DIC and Debut Commence Joint Business Development of Polyphenols for the Cosmetics and Nutrition Industries Using Innovative Biotechnology

TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Biotech—DIC Corporation (DIC) announced the start of joint business development in the area of polyphenols with California-based biotech startup Debut, a vertically integrated synthetic biology company at the forefront of advanced biomanufacturing technology. The polyphenols will be produced using an innovative biotechnology for use in the cosmetics and nutrition industries. As a first step, DIC and Debut will begin construction of a biomanufacturing facility in the United States in 2023, and will launch global sales for use in the cosmetics field via the DIC Group�s distribution network in 2024.

Debut possesses outstanding enzyme discovery and design technologies, as well as an advanced biomanufacturing platform (precision fermentation and cell-free manufacturing) using these enzymes. These technologies enable the selective and stable production of many rare, naturally derived organic compounds. In July 2021, DIC and Debut began the joint development of a new method for synthesizing natural pigments. Working together, the two companies achieved titers one-thousand times higher than those typically achieved by traditional fermentation methods. DIC and Debut will now jointly produce and sell polyphenols, which have become increasingly popular in recent years, for use in cosmetics and nutrition.

Polyphenols are naturally occurring organic compounds commonly found in plants, from which they are extracted for use in such consumer products as cosmetics, where they are referred to as “natural extracts.” However, despite the promising performance of polyphenols, there have been significant challenges to commercialization due to unacceptably low yields (the amount that can be extracted is often small) and various cost considerations. Debut’s proprietary biomanufacturing technology overcomes these issues and enables the stable production of active ingredients with high levels of purity and concentration. In comparison with conventional cosmetic ingredients such as vitamin C, initial evaluation with laboratory prototypes has confirmed numerous superior effects on the skin, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties at the genetic level. In addition, this biomanufacturing technology uses less than one-tenth of the water and land required by the conventional extraction process, and significantly reduces post-extraction waste generation. The new polyphenols will thus easily meet the expectations of both cosmetic brand owners and consumers for sustainable ingredients and environment-friendly manufacturing processes.

The DIC Group’s global sales network will promote and sell the newly developed polyphenols to all cosmetic brand owners interested in safety, efficacy and sustainability. In line with its redefined vision statement, “We improve the human condition by safely delivering color and comfort for sustainable prosperity—Color & Comfort,” DIC will strive through this joint business development with Debut to offer safer and more sustainable products.

About DIC Corporation

DIC Corporation is one of the world’s leading fine chemicals companies and the core of the DIC Group, a multinational organization comprising over 190 companies, including Sun Chemical Corporation, in more than 60 countries and territories. The DIC Group is recognized as a global leader in the markets for a variety of products essential to modern lifestyles, including packaging materials, display materials such as those used in television and computer displays, and high-performance materials for smartphones and other digital devices, as well as for automobiles. Through such products, the Group endeavors to deliver safety and peace of mind, and color and comfort, to people everywhere. The DIC Group also seeks to contribute to a sustainable society by developing innovative products that respond to social change and which help address social imperatives. With annual consolidated net sales exceeding ¥1 trillion and 22,000-plus employees worldwide, we pledge to continue working in close cooperation with our customers wherever they are.

Website: https://www.dic-global.com/en/

Contacts

customer inquiries: New Business Development Headquarters’ Health Care Business Unit at dic-sg@ma.dic.co.jp