Evolva Holding SA has announced that it has signed a collaboration agreement with L’Oréal for the co-development of novel biosynthetic production routes for an undisclosed ingredient with broad applications in the cosmetics industry. Evolva and L’Oréal will apply Evolva’s fermentation technology platform to develop and optimize yeast strains for the sustainable, cost-effective production of what is called “a strategically important cosmetics ingredient.”

This collaboration is scheduled to end in late 2016, and includes an option to expand the ingredient focus. L’Oréal will pay Evolva research fees during the project period. Additionally, Evolva is eligible to receive milestone payments based on achieving research objectives.

Evolva is recognized for its high-value wellness, health and nutrition ingredients. Leveraging its proprietary yeast and fermentation platform, Evolva says it can produce high-value ingredients that would otherwise be highly problematic or inaccessible to industry due to cost, functionality, supply chain, or sustainability issues.

Luc Aguilar, global head of L’Oréal’s Biotechnologies Department, said “Evolva’s biotech platform on yeast design, optimization and fermentation could end in new cosmetic ingredients bringing a real breakthrough for our customers.”