Robertet’s BioPod acquisition introduces space biofarming AI to perfumery

29 Sep 2023 --- French fragrance and flavor manufacturer Robertet has acquired BioPod, an AI-controlled biofarm developed by American-French biotechnology start-up Interstellar Lab. Leveraging BioPod’s system developed for sustainably growing plants in space, Robertet expects to boost agronomic research in the fragrance, flavors and well-being industries.

The biofarming platform is designed to accelerate plant growth, enable better plant molecular composition and minimize the environmental impact of soil-less cultivation.

“We have decided to invest more in agronomic innovation to tackle the environmental, economic and social challenges currently faced by our plant productions,” Julien Maubert, director of Raw Materials Division and in charge of the Interstellar project at Robertet Group, tells Personal Care Insights.

“This initiative includes several aspects: Precision agriculture, plant material selection, improvement of cultivation and harvesting techniques, increased yield and optimization of surfaces and enhancements of their resistance to climate change.”

She adds that the delivery of the Biopod is scheduled for the first quarter of next year.

Interstellar Lab works with NASA, ESA and space companies to develop plant-growing platforms in space. The company’s plant species catalog consists of microgreens, rare botanicals and endangered species for various beauty, health, agriculture and biodiversity conservation applications.

The BioPod is designed to adapt environmental factors (nutrition, temperature, water, CO2 and light) for optimal yield and production of secondary metabolites by developing plant technology for unsuitable climates. 

Environmental and economic positives
Robertet claims to be the first in the industry to acquire a BioPod that will enable the company to build its knowledge base and reduce its environmental footprint.Robertet expects to boost agronomic research in the fragrance industry.

“At this point, it is still too early to disclose the details about the plants we will study in the Biopod, although we already have some ideas. However, we can state that the Biopod will be key in accelerating our research on our plants, addressing various themes,” comments Maubert.

She expects the BioPod technology will have “significant” impacts on the environment and the economy.

“Environmental Impacts include reduction in the use of chemical products, decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems and reduced water consumption,” she elaborates. 

“Economic benefits could be increased production, improved production quality and reduced production costs. We are convinced that these actions will allow us to make a meaningful contribution to the sustainability of our industry while maintaining the quality of our plant productions.”

Auto-regulating cocoon
The BioPod is designed to anticipate challenges in sourcing and producing natural ingredients, such as climate change. It is an 11 m long, 5 m wide and 6 m high greenhouse that does not require a foundation and offers up to 100 m2 of highly controlled growing space. The BioPod is designed to adapt environmental factors for optimal yield and production of secondary metabolites.

The self-regulating system with sensors and AI was initially created for NASA, and operates in a semi-closed circuit, optimizing the water cycle and capturing CO2. The transparent membrane allows sunlight to pass, reducing the consumption of artificial light.

The BioPod controls the environment based on the type of plants growing, ensuring the most optimal growing conditions and “significantly reducing cultivation surface, water and energy consumption.”

“The arrival of this BioPod in Grasse illustrates Robertet’s innovation strategy: using cutting-edge technologies to offer our customers the best natural products for a more sustainable industry,” comments Jerome Bruhat, CEO at Robertet.

Industry’s ecological transition
Robertet shares that its investment comes when 14 research and creation centers are exploring natural ingredient products and solutions for the company.

“We are delighted to bring BioPods to market with Robertet as our first partner. We share many common values, such as the preservation of biodiversity. With the BioPod, we are offering a solution to the industry’s ecological transition. We harness technology to benefit the living,” remarks Barbara Belvisi, founder and CEO at Interstellar Lab.Maubert expects the BioPod technology will have “significant” impacts on the environment and the economy.

Maubert adds: “We are already engaged in several research programs to prepare the future of aromatic plants agronomy, and we are excited to accelerate this research thanks to the remarkable performance of the BioPod. We are determined to continue transforming our industry.”

Earlier this year, Personal Care Insights interviewed Robertet who showcased a concept that “transcended” traditional skin care fragrances by delivering functional benefits through bioactive olfactory molecules.

Space of inspiration
Personal care companies have been looking at space environments as inspiration for providing cosmetics solutions. For instance, last month, Pola and ANA Holdings revealed skin care products specially designed to be used by Japan’s space agency JAXA and consumers on Earth, while also planning to install them on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024.

In line with its anti-aging serum launch, PCA Skin had its parent company, Colgate-Palmolive Skin Health Group, link up with NASA onboard the ISS to investigate the effect of microgravity on skin’s physiology.

We also interviewed Kao’s hair care R&D director, Dr. Hiroshi Yoshida, who shares the inspiration behind creating a waterless shampoo that was sent with Crew-5 to the ISS. 

Julie Droux, senior technical marketing specialist, actives and natural origins at Clariant, previously spoke to us, highlighting the difference between Earth and space-based personal care and essential ingredients to protect skin health. 

By Venya Patel