Evonik acquires Novachem to boost sustainable cosmetic active ingredients portfolio

Evonik has acquired Novachem, an Argentinian sustainable cosmetic actives innovator. Novachem offers a strong, innovative portfolio of biotechnological, natural and sustainable cosmetic active ingredients with scientifically proven claims that will boost Evonik’s portfolio of System Solutions. The company is based in Buenos Aires in Argentina and has 20 employees. Signing and closing took place on 30 June 2023, subject to official approval by the authorities.

Novachem will be integrated into Evonik’s Care Solutions business line within the life sciences division Nutrition & Care. By leveraging Novachem’s innovation strategy, accessibility to biodiversity and strong skin and hair care portfolio, Evonik will boost its Systems Solutions portfolio and take a further step in the transformation of the Care Solutions business towards becoming a leading actives provider.

“We are excited to welcome Novachem to our Evonik family. By leveraging our complementary knowhow and access to markets in the Americas and worldwide, we will be a step closer to achieving our goal of becoming the preferred sustainable specialties partner,” said Yann d'Hervé, head of Evonik's Care Solutions business line.

Guided by a vision that puts sustainability, innovation and collaboration at its core, Nutrition & Care aims to increase its share of System Solutions from 20 percent today to more than 50 percent by 2030. System Solutions are multi-component offerings across products, technologies and services that are tailored to a unique customer need and often have proven sustainability benefits.

“Latin America is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The acquisition of Novachem will enable us to bring even more innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers in the personal care market,” said Hendrik Schönfelder, regional president Central & South America Region at Evonik.

Novachem develops biotechnological, natural, and sustainable active ingredients for skin and hair care applications. Since its inception in 2007, the company has applied science and technology to create innovative eco-certified actives from live microorganisms that meet the trends of the cosmetics market.

The acquisition of Novachem is the next logical step for the Care Solutions business line as it transforms into the preferred sustainable specialties partner for the personal care industry. Recent acquisitions include the sustainable botanicals pioneer Botanica (2021), the cosmetic delivery company Infinitec Activos (2021), the biotech company innoHealth (2020), Wilshire Technologies (2020) and ALKION Biopharma (2016). By leveraging the synergies between these strong and complementary technology platforms, Evonik is enhancing its entire product portfolio, opening new markets, accelerating growth and creating significant value.