WACKER and Amyris partner to develop scalable, bio-based personal-care ingredients by combining biotechnology expertise with formulation and global market capabilities.
WACKER and Amyris, a U.S.-based leader in biomanufacturing, have announced an expanded partnership aimed at advancing innovation in the personal-care industry. The announcement was made at the in-cosmetics Global trade show in Paris, where both companies outlined their plans to intensify collaboration on the development of bio-based functional ingredients. Their shared objective is to systematically explore the potential of renewable raw materials and biological building blocks, ultimately enabling new product formulations and innovative approaches in personal care applications.
This partnership builds upon an already established relationship between the two companies in the biotechnology space. Amyris brings more than two decades of experience in developing and manufacturing biological chemistry, positioning itself as a pioneer in precision fermentation and renewable ingredient production. Meanwhile, WACKER Chemie AG contributes extensive expertise as a global manufacturer of silicone specialties and biotechnology-derived products. The company has long-standing experience in formulating silicone-based ingredients and producing compounds such as cyclodextrin and cysteine through fermentation processes, serving both personal-care and life-science markets.
The collaboration reflects a broader industry shift toward sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. Market research indicates that demand for bio-based cosmetics is expected to grow at a faster pace than traditional chemically synthesized products. Recognizing this trend, WACKER has already taken steps to align its portfolio with sustainability goals. At the Paris trade show, the company introduced its BELNEXT® product line, which consists entirely of ingredients derived from renewable resources. This initiative enables manufacturers and formulators to choose from a diverse range of options, including both established silicone-based solutions and plant-based alternatives that deliver comparable performance.
Amyris plays a crucial role in this collaboration by leveraging its advanced biotechnology platform. Using precision-engineered microorganisms, the company converts renewable feedstocks into high-performance molecules. This process allows access to chemical compounds that are otherwise scarce or difficult to extract from natural sources. Amyris’s ingredients, produced through precision fermentation, have already gained widespread acceptance across industries such as beauty and personal care, flavors and fragrances, and specialty chemicals.
For WACKER, the scalability and availability of such biologically derived molecules present significant opportunities. The partnership focuses on identifying and utilizing Amyris’s bio-based ingredients, which can then be enhanced through WACKER’s expertise in processing, formulation, and application. This approach aims to expand WACKER’s personal-care portfolio while maintaining high standards of performance and compatibility.
Additionally, WACKER is exploring how Amyris’s renewable raw materials can be integrated into its existing production systems. The company’s strengths in product development, formulation science, and industrial-scale manufacturing play a key role in transforming innovative concepts into market-ready solutions. On the other hand, Amyris benefits from WACKER’s global presence, including its well-established sales channels and technical service network, which provide valuable insights into customer requirements and product performance expectations.
Overall, the collaboration is expected to accelerate the development and commercialization of sustainable personal-care ingredients. By combining WACKER’s formulation and application expertise with Amyris’s leadership in biotechnology and biomanufacturing, the partnership creates strong synergies. Together, they aim to deliver innovative, high-performance, and resource-efficient solutions that meet the evolving demands of the global cosmetics industry.
