A revolution in plant-based natural ingredient production

As a world leader in natural raw materials, Robertet is the first industrial player in fragrances and flavours to acquire a BioPod. This is an AI-controlled biofarm developed by Interstellar Lab, which accelerates plant growth and optimises plant molecular composition, while minimising the environmental impact of soil-less cultivation.

Interstellar Lab is a visionary player in bio-farming. Its innovation will enable Robertet to accelerate its knowledge of the living, while reducing its environmental footprint for precision agriculture.

The BioPod is a sustainable cultivation tool, which anticipates the challenges of sourcing and the environmental impact of producing natural ingredients. This 11m long, 5m wide and 6m high deployable greenhouse can be installed without a foundation and offers up to 100m2 of highly controlled growing space. The autonomous cocoon is a terrestrial adaptation of a system originally developed for NASA, and operates in a semi-closed circuit, optimising the water cycle and capturing ambient CO₂. Its transparent membrane captures sunlight and reduces the energy consumption of artificial light.

Equipped with sensors and its own artificial intelligence, BioPod recreates climates autonomously, enabling the production of high-value-added plants and natural ingredients in a sustainable and replicable way. Thanks to cutting-edge technologies and automated control using an algorithmic approach, BioPod maintains ideal conditions for plant growth and molecular composition, while significantly reducing cultivation surface, water and energy consumption.

Committed to industry transformation

This investment comes in addition to the 14 research and creation centres dedicated to exploring the world of natural ingredients to offer products and solutions to Robertet Group customers, including Claman’s customers in South Africa. Claman is the local agent for Robertet.

Jerome Bruhat, CEO of Robertet, explains: “The arrival of this BioPod in Grasse illustrates our innovation strategy to use cutting-edge technologies to offer our customers the best natural products for a more sustainable industry. We are doing this with a recognised pioneer in bio-farming.”

Julien Maubert, director of the raw materials division and the person spearheading the Interstellar project, adds: “We are looking forward to kicking-off our collaboration with Interstellar Lab. We have already engaged in several research programmes to prepare for the future of aromatic plants agronomy, and we are excited to accelerate this research thanks to the remarkable performance of the BioPod. We are determined to continue transforming our industry.”

Barbara Belvisi, founder and CEO of Interstellar Lab, comments: “We are delighted to be bringing BioPods to market with Robertet as our first partner. The leading French, natural ingredients group has unrivalled experience and expertise in cultivating the Earth’s natural resources. We share many common values, such as the preservation of biodiversity. With the BioPod, we are offering a solution to the industry’s ecological transition. We harness technology to benefit the living.”