Brive in France to develop in-house talent. The design adheres to environmental criteria and offers multidisciplinary modules, which include specialized laboratories and high performance tools.
Focus on nature
Biotechnology encourages a sustainable approach to product development and chooses resources that limit its carbon footprint. The ingredients are 100% natural or derived from nature and traceable, while 100% of the waste is recycled or used to produce energy. The company also finances biodiversity protection initiatives.
