The project purpose

The objectives of the INTICOSM project are the cross-border development of bio-based compounds and their use in the field of cosmetic formulation. These compounds, called green cargoes, will be preferably elaborated from biosourced molecules coming primarily from biorefineries in the Franco-Belgian region (in particular the Pomacle-Bazancourt biorefinery near Reims, the largest in Europe, and BioWanze in Wallonia, the largest bioethanol producer in Belgium) by respecting as much as possible the principles of green chemistry, in particular by reducing the use of solvents and the number of synthesis stages. It will be envisaged to prepare cargo ships that can selectively release cosmetics according to the environment or temperature. Regulatory constraints and costs will be taken into account to establish their competitiveness in relation to existing petro-sourced compounds. This part will be carried out in France (URCA) and in Flanders (UGent).

The molecules obtained will then be used in the formulation of cosmetics; the encapsulation power will also be studied by advanced methods, as well as their toxicity. This study programmed respectively in France (ULille) and in Wallonia (Gembloux AgroBioTech) will make it possible to establish a structure/reactivity framework which will lead to the choice of a few cargo ships (the most efficient and least expensive) which, after the synthesis on a larger scale, can be tested with industrialists in the INTERREG France-Wallonia-Vlaanderen zone. VITO and the Centre de ressources technologiques en chimie CERTECH will be able to facilitate the transfer of technology by proposing precise specifications and by facilitating links to the cross-border industrial fabric with the support of competitiveness clusters on each of the three sides (the French competitiveness cluster Industries des Agro-Ressources (IAR), Greenwin and Catalisti). A training through teaching component (M/D levels) will be carried out by the French and Belgian partners and the involvement and experience of Accustica and Vivasciences in this project will facilitate communication to the "general public" via exhibitions, experience packages or other visual supports (high schools, colleges, cultural centres) in the regions concerned. The INTICOSM project is part of the common will of the (involved) partners to collaborate as cross-border actors in the field of bio-economy for cosmetics.