Can you introduce collagen peptides and gelatin, PB Leiner’s main products in the area?
PB Leiner is a company with over 100 years of history. We are one of the top three producers of gelatin and collagen peptides globally, working with 3 different raw materials (fish, porcine and bovine). We operate eight production plants across the world. Our focus has always been on innovation and sustainability, as reflected in the motto of our mother company, the Tessenderlo Group, "Every molecule counts". This philosophy underscores our commitment to maximizing resources and reducing waste, particularly in the upcycling of animal by-products to produce gelatin and collagen peptides.
Collagen peptides are obtained by breaking down collagen protein enzymatically into smaller peptides which can be easily absorbed by the human body. It’s a pure protein, highly digestible, free from sugars and fats, and versatile in its applications. As the human body’s natural collagen production starts declining from the late 20s or early 30s, supplementation becomes important for maintaining joint health, skin elasticity, and overall vitality.
Gelatin has numerous uses in many industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and pet food. Our patented innovations, such as cold-soluble gelatin and enteric gelatins, demonstrate our leadership in this field.
How is PB Leiner capitalizing on the growing awareness and demand for collagen peptides?
We focus on three major trends: sustainability, health and wellness, and convenience. Sustainability is central to our operations. Gelatin & collagen peptides’ production is inherently an upcycling process, valorizing materials like skins and bones that would otherwise go to waste. We also maximize the added value of each by-product—for example, turning extracted fats into biofuels and proteins into pet food ingredients. Our efforts are supported by rigorous traceability standards, such as certifications for grass-fed beef collagen peptides and both FOS (Friends of the Sea) and BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) accreditation for fish collagen.
Health and wellness are driving factors in the collagen market. Collagen peptides’ benefits include improved bone & joint health, skin beauty, and healthy aging. We invest heavily in clinical studies to validate and expand these benefits. A recent study in collaboration with Florida State University showed that collagen peptides supplementation not only reduces joint pain but also enhances mental well-being and activity levels. This aligns with consumer demand for fewer but highly effective supplements.
Convenience is another priority. We’ve developed patented technologies to create collagen with low molecular weight, increasing its absorption and reducing the required dosage. This allows collagen peptides to be incorporated into a variety of products, from drinks and gummies to protein bars, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
What role does technology play in improving collagen production and efficiency?
Technology and innovation are key drivers of our progress. In sourcing, we’re improving traceability and quality through better certifications and partnerships. As innovation, our patented ultra-low molecular weight collagen peptides enhance efficiency and absorption, allowing for smaller dosages that deliver faster results. This innovation makes collagen peptides even more accessible and appealing to consumers.
Artificial intelligence is also making a significant impact. For example, AI helps us optimize blending processes for gelatin, similar to creating blended whiskeys. This ensures precise product specifications with minimal waste, improving both cost efficiency and sustainability.
As technology advances, we see opportunities for even greater improvements in efficiency, traceability, and product performance.
What distinguishes PB Leiner from competitors in the collagen market?
Our commitment to sustainability, traceability, and innovation is how we help our customers make a difference. Unlike many in the industry, we source our raw materials from three origins: bovine, porcine, and fish. This diversity allows us to cater to regional preferences, such as the high demand for fish collagen in Asia and porcine collagen in Japan and Iberia. Our rigorous traceability practices, supported by third-party certifications, ensure ethical and environmentally friendly sourcing. For instance, our grass-fed beef Collagen peptides certification requires strict adherence to standards for animal well-being and sustainable farming practices.
We also emphasize clinical validation of collagen peptides’ benefits. By commissioning and conducting studies, we provide scientifically backed evidence of collagen peptides’ effectiveness. This builds trust with our B2B partners and, ultimately, the end consumers who use their products. Our proprietary technologies, like the focus on di and tripeptides, further enhance our offerings by improving absorption and reducing dosages.
What does the future hold for PB Leiner, and what is your vision for the company?
Our ideal vision is to continue leading the collagen industry through innovation, sustainability, and quality. We aim to become the number one choice for customers looking to incorporate collagen peptides into their products. This means maintaining our focus on traceability and performance while improving efficiency to ensure collagen remains accessible and affordable.
Looking ahead, we plan to expand our reach through international markets and collaborations. We’re also exploring new applications for collagen, from beauty drinks to functional foods, further diversifying its use. Our ultimate goal is to deliver the best quality collagen products to our partners and, by extension, to their consumers. By staying true to our principles and embracing innovation, we hope to redefine what’s possible in the collagen industry.
