2026-09-07 05:46Press release
Ragn-Sells sells patent to produce melanin to biotech company Cyclezyme
Ragn-Sells has sold its patent to produce melanin to the biotech company Cyclezyme. Melanin is a pigment with growing commercial demand, including in skincare, sun protection products and water purification.
“We are pleased to place this promising technology into the hands of a company with the capabilities and ambition to unlock its full industrial potential. Cyclezyme has in recent years demonstrated a strong capability to develop advanced biotechnologies and translate research into commercial opportunities,” says Ragn-Sells Chief Strategy Officer and R&D Director, Anders Kihl.
The transaction includes the intellectual property associated with the patented biotech process for producing melanin, and transfers control over further development and commercialisation to Cyclezyme.
Ragn-Sells has invested many years in innovation to develop technologies that can be scaled up to commercially viable circular solutions. This is why the group has ownership stakes in several research and development focused companies. The primary goal is that even more raw materials can be returned to the resource cycle safely and profitably, at the same time as potentially harmful entities in waste are removed.
“Through this relationship with Cyclezyme, we aim to contribute to the development of biotech solutions. The potential in biotech is extraordinary and creates new opportunities to advance effective recycling solutions for waste streams that today are not possible or profitable to recycle,” says Anders Kihl.
Cyclezyme develops enzymes and biotech processes for the enzymatic recycling of plastic. The company focuses, among other things, on breaking down hard-to-recycle plastic materials, such as polyester and nylon, to create new raw materials. The melanin patent is a separate technology area that broadens Cyclezyme’s platform within industrial biotech and biologically synthesised materials.
The patented process has been assessed by Cyclezyme in a pre-study where Ragn-Sells tested various waste streams as input material.
“After our assessment we see a clear potential in the patented process for biological synthesis of melanin. Through the acquisition, Cyclezyme gains the opportunity to advance the technology, technologically and commercially, while expanding our platform into a new area within bio-based materials. We are also delighted to have Ragn-Sells as a new partner. Their industrial experience, knowledge of waste streams and strong position in circular solutions is very valuable to Cyclezyme’s continued development,” says Peter Falck, CEO for Cyclezyme AB.
“After our assessment we see a clear potential in the patented process for biological synthesis of melanin. Through the acquisition, Cyclezyme gains the opportunity to advance the technology, technologically and commercially, while expanding our platform into a new area within bio-based materials. We are also delighted to have Ragn-Sells as a new partner. Their industrial experience, knowledge of waste streams and strong position in circular solutions is very valuable to Cyclezyme’s continued development,” says Peter Falck, CEO for Cyclezyme AB.
The purchase will be paid in Cyclezyme shares through a directed share issue. This means Ragn-Sells' ownership stake will equal approximately 7.9 per cent of the company, which is listed on Spotlight Stock Market.
Melanin is a biological pigment that occurs naturally in plants and animals. In humans, its primary function is to protect the skin against solar radiation. Beyond skincare and sun protection, melanin is being used in an increasing number of industrial applications, including water purification and functional biomaterials.
For more information contact:
Anders Kihl, Chief Strategy Officer and R&D Director, 070-927 26 84, anders.kihl@ragnsells.com
Ragn-Sells press hotline, 010-723 24 00, press@ragnsells.com
About Ragn-Sells Group
The environmental company Ragn-Sells converts waste into raw materials that can be used over and over again. Ragn-Sells drives the transition to a circular economy through solutions that reduce its own and other actors' environmental and climate impact. Ragn-Sells is a family owned corporate group founded in 1881. The company operates in five countries and employs over 2,700 people. In 2025, Ragn-Sells’ turnover was 9,120 MSEK. www.ragnsells.com
Contacts
Press Officer
- press@ragnsells.com
- +46709272400
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