Deep Purple has successfully developed cosmetic formulations derived from bio-waste. This has nothing to do with rock music. Rather, it is an initiative that is funded by the European Commission. It reportedly utilises an innovative process. During this, the organic fraction of municipal solid waste undergoes an initial hydrolysis stage. Subsequently, the solid fraction of the hydrolysate is converted into biogas through anaerobic digestion. This biogas is used as carbon source for methanotrophic bacteria to grow in a bioreactor, where they can accumulate up to 10 per cent of their weight as ectoine, to protect themselves from the salt stress of the culture medium.

Ecotin Is Obtained, Extracted and Purified

Both the ectoine extraction and purification are carried out by the project partner Institute of Sustainable Processes (ISP). The ectoine extraction is performed by biomilking and the ectoine purification comprises several steps including desalination via electrodialysis and isolation through ion exchange chromatography. Another project partner, RNB, utilises the purified ectoine as a base ingredient in the development of cosmetic products. These products undergo various formulation trials and stability testing. The most stable of these formulations are now produced on a pilot scale and undergo validation at RNB’s production facilities.

75 Per Cent of Waste Could Be Recycled

According to the initiative, up to 138 million tons of urban bio-waste - equivalent to 75 per cent - are currently incinerated or landfilled within the EU, resulting in substantial ecological and economic costs. Recognizing bio-waste as a significant source of renewable energy and recyclable materials, this initiative aims to embody the principles of a sustainable and circular economy, ensuring that resources are repurposed rather than discarded.

Source: Deep Purple, Premium Beauty News