Arturo Ortiz, manager of Vicorva: “ The support of the CDTI and funding of ERDF funds has been an incentive to innovate in cosmetics natural ”

To reduce the use of freshwater, using raw materials from recycling processes and improve the sustainability of the entire production process. With this comprehensive approach, the family business Pharmaceutical Chemistry Vicorva drives a project in natural cosmetics for the purpose of contributing from the laboratory to responsible consumption, aware that respects the environment. The project, currently under way, has the backing of Innovation and CDTI co-financing of european funds.

“ the support received has been crucial and with a clear incentive effect. Without this assistance, probably much of the project would have been able to conduct, or have had to reduce its scope by budgetary matters, ” explains Arturo Ortiz, manager of the company.

For an sme as Vicorva, compete in a globalised market dominated by large groups requires a boost. “ Have access to such aid is essential to develop and maintain innovation. These initiatives create employment bring knowledge and allow us to create products that go beyond the aesthetic: contribute to the health of the skin, our first barrier to sun, pollution and other external actors. ”

A company with roots and outreach

Founded in 1995 in Cheste (Valencia), Vicorva used today to 38 persons, and has developed a trajectory of nearly three decades “ based on the quality, innovation and integral service ”, stresses Ortiz. Its activity is divided into three major areas: own brand products with natural cosmetics, development and manufacture for third parties, as well as wholesale distribution of packaging.

“ the project was born when they became aware of the environmental impact of our daily activities. Small businesses can also be part of the solution, not only of the problem, ” summarizes Ortiz. The company allocated 4.5% of turnover in R & D and has achieved over the past decade, cosmetic rail lines that respond to real needs: from antipolución products until creams for sensitive or persons in cancer treatment.

A cosmetic with less freshwater

The new research project, in development between 2024 and 2026, a change in the traditional formulation in the sector: to reduce the use of freshwater — one of the most common ingredients in cosmetics — and to replace it with recycled vegetable waters. The second major axis is the incorporation of raw materials of natural origin and obtained as a “ processes.

“ these changes have been a major challenge. Are novel ingredients, without a prior technical experience applied guide, so it was necessary to conduct much evidence to ensure safe products, stable and effective, ” says Ortiz. This is compounded by the difficulty of finding these ingredients in the market and higher cost. “ This has necessitated an additional investment of time, resources and effort, ” explains.

But in Vicorva commitment to sustainability is not limited to proceeds. “ We Want To be present at every step of the process: since the selection of raw materials to the packaging and manufacturing. That is why we easily recyclable packaging and production methods without heat, which will enable us to reduce energy consumption. ”

Packaging of cosmetic products of Vicorva

Technical challenges and competitive advantages

The greatest challenge has so far been adapting the formulation of new sustainable ingredients, without compromising quality final product. “ The impact of these assets in stability has been one of the major obstacles, ” indicate. However, the company considers that this requirement can also become a differential value: "our competitive advantage was to combine sustainability and science. We Offer actual outputs, respectful of the skin and the environment ”.

In the medium term, the aim is to consolidate this line of sustainable natural cosmetics and expanded with new products. “ within five years we want to have this range can be found in the market and to be working in its extension. This approach is not a fashion, is an urgent necessity, not only for the cosmetic sector, but for the whole industry ”, underlines Ortiz.

Innovation and international projection

Vicorva concentrated 95% of turnover in the domestic market, but it has already begun to take firm steps towards the internationalization. Bolivia, Dominican Republic and Portugal are the main destinations of exports. In 2025, the company delegate for the first time in an international fair in latin america: Expo Beauty Colombia. “ We want to strengthen our presence in latin America and the establishment of a department exports that will enable us to consolidate this growth of a competitive and sustainable development, ” says his manager.

With a strategy based on proximity, quality and innovation, Vicorva aspires to further develop products that respond to new market demands, adding value from a healthy and responsible cosmetic.

CDTI Innovation

The centre for technological development and innovation, CDTI E.P.E. is a public company under the ministry of Science, innovation and universities, whose goal is the promotion of technological innovation in business. The CDTI mission is to ensure that the business fabric english generates and transform knowledge into growth científico-técnico globally competitive, sustainable and inclusive. By 2024, within the framework of a new strategic plan, the CDTI provided more than $2.3 billion euros of support for business startups and spain.

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