ABYSS INGREDIENTS – PORTRAIT
Abyss Ingredients develops and markets natural marine ingredients for the dietary supplement market. With a strong focus on the aging well market, the ingredients developed by the company enable nutraceutical and nutricosmetic laboratories to create preventive products for mobility (bone and joint health), cognitive health (stress, anxiety, sleep, memory), and nutricosmetics (skin, hair, and nail beauty). The company generates equal revenue from France, Europe, and the rest of the world (including Asia, North America, and Brazil), building its growth on solid principles: French know-how and expertise, local circular economy, and the pursuit of scientific evidence for the effectiveness of its ingredients.
From Fish to Capsules: Sustainable and Local Production
The raw materials used by Abyss Ingredients include fish scales, bones, and cartilage.
“We mainly work with Breton fish merchants who source from small, local, family-run fleets that practice responsible fishing. Until recently underutilized, or simply turned into animal feed, the by-products from fishing that we use represent a small portion of the total production generated by the fishing industry in the Grand Ouest. The by-products we use are not considered waste, as they must be treated by the fish merchants as valuable products: no mixing of by-products, strict hygiene and preservation requirements,” says Alexis Méhaignerie, President of Abyss Ingredients.
After this selection phase, the raw material undergoes a treatment process through enzymatic hydrolysis. The active ingredients from these marine by-products are then extracted and transformed into powder.
“Our industrial process is particularly gentle and environmentally friendly, as it does not require chemical extraction and does not result in effluent discharge,” continues Alexis Méhaignerie.
Addressed to nutraceutical and nutricosmetic laboratories, the active ingredients are delivered in a compact form, as powder. They are then formulated into dietary supplements, such as capsules, ampoules, or sticks.
Ongoing Research for Scientific Proof of Effectiveness
“Our clients desire both natural products, proof of efficacy for our ingredients, and an innovative character.”
Within the team (currently 12 employees), 4 people work in R&D and are responsible for scientific monitoring, development, and overseeing preclinical and clinical studies, in partnership with the IDmer technical center in Lorient and CRO experts in their field. This team primarily relies on existing studies and scientific publications proving the relevance of certain active ingredients. Tests on cell cultures are followed by preclinical and clinical studies so that the company can present scientific proof of the efficacy of its products.
Today, 90% of Abyss Ingredients’ production comes from fish by-products, but the company aims to diversify its range of ingredients towards a more plant-based trend. Products made from macroalgae are currently being explored to meet the growing demand from end consumers for increasingly natural and sustainable dietary supplements.