Solabia Group – which produces ingredients for the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food industries – is expanding with the recent acquisition of Algues & Mer. Gérard Josset, president of the group, is building on the exceptional sourcing conditions, as he did for Solabia’s Brazilian units, to expand its range of cosmetics ingredients.
The group’s expertise spans biotechnology (fermentation and enzyme biocatalysis), fine chemicals and plant extraction technologies. By capitalising on the wealth and diversity of algae, Solabia is completing its offering with the acquisition of Algues & Mer, a company created in 1994 with its head office in Ouessant, in Brittany, France.
Molecule innovations and prospects
The island of Ouessant is classified as a biosphere reserve of the Iroise Sea by Unesco and contains a variety of wild and cultivated algae, far removed from pesticides, heavy metals and pollution.
Since it was launched, Algues & Mer has made notable developments in active molecules particularly fucoidan and sulphated polysaccharides (thanks to an ongoing collaboration with Inserm). These molecules have multiple benefits for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and nutritional products.
With this new acquisition, the Solabia Group intends to develop new sources of inspiration and innovations by applying its expertise to the world of algae, which is rapidly expanding. This is set to strengthen its position as a major world player in cosmetics ingredients.
Solabia Group’s ingredients and solutions are available locally from the South African office of Vantage Specialty Chemicals.
