What Greentech does

GREENTECH SA is a privately-held French biotechnology company founded in 1992 and headquartered in Saint-Beauzire (Biopôle Clermont-Limagne). It researches, develops and produces high-tech active ingredients derived from plants, algae, micro-algae and micro-organisms for the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. The company is structured around three specialty subsidiaries — GREENSEA (algae and micro-algae), GREENCELL (micro-organisms and microbial derivatives), and GREENTECH Brasil (Brazilian biodiversity) — and operates eight wholly-owned commercial subsidiaries across France, the United States, Germany, Brazil, India, Taiwan, China and Thailand, reaching customers in 40+ countries through a distributor network.

The company's technological core rests on proprietary processes including the patented CRYO-EXTRACTION of fresh plants (claimed to deliver 5-10x greater biological activity than dried plant extracts), supercritical CO2 extraction, enzymatic biopurification, bioconversion, fermentation, and a unique liposome production process at its Brazilian operation. R&D accounts for one-third of headcount, with 40% of staff holding doctorates across biology, phytochemistry, microbiology and bioprocess disciplines. GREENTECH maintains a proprietary database of 30,000 plants and 300,000 biological molecules and applies bioinformatics, molecular modelling and full-genome transcriptomic studies — methods the company describes as more typical of pharmaceutical R&D than cosmetics. The portfolio spans over 100 named active ingredients and 3,000 extracts across categories including Phytobioactives, Cosmelenes, Lipobioactives, Cryoextracts and Complexes, with named flagship ingredients such as TIMELYS, HOLOBIOSYS, MYRALYS, SENSOL 100, INTIMYS, LETILYS and FOMASOL 100.

The business model is B2B ingredient supply under negotiated, non-publicly-disclosed pricing. Revenue is generated through active ingredient sales to the largest international cosmetic brands, exclusive pharmaceutical API extraction contracts (the company holds ANSM GMP certification since 2011), nutraceutical and functional-food botanical extracts, and microbial derivatives via GREENCELL. Commercial channels combine direct enterprise sales via subsidiaries with a local distributor network. The company holds ECOCERT Greenlife, NATRUE, ISO 22716 and ISO 9001 certifications, alongside an EcoVadis Silver Medal (79/100, 94th percentile) and CDP Climate Change Grade B, supporting access to sustainability-driven procurement teams at major brand customers. CEO and founder Jean-Yves Berthon has led the company since its founding.

Name

Greentech

Legal name

GREENTECH SA

Website

https://greentech.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

GREENTECH is a French biotechnology company founded in 1992 that researches, develops and produces high-tech active ingredients from plants, algae and micro-organisms for the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, supplying major international brands across 40+ countries through eight global subsidiaries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cosmetic & Pharmaceutical Active Ingredients

NAICS

Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411), Food Manufacturing (311)

SIC

Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Miscellaneous Food Preparations & Kindred Products (2090)

akta.pro primary industry

Herbal & Botanical Supplements (CRADAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Bio-based Food & Flavor Ingredients (Non-fuel Co-products: sweeteners, organic acids, flavors) (EUAAAIAJ), Ingredient Blends & Systems / Custom Formulation (Seasoning Systems, Functional Blends) (CRADAOAO)

Keywords

• Plant biotechnology
• Natural active ingredients
• Cosmetic actives
• Botanical extracts
• Biotechnology ingredients

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint-beauzire

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Active Ingredient Sales (Cosmetic, Pharmaceutical, Nutraceutical): GREENTECH develops, produces and sells high-tech active ingredients derived from plants, algae, micro-algae and micro-organisms to the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. The company manufactures in its own factory and supplies the biggest international cosmetic brands. Ingredients include more than 100 active ingredients and 3,000 extracts.
2. Pharmaceutical Grade API Extraction: GREENTECH is bound by exclusive contracts with several pharmaceutical companies for the extraction and purification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The company holds GMP compliance from ANSM for pharmaceutical grade ingredients.
3. Botanical Extracts for Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods: GREENTECH develops and produces botanical extracts for nutraceutical and functional food applications, including micro-organism derivatives (prebiotics, probiotics, symbiotics), micro-algae compounds, and sweeteners such as Rebaudioside A (Reb A 97 GT).
4. Micro-organism and Microbial Derivative Sales (via GREENCELL): GREENCELL develops, produces and markets micro-organisms and microbial derivatives of environmental, agronomic and alimentary value including fertilisation management, soil microflora improvement, effluent treatment, and active ferments for the agro-industry.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

GREENTECH researches, develops and produces high-tech active ingredients derived from plants, algae, micro-algae and micro-organisms in its own factory, supplying the biggest international cosmetic brands, pharmaceutical companies and nutraceutical manufacturers. The portfolio spans more than 100 active ingredients and 3,000 extracts across product lines including Phytobioactives, Cosmelenes, Lipobioactives, Cryoextracts, Complexes and hydrosoluble extracts, with proprietary technologies such as the patented CRYO-EXTRACTION process and fermentation from pure micro-organism strains.

Product overview

GREENTECH is a pioneer and expert in Ethical Biotechnologies for over 30 years (since 1992), researching, developing, and producing high-tech active ingredients from natural sources. The company operates through specialized subsidiaries including GREENSEA (algae and micro-algae), GREENCELL (micro-organisms), and GREENTECH BRASIL (Brazilian biodiversity). The product portfolio includes multiple product lines: Phytobioactives, Cosmelenes, and Lipobioactives (powerful natural actives); Cryoextracts, Complexes/Phytelenes, and hydrosoluble/liposoluble extracts (whole natural extracts); plus organic-certified actives. Named active ingredients span cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical applications with over 100 active ingredients and 3,000 extracts in their catalog. Recent innovations include LETILYS® (pore minimizer from yuzu), FOMASOL 100® (natural surfactant), TIMELYS® (anti-aging), HOLOBIOSYS® (holobiont rebalancing), INTIMYS® (intimate care), and SENSOL 100® (functional ingredient).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GREENCELL: Micro-organisms and microbial derivatives for environmental, agronomic, alimentary and cosmetic value
• GREENSEA
• GREENTECH Brasil
• LETILYS
• FOMASOL 100
• PHYTOBIOACTIVES
• COSMELENES
• LIPOBIOACTIVES
• CRYO-EXTRACTS
• DANDRILYS
• URBALYS
• MYRALYS
• CIRCALYS
• HOLOBIOSYS
• TIMELYS
• SENSOL 100
• INTIMYS
• ILUMYS

Products and services

• Phytobioactives High-concentration natural boosters from terrestrial or marine plant sources, produced through proprietary high-technology processes including supercritical CO2 extraction, enzymatic biopurification and bioconversion, also derived biotechnologically via fermentation from pure micro-organism strains.
• Cosmelenes Water-soluble, standardized plant ingredients with active ingredient concentration similar to fresh plants, produced through a sophisticated process combining liquid and dry extracts that act synergistically for maximum efficacy.
• Lipobioactives Liposoluble actives including Soft Butters, plant-based butters, self-emulsifying butters (GreenSoft) and raw or refined oils (LIPACTIVES) for integration into oily phases of emulsions and oily cosmetic formulations.
• Cryoextracts Patented solvent-free cryo-extraction of fresh plants at very low temperatures, preserving fragile components (enzymes, vitamins, polyphenols) and producing biological activity 5 to 10 times greater than dried plant extracts.
• Phytelenes (Complexes) Cocktail combinations of plants and/or algae with recognized activity where individual efficacy is enhanced by synergistic effects on different physiological targets of skin tissue.
• Hydrosoluble Extracts Bank of more than 3,000 compounds including algae, micro-algae, marine plants and terrestrial plant products from all latitudes, prepared by extracting 5 to 20% dry plant concentration.
• LETILYS Skin perfection active ingredient developed from yuzu (citrus fruit) that concentrates hesperidin and offers a dual action visibly tightening pores and refining skin texture for improved overall skin surface quality.
• FOMASOL 100 Natural and microbiome-friendly surfactant made from India Soap Tree (Sapindus mukorossi), rich in gentle saponins. Cleanses effectively while respecting the skin's natural flora and integrity, producing dense, stable and long-lasting lather.
• TIMELYS Anti-aging active ingredient recognized with multiple awards including the 2024 Ringier Technology Innovation Award, Grand Prix du Jury at Cosmetic 360 Paris, BSB Award, and ICI Indonesia Best Active Ingredient Award.
• HOLOBIOSYS Holobiont rebalancing active ingredient from gentian extract, recognized with 2023 Cosmétique Mag Award, 2024 Cosmetics & Toiletries Allē Award and 2024 BSB Award.
• MYRALYS Eyelid lifting and eye rejuvenator active ingredient recognized with multiple 2022-2023 awards including Innovation Zone Best Ingredient, Ringier Award, BSB Innovation Award, and Making Cosmetics Wise Ingredient Award.
• CIRCALYS Active ingredient recognized with the 2022 BSB Innovation Award and the 2023 Best Feel Good Ingredient award.
• SENSOL 100 Functional ingredient recognized with the 2024 BSB Award and In-Cosmetics Korea Best Functional Ingredient award.
• INTIMYS Intimate feminine comfort active ingredient for women's well-being, recognized with the 2025 BSB Innovation Award and 2026 PCHi Silver Medal Award.
• ILUMYS Active ingredient recognized with the 2026 BSB Innovation Award.
• DANDRILYS Natural anti-dandruff active ingredient from a South American plant, recognized with the 2014 Frost & Sullivan Innovation Award.
• URBALYS Active ingredient recognized with the 2017 Frost & Sullivan Innovation Award and 2018 BSB Innovation Prize.
• EPSILINE Tan maximizer and extender using microalgae Porphyridium cruentum that activates and extends tanning by acting on the melanogenesis process, recognized with the 2020 BSB Innovation Award.
• HEBELYS Active ingredient recognized with the 2022 Ringier Technology Innovation Award.
• ARCOLYS Active ingredient recognized with the 2021 GDICST Innovation Award.
• Aquasiloils Inca Inchi Award-winning oil from Inca Inchi seeds, the richest plant source in Omega-3, recognized with the 2019 BSB Innovation Award.
• EXPOZEN Anti-Exposome and Microbiota Modulator for reactive and sensitive skin obtained from Halymenia durvillei, a red alga from the Indian Ocean and Madagascar.
• SILIDINE Vascular toning active ingredient obtained from red micro-alga Porphyridium Cruentum that corrects skin dysfunctions including face redness and heavy leg syndrome.
• QT40 V-Shape Skin Lifting active ingredient with a 'dermal filler' effect that redensifies the dermis, plumps the matrix network and firms the skin, derived from Sea Lettuce (Ulva Lactuca).
• Reb A 97 GT High purity Rebaudioside A sweetener derived from Stevia leaves. GREENTECH is one of the three leading companies in production of high purity steviol glycosides, developed since 1996.
• GREENSEA Algae and Micro-algae Products Micro- and macro-algae and marine coastal plant products for cosmetic, nutraceutical, aquaculture and immunodiagnostic applications, produced by the wholly-owned GREENSEA subsidiary (acquired 1988).
• GREENCELL Micro-organism Products Micro-organisms and microbial derivatives for environmental, agronomic, alimentary and cosmetic value, including fertilisation management, soil microflora improvement, effluent treatment, composting and aquaculture feed applications, produced by the wholly-owned GREENCELL subsidiary (created 2000).
• GREENTECH Brasil Active Ingredients Active ingredients derived from Brazilian biodiversity for cosmetic, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, produced by the wholly-owned GREENTECH Brasil subsidiary (joined 2016). The first company to receive CGEN accreditation for over 60 Brazilian plants.
• ANDROGYNE Formulation Concept 100% natural origin 'Connected Soap' care concept with NFC connected packaging creating a 'phygital' experience, featuring ingredients including Inca Inchi oil, EXPOZEN from Halymenia durvillei and organic Camelina; recognized with the 2020 COSMET'AGORA Formulation Award.

Quantifiable outcome

• CRYO-EXTRACTION produces 5 to 10 times greater biological activity than dried plant extracts
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Diego Suarez University of Antsiranana (GreenMadag)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2008, GREENTECH partnered with the Diego Suarez University of Antsiranana in a common structure called GreenMadag, dedicated to the development of new actives from local Malagasy flora rich in medicinal applications. GREENTECH supplies all equipment, trains students, and performs extractions in situ.
• Agroindustrias Amazonicas (Peru)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2003, GREENTECH supported Agroindustrias Amazonicas in Peru for the extraction of Inca Inchi oil, the richest plant source in Omega-3. GREENTECH provided technological and commercial partnership, equipment supply, production support, raw material purchase. Result: over 2,000 hectares planted and 10,000 families supported.
• Women's Cooperative (Burkina Faso)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 1999, GREENTECH supported a group of women in Burkina Faso to produce baobab oil, guaranteeing quantities and prices. 50 women received equipment donations and training. Cooperation also extends to other plants.
• Local Producer Group (Mexico)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive since 2013 with a local producer group of 15 pickers, certified Fair for Life in 2017, for Organic Aloe Vera supply chain. Illustrates GREENTECH's green and ethical business model promoting local economic development.
• PhytogrademinorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGREENTECH partnered with Phytograde to unlock the potential of CBD and phytocannabinoids for cosmetic applications.
• SolactiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSolactis joined the GREENTECH Group, expanding the group's capabilities in microbiology and biotechnology.
• CGEN (Conselho de Gestao do Patrimonio Genetico)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGREENTECH Brasil is the first company to receive CGEN accreditation for over 60 plants. CGEN manages the preservation of Brazilian biodiversity as well as industrial and trade relations with local communities.
• Universities (Brazil)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreentech Brasil has partnerships with universities including University of Sao Paulo, University of Santa Catarina, University of Rio Grande do Norte, University of Anhembi Morumbi Laurate, UNIFESP. Collaborations have resulted in innovations, scientific publications and conferences.
• SPIM Foundation (Skin Physiology International Meeting)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGREENTECH created in 2016 a Foundation dedicated to life sciences, whose objective is to promote physiological mechanisms governing biology and skin research. Its first action is the biennial SPIM congress bringing together ~200 renowned experts.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Croda International: Global specialty ingredients company with a large Personal Care actives portfolio serving major cosmetic brands worldwide. Directly comparable as a B2B supplier of high-performance botanical and biotech-derived cosmetic actives at a similar global scale.
• Givaudan Active Beauty: Division of Givaudan focused on cosmetic actives and botanical extracts. Highly comparable: B2B supplier to major cosmetic brands with biotech and natural-source positioning analogous to Greentech's portfolio.
• Symrise (Cosmetic Ingredients): Major fragrance and cosmetic ingredient supplier with a botanical actives portfolio (Diana naturals integration). Comparable as a specialty B2B cosmetic ingredient supplier targeting the same major brand customers.
• SEPPIC (Air Liquide Healthcare): Specialty ingredients subsidiary of Air Liquide supplying cosmetic actives, excipients, and botanical extracts. Closely comparable in product mix (botanical extracts, biotech actives) and B2B model serving cosmetic formulators.
• Solabia Group: French specialty ingredient manufacturer producing biotech and botanical actives for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. Highly comparable in business model, geographies, and customer base — Solactis (acquired by Greentech) was formerly part of this group.
• IFF (Lucas Meyer Cosmetics): IFF's cosmetic actives division (formerly Lucas Meyer) supplies phospholipid and biotech-derived cosmetic ingredients. Comparable as a B2B cosmetic actives specialist with similar science-driven positioning.

Broad incumbents

• BASF Care Creations: Personal care division of BASF, one of the world's largest chemical companies, with a broad portfolio including botanical actives. Comparable in end-market and product category, but at materially larger scale and broader portfolio.
• Evonik (Personal Care & Specialties): Specialty chemicals division of Evonik producing cosmetic actives, including biotech-derived ingredients. Comparable product category and customer base, but operating at significantly larger scale across multiple non-cosmetic segments.
• DSM-Firmenich (Personal Care): Combined specialty nutrition and fragrance business with a personal care actives portfolio. Comparable as a supplier of cosmetic actives to major brands, with broader portfolio and global scale than Greentech.

Emerging players

• Biotechmarine (Rahn Group): Cosmetic actives specialist focused on marine biotechnology (algae, sea-derived actives). Comparable niche positioning in biotech-derived cosmetic actives with similar end-customers, but more narrowly focused on marine sources.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Greentech