Naturex investigates innovative sourcing options via plant cell technology and bioreactor cultivation practices
Avignon, 16 November 2016. In March 2016, Naturex, launched Ingenium, an Open Innovation Program aiming to advance technological breakthroughs by supporting innovative ideas and disruptive technologies. Among the avenues being explored, are plant cell technology processes and bioreactor cultivation practices, alternative ways to grow plant raw materials with full traceability, while preserving natural resources.
Agreement with In vitro Plant-tech (IVPT), a Swedish company
In vitro Plant-tech is a research derived company, specializing in plant cell culture development and production. This technology enables production of uniform, high quality plant material, free from pesticides, heavy metals and adulteration. As part of the agreement, IVPT shall use its patented processes to develop and produce unique and exclusive plant cell lines for Naturex.
The obtained material is identical to the plant’s and its components can be used as ingredients in functional foods, dietary supplements or cosmetic applications.
Collaboration with Belgium-based Green2Chem
Founded in 2011, Green2Chem’s ambition is to develop and operate bioreactors to cultivate any type of plant roots, with applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics markets. As humanity faces major challenges in healthcare, it may be necessary to accelerate production of plant roots through technological innovations in order to make their health benefits available to all. Naturex and Green2chem are collaborating on high value plant roots, thus helping to unlock a plant’s full potential.
“As the world leader in specialty plant-based technology, Naturex must anticipate the market’s future needs;” says Marc Roller, Naturex’s CSO. “Today Naturex’s business model is exclusively based on sustainably sourced plant-based extracts but we know that we must remain open to new sustainably obtained natural raw materials. The Ingenium Program helps us identify promising paths and potentially strategic lines of inquiry. Plant-cell technology and bioreactor cultivation may be two of them.”
About Naturex
Naturex sources, manufactures and markets natural specialty ingredients for the food, health and cosmetic industries. As the Natural Maker, the company actively supports the global shift to natural by directly addressing key consumer expectations through an offer built on two main focus areas: My Natural Food and My Natural Selfcare. Naturex’s portfolio includes colors, antioxidants, specialty fruits & vegetables, phytoactives, and numerous other plant-based natural ingredients, designed to help its customers create healthy, authentic and effective products.
The Group’s strong commitment to sustainability, continuous innovation process, and the talent of its people are at the heart of its success.
Headquartered in Avignon, France, Naturex has experienced steadily-increasing growth throughout the last 20 years. The group posted €397.8 million in sales in 2015 and employs 1,700 people worldwide. Naturex is listed on Euronext Paris, Compartment B – Index: Euronext Next 150, Enternext CAC PEA-PME 150, CAC Small & Mid, CAC Small, Gaïa - Ticker: NRX - Reuters: NATU.PA - Bloomberg: NRX:FP - DR SYMBOL: NTUXY
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