Marketing plays a major role in the cosmetic sector, also for the intermediate good, the marine biotechnology derived extract. The target group are people in the R&D, marketing and/or purchase departments of bigger ingredient suppliers and bigger cosmetic companies. The demands of these special marketing efforts encompass the compilation of reasons for efficacy, sustainability and quality. Each of these features need specialised proof, tests and certifications. Potential products areas currently in research and development stage The main potential for marine biotechnology can be found in the following raw material segments, which are already covered by over 2000 SMEs in Europe: active ingredients; UV-filter, after sun; colourants, pigments ; fragrances; viscosity control agents; Liposomes, carrier systems for active ingredients; Surfactants; Preservatives; hair-styling raw materials. In almost all of these segments, one or more raw materials is already coming from the sea, however, the potential has by far not yet begun to be exploited systematically and sustainably. In principle, all living marine resources are suitable for cosmetic raw material, if they fulfil the regulatory hurdles, of special interest are: bacteria; fungi; (micro- and macro-) algae; Nematodes; Annelids; Molluscs; cnidaria and ctenophora (jellyfish and comb jellies); vertebrates. Compounds of special interest in the cosmetic industry coming belong to the following groups: proteins/enzymes and amino acids; (poly-) saccharides (mannose, galactose, alginate, fucoidan, laminaran etc.); Glycosaminoglycanes; minerals and dissolved salts; trace elements: zinc, iodine, selenium, strontium etc.; polyphenols; terpenes; glycosides; steroids; carotinoids, flavonoids, anthocyanes; vitamins; other secondary metabolic compounds. Landscape of Marine Biotechnology infrastructures and technologies in the cosmetics sector A marine biotechnology ‘infrastructure’ is hardly existent or, at least, cannot be located as a set of interconnected structural elements along the value chain in the cosmetic sector which provides a framework facilitating the production of goods and services. Also the distribution of finished products to markets is lacking in a structured way. Instead, it is a provisional arrangement that Study in support of Impact Assessment work on Blue Biotechnology 127
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