18


INTERVIEW


We work with Nicotiana


benthamiana, and we need to grow as many leaves as possible. The mRNA of the protein of interest goes down to the roots. It requires agricultural engineering to optimise the light, the humidity, the temperature, the water, and the nutrients. The process is relatively long; it


takes around two months to produce the pure protein from seed. We collect only the leaves with


the protein, and then we send the leaves to our biotechnological lab in Madrid – the downstream facility. There we conduct the extraction of the protein and the complex purification process. It’s one of the differentiators of


our technologies. Many companies are working with standard proteins, and they do not have the same level of industrial sophistication. We have a lot of experience with


our process, which is non-GMO, and it is a very stable and flexible way to produce proteins now. We have developed 12 proteins like this. Biotechnology is growing fast.


We are able to produce, through precision fermentation, many different products. We have more than 900 microorganisms. We found three different


bacteria that were not described in the scientific bibliography. One of them is named after LipoTrue, Alteromonas lipotrueae. It was identified as a new strain of Alteromonas found living in symbiosis on the surface of the Pelagia noctiluca jellyfish in the Mediterranean Sea. From the fermentation extract of this microorganism we developed Viwa, a key active in our portfolio for expression wrinkles application.


TP: Given the growing strength of cosmetic ingredients in and around Barcelona, have you looked at acquiring any companies? JCE: We have very good relationships with them. In some cases, we have co-operation with them. We are members of the Spanish Association of Cosmetic Ingredients (AEIC - Asociación Española de Ingredientes


PERSONAL CARE MAGAZINE March 2026


Cosméticos). But most of us are developing


in different ways. As I said, we are co-operating in some areas, but when you combine two companies, you create a new company with a new culture, new ideas, and a new approach. That could be very interesting! Why not, in the future?


TP: It sounds like something might be happening. JCE: Yes. Why not?


TP: Well, you’ve got a good relationship with Lipotec…. JCE: Yes, we have a very good relationship with Lipotec; with Provital; with Vytrus Biotech; with Bicosome; with all the companies here. We also have good relationships with companies in other countries. We have very good relationship with Lubrizol, with Ashland.


TP: Have you been approached as a target yourself? Has anyone knocked on the door and said ‘Juan Carlos, are you interested in selling to us’? Would you sell? JCE: We are now in a ramp-up phase. Our focus is to develop our own strategy, our own portfolio, and to continue growing in the way that we are doing now. We want to avoid distraction;


we want to continue to develop and integrating future new technologies.


TP: You said you see China exporting more finished products. In terms of raw materials, do you see the same? Is it becoming more difficult to compete with Chinese and other Asian ingredient manufacturers? JCE: They are very innovative and sometimes they are able to introduce a new product much faster than in Europe and even faster than in the US. As with other industries, like


semiconductors and electric cars, China likes to target the development of a particular technology and then try to get market share. I believe they will do the same with cosmetic active ingredients.


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