This initiative introduces an innovative process that harnesses biogas generated from the anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. This biogas serves as feed for bacteria that produce ectoine, an amino acid with diverse applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and chemistry. Deep Purple creates groundbreaking cosmetics using bio-waste, with ectoine as the key ingredient, marking a significant leap forward in sustainable beauty solutions and the utilization of upcycled raw materials in the cosmetics industry.
In 2019, partners from across Europe collaborated to establish a multi-biorefinery platform aimed at valorizing urban bio-waste, which includes wastewater and the organic fraction of municipal bio-waste. This initiative recognizes bio-waste as a vital source of renewable energy and recyclable materials, embodying the principles of a sustainable and circular economy. By repurposing resources instead of discarding them, the project addresses the pressing issue of urban bio-waste management, especially considering that up to 138 million tons—equivalent to 75%—is incinerated or sent to landfills within the EU, leading to significant ecological and economic repercussions.
Ectoine Extraction and Purification
The process begins with an initial hydrolysis stage of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. The solid residue from the hydrolysate is then transformed into biogas through anaerobic digestion. This biogas acts as a carbon source for methanotrophic bacteria, allowing them to thrive in a bioreactor where they accumulate up to 10% of their weight in ectoine, which helps them withstand the salt stress present in the culture medium.
The extraction and purification of ectoine are managed by the project partner Institute of Sustainable Processes (ISP). Ectoine extraction employs a method known as biomilking, followed by a multi-step purification process that includes desalination through electrodialysis and isolation via ion exchange chromatography.
In the next phase of the production chain, another project partner, RNB, utilizes the purified ectoine as a foundational ingredient for developing cosmetic products. These products undergo various formulation trials and stability tests, with the most stable formulations being produced on a pilot scale and validated at RNB’s production facilities.
This scientific collaboration highlights the effective conversion of bio-waste into valuable products, showcasing how Deep Purple creates groundbreaking cosmetics using bio-waste. The project’s innovative approach not only contributes to sustainable beauty solutions but also promotes a circular economy by transforming waste into high-quality cosmetic ingredients.
