In France, algae-based cosmetics firm Lessonia will double production capacity at Saint Thonan. The expanded, 8,000-square-meter facility will open in 2018 and meet demand for skin care products and soaked sheet masks.
The company was originally founded by Christophe Winckler in 2002 as a specialist in the micronization of algae for thalassotherapy. However, the 100-employee company is now focusing on natural exfoliating ingredients. Lessonia reports €13 million (USD$15.3 million) in sales in 2016 and is growing 20% per year.