Unilever is seeking external suppliers with libraries of prebiotic ingredients available for testing.
Background
An opportunity has been identified across BPC categories where consumers have an increasing preference for prebiotic formulations including prebiotics from botanical sources. It is desired to deliver functionality (microbial control) using prebiotic materials. Currently there are limited libraries of prebiotic compounds with the desired activity available at a cost-effective price and at relevant levels of production.
The goal of this project is to identify 3rd party suppliers who can provide materials for internal screening against relevant target endpoints. Available materials will undergo appropriate screening at Unilever facilities against multiple end points and selected leads will be further investigated for safety and formulation compatibility in advance of potential progression to clinical studies.
Materials may be used across personal care / cosmetics areas including skin care, scalp care, face care and oral care (some additional specific requirements for oral care actives).
Description & Key Features
- Prebiotic materials (materials intended for used as a growth or metabolic substrate by relevant microrganisms)
- Preference for non colored materials however not essential
- Materials available in large volume for potential market launch cosmetic grade and food grade materials desired. Specific oral care grade compliance required for use by Oral Care category
- Non GMO
- Specific to oral application the material should not lead to microbial fermentation/acid production (Oral Care specific requirement)
- Formulation compatibility
- Compositional analysis of extracts including identification of active material
- Safety Package
What We Aren’t Interested In
- Known toxic materials, sensitizer, high heavy metals, carcinogen or other special handling or consumer safety requirement
- Known drugs or medicines
- Known regulatory prohibited materials
- Materials with significant colour or odour or taste
- Materials that will require cold shipping and selling when in a finished product
- Materials with likely or known allergenicity risk
- Technology knowingly owned by or licensed to 3rd party competitors of Unilever
- Material / Formulation testing on animals post 2010
- Drug registered materials
- Materials with a solvent/carrier/diluent or preservation system that cannot be used in oral care (Oral Care specific requirement)
Desired Outcome
- Supply of materials in relevant quantities and format for testing at Unilever.
- Following in vitro testing proceed to clinical studies where appropriate.
- Exclusive supply agreement for materials between 3rd party supplier and Unilever.
