News From : DagangHalal.com (19 Aug 2010)
MELAKA, Aug 18 (Bernama) — Tropical Bioessence Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Malacca Biotechnology Corporation (MCB), will soon export herbal and food-based oil extracts to France, once the corporation’s manufacturing plant is ready in September.
The company was orginally structured as a producer of essential oils and herbal extracts to end users, but has since grown to become a major supplier of essential oils, essential oil-based products and also herbal extracts in Malaysia.
“We will work with two French companies to market the products in France where demand for our oil extracts has grown by leeps and bounds,” said Malacca Biotechnology Corp’s Chief Executive Officer Zam Abdul Karim here Wednesday.
She told Bernama that oil extraction was one of the earliest research activity undertaken by the corporation in 2005 and essential oil extracts were commercialised in 2007.
Citrus and lemon grass extracts are most sought after in the making of soap and aromatherapy oils, which is wiely used at spas, throughout the country.
Zam said besides oil extracts, the corporation also planned to market perfumes, made from the strong-scented frangipani flower, to France.
It was also teaming up with French-based Institute of Genetics Nantes Atlantique (IGNA) to develop DNA analysis for use in forensics and to detect halal products.
“The cooperation will be forged through our new subsidiary, Rintiz Bioscience Sdn Bhd. Europe is our market and France is the best country to kick off this project,” she said.
Zam disclosed that research was currently being conducted on churning out health and cosmestic products from fruit peels and seeds which are known to be rich in antioxidants.
Research is also being initiated to convert banana tree trunks into coal, for use as fuel, and also as a ordour repellent.
Zam said there were six research laboratories operating under the corporation which undertook various phases of research which would culminate in many products being commercialised.
“A toxicology laboratory was launched on July 30 which carries out research on food, chemicals, pesticides and medical equipment,” she added.
Zam also said the corporation assumed an important role in positioning Malacca as an investment haven.
Through seminars and courses, the corporation had succeeded in training locals, from various backgrounds, to participate in the biotechnology sector which was developing rapidly in the country.
— BERNAMA