The Estée Lauder Companies Opens BioTech Hub in Belgium

The Estée Lauder Companies Opens BioTech Hub in Belgium

The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has recently inaugurated its new BioTech Hub in Olen, Belgium, marking a significant step towards sustainable innovation. This cutting-edge facility is dedicated to manufacturing bio-based raw materials, focusing on replacing traditional ingredients with sustainable alternatives derived from plants, yeast, and bacteria. Located near ELC’s existing manufacturing and distribution campus in Oevel, the BioTech Hub is equipped with highly specialized technology and equipment. The facility aims to strengthen global innovation and support the production of ELC’s prestigious beauty brands, including Estée Lauder and La Mer. The BioTech Hub will play a critical role in ELC’s supply chain, providing business continuity and supporting the production of select hero products.

Some of the key bio-based materials being developed at the facility include Plant-Based Ingredients, Fermentation-Derived Ingredients, Algae-Based Compounds, Biopolymers and Microbial Fermentation to produce beneficial compounds such as vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes, which can enhance the performance and sustainability of cosmetic products. The BioTech Hub is focused on integrating these innovative materials into ELC’s product lines, ensuring they meet high standards of safety, efficacy, and sustainability. By doing so, the company aims to lead the way in creating a eco-friendlier future for the beauty industry.

The facility is set to begin commercial production in 2025 and will scale the production of bio-based materials while optimizing manufacturing processes across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It will be led by Caroline Paulussen, PhD, a microbiologist and engineer, reinforcing ELC’s dedication to advancing women in STEM.

Subscribe to our free newsletter to read the latest news and articles before they are published.