Since 2019, the teams at Laboratoire Bio Stratège have been identifying active substances from Amazonian biodiversity and transforming them locally into natural, eco-friendly ingredients that meet European cosmetics standards.
"Tomorrow’s cosmetics will be very different from today’s; they will be more natural and respectful of ecosystems. We intend to be a driving force behind this shift, through cosmetics based on high technology craftsmanship," explains Mariana Royer, the founder and CEO of the company. For the head of the company, the objective is twofold: to promote the sustainable development of French Guiana and the cosmetics industry’s environmental transition.
From the field to the bench
From its beginnings focused on the study of açaí and awara (fruit of the Astrocaryum vulgare palm tree) — two plants endemic to French Guiana whose seeds produce oils rich in nutrients such as omega-3, 6 and 9, and vitamins A, C and E — the laboratory is now developing 28 species from French Guiana’s ecosystem: medicinal plants, superfruits, aromatic plants, rhizomes, and wood.
Once the production of plants has been mastered, the second stage is the identification and extraction of compounds of interest. The actives are listed, their benefits documented, and the extraction processes standardised. Vegetable by-products are also studied, to make the most of resources.
As a result, Laboratoire Bio Stratège offers green solutions produced and extracted locally using environmentally-friendly processes, in compliance with European regulations and the Nagoya Protocol.
Targeting industrial production
While French Guiana boasts exceptional biodiversity, its industry is virtually non-existent. To make the most locally of the region’s green resources, Laboratoire Bio Stratège first developed the agricultural ecosystem by creating reliable supply chains. Ongoing training for local farmers in sustainable, diversified agroforestry farming ensures that the plots are properly exploited.
This upstream work has led to the creation of a medicinal plant trading economy through a processing chain "from the original plant resource to its use," via the development and mastery of standardised ingredient manufacturing processes. Today, the laboratory can offer a complete range of services, from the development of tailor-made ingredients to the creation of formulas, including regulatory compliance and strategic and marketing consultancy. Alongside its R&D activities, Laboratoire Bio Stratège also develops its own brands of herbal products, supplements, and cosmetics.
The laboratory now wants to step up its development and has set itself the target of supplying industrial volumes to international cosmetics players by 2030. "Major investments are planned to increase our production capabilities with the construction of a new industrial site," explains Mariana Royer.
To support its eco-friendly commitments, Laboratoire Bio Stratège is also planning to create botanical gardens for scientific and educational eco-tourism. The aim? To encourage national and international investors to set up in French Guiana. Because the founder is convinced that French Guiana has what it takes to become a real hub for green technologies!
