The Expanscience group inaugurated its second plant raw materials processing unit in Peru on June 4. With this new site, focused on the production of avocado oil, maracuja oil and maca extracts Expanscience intends to strengthen control of its value chain, in particular to better respond to the social and environmental challenges specific to plant-based raw materials.
Thanks to an optimised and modernised production flow, this new site significantly reduces the gas consumption needed to dry fruit while improving the working conditions of our employees.
Expanscience uses numerous plant ingredients, notably avocado derivatives, for the development of its cosmetic active ingredients, as well as its pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Avocado is used in seven of the company’s cosmetic active ingredients [1], as well as in Piasclédine 300, its osteoarthritis treatment, and in several Mustela dermo-cosmetic products. To secure its supplies, the group has strengthened its presence in Peru in recent years, notably with the acquisition of Lima-based Deshidratados Tropicales in 2016. The company, which has been managed by Sébastien Debrock since its acquisition, employs 55 staffs and processes plant raw materials sourced from over 500 local producers.
“We cultivate local relationships and win-win partnerships with local producers. This commitment allows us to reduce our impact while stimulating local economic development,” underlines Sébastien Debrock, Managing Director of Deshidratados Tropicales.
For even more sustainability, Expanscience and Deshidratados Tropicales promote the purchase of avocados from sorting deviations, ensuring a source of income for small producers while combating waste. Their plant-based transformation process allows to recover 100% of the avocado fruit.
In a spirit of continuous improvement and reduction of its environmental footprint, Expanscience is currently conducting a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) study of avocado cultivation in Peru in partnership with the Catholic University of Lima.
