As part of the agreement, several hundred tons of the ingredient will be distributed in the Japanese market.
John Melo, CEO of Amyris commented on the expansion of the company’s sales volumes of renewably-sourced squalane as a way to provide additional customers with a reliable supply of this emollient.
Sustainable cosmetics products
Likewise, president of Nikko Chemicals, Shigeru Sekine said that this was a first-of-its-kind opportunity to deliver a reliable supply of sustainably-derived squalane.
“We have been in the squalane business for over half a century and are pleased to be working with Amyris to expand the use of this high-value emollient in the Japanese market.”
In addition, the two companies are exploring additional Biofene-based cosmetic commercialization opportunities as part of Nikko’s GCS+E (Green, Clean, Sustainable + Economy) strategy, which puts environmental concerns at the heart of all business activities, according to Amyris.
Moisturizing ingredient
Squalane is a natural organic compound used as a moisturizing ingredient in a wide range of cosmetics products. It is primarily sourced from shark liver oil or refined olive oil.
Amyris says its squalane is produced from Biofene, which is renewable farnesene and is sourced from sugarcane of high purity and stability.
Amyris squalane is also Ecocert certified and has been tested as well as integrated in end products by its partners and customers.