The vegan silk biopolymers of the company AMSilk seem to be in particular demand with Swiss companies at present: After the luxury watch manufacturer Omega announced a cooperation with the Martinsried biotech company in January, Givaudan, the world's largest manufacturer of fragrances and flavors, announced its next coup: The specialty chemicals company based in Vernier will take over the cosmetics business of AMSilk GmbH. The acquisition is part of Givaudan's 2020 strategy to strengthen its Active Beauty business. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Opening up new markets

Jens Klein, Managing Director of AMSilk said: "We are honoured that Givaudan is acquiring our successful cosmetics business to further expand internationally to reach even more consumers around the world with our functional biopolymers". Laurent Bourdeau, Head of Givaudan's Active Beauty business, praised: "The AMSilk technology is unique and will allow us to enlarge our portfolio of products by developing bespoke polypeptides". The products are bio-based and the processes are absolutely sustainable, which is in line with consumer demand for "clean" beauty products. Maurizio Volpi, President of Givaudan's Fragrances Division, also highlighted the strong research of the German company and its biotechnology platform for future developments.

Silky gloss and anti-aging effect

AMSilk biotechnologically produces spider silk proteins that are used in medical technology, in aircraft construction, in the textile industry and also in skin and hair care. The biopolymers give hair a silky appearance, protect its colour and keep dirt away. They develop an anti-aging effect on the skin.

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