Based in the Garonne, Southwest France, the company produces plant extracts for the cosmetics, food and nutrition industries, a number of which already have organic certification status.
The company has also committed to greater transparency and sustainable development by reaffirming its commitment to the Chemical Industries Progress Charter, as part of its objectives to reduce its impact on the environment and reduce its carbon footprint.
In line with this the company has also received manufacturing certification for organic ingredients that are specifically used in organic certified cosmetic products.
Berkem is increasing its presence in the market for natural and organic ingredients thanks to the huge increase in interest from consumers for these type of products all over the world.
Increasing product innovation
It also says it wants to increase the number of innovative ingredients it offers, in line with consumers’ desires for natural and organic personal care products that are also effective, particularly with respect to skin care products that have anti-ageing properties.
Its portfolio of products features plants that are locally sourced, including vine shoots and grape pomace, which are bi-products from the region’s wine production, one of the most economically important industries in the area.
The company has built a significant business supplying natural and organic personal care companies in Europe, and estimates that it now supplies around 3 per cent of the French market for natural personal care, estimated to have a value of €210m.
However, Germany is its biggest market, where it estimates to have cornered 5 per cent of the supply of natural and organic personal care ingredients in a market currently valued at €613m.
Business refocuses on cosmetics
Earlier this year the company announced that it would be refocusing its business by making investments in the area of vegetal extracts, specifically for the cosmetics and food industry.
In early 2008 the company sold its Actif Innovants business to another French ingredients company Naturex for an undisclosed sum.
The company says its research and development team are currently in the latter stages of creating a number of new product innovations, which will see it register 10 new patents during the course of 2009 – 2010.
One of its leading cosmetic ingredients is Berkemyol, which is made from grape seed extract and is said to be rich in antioxidants that make it appropriate for a range of anti-aging products.