KERATEC

Keratec is a biotechnology company, based in New Zealand, creating new materials from natural sources using advanced and innovative technologies.

The company has captured the unique characteristics of keratin, one of nature’s most successful materials, to create a range of exciting new personal care ingredients, medical materials and other biopolymer products.

Keratin, which comprises 95% of the wool fibre, is tough and insoluble which allows it to perform a fundamental structural role in many biological systems. These are desirable characteristics in many industrial and consumer materials currently derived from synthetic polymers.

The organisation uses a novel process which dissolves then isolates fractions of keratin proteins and lipids from pure New Zealand wool while preserving the functional characteristics - reconstitution of these biopolymer materials enables the capture of the distinct and highly functional characteristics of the original proteins and lipids.

Keratec is developing and investigating commercial opportunities in the product areas of:

• cosmetics, where keratins can be used to impart superior properties in skin, hair and nail care formulations;
• medical materials where new biopolymer materials can create highly innovative biomaterial products, for example surgical screws used in bone surgery;
• fine fibres for use in high value textile markets; and
• adhesives and resins where environmentally safe alternatives are being formulated.

Keratec is at the forefront of sustainable industrial practice, both from an environmental and economic viewpoint. All products are produced using environmentally sound proprietary processes and no animals are harmed through any part of the Keratec process.

Keratec is a subsidiary of Wool Equities, which have a 100% (indirect and direct ownership) shareholding.

As well as being a natural cosmetic ingredient supplier to the personal care industry, Keratec is using its patented protein fractions technology to develop nutritional supplements, medical materials and industrial materials.
Due to the unique biosecurity status of New Zealand, all Keratec products are guaranteed free of TSE.

Keratec, in conjunction with its co-operation partner, Keraplast Technologies, holds a dominant global IP position on the use of keratin and associated technologies in a wide variety of applications.

Keratec IFP™
Keratec, in collaboration with global distribution partner Croda International Plc, have launched a new product into the international personal care market. Keratec IFP™ is a multi-component soluble form of intermediate filament protein, the protein fraction that gives hair its strength. Keratec IFP™ has anti-ageing efficacy and sacrificially responds to external environmental aggression.
More information can be viewed on the Keratec IFP™ page.

Keratec website