Global chemical and biotech players WACKER and Amyris have expanded their collaboration to accelerate the development of bio-based ingredients for the personal care sector.
The partnership was announced at the in-cosmetics trade show in Paris, highlighting both companies’ commitment to sustainable and innovative cosmetic solutions.
Systematic Development of Bio-Based Ingredients
The collaboration aims to systematically evaluate the potential of bio-based ingredients and building blocks, paving the way for innovative personal care applications and new product development approaches.
WACKER and Amyris have already been working together in biotechnology for several years.
- Amyris is a global leader in biomanufacturing with over 20 years of expertise
- WACKER brings decades of experience in silicone-based ingredients and biotech products
This combination creates a strong technological synergy.
Responding to the Rise of Sustainable Cosmetics
The partnership reflects a growing trend in the personal care and consumer goods sectors toward bio-based solutions.
Recent studies show that the bio-based cosmetics market is expected to grow faster than conventional chemically produced alternatives.
In response, WACKER has introduced its new product line under the BELNEXT brand, featuring ingredients made entirely from renewable raw materials.
Ian Moore, Head of WACKER’s Consumer & Healthcare unit, stated:
“This enables us to offer manufacturers and formulators a broad range of ingredients, from proven silicone-based solutions to plant-derived alternatives with similar properties that are fully bio-based.”
High-Performance Molecules Through Biotechnology
Amyris uses precision-engineered microorganisms to convert renewable feedstocks into high-performance molecules.
This technology makes it possible to access chemical structures that are otherwise rare or difficult to obtain from natural sources.
Amyris’s advanced precision fermentation platform supports applications across:
- Flavors and fragrances
- Beauty and personal care
- Specialty chemicals for industrial use
Scalable and Integrated Solutions
For WACKER, the availability and scalability of biological chemistry are key strategic advantages.
The collaboration focuses on transforming Amyris’s bio-based molecules into functional products through WACKER’s formulation and processing expertise.
Ian Moore added:
“We are currently exploring how we can use specific Amyris ingredients to expand and complement our personal care portfolio.”
WACKER is also assessing how these bio-based materials can be integrated into its existing production infrastructure.
Strong Synergy Between Two Leaders
For Amyris, WACKER’s global market expertise and technical service network represent a major asset.
Lisa Roessler, Chief Commercial Officer at Amyris, commented:
“WACKER is a global leader in developing functional ingredients for the cosmetics and personal care industries. It also brings deep insights into customer expectations through its technical application and testing centers.”
She also highlighted the synergy of the partnership:
“By combining WACKER’s formulation and application expertise with Amyris’s leadership in biological chemistry, we have created a uniquely complementary partnership to translate renewable innovation into high-performing cosmetic ingredients at scale.”
Shaping the Future of Cosmetic Ingredients
This collaboration is expected to accelerate the development of high-performance, sustainable, and resource-efficient solutions for the personal care sector.
The scalability of bio-based ingredients and advanced formulation capabilities are set to drive a new wave of innovation in cosmetics.
