The Chitose Group, which leads the Matsuri project in which Shiseido, the Japanese cosmetics company, has made an official investment of one billion yen (equivalent to 6.4 million euros), according to a press release issued by Shiseido. In this way, Shiseido continues to invest in biotech companies and shows its vision and plans for the future linked to biotechnology.
In 2022, Chitose Group announced the collaboration with Shiseido and its accession to the MATSURI project, where Shiseido would become a corporate partner. Through Matsuri, both companies agree on a roadmap to establish a sustainable industry based on the use of microalgae. The Chitose Group's goal is to accelerate the consolidation of a circular business model, where microalgae are the main component of cosmetic ingredient formulation and packaging. This approach has convinced Shiseido to increase its investment. In addition, the Chitose Group hopes to apply this model to the food industry.
As part of the "Beauty Innovations for a better world" programme, Shiseido is increasing its investment in the Chitose Group through the Matsuri project, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. Chitose has high expectations for the evolution of Matsuri and plans to expand the area dedicated to microalgae production to 100 hectares by 2027.
In 2021, Shiseido created the Shiseido Beauty Innovations Fund to streamline and make more effective its investments in technology companies, mainly Asian, that can generate fruitful synergies for the cosmetics giant. During 2022, this division made its first investment of more than half a million euros in the Chinese company Jiangu Trautec Medical Technology. Founded in 2015, this company is dedicated to the exploration of new raw materials for the cosmetics industry and represents an innovation and business opportunity for Shiseido in Asia. With the Shiseido Beauty Innovations Fund, the company seeks to strengthen its presence in China.