Polski
The work will utilize an innovative technology called Loan Chemical Extraction (LCE), which is the subject of previous research by the authors.
The project will be executed through effective cooperation between the scientific unit of Łukasiewicz – ICSO "Blachownia" and Onlybio.life S.A., a company interested in implementing research results in its operations, based in Bydgoszcz.
The presented work is the result of an intensively developed research area within the Institute related to cosmetics and detergents. The initiator of these actions is Prof. Dr. Eng. Tomasz Wasilewski. Along with Dr. Zofia Hordyjewicz-Baran, the Leader of the Analytical Research Group, they are conducting scientific work on new technologies that ultimately lead to extremely interesting solutions in cosmetics and detergents.
Prof. Wasilewski has collaborated with Onlybio.life S.A. for over eight years, developing new cosmetics, introducing them to the market, and leading development projects. For the past 3.5 years, he has served as the Director of Research and Development at the company. Based on his industrial practice experience and current consumer demands, he proposed the development of a series of innovative products. Together with Dr. Zofia Hordyjewicz-Baran and the staff of Łukasiewicz – ICSO "Blachownia," they are currently conducting research that has already resulted in several patent applications, valuable scientific publications, and awards at exhibition events. Notably, they have developed an innovative process for manufacturing cosmetics that incorporates Loan Chemical Extraction. The description and name of this process were introduced into the scientific community by the authors in 2022 (with patent applications and publications).
The described experiences formed the basis for another project proposal to develop, produce, and implement safe and functional cosmetics. An essential element of this solution is the use of grape pomace from Polish vineyards. Previous studies indicated that the raw materials obtained from such waste contain significant amounts of valuable bioactive substances. The possibility of reusing grape pomace also reduces the amount of waste generated and the need for its disposal. The assumptions and research objectives of the project align perfectly with the principles of sustainable production and minimizing the negative impact of human activity on the environment.
A crucial factor is the consideration of economic aspects in the conducted work. The cosmetics industry is seeking innovative solutions, but they must remain within an acceptable price range. The project pays particular attention to the economics of the proposed solution. It plans to develop a range of interesting cosmetic products containing relatively high concentrations of bioactive substances without significantly increasing the price of the cosmetic mass.
The project will be implemented under the close supervision of both Prof. Dr. Eng. Tomasz Wasilewski (responsible for formulations and cosmetics technologies and for industry cooperation) and Dr. Zofia Hordyjewicz-Baran (who serves as the Chief Contractor for the project, coordinating research work at the Institute and conducting studies related to the acquisition and analysis of extracts from plant material). The team's previous work has resulted in the laboratory-scale production of high-quality innovative cosmetics. These efforts have also led to patent applications and scientific publications that form the project's intellectual property background (a formal requirement for Proof of Concept projects funded by the Foundation for Polish Science). It's worth noting that the work planned in this project serves as a bridge between laboratory work and commercialization.
Potential recipients of the project results could include cosmetic companies in Poland and abroad that are looking for innovative solutions to create high-quality cosmetic products based on knowledge. However, the direct recipient interested in the project results (according to the signed Letter of Intent) is Onlybio.life S.A., one of the fastest-growing companies in the natural cosmetics industry in Poland. It is an innovative cosmetics company with a strong position in the industry. The Company's products have gained recognition, especially among younger consumers. The Company's mission is to create cosmetics that are both effective and safe for health and the environment, which is why the company commits to using only natural ingredients sourced from organic farming or recycling in its products.
Łukasiewicz – ICSO "Blachownia" has a collaboration agreement with Onlybio.life S.A. Furthermore, the team of scientists led by Prof. Tomasz Wasilewski and Dr. Zofia Hordyjewicz-Baran has successfully completed one large application project with the sister company InventionBio (concerning a new generation of detergents dedicated to washing fruits and vegetables).
