Progressus

What Progressus does

Progressus s.r.l is an Italian privately-held chemical manufacturer (s.r.l.) headquartered in Gubbio, Italy, operating through its PRO+ chemical division. The company produces PEG-free, natural-origin cosmetic raw materials — primarily the PROLIX family of emulsifiers (PROLIX RB, PROLIX RO, PROLIX SB2) and the PCActive functional ester — for cosmetics manufacturers and formulators developing skincare, hair care, toiletries, makeup, and wet wipes products. Its commercial model is B2B raw materials supply via direct sales supported by a Technical Sales Manager and dedicated technical assistance, with an international reach across European markets; pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed.

The company's technical differentiation rests on its proprietary MWP (MicroWaves Progressus) technology, a patented process that synergistically combines microwave energy with conventional heating to enable solvent-free extraction and chemical synthesis, reportedly delivering approximately 60% reductions in energy, water, and gas consumption. The platform is protected by a patent from Italy's Ministry of Economic Development and reinforced by a stack of third-party certifications including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, EMAS, COSMOS-standard AISBL, and ICEA EcoBio Cosmetics, which together support natural and organic positioning for downstream customers. Distribution is supported by a partnership/co-marketing relationship with Eigenmann&Veronelli, and the company markets through its website, industry events (e.g., Planet Green Chem 2015), and trade press.

Progressus is a small-to-mid sized specialty chemicals supplier (51–100 employees) with no disclosed funding rounds, no parent company, and no subsidiary structure. Ownership and equity stakes are undisclosed; key named personnel include Dr.ssa Claudia Bibiani (R&D), Dr. Gianluca Marcheggiani (Technical Sales Manager), and Cinzia Cortona (Buying Office). The firm has no public financials, no disclosed customer logos, and no M&A activity in the data set, leaving revenue, customer concentration, and growth trajectory largely unverifiable from public sources.

Name

Progressus

Legal name

PROGRESSUS s.r.l

Website

http://www.progressus.it/

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Progressus is an Italian B2B chemical manufacturer that supplies PEG-free, naturally certified cosmetic raw materials — including the PROLIX emulsifier line and PCActive functional ester — to cosmetics formulators using its proprietary MWP microwave-assisted synthesis technology.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cosmetic Raw Materials

NAICS

Custom Compounding of Purchased Resins (325991)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Hand & Body Care (Lotions, Creams, Body Oils) (CRADANAC)

Keywords

• Cosmetic raw materials
• Green chemistry cosmetics
• Microwave-assisted synthesis
• PEG-free emulsifiers
• Natural cosmetic ingredients

Headquarters

HQ city

Gubbio

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Raw Materials Sales: B2B sales of cosmetic raw materials including emulsifiers, functional esters, and ingredients derived from renewable sources. Products include PROLIX RB, PROLIX RO, PCActive, and PROLIX SB2 sold to cosmetic manufacturers.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Progressus (via its PRO+ chemical division) manufactures and sells PEG-free cosmetic raw materials—including emulsifying systems and functional esters—produced through its proprietary MWP (MicroWaves Progressus) microwave-assisted synthesis technology. Its core product portfolio targets cosmetics manufacturers and formulators needing clean, natural, and certified ingredients for skincare, personal care, makeup, and wet wipes applications.

Product overview

Progressus (PRO+ division) is a green chemistry company that produces cosmetic raw materials using their proprietary MWP (MicroWaves Progressus) technology. Their core product portfolio consists of four main products: Prolix RB and Prolix RO (emulsifying systems derived from rice bran oil using microwave-assisted synthesis), PCActive (a moisturizing functional ester), and Prolix SB2 (a PEG-free emulsifier for fluid systems/wet wipes). All products are certified natural/organic and derived from renewable sources, forming a complete line of clean chemistry ingredients for cosmetics manufacturers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• PROLIX RB PEG-free functional emulsifying system forming O/A emulsions enriched with eudermic properties of rice oil; creates liquid crystal structures and provides soft, velvety texture to cosmetic formulations. Targeted at cosmetics manufacturers and formulators.
• PROLIX RO Natural W/O PEG-free emulsifier endowed with eudermic properties of Rice Oil; suitable for delicate cosmetic formulas, sensitive areas, and infant care products. Clear, amber-colored oily liquid. COSMOS-certified natural cosmetic raw material.
• PCActive Functional ester with moisturizing function (Polyglyceryl-3 PCA) in water-based form of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid; retains moisture in skin, increases flexibility, and creates freshness and wellbeing sensations. Used by cosmetic manufacturers for skincare formulations.
• PROLIX SB2 PEG-free O/W emulsifying system from vegetal origin (Polyglyceryl-3 Oleyl Ether Phosphate) functioning as a hydrophilic lipid that forms fresh, light fluid emulsions with velvety effect; designed for wet wipes and fluid cosmetic formulations. ICEA-certified natural cosmetic raw material.

Quantifiable outcome

• 60% reduction in energy, water, and gas consumption achieved in 2013

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• DNV-GLminorOthers · 1 October 2014DNV-GL is the certification body that confirms Progressus's quality and environmental management system certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 14001). They serve as an independent verification organization.
• Eigenmann&VeronellicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 October 2013Eigenmann&Veronelli collaborated with Progressus to organize Meeting PRO+ 'Innovazione e Competitività' on October 10-11. The event brought together qualified professionals and featured presentations on microwave technology and products.
• CERTIQUALITYminorOthersControl body that confirmed Progressus's ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14000:2004, and EMAS certifications for the quality and environmental management systems.
• ICEA (Ethical and Environmental Certification Institute)coreOthersICEA certifies Progressus's raw materials as natural cosmetic products. The EcoBio Cosmetics Commission approved PROLIX SB2 as a natural cosmetics product (cod. 003CN008) in April 2013, expanding Progressus's certified product range.
• AIAB (Italian Association for Organic Agriculture)coreOthersAIAB, together with ICEA, certifies cosmetic products based on low environmental impact. Progressus participates in the 'BioEco Cosmesi AIAB' certification project, ensuring products meet organic and natural standards.
• COSMOS-standard AISBLcoreOthersEuropean organic and natural cosmetics certification standard that certified Progressus's PROLIX RB and PROLIX RO products in April 2013.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Croda International: Global specialty ingredient company supplying personal care, cosmetics and beauty markets with emulsifiers, actives, and natural-origin ingredients. Directly comparable as a B2B cosmetic raw material supplier with significant natural and PEG-free portfolios competing for the same formulator customers.
• Evonik Industries: German specialty chemicals group with a personal care and cosmetics ingredients business producing emulsifiers, silicones, and natural-origin actives. Comparable as a specialty B2B ingredient supplier serving the same cosmetic formulator customer base with overlapping PEG-free and natural product lines.
• Symrise: German specialty ingredients company with a dedicated Cosmetics Ingredients segment producing functional ingredients, actives, and emulsifiers for skincare and personal care. Comparable as a mid-sized specialty B2B supplier with similar focus on high-performance cosmetic formulation ingredients.
• Seppic (Air Liquide Healthcare): French specialty ingredient supplier for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and nutrition, known for natural emulsifiers (e.g., Montanov) and PEG-free systems. Directly comparable as a B2B cosmetic ingredient innovator with strong natural-certification positioning overlapping with Progressus's PROLIX line.
• Hallstar: US-based specialty chemical company focused on personal care and beauty ingredients including natural and ester-based emulsifiers. Comparable as a mid-market specialty B2B supplier serving cosmetic formulators with similar ingredient categories and natural-certification emphasis.
• Lubrizol Life Science (Berkshire Hathaway): Specialty chemical business of Berkshire Hathaway producing personal care and beauty ingredients including carbomer rheology modifiers and PEG-free emulsifier systems. Comparable as a B2B specialty ingredient supplier competing for the same cosmetic formulator customers with overlapping technology categories.
• Innospec: US-based specialty chemicals company with a Performance Chemicals segment supplying personal care ingredients including mild surfactants and emollients. Comparable as a mid-sized specialty B2B ingredient supplier targeting cosmetic and personal care manufacturers.

Broad incumbents

• BASF (Care Chemicals division): World's largest chemical company with a dedicated Care Chemicals division supplying personal care, cosmetics and hygiene ingredients globally. Functions as a broad incumbent competitor with deep formulation support and global reach that Progressus's niche PEG-free portfolio competes against.
• Givaudan: Global leader in fragrances and beauty ingredients with broad portfolio across active and functional cosmetic ingredients. Functions as a broad incumbent competitor in the cosmetic ingredient space, though its primary strength is in fragrances and actives rather than emulsifiers.
• Solvay: Belgian specialty chemicals group with a consumer care and cosmetics ingredients portfolio alongside broader industrial chemicals. Functions as a broad incumbent with personal care ingredient offerings that overlap with Progressus's natural emulsifier category.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/progressus-srl

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 Progressus