US firm CP Kelco is partnering with compatriot biotech outfit ExoPolymer to develop and commercialise a portfolio of functional ingredients for the personal care industry.
The initial focus of this partnership will be to scale up production of ExoPolymer’s first product, a polysaccharide-based biopolymer to be used in high-end, skin care formulations for hydration, anti-aging, and anti-wrinkle performance.
In partnership with CP Kelco, ExoPolymer plans to offer an improved alternative to hyaluronic acid designed to be effective, animal-free, genetic modification-free, safe and derived from plant feedstocks.
“Partnering with CP Kelco at this early stage is exceptionally valuable for ExoPolymer,” said ExoPolymer founder and CEO Dr Derek Wells.
“Their decades of industry leadership, experience in producing biopolymer ingredients, and understanding what it takes to scale a fermentation process substantially de-risk our path to commercial success,” he added.
“As we explore new and valuable functionalities of our technology, CP Kelco’s production capabilities and market reach will allow us to commercialise needed products at a heightened pace.”
CP Kelco president Didier Viala added: “We are delighted to partner with ExoPolymer to introduce a portfolio of new and unique ingredients to the marketplace.
“The personal care segment and the broader consumer packaged goods industry offer exciting opportunities for fermentation-derived ingredients that can deliver existing or new functional benefits in a more sustainable and/or more cost-effective way.”
