Eurolyo, a subsidiary of fine chemicals specialist Berkem, located in Chartres, in the heart of Cosmetic Valley, is expanding its contract freeze-drying capacity. 

Since January 25, 2021, the company, a French specialist in the field for the cosmetics and food markets, has had two additional freeze-dryers (bringing its fleet to nine machines), on a fourfold increase in operating surface area. This €1.4 million investment should enable the company to double its production over the next three years, address new markets and recruit new staff. 

Freeze-drying: a wide range of applications 

The vacuum sublimation dehydration process has several advantages: it preserves the product's integrity, prolongs its shelf life and reduces its weight, while retaining its active bases and, in some cases, its volume. 

For 25 years, Eurolyo has been supporting players in the food and cosmetics industries, as well as the chemical, fermentation, pharmaceutical and parapharmaceutical sectors, in their "made-to-order" freeze-drying projects. 

From now on, some 105 tons of incoming material per year (compared with 63 tons before the installation of the two freeze-dryers) can be processed: from mare's milk (1 kg is transformed into 100 g powder) to freeze-dried dishes, plant and marine extracts, all on optimized cycles, in clean rooms, i.e. a controlled atmosphere work area classified ISO 7. 

Development in several stages

The company was able to benefit from the financial strength and chemical market knowledge of the Berkem Group, of which it has been a subsidiary since February 2018. 

The €1.4 million investment - including €650,000 for the two machines - now gives the company greater flexibility and responsiveness to deliver orders for both French and foreign customers (exports account for 10 % of sales). While the clean rooms now cover an area of 325 m² (compared with 150 m² before the works), the enlarged premises (1,700 m²) will facilitate future developments to keep pace with the market. The flexibility of a company with a small team (four employees joined by two by March 2021) and the assured and recognized consistency of the product mean that Eurolyo can expect sales of around €3 million by December 2023. 

Projects currently under study include an R&D unit and dedicated equipment, a Eurolyo-branded product range, the acquisition of new tools including a cryo-grinder, and joint projects with other Berkem Group subsidiaries.

In a complex, demanding and ever-changing environment, Albert Vieille has for many years been committed to a continuous improvement approach to better meet customer requirements and environmental, social and economic challenges.

The company announces its dual ISO 9001:2015* and ISO 14001:2015** certification, rewarding its quality and environmental management systems respectively.

"These certifications respond to strong external demand, and are proof to our stakeholders of our operational mastery, the performance of our systems, and the quality assurance and regulatory compliance of our products and services, says the company. It is also a pledge to our customers of our commitment to providing them with the utmost satisfaction. We were able to obtain these certifications thanks to the high quality of our existing operational expertise and the collective commitment of all our teams.

Certificates are valid for three years, with annual follow-up audits. 

Arnaud Brondel, President of Albert Vieille, explains in an internal press release: "I'd like to thank our QHSE manager, Margaux Leneveu, as well as all our process managers and teams for the work that has been initiated. As this is a continuous improvement process, having these certificates is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a major effort to optimize the efficiency of our organization and the satisfaction of our customers."

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* ISO 9001 defines the criteria for a quality management system. The standard is based on a number of quality management principles, including strong customer orientation, management motivation and commitment, the process approach and continuous improvement.

** ISO 14001 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system. In line with the organization's environmental policy, the expected results of an environmental management system include improving environmental performance, meeting compliance obligations and achieving environmental objectives.

Hospitality products n.ki are fully in line with the Care About Earth and contribute to the company's efforts to minimize its impact on the environment.

Designed to meet new cosmetic and environmental requirements, the n.ki line restores balance to the senses, body and mind by drawing on the benefits of the blue lotus. This new line demonstrates a committed environmental conscience throughout its production chain, from the selection of ingredients of natural origin, some of which are organically grown, to its responsible packaging.

Hospitality products n.kivegan and certified organic, contain no ingredients of animal origin and include at least 98 % of ingredients of natural origin. 

Laurent Marchand, President of GM Group, said: " We are delighted to be reinventing n.ki, Organic Bath Line. Carefully designed to embody the subtle alliance of nature and well-being, this new line of hospitality products is the perfect complement to enhance guests' precious sense of serenity. These vegan amenities fully embrace the values of our Care About Earth program, and we look forward to offering them to hotels worldwide. "

The new collection offers a wide range of products, including shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. These products are offered in 30 ml tubes, made from 90 % sugar cane and fitted with a 100 % recycled plastic cap. Hair & body gel and liquid soap are available in a 500 ml Ecopump dispenser, made from 100 % sugarcane and equipped with a biosourced resin pump. A 20 g paper-wrapped soap completes the line.

 www.groupegm.com/