Gattefossé Texas Plant Earns Three Certifications

Gattefossé’s manufacturing plant in Lufkin, TX earned three certifications: ISO9001, EFfCI GMP and EXCiPACT. It marks a significant step forward in Gattefossé’s global expansion strategy and commitment to quality and sustainability, according to the company.

A Strategic Step in Global Expansion

The Lufkin site complements existing sites in Saint-Priest, France and Singapore. The plant underscores the Group’s ambition to transition from a mid-sized company to a truly international player, according to company executives.

“The Lufkin facility embodies our commitment to better serving our  customers, especially in North America, while reinforcing our business continuity plan,” said Kent Skidmore, site director. “This site will enable us to provide faster delivery times, increased production flexibility and a robust backup solution across three continents.”

World-Class Quality Standards

The three certifications obtained by the Lufkin plant validate Gattefossé’s determination to deliver high-quality, safe and effective ingredients.

• ISO9001: a globally recognized quality management standard, designed to optimize organizational performance, meet customer expectations, and demonstrate a commitment to quality.
• EFfCI GMP: compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices for cosmetic raw materials, guaranteeing product quality and safety.
• EXCiPACT: a benchmark for Good Manufacturing Practices standards for pharmaceutical excipients, in pharmaceutical-grade ingredient production.

“Achieving ISO9001, EFfCI GMP, and EXCiPACT certifications for our new Lufkin plant is a testament to the great collaboration between our teams in France and Texas,” explained Elisa Ropagnol, industrial operations director, Gattefossé Group. “By sharing expertise and aligning our quality processes, we’ve built a site that meets the same high standards as our other facilities worldwide. These certifications reflect our commitment to excellence, ensuring our customers receive safe, high-quality ingredients with uncompromising reliability.”

Innovation and Sustainability at the Core

The Lufkin plant produces lipid-based ingredients for the personal care and pharmaceutical industries. In personal care, these ingredients act as emulsifiers, emollients and texturizing agents, enabling high-end formulations recognized for their sensory benefits. In pharmaceuticals, lipid excipients play a crucial role in drug formulation for both human and veterinary health. They enhance skin penetration, optimize bioavailability and improve taste masking, ensuring better treatment acceptability.

The facility uses gravity-fed flows to reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact. This approach supports the company’s broader sustainability goals, including reducing its carbon footprint by sourcing locally. 

“Our new plant strengthens our ability to meet customer needs worldwide with enhanced production capacity and supply chain resilience. It reflects our deep commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Ropagnol. “Built according to LEED standards, this site sets a benchmark for reducing environmental impact and optimizing energy efficiency, paving the way for a responsible future.”

A Local Industrial and Economic Player

The new 62,000 square feet (5,800 m²) facility is similar in size to the production site of Gattefossé’s headquarters in France. It aims to achieve an equivalent production capacity in a few short years.

The Lufkin facility will produce a range of ingredients in liquid and solid forms, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to market demands. Beyond its industrial role, it created 15 local jobs and will reach 30 at full capacity in the production and quality control sectors.

By prioritizing regional production, Gattefossé not only strengthens ties to the North American market but also contributes to local economic development. This initiative reinforces the company’s philosophy of combining global expertise with local action, according to the company.