Since 1986, BCF Life Sciences has specialised in the production of amino acids by extraction, using poultry feathers as its raw material. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are involved in a wide range of human, animal and plant health functions. To meet these challenges, we have a team of experts in the nutrition and health markets.The BCF Life Sciences production site is located in Pleucadeuc, Morbihan. We’d like to open the doors of the factory to you: in this article, find out how we produce our amino acids!
A unique amino acid production process
Selection of raw materials from the circular economy
BCF Life Sciences uses amino acids derived from poultry feathers, and more specifically from the keratin of which they are composed.
| Why does BCF Life Sciences select poultry feathers?
Feathers contain keratin, the main constituent of hair, nails and skin. This protein is made up of amino acids such as cystine, which plays a role in the health and beauty of our skin. BCF Life Sciences offers L-Cystine as well as a range of ingredients containing it, such as Kera-Diet®, Cysti-White® and Naticol®-Cyskin®. To find out more, read our article on cystine 👇
BCF Life Sciences gives poultry feathers a second life by recovering them rather than throwing them away. Nothing is lost, everything is transformed in this circular economy model! What’s more, we attach a great deal of importance to local character: 68% of our feathers come from the Morbihan department! |
BCF Life Sciences operates in the human, animal and plant nutrition and health markets, while seeking to reduce its environmental impact.
Find out more about our industrial process for extracting and purifying amino acids!
The amino acid extraction and purification process
BCF Life Sciences: European specialist in the extraction of free amino acids
The manufacturing process is based on the extraction and purification of two free amino acids: L-cystine and L-tyrosine. These two amino acids are selected from the many amino acids present in keratin protein.
| Why is BCF Life Sciences focusing on the extraction of these amino acids?
These amino acids are used in particular in nutraceuticals and infant nutrition. L-cystine incorporated into food supplements helps to support healthy hair and nails. L-tyrosine, a precursor of dopamine and melanin, plays a role in skin pigmentation and in stimulating cognitive functions. In the case of infant nutrition products, L-cystine and L-tyrosine help to ensure a balanced free amino acid profile in hypoallergenic and hypoallergenic infant milks. |
Thanks to L-cystine, BCF Life Sciences also produces carbocisteine. This active ingredient is used in pharmaceuticals.
As well as extracting L-cystine and L-tyrosine, BCF Life Sciences also offers mixes of free amino acids derived from poultry feather keratin. These mixes, in liquid or powder form, are used in nutraceuticals, dog and cat nutrition, aquaculture and agriculture.
The BCF Life Sciences amino acid manufacturing process:
Quality control steps at BCF Life Sciences:
BCF Life Sciences attaches great importance to the quality of its processes and ingredients.
Indeed, ingredients are subject to traceability throughout the manufacturing process. Thanks to the collaboration of all the teams at BCF Life Sciences, employees have developed know-how and technical knowledge of the amino acid manufacturing process.
We have invested in clinical studies to prove the performance of our ingredients and understand their mechanisms of action.
BCF Life Sciences’ production of quality amino acids is part of a continuous improvement process.
In producing its amino acids, BCF Life Sciences relies on two pillars: improving the quality of its products to meet customers’ needs and increasing its production capacity to support them in their development.
Find out more about BCF Life Sciences’ CSR approach and the values we hold dear!
Amino acid production as part of a CSR approach
BCF Life Sciences attaches particular importance to its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) approach. In 2023, BCF Life Sciences was awarded Gold EcoVadis certification, the world leader in CSR assessment. BCF Life Sciences stands out for its commitment to people and the environment through four key points of entry.
Contribution to human, animal and plant health
Conserving resources is an essential value for BCF Life Sciences. We aim to reduce our consumption of resources. To this end, we have carried out a carbon assessment of our production to identify targets and action plans.
In addition, BCF Life Sciences’ Ecogreen process, which will come on stream in 2019, uses the heat from the circulating water in the cooling towers to return it to the process. This reduces gas consumption by limiting the use of steam.
Employee health and well-being
BCF Life Sciences is committed to the well-being of its employees by focusing on three key areas: human development, quality of life at work and communication. To this end, we provide training on quality, safety and the environment for all new arrivals, training on BCF Life Sciences products and a quality of life at work barometer for all employees.
Since 2009, BCF Life Sciences has generated more than 129 recruitments.
Creating shared values
The BCF Life Sciences team wants to share its values not only with its employees, but also with its customers and partners. Through our curiosity and openness, we leave room for all possibilities. Always putting the customer at the centre of our actions, we want to make progress on quality, safety and environmental protection thanks to our close-knit team.
BCF Life Sciences specialises in the extraction and purification of amino acids from poultry keratin. Through the extraction of L-cystine, which is used to synthesise carbocisteine, L-tyrosine and mixtures of free amino acids, BCF Life Sciences operates in many fields. With our expertise, we contribute to nutrition and health. We align these efforts with a vision that is part of our CSR approach.
To find out more about our manufacturing process, please contact us!
