The young Reunion company inaugurates a new laboratory for the production of plant extracts in Saint-Leu, Space devoted to research, to development, and the manufacture of cosmetic products from the vegetable biodiversity of Reunion. This laboratory and its skills, Olica also puts them at the service of other local cosmetics companies.
This new investment, Made during the year 2024, was inaugurated on February 21. It represents an important step for Olica, company producing emulsions of Péi plants inspired by traditional meeting in Reunion, Founded by chemist Camille Legrand. It indeed illustrates its desire to go further in innovation and quality. With its 85 m2 surface, This laboratory is equipped with high -performance devices offering an optimal environment to extract the active ingredients from local plants. "Our goal is to develop cosmetic products that are both effective and environmentally friendly", Recalls Camille Legrand. Thanks to its modern equipment, in particular its new alambic with steam generation allowing to obtain oils of medical quality, Olica seeks to continuously improve the quality of its essential oils and hydrosols. The company has also equipped itself with an ultrasonic extractor which will allow it to enhance the plants of Reunion heritage while preserving their naturalness and efficiency. Olica thus gave itself the means of its ambition to create new products intended for both Reunion consumers and cosmetics and perfumery companies internationally. But not only. "This laboratory is not just a simple infrastructure, It was built on our farm, To ensure the circular management of production and allow us to work in a collaborative spirit, rooted in Reunion soil ”, Also explains Camille Legrand.
Services for local businesses
Equipped for production and research and development, The laboratory offers work services, packaging or formulation to companies wishing to develop their products or simply to produce locally. It also offers laboratory rental services, allowing companies who wish to have the installations necessary for the realization of their projects locally. In addition to these material resources, They can count on the expertise of Olica teams, especially that of its two partners : Emmanuelle Ferrere, phytochimiste, and Camille Legrand, specialized in distillation and aromatherapy.
Sustainable and circular economy
This initiative is part of a circular economy approach, Another strategic axis for the company. Olica is developing a new range of cosmetic ingredients that value upcycling products. The laboratory offers transformation processes to reuse little valued raw materials, like plant extract residues. This approach not only maximizes the use of raw materials, but also to minimize waste. " For example, We valorize agrifood waste to make them precious cosmetic assets », quotes Emmanuelle Ferrère. With the opening of this new laboratory, The company wishes to strengthen its position in the aromatherapy sector and natural cosmetics, but also continue to explore new ways of highlighting the meeting and its biodiversity, "As well as the people who work to study it and transmit the knowledge associated with it, with a common objective of preservation ”, underline Camille Legrand and Emmanuelle Ferrere.
