Brenntag Specialties partners with Cambrium to introduce ‘NovaColl’ Vegan Collagen in key European Beauty & Care markets

Playful young woman applying cream on nose. Cheerful girl holding green lotion jar standing in front of mirror applying moisturizer on nose. Beautiful woman taking care of skin by applying moisturizer every day in the morning.
  • With this innovative ingredient, Brenntag is further expanding its portfolio of sustainable and effective skin care solutions.
  • The vegan collagen NovaColl will be available to customers in the UK & Ireland, Iberia, France, and Italy.
Brenntag, the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, today announced a strategic partnership with Cambrium, an innovative biotechnology company using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and biology to design novel and performant active ingredients. This collaboration introduces NovaColl, a micro-molecular and 100% skin-identical vegan collagen, to the Beauty & Personal Care sector in the UK and Ireland, Iberia, France, and Italy.
NovaColl is produced through precision fermentation, resulting in a vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable product. Its micro-molecular structure allows for powerful effects across skin layers, making it suitable for numerous skincare applications. By integrating NovaColl into formulations, brands can offer consumers a scientifically advanced solution that supports the skin's natural structure, promoting a more youthful and vibrant appearance.
At the Cosmet'Agora trade fair on January 14 and 15 in Paris, Brenntag will present NovaColl at booth 111-112, where visitors and customers can learn more about this innovative ingredient.
Patrick Koch, Director of Sales Beauty & Care Europe at Brenntag Specialties, remarked: "This innovative ingredient aligns with the increasing consumer demand for sustainable and effective skincare solutions. Our Beauty & Care Innovation & Application Centers across Europe are prepared to assist customers with tailored formulations including NovaColl, and our experienced Technical Service Managers are committed to addressing individual needs and questions regarding the Vegan Collagen. We anticipate exploring further opportunities with Cambrium to introduce trendsetting products to the market."
Lucile Bonnin, PhD, Head of Personal Care at Cambrium, added: "It's amazing to see how the market has responded to our concept of AI designed actives. We're excited to partner with Brenntag and their skilled team of technical experts to bring NovaColl and beyond to more innovators and formulations across the region - such partnerships are a great example of how we can turn molecular innovation into massive impact!"
About Cambrium:
Founded in 2020, Cambrium leverages artificial intelligence and biology to design and manufacture novel active ingredients such as NovaColl, the first micro-molecular and skin identical vegan collagen. Instead of extracting it from animals or limited resources, Cambrium uses precision fermentation to grow innovative molecules, minimizing land, water and energy use. Co-founder Charlie Cotton, PhD explains: "We are one of the few companies trying to straddle hard-core software engineering (and AI) with putting physical stuff in the real world." In 2024, Cambrium was recognized among Europe's top 100 hottest startups and received several awards, including the Deep Tech Award.

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