Laboratoires ERIGER: Expertise in plant-based encapsulation technologies
Laboratoires ERIGER specializes in developing innovative technologies for encapsulating plant-based active ingredients. Founded in 2019 by Éric Buchy and Gérald Chomat in Tours (Indre-et-Loire), the company developed a patented technology, PhytoVec®, which uses chlorophyll to micro-encapsulate plant-based actives, improving their stability, protection, and penetration in final formulations.
An Innovative Technology: PhytoVec®
The PhytoVec® technology developed by Laboratoires ERIGER is based on an encapsulation process that traps unstable plant-based actives in protective microcapsules. This technology allows for:
- Improved efficacy of active ingredients through high concentration and controlled release;
- Protection of molecules against oxidation, light, and temperature variations;
- Easier formulation, including water dispersibility and compatibility with cold-process techniques.
PhytoVec® was developed as an alternative to traditional encapsulation systems, with a focus on the natural origin and performance of the ingredients.
Integration into Groupe Berkem
On March 10, 2025, Groupe Berkem announced the acquisition of Laboratoires ERIGER, strengthening its position in the market for active ingredients for cosmetics and expanding its technical capabilities.
The acquisition aims to:
- Integrate and deploy PhytoVec® within Groupe Berkem’s offerings, particularly in the Health, Beauty & Nutrition business area;
- Transfer the production tools and activities of Laboratoires ERIGER to the Groupe Berkem industrial site in Chartres (formerly Eurolyo);
- Combine the expertise of Laboratoires ERIGER with the industrial, scientific, and commercial capabilities of Groupe Berkem to develop high–value-added solutions.
Expertise Rooted in Plant Chemistry
The acquisition of Laboratoires ERIGER is part of Groupe Berkem’s industrial development. Groupe Berkem, founded in 1993, specializes in plant-based chemistry and conducts activities in plant extraction, formulation, and technological development for markets such as cosmetics, through its Health, Beauty and Nutrition business area.
Since the integration, the PhytoVec® technology developed by Laboratoires ERIGER has been implemented across Groupe Berkem’s industrial sites, particularly for the development of cosmetic and nutraceutical actives, enabling new applications in these sectors.
Outlook and Synergies
Since joining Groupe Berkem, Laboratoires ERIGER have been transferred to the Chartres industrial site (formerly Eurolyo), where their activities have been combined with existing expertise, particularly in freeze-drying. This setup enables the use of PhytoVec® for cosmetic and nutraceutical products while exploring new applications for plant-based actives.
