Seppic, a leading provider of specialty ingredients for health and beauty markets, has announced the opening of a state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated to fermentation biotechnologies. Located at the Air Liquide Group’s Innovation Campus Delaware, the new facility underscores Seppic’s commitment to sustainable innovation and the development of high-performance, bio-based ingredients.

This strategic move comes as consumer demand for eco-conscious and effective personal care products continues to rise. Fermentation, a time-honored process used in food production and preservation, has emerged as a powerful tool in the cosmetics and health industries. By harnessing the power of microorganisms, Seppic aims to create ingredients with a reduced environmental footprint, minimizing impact on biodiversity and land use.

The new laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by experts in the field of fermentation. Its primary focus will be on developing novel ingredients that address both efficacy and societal challenges within the cosmetics and health sectors. This aligns with Seppic’s broader approach to “committed innovation,” which emphasizes responsible and sustainable practices.

The choice of the Innovation Campus Delaware offers significant advantages for Seppic. Having housed its American Customer Technical Service Center there since 2007, the company will now benefit from enhanced synergy with Air Liquide Group’s research and development activities on the campus. This co-location fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing, accelerating the pace of innovation. Furthermore, the campus’s location within the vibrant American research ecosystem in biotechnologies provides access to a wealth of expertise and resources.

This expansion into the US represents a key milestone in Seppic’s internationalization strategy for research and innovation. It complements the recent opening of new research facilities at their Castres site in France in 2024, demonstrating a significant ongoing investment in future research capabilities.

Hannes Moeller, Chief Executive Officer of Seppic, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, "Following the opening in 2024 of new Research facilities at our Castres site in France, Seppic continues to invest in the future with this laboratory in the United States. It will enable us to continue innovating for the performance of our ingredients by addressing the needs of our markets."

Seppic’s dedication to research and innovation is evident in its allocation of nearly 15% of its workforce to these activities. The company’s focus on fermentation biotechnologies reflects a broader industry trend towards sustainable and bio-based solutions. By leveraging this technology, Seppic aims to create ingredients that not only deliver exceptional performance but also contribute to a healthier planet.