Bio-on to develop new plant to produce microbeads for cosmetics

Italy-based developer Bio-on is set to begin construction of a new plant, which will produce bioplastic microbeads Minerv Bio Cosmetics.

The microbeads are biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) developed to replace commonly used oil-based, non-biodegradable microscopic particles.

Expected to be completed by the end of this year, the new plant will begin production early next year, with an investment of €15m. The 30,000m² facility will create 40 jobs and have a production capacity of 1,000 tonnes per year, which is expandable to 2,000 tonnes.

The plant will be equipped with advanced technologies and research laboratories to test and develop new PHA bioplastics with agricultural and agro-industrial waste as a raw material.

Bio-on's chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Marco Astorri said: "We are pleased because so far we have obtained the necessary authorisations to begin construction on schedule.

"We are also extremely proud because thanks to our technology the cosmetics sector can now take a green turn that millions of consumers around the world have been demanding for some time."

Made from renewable plant sources, all the firm's PHA bioplastics are claimed to feature thermo-mechanical properties similar to conventional plastics, are eco-sustainable, and biodegradable. They consist of highly spherical micro powders, with a diameter of 5 to 20 microns, and a porous or hollow structure to ensure absorption of oil and sebum.

They also contain optical qualities such as a soft focus effect designed to minimise wrinkles and make the skin brighter and less greasy.