On Tuesday June 4, Expanscience inaugurated its second plant for processing plant-based raw materials in Peru. This new site will enable the company to reinforce its "responsible plant sourcing" approach.
Laboratoires Expanscience has been present in South America for over 20 years. The company, which specializes in dermocosmetics, rheumatology, dermatology and the marketing of active cosmetics, has strengthened its presence in Peru, notably with the acquisition of Deshidratados Tropicales in 2016.
Based in Lima for over 30 years, Deshidratados Tropicales processes plant raw materials for pharmaceutical and cosmetic uses. Under the management of Sébastien Debrock since its takeover, the company employs 55 people and maintains partnerships with over 500 local producers.
Deshidratados Tropicales has reached a new milestone with the inauguration of its second production site in the country, dedicated primarily to the production of avocado oil.
As a raw material, avocado is used in seven cosmetic active ingredients produced by Expanscience, as well as in Piasclédine300, a drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis, the company's flagship product, and in several dermocosmetic products from the Mustela brand.
Virtuous production
In Peru, Expanscience is currently carrying out a life cycle assessment (LCA) of avocado cultivation in partnership with the Catholic University of Lima, with a view to continuous improvement and impact reduction.
Thanks to an optimized and modernized production flow, the new Peruvian plant has already enabled a significant reduction in the gas consumption required for avocado drying, while improving working conditions for employees, according to Expanscience.
Deshidratados Tropicales promotes the purchase of avocados from sorting deviations, ensuring a source of income for small producers while combating waste. The whole avocado is recycled via upcycling.
One of Expanscience's priorities is "responsible plant sourcing", an approach initiated over 15 years ago, for its supply chains in France and abroad. The company relies on the best practices established by the UEBT (Union for Ethical BioTrade), of which it has been a member since 2011, as well as compliance with international agreements on access to natural resources and human rights.
"We are proud to inaugurate this plant, which demonstrates our determination to master our value chain and contribute to more sustainable development, both economically and environmentally", comments Jean-Paul Berthomé, Chairman of Expanscience.
" We cultivate close relationships and win-win partnerships with local producers. This commitment enables us to reduce our impact while stimulating local economic development, says Sébastien Debrock, General Manager of Deshidratados Tropicales.
Photo: ©APU Productions
