Silab Hosts Scientific Seminar, Expands Plant

Silab, Brive, France, hosted a scientific seminar from June 24 and 25 for approximately 200 customers. The event commemorated the company’s 20th anniversary and the inauguration of a new production unit at the Correze site.
The seminar featured various presentations from industry experts and professors. Session 1, entitled “Extraction of active molecules: structure-function relationship,” featured talks on polyphenols and vegetable-derived polysaccharides. The second session, “Effectiveness: contribution of new models,” spotlighted confocal microscopy of molecules and cells, and optical properties of skin. Session 3 was “Safety: a critical aspect—allergy” with presentations on dendrite cells, cosmetic allergies and plant extract allergens. Lastly in Session 4, an expert tackled the topic of “Industrial property.”
Executives said the Correze plant has added 6000 square meters to form a 10,000 square meter production space. Silab said the $10 million investment allows large volumes to be processed with automated high-tech equipment. This software can be adapted to pre-existing plant processes and production sequences and controls management, monitoring and traceability, as well as control and reliability. Results can be validated at a pilot plant with reduced-scale equipment. Silab also offers in vitro and in vivo research on active molecules.
Due to high volume, Silab also established two commercial subsidiaries, Silab, Inc. in the U.S. and joint venture Silab Korea in Korea with local partners. Executives said in 2004, 40% of turnover has come from exports.
Recent additions to Silab’s ingredient lineup include Ridulisse C to firm skin, Recoverine to prevent dry skin, Bioxilift to relax skin, Vitanol to prevent lines and Biosculptine to inhibit adipocyte differentiation.
More info: (33) 0-555-84-58-40; Fax: (33) 0-555-84-95-64; E-mail: silab@ silab.fr; Website: www.silab.fr.