Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has announced its new BioTech Hub in Olen, Belgium, which the company said marks a significant step forward in its commitment to sustainable innovation.
Located near its existing manufacturing and distribution campus in Oevel, the facility is dedicated to developing bio-based raw materials for ELC’s portfolio of prestige beauty brands, including Estée Lauder and La Mer.
The BioTech Hub will focus on the production of biomolecules derived from plants, yeast, and bacteria, utilising biotechnology to replace traditional ingredients while preserving biodiversity and natural resources.
“Our prestige beauty products depend on the highest quality raw materials. By producing our own biotechnology-based materials at one of our main manufacturing campuses, we are able to manufacture at scale in a more responsible way,” said Roberto Canevari, Executive Vice President, Global Supply Chain at ELC.
The Olen-based team will collaborate closely with ELC’s Advanced Technologies Pioneering scientists in Melville, New York, leveraging shared expertise to drive advancements in bio-based materials.
Carl Haney, Executive Vice President, Research, Product, and Innovation Officer, highlighted the hub’s role in embedding sustainability at the core of product development.
“Our exceptional scientists combine breakthrough innovation, cutting-edge technology, and a passion for sustainability to create the efficacious, high-quality ingredients that go into the luxury products our consumers know and love,” he said.
The company says the BioTech Hub will play a critical role in ELC’s supply chain, providing business continuity and supporting the production of select hero products.
The facility is designed to scale the production of bio-based materials while optimising manufacturing processes across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
The site is set to begin commercial production in 2025.
“Belgium is a recognised leader in biotechnology, and the opening of our BioTech Hub underscores our commitment to innovation in this region,” said Jamal Chamariq, Senior Vice President, EMEA UK&I and Travel Retail, Global Supply Chain.
The BioTech Hub will be led by microbiologist and engineer Caroline Paulussen.
ELC said her appointment reinforces its dedication to advancing women in STEM both internally and in the broader community.
Currently, more than half of ELC’s scientists, engineers and technical professionals are women, and all of the company’s R&D and innovation labs worldwide are led by women.