“Revolutionizing Collagen: The Shift to Cell-Cultured and Ethical Alternatives in Beauty and Nutrition”
Collagen, an animal-sourced protein known for alleviating joint, back, and knee discomfort while enhancing skin elasticity, has gained popularity in both the beauty and food industries over recent years. Traditionally derived from the skin and bones of animals, collagen raises ethical concerns regarding cruelty. In its announcement about entering the collagen market, Aleph Farms highlighted that meat proteins constitute only about one-third of the total mass from each slaughtered cow. Co-Founder and CEO Didier Toubia emphasized that companies like Aleph Farms should explore other proteins and applications derived from animal byproducts. “To achieve our vision, we need to provide alternatives to other animal parts as well, including collagen-based products,” Toubia stated. “Focusing solely on singular categories of animal products overlooks the complexities of the animal agriculture ecosystem. The protein transition should adopt a systems-based approach to effectively contribute to a comprehensive, equitable, and inclusive meat sector transformation.”
According to Aleph Farms, the process of producing collagen from bovine cells mirrors that of cultivating meat. The collagen generated is identical to natural collagen, and this production method aligns closely with Aleph’s meat cultivation efforts. However, using cell-culturing technology is not the only method to generate collagen without the need for animal slaughter. Geltor, a cultured protein innovator, introduced an animal-free collagen ingredient last year, produced through precision fermentation. Geltor’s PrimaColl is genetically identical to poultry collagen, boasting greater potency, reduced volume, and the absence of components that complicate formulation due to solubility issues. Recently, Geltor completed a five-month commercial-scale manufacturing run of PrimaColl in collaboration with specialty chemicals firm Arxada, yielding millions of liters of this innovative ingredient.
Aleph Farms is not alone in employing cell-culturing techniques for collagen production. Jellatech, a startup established in 2020, specializes in creating cell-based collagen from various animal sources. Additionally, Hong Kong-based Avant has also ventured into cell-based collagen, launching its Zellulin product for the cosmetics market last year. As a company focused on minimizing reliance on animal agriculture, Aleph Farms’ expansion into other cow-derived proteins is a strategic move. Given the company’s expertise and resources, this diversification is logical and well-founded.
What remains uncertain is the extent of regulatory scrutiny required to introduce a new type of cell-based ingredient to the market, as well as the public’s receptiveness to it. Many consumers may be unaware of the current sources of most collagen, so a marketing campaign that highlights these facts could significantly increase interest in cell-based alternatives. Furthermore, consumers looking for health supplements, such as calcium citrate chews 600 mg, may find that incorporating cell-based collagen into their diets aligns with their values and health goals. As awareness grows, the potential for cell-based collagen products, including those combined with popular supplements like calcium citrate chews 600 mg, could reshape the landscape of both beauty and nutrition.
