High value-added solutions for strategic markets
THE USE OF INNOVATIVE INDUSTRIAL WASTE TRANSFORMATION AND STABILISATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURE OF COSMETIC INGREDIENTS
CIRCULAR GLOW
Motivation
In response to the need for sustainability-oriented solutions in the cosmetic sector, the revaluation of waste/by-products is gaining relevance. This trend has led to the launch of a wide variety of ingredients with active profiles, primarily exploited through conventional extraction processes. There is a growing drive towards researching more innovative solutions, with upcycled ingredients that can replace polluting chemical additives in the cosmetic sector with higher value-added options.
In this context, this project focuses on the transformation of by-products through technically rigorous and highly sustainable processes to obtain multifunctional ingredients. These ingredients aim to provide the industry with alternatives to chemical ingredients such as preservatives or sunscreens, while also ensuring scientific efficacy with dermo-cosmetic properties.
Objectives
Develop and optimise processes for the extraction and stabilisation of upcycled raw materials of different origins by means of green physicochemical and biotechnological processes to replace the use of chemical compounds in a highly sustainable framework.
Likewise, development will equip the waste/by-products and cosmetic ingredients industries with the tools to move towards a sustainable path with highly innovative compounds.
Value and competitive advantage
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Enables the replacement of conventional chemical ingredients with natural, sustainable and upcycled alternatives.
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Provides multifunctional cosmetic ingredients with proven efficacy and a lower environmental footprint.
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Strengthens competitiveness and market differentiation of cosmetic companies through biotechnological innovation aligned with sustainability trends.
Obtained results
- Development of upcycled cosmetic ingredients through green physicochemical and biotechnological processes using agri‑food and marine residues.
- Optimization of sustainable extraction, fermentation and stabilization processes, improving yields while reducing energy consumption.
- Production of multifunctional structural ingredients, such as apple‑peel pectin and marine cellulose, with superior rheological performance compared to commercial equivalents.
- Validation of dermocosmetic efficacy through in‑vitro and in‑vivo studies, demonstrating improvements in hydration, regeneration and wrinkle reduction.
- Development of ingredients with encapsulation, preservation‑boosting and UV‑protection‑boosting potential from fermented extracts.
- Environmental evaluation through life cycle assessment, confirming a significant reduction in environmental impact compared to conventional processes.
Grant number: IMDEEA/2024/109
Programme: Grants to CV technology centres for R&D projects in cooperation with the private sector
Period of execution: January 2024 – June 2025
Status: Finished
More information: Amount – 249.727,96 €
Entity: IVACE
This project is supported by the Valencian Regional Government’s Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, through IVACE, and is co-financed by the FEDER (European Regional Development Fund) of the European Union, within the FEDER Operational Programme of the Valencian Community 2021-2027.
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R&D AREAS
New high-performance functionalised materials
Circular economy and sustainability
Advanced manufacturing, smart textiles and digitalisation
High value-added solutions for strategic markets
RELATED PROJECTS
NEWS
AITEX is present at the Babykid FIMI fair at Feria Valencia from January 26 to 28, presenting tests and certifications for children’s products.
AITEX has attended the Cosmetorium fair in Barcelona once again on October to present its new products for the cosmetic sector.
AITEX has hosted the LIFE POLITEX workshop entitled “Closing the textile polyester cycle: challenges and opportunities”, based on promoting sustainable solutions for the management and recycling of textile materials.