How Rousselot became the leading collagen manufacturer in the world

Acquisition of the Angoulême factory, France

During a period of fast growth of the gelatin industry, Rousselot acquires the gelatin and glue factory Société des Colles de France (SCF), in Angoulême. 

Acquisition of the L’Isle-sur-la Sorgue factory, France

L’Isle-sur-la Sorgue joins the Rousselot group to specialize in manufacturing gelatin for the photographic industry. At that time, Rousselot was the first manufacturer of photographic gelatin. Today, Angouleme and L’Isle sur-la Sorgue are still operational and remain two of the most important Rousselot factories. 

Installation of the Ghent factory, Belgium

Following the success of its glue and gelatin business, the company took off with exports in the 50s. In 1962, the company expands by building a gelatin factory in Ghent, Belgium. 

Rousselot becomes the leader of the French chemicals industry

By this time, the company employed 1000 people and iss ranked as the 250th largest company in France. 

Rousselot partners with ATO Chimie

Growing at a rapid speed from 315 to 1,064 million francs between 1968 and 1976, Rousselot wants the support of a reputable partner, and joins forces with – Elf-Aquitaine and Total (ATO Chimie). Rousselot’s workforce grows to 4,000 employees.

Rousselot joins Sanofi

Rousselot is acquired by Sanofi, a subsidiary of Elf-Aquitaine. In subsequent years until 1991, Rousselot purchases factories in Dubuque, USA and Girona, Spain. 

Rousselot becomes part of SKW

Süddeutsche Kalkstickstoffwerke (SKW), a subsidiary of German group VIAG, takes over Sanofi Bio Industries. 

Expansion in Asia

In parallel to structure changes, Rousselot pursues international expansion in Asia and acquires factories in Kaiping, China. Throughout the early 2000s, sales offices were set up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Tokyo, Japan, and plants in Wenzhou, China and Da’an, China through a joint venture. 

Rousselot becomes part of Vion

The VION food group in the Netherlands oversees the development of Rousselot, supporting its expansion plan in China and Brazil, and the growing hydrolyzed collagen market. 

Rousselot returns to world’s no. 1 in gelatin production

Through the acquisition of Brazilian company Rebière, a leader in the Brazilian gelatin market and one of the ten largest producers in the world, Rousselot reclaimed it top position.

Rousselot acquires Peptan brand

The company strengthens its product offering based on its long history of expertise in the health and nutrition sector by acquiring the Peptan collagen peptides range distributed by German company BHJ Products GmbH.

Rousselot becomes part of Darling International

Vion Ingredients are acquired by US group Darling Ingredients , a global leader of sustainable food, feed and fuel ingredient solutions, further supporting Rousselot’s growth.

Peptan IIm, bringing joint health a step closer

With the success of Peptan, Peptan IIm, a hydrolyzed collagen type II matrix developed specifically for joint health, is added to the Peptan portfolio.

Rousselot rebranded

To meet the evolving market and new consumer needs, Rousselot restructures into three key segments providing tailored services to our customers- Rousselot Health & Nutrition, Rousselot Biomedical and Rousselot Functional Ingredients. Peptan is part of Rousselot Health & Nutrition.

A Peptan F dedicated site in Angoulême

Driven by the growth of the international collagen market, Rousselot invests in Angoulême, one of its historic sites. A new state-of-the-art production site dedicated to the production of fish collagen peptides is set out on a surface of 2,500m2.

Peptan Marine, MSC-certified collagen peptides

To meet the growing demand from conscientious consumers, Rousselot introduces Peptan^® Marine collagen peptides sourced from 100% wild-caught marine white fish and certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

Rousselot adds Peptan P production line at Ghent facility

The company increase in its production capabilities for porcine collagen, responding to rising demand for premium collagen ingredients. The newly opened production line in Ghent, Belgium will specialize in the manufacture of Peptan P.

Colartix

Rousselot Health & Nutrition launches its unique collagen matrix from natural cartilage for joint care backed by consumer science.
The scientific results of the research are based on a study with more than two hundred consumers.