Keraplast
Keraplast is a New Zealand-based B2B biotechnology company that manufactures functional keratin protein ingredients from regeneratively farmed sheep's wool and supplies them to brand owners in personal care, nutraceutical, and wound care markets across 22 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1996
- HeadquartersChristchurch, New Zealand
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Keraplast does
Keraplast is a privately held B2B biotechnology company, headquartered and manufacturing in Christchurch, New Zealand, that develops and supplies functional keratin protein ingredients to brand owners in personal care, nutraceutical, and wound care markets across 22 countries. The company operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of the US-based Keraplast Technologies LLC and traces its origin to a 1996 US founding by Dr Robert Allen Smith and a 2001 New Zealand research initiative by Keratec, which merged in the early 2000s into a single entity with 130+ individual patents across 36 patent families (28 listed on the company site).
Keraplast's core technology is the Functional Keratin® platform — a proprietary extraction process that recovers soluble, bioactive keratin proteins and peptides from regeneratively farmed New Zealand sheep's wool while preserving cystine content and controlling molecular weight, unlike conventional hydrolysis that destroys bioactivity. The platform yields three distinct keratin types (intermediate filament proteins, oxidised keratin 91% homologous to human hair, and hydrolysed keratin) that feed a portfolio of branded ingredients: ingestible keraGEN-IV® for hair/skin/nail nutraceuticals; topical actives Cynergy TK™, FK Repair Ultra™, FK Scalp™, FK Restore™, FK Protect Plus™, and CoreTX-pep™ for personal-care formulations; and Replicine™-based wound-care products Keramatrix®, Keragel®, and Kerox® for advanced wound management.
The business model is B2B ingredient supply: Keraplast manufactures proprietary keratin ingredients and sells them, typically under branded ingredient names with documented clinical claims (e.g., 43.1% reduction in hair fall, 82% decrease in breakage of coloured hair, 25% wrinkle reduction), to consumer-brand manufacturers and global ingredient distributors including Croda International, AIDP Inc, and IFF Health, with regional channel coverage via CDL Union in Asia. In 2025 the company added an exclusive MedTech manufacturing arrangement with BioWound Solutions (US) for wound-care products, extended its raw-material supply via a five-year, 400-tonne Wools of New Zealand contract, and launched a suite of new keraGEN-IV nutraceutical SKUs globally. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed.
Keraplast firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Keraplast
- Legal name
- Keraplast Manufacturing
- Website
- https://keraplast.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1996
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Keraplast is a New Zealand-based B2B biotechnology company that manufactures functional keratin protein ingredients from regeneratively farmed sheep's wool and supplies them to brand owners in personal care, nutraceutical, and wound care markets across 22 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Keraplast industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Functional Keratin Ingredients
- akta.pro primary industry
- Specialty & Novel Proteins (Single-Cell Protein, Cell-Cultured/Animal-Free Proteins) (AFAJAHAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Proteins & Functional Nutrition Ingredients (Plant/Animal Proteins, Collagen, Amino Acids) (CRADAOAJ), Nutraceuticals & Functional Ingredients for Animal Diets (Probiotics, Omega-3, Joint, GI) (HLAMAHAH)
Keywords
Where Keraplast is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Christchurch
- HQ country
- New Zealand
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices2 records
Markets served
Keraplast business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- B2B Ingredient Supply: Keraplast manufactures and sells branded functional keratin ingredients (keraGEN-IV, Cynergy TK, FK Repair Ultra, FK Scalp, FK Restore, FK Protect Plus, CoreTX-pep) to personal care and nutraceutical manufacturers and distributors in global markets including Europe, China, UK, and USA.
- Medical Device Manufacturing: Exclusive manufacturing agreement with BioWound Solutions to manufacture keratin-based wound care products (Keramatrix®, Keragel®, Kerox®) for the US market. Signals entry into MedTech business with production of medical devices.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Keraplast product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Keraplast manufactures and supplies branded, soluble, bioactive keratin protein and peptide ingredients recovered from regeneratively farmed New Zealand sheep's wool. Its Functional Keratin® platform produces three keratin types (IFP, oxidised, hydrolysed) serving personal care (hair and skin), nutraceutical (ingestible beauty/wellness), wound care (MedTech), and pet wellness brand customers through B2B ingredient supply and an exclusive US wound-care manufacturing partnership with BioWound Solutions.
Product overview
Keraplast is a B2B biotechnology company that manufactures and supplies functional keratin ingredients to global health, nutrition, and personal care companies. The portfolio consists of three main categories: (1) Nutraceutical ingredients including keraGEN-IV® for ingestible beauty supplements supporting hair, skin, and nail health from within; (2) Personal Care ingredients including Cynergy TK™, FK Repair Ultra™, FK Scalp™, FK Restore™, FK Protect Plus™, and CoreTX-pep™ for topical hair and skincare formulations; and (3) MedTech products including Keramatrix®, Keragel®, and Kerox® for advanced wound care applications. All products are based on bioactive keratin proteins recovered from regeneratively farmed New Zealand sheep's wool using proprietary extraction processes that preserve protein functionality and bioactivity.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- keraGEN-IV: Inner Beauty (Ingestible) - Bioactive keratin ingredient for supporting keratin metabolism, promoting hair, skin, and nail health through oral supplementation.
- Cynergy TK
- FK Repair Ultra
- FK Scalp
- FK Restore
- FK Protect Plus
- CoreTX-pep
- Keramatrix
- Keragel
- KeragelT
Products and services
- keraGEN-IV® Ingestible functional keratin ingredient supplying keratin-derived peptides that support keratin metabolism for normal formation and renewal of hair, skin, and nails. Clinically validated for hair anchoring (43.1% reduction in hair fall) and collagen IV/VII production, sold B2B to nutraceutical and pet wellness brands.
- Cynergy TK™ Topical bioactive ingredient featuring keratin peptides and intermediate filament proteins for skincare. Delivers 160% increase in cell proliferation, 27% improvement in skin smoothness, 25% wrinkle reduction, and 70% reduction in PGE2 (inflammation marker); sold B2B to personal care brands.
- FK Repair Ultra™ Salon-quality topical ingredient of oxidised keratin 91% homologous to human hair that repairs damaged hair. Decreases breakage of colored hair by 82%, reduces color fade by 55%, and increases tensile strength of colored hair by 26%; sold B2B.
- FK Scalp™ Topical scalp-care ingredient formulated to improve scalp health via pollution and UV protection, and to promote follicle anchoring. Demonstrated up to 160% faster skin cell proliferation and up to 70% reduction in PGE2 inflammatory response; sold B2B.
- FK Restore™ Proprietary blend of keratin proteins for damaged hair repair that penetrates the cortex to nourish, strengthen, and reduce breakage. Provides 80% reduction in breakage and 52% stronger chemically treated hair; sold B2B.
- FK Protect Plus™ Topical film-forming keratin protein that creates a natural protective layer against environmental aggressors such as pollution and UV. Seals moisture, smooths fiber surface, and delivers antioxidant potential; sold B2B.
- CoreTX-pep™ Topical ingredient containing novel wool cortex peptides that permanently bind to damaged hair and nails to increase integrity. Provides 33% improvement in extension and flexibility in UV-exposed hair and improved nail and skin condition; sold B2B.
- Keramatrix® Advanced keratin-based wound care product that promotes cellular regeneration and natural wound closure while reducing scarring. Manufactured exclusively by Keraplast under its Replicine™ keratin technology for BioWound Solutions for the US wound care market.
- Keragel® Advanced keratin-based wound care product using proprietary Replicine™ keratin technology for cellular regeneration and natural wound closure. Manufactured by Keraplast under an exclusive US agreement with BioWound Solutions.
- Kerox® Advanced keratin-based wound care product manufactured by Keraplast under its exclusive US manufacturing agreement with BioWound Solutions for the wound care market.
Quantifiable outcome
- 43.1% reduction in hair fall demonstrated in gold standard clinical trial
- +10 more outcomes
Companies that use Keraplast
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Keraplast technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Keraplast partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, emerging, key and supporting.
- BioWound SolutionscoreExclusive manufacturing agreement for BioWound's advanced keratin-based wound care products (Keramatrix®, Keragel®, Kerox®) for US market. BioWound Solutions is a leader in innovative wound management based in Las Vegas. Partnership leverages Keraplast's Replicine™ keratin technology to redefine standards of care for chronic wound patients.
- Dog YearsemergingDog Years launched 'Skin & Coat' - first petcare supplement to feature keraGEN-IV for nourishing skin and fur from within. Represents Keraplast's entry into pet wellness market leveraging their innovative keratin technology.
- UniAsiacoreUniAsia launched See Young Pro premium haircare line in Beijing, formulated with Keraplast's functional keratin ingredients for advanced hair restoration and protection. Partnership exemplifies synergy between innovative ingredient technology and premium haircare formulation.
- CDL UnionkeyCDL Union is a key Asian distribution partner for Keraplast. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration to ensure continued success of distributing Keraplast's high-quality keratin ingredients across key Asian markets including China.
- Wools of New ZealandcoreFive-year super-premium wool contract (2025-2026: $6.88/kg clean, ~40% premium over market) covering 400 tonnes of wool from ~30 regeneratively certified NZ growers. WONZ CEO John McWhirter sees it as a vote of confidence in NZ wool's future, linking growers to high-value end uses. Strengthens supply chain traceability and sustainability credentials.
- NutrafolcoreKeraplast is the keratin supplier to Nutrafol, supplying keraGEN-IV functional keratin for their hair supplement products. Nutrafol targets Asia for next phase of hair supplement sector growth.
- Croda InternationalkeyStrong global partnership with Croda International, a major life sciences and consumer care company. Through this partnership, Keraplast's functional keratin ingredients have achieved global reach enhancing wellbeing of millions of people.
- AIDP InckeyStrong partnership with AIDP Inc for distribution and commercialization of keratin ingredients. AIDP is a leading provider of functional ingredients for nutrition and health.
- IFF HealthkeyStrong partnership with IFF Health (International Flavors & Fragrances) for global reach of life-changing keratin ingredients in health and wellness applications.
- AgResearchsupportingResearch collaboration with AgResearch, New Zealand's largest agricultural research organization. Supports fundamental and applied keratin science research programs.
- Callaghan InnovationsupportingPartnership with New Zealand's Innovation Agency for research and development support, helping bring keratin innovations from concept through to commercial application.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Keraplast competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Mibelle Biochemistry: Swiss developer of bioactive cosmetic ingredients (peptides, proteins, plant-cell actives) sold B2B to personal care formulators globally. Closely comparable to Keraplast's topical personal care ingredient range (Cynergy TK, FK Repair Ultra, etc.) in customer base and application focus.
- BioCell Collagen: Supplies branded collagen/hyaluronic-acid ingredients (BioCell Collagen) to nutraceutical brands for skin, joint, and beauty-from-within supplements. Highly comparable to Keraplast's keraGEN-IV as a science-backed, branded protein ingredient sold to supplement manufacturers.
- Organogenesis: Commercialises regenerative medicine and bioactive wound-care products (e.g., Apligraf, Dermagraft) using biomaterial technologies. Comparable to Keraplast's Replicine™ wound-care platform as a biomaterials-based MedTech player in chronic wound healing.
- Horphag Research: Supplies patented, clinically validated branded nutraceutical ingredients (Pycnogenol) to supplement manufacturers worldwide. Closely analogous business model to Keraplast's keraGEN-IV — a single hero IP-protected ingredient licensed into many supplement brands.
- Geltor: Geltor produces animal-free, fermentation-derived proteins (collagen, elastin, keratin-like) for personal care and nutraceutical brands. Directly comparable as a specialty protein ingredient supplier selling B2B to cosmetics and supplement manufacturers, but uses precision fermentation rather than wool extraction.
Broad incumbents
- Croda International: Global specialty ingredients major with personal care, life sciences, and nutraceutical divisions. Already a Keraplast distribution partner; comparable as a broad incumbent whose portfolio overlaps Keraplast's protein/keratin ingredients at scale.
- Lubrizol Life Science (Beauty / Nutraceutical): Specialty chemicals/ingredients group with personal care and nutraceutical protein/peptide offerings. Comparable as a broad incumbent ingredient supplier competing for the same B2B formulation slots.
- Lonza Capsules & Health Ingredients: Global manufacturer of nutraceutical and personal care ingredients including proteins and peptides. Comparable as a broad incumbent serving overlapping personal-care and supplement customers with scaled manufacturing.
- IFF Health (International Flavors & Fragrances): Global ingredients giant with health, biosciences, and personal care segments. Already a Keraplast distribution partner; comparable as a large incumbent whose protein/functional-ingredient portfolio overlaps Keraplast's targeted offering.
- ConvaTec: Global medical-device incumbent in advanced wound care (chronic wounds, ostomy, continence). Comparable as a broad incumbent competing in the same wound-care end market Keraplast is entering via the BioWound Solutions manufacturing deal.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Keraplast social profiles
Digital presenceKeraplast compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Keraplast financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Keraplast leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Keraplast funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds7 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Keraplast M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Keraplast
What does Keraplast do?
Keraplast manufactures and supplies branded, soluble, bioactive keratin protein and peptide ingredients recovered from regeneratively farmed New Zealand sheep's wool. Its Functional Keratin® platform produces three keratin types (IFP, oxidised, hydrolysed) serving personal care (hair and skin), nutraceutical (ingestible beauty/wellness), wound care (MedTech), and pet wellness brand customers through B2B ingredient supply and an exclusive US wound-care manufacturing partnership with BioWound Solutions.
Is Keraplast a public or private company?
Keraplast is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Keraplast founded?
Keraplast was founded in 1996. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Keraplast based?
Keraplast is headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand, in the Oceania region.
How does Keraplast make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. B2B Ingredient Supply is the primary driver. The others are medical Device Manufacturing.
Who are Keraplast's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Mibelle Biochemistry, BioCell Collagen, Organogenesis, Horphag Research and Geltor. Broad incumbents are Croda International, Lubrizol Life Science (Beauty / Nutraceutical), Lonza Capsules & Health Ingredients, IFF Health (International Flavors & Fragrances) and ConvaTec.
Does Keraplast have an API?
No public API is recorded for Keraplast.
What industry is Keraplast in?
Keraplast's product category is Functional Keratin Ingredients. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAJAHAL, Specialty & Novel Proteins (Single-Cell Protein, Cell-Cultured/Animal-Free Proteins), with a secondary code of CRADAOAJ, Proteins & Functional Nutrition Ingredients (Plant/Animal Proteins, Collagen, Amino Acids).