SEPPIC subsidiary claims a world’s first with new technology of macroalgal cell culture

The company has dubbed the news a ‘major breakthrough in the field of marine biotechnology’, and has been developed through its subsidiary, BiotechMarine.

The Celebrity technology was influenced by the sea surrounding France's Bréhat archipelago which has a rich biodiversity and contains hundreds of suspended species.

"We look for the beneficial properties contained in rare macroalgae and little-known species. Our Research & Development team has developed unique methods for macroalgal cell cultivation. This is a major innovation for the world of cosmetic active ingredients,”​ says Erwan Le Gélébart, R&D Project Manager at BiotechMarine.

Cell culture​

The technology works by making it possible to create a bank of macroalgal cells from many species, whose compositions and effects on skin have yet to be explored.

Using in vitro macroalgal cells culture, which are found in very low quantities in the ocean, SEPPIC is offering a new marine source of active ingredients, and says that with this breakthrough innovation, it is strengthening its position as a leading supplier of cosmetic active ingredients by combining scientific creativity with reliability.

A new generation of active ingredients for cosmetics using this new technology are due to be launched, according to the supplier.

RSPO certification​

In other news for the company this week, SEPPIC was also awarded the Mass Balance supply chain certification for its main production site in Castres (France), in compliance with the RSPO (Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil) standard.

This certification is part of a comprehensive action plan for sustainable palm oil, which Seppic says is part of its proactive sustainability plan. All palm oil derivatives used to produce SEPPIC active ingredients are covered by the RSPO Book&Claim certification.

The company uses several plant-derived raw materials to produce its emulsifiers (palm, canola, castor-oil plant, etc.).

Palm oil, thanks to its high production yield per acre, is one of today's prized green chemistry raw materials.

"We have to use positive initiatives to extricate ourselves from the vicious cycle of ‘no-no’ and ‘free from.’ This certification opens up new possibilities for marketing Mass-Balance-certified emulsifiers with the RSPO standard,"​ says Chantal AMALRIC, Strategic Marketing Manager for the SEPPIC Beauty Care Department and RSPO Coordinator.