The Lyon facility boosts increased biodegradability testing capacity, supporting manufacturers around the world in meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly formulations.
Syensqo, a global leader in advanced materials and specialty chemicals, has inaugurated its largest and most technologically advanced microbiology, (eco-)toxicology and biotechnology laboratory in Lyon, France.
The cutting-edge 550m² facility, officially opened on 12 June, represents a significant leap in the company’s ability to develop safe, high-performance, and sustainable ingredients for manufacturers worldwide, including those across Africa.
Addressing African manufacturing challenges
The new microbiology lab is poised to deliver substantial benefits for South African and African manufacturers in the beauty care, home care, and agrochemical sectors. These customers are facing increasing pressure to develop biodegradable formulations that comply with local sustainability regulations and meet evolving consumer demands.
“Our new microbiology lab significantly strengthens our capacity to create safe and biodegradable solutions,” said Thomas Canova, head of research and innovation and head of the renewable materials and biotechnology growth platform at Syensqo. “With advanced testing methods, digital capabilities, and increased precision and efficiency, we are accelerating the development of sustainable solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
Technological advancements driving innovation
The facility leverages cutting-edge technologies including robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to revolutionise biodegradability testing. Syensqo will increase testing capacity tenfold compared to 2021 levels. The company can now rapidly screen and optimise new formulation solutions. This enables customers to bring innovative, eco-friendly products to market faster.
This enhanced infrastructure is particularly valuable for challenging ingredient categories where biodegradability, safety, and performance must be balanced, such as:
- Conditioning polymers for hair care
- Natural actives for skin care
- Biodegradable dispersants for agrochemicals.
For example, Syensqo’s Naternal™ range of biobased, biodegradable polymers and Cerafy™ biomimetic ceramides for beauty care have been developed and optimised using these advanced capabilities. The result is sustainable alternatives for customers without compromising efficacy.
Sustainable design for sustainable solutions
The lab itself embodies Syensqo’s commitment to sustainability. Its construction incorporates environmentally conscious initiatives that reduced net power consumption by 35% and CO2 emissions by 36%. This focus on environmental responsibility extends to the solutions being developed within its walls.
In the agrochemical sector, Syensqo’s work on biological crop protection formulation solutions and biodegradable dispersants addresses the need for products that meet stringent environmental standards while maintaining stability and shelf life. The lab’s ability to simulate real-world conditions, predict biodegradability using digital tools, and rapidly iterate on formulations helps solve complex challenges such as replacing persistent synthetic ingredients or ensuring the viability of biological actives.
Regulatory support and future prospects
The Lyon facility is targeting Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) accreditation in the second half of 2025, which will further enhance its ability to support product registration and regulatory compliance. This capability is particularly valuable for African manufacturers navigating complex and evolving sustainability regulations.
Syensqo’s expertise in industrial microbiology, coupled with advanced toxicology and biotechnology capabilities, ensures that products are not only effective and sustainable but also safe – supporting both regulatory compliance and consumer trust.
By providing these expanded services via a customer-centric service model, Syensqo is empowering manufacturers across Africa and beyond to innovate confidently in line with local and global sustainability goals, bringing eco-friendly products to market faster and with greater assurance of environmental safety.
