IFF celebrated the 40th anniversary of LMR Naturals, and the legacy of its founder Monique Remy, at the Simppar trade show held in Grasse on May 28 and 29, 2024. 

"For four decades, LMR has pioneered the creation of natural fragrance ingredients that harness the beauty and quality of nature.comments Bertrand de Préville, Managing Director of LMR. We have always remained true to the values of sustainability, respect and innovation instilled by our founder, Monique Remy. For example, we achieved the fragrance industry's first-ever third-party certification of a natural supply chain in 2014, after launching the first collection of recycled fragrance ingredients in 2013. These are just two of many significant achievements. Today, as demand for natural ingredients skyrockets, LMR Naturals is well positioned to serve a market driven by a consumer desire for quality and differentiation, as well as a commitment to sustainable choices."

Heritage and international innovation 

As part of IFF's Scent business unit, LMR Naturals - acquired by IFF in 2000 - produces a wide range of ingredients for the perfumery, personal care and home care markets. With access to IFF's international sourcing and production network, LMR Naturals' activities have grown, while remaining firmly committed to sustainability and respect for stakeholders throughout its value chain. 

"Even at a time when the industry was moving away from pure natural products, LMR defended the power and beauty of nature.continues Bertrand de Préville. With Monique's determination, ambition and expertise, IFF has created a unique company, which we are proud to present "at home" in Grasse (...). We look forward to further discussions with our partners about the unique properties of our ingredients, and the comprehensive support and creativity we can offer to customers seeking to develop their next innovations. Monique remains an inspiration to us all (...)."

A book was published to mark the occasion: L'art du naturel (Nez Editions, 2024).

Global Bioenergies is building a plant to produce its Isonaturane 12 and 16 products, biobased alternatives to petroleum-based isododecane and isohexadecane.

The new plant, recently scaled down to 2,500 tonnes of isobutene derivatives per year (from the previously announced 10,000 t/year), will focus on the most profitable markets: make-up and prestige skincare products.

Global Bioenergies is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed the preliminary design phase of this project for a plant dedicated to the cosmetics market, scheduled to come on stream in mid-2027.

"Two engineering firms were commissioned, the first to handle the biological side of the project, and the second the part dedicated to green chemistry. Their respective expertise gives us a very good vision of the plant's plans. In the short term, we're looking ahead to the next stage, the detailed design phase.says Roland Desvignes, Industrial Director of Global Bioenergies.

At the same time, process validation tests under conditions mimicking those of the future plant, carried out with fermentation specialist ARD at Global Bioenergies' Pomacle-Bazancourt (51) facility, have been successfully completed, according to Global Bioenergies.

"The success of these tests confirms the robustness of our process. They consolidate our business plan and the strong profitability we are projecting for the plant".explains Frédéric Ollivier, Technical Director of Global Bioenergies.

In addition to cosmetics, the plant will also serve to kick-start the market for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

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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.

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Lipoid Kosmetik, a leading manufacturer of high-quality botanical extracts, active ingredients and natural phospholipid products for the cosmetics and personal care industry, introduces Herbasol Plant Water, a versatile range of plant waters optimized for cosmetic use. 

According to Lipoid Kosmetik, this product line embodies the power of plant ingredients (100 natural %, high proportion of plant components, short Inci, Lactobacillus ferment used for natural preservation), and combines this with a transparent, odorless appearance that is easy to incorporate into a variety of cosmetic formulations. 

Herbasol Plant Water products meet the demands of natural, clean and pure beauty concepts, as well as a feeling of freshness and hydration. Fermentation metabolites also enable fermented and postbiotic skin care claims. 

Produced by steam distillation, a process that extracts water-soluble compounds from plant matter to produce a condensed liquid containing its pure essence, plant waters are associated with deep hydration, pure, beneficial ingredients and the idea of naturally radiant, revitalized skin. These hydrolats evoke natural, refreshing and nourishing images.