L’Oréal has partnered with Global Bioenergies, IBN-One and Cristal Union on a 44-month project to develop the first commercial bio-isobutene plant worldwide, according to a report published by Labiotech.

The project is backed by the French government’s Investissements d’Avenir program, who has pledged €9 million to the cause. The plant is scheduled to be in operation by 2019, with an annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes.

L’Oréal’s involvement includes testing batches of compounds derived from the bio-sourced isobutene for suitability for cosmetic application, with a view to purchasing the end-product once the plant goes live.