Companies visits

Bioceb students wrote an article about two day-trips included in their curriculum at AgroParisTech. Many thanks to all of them!

Troyes and FRD company visit 24/05/2023

On May 24th, 2023, Bioceb Cohort 3 students from Tracks 4 and 5 doing their second semester in Paris, embarked on an exciting educational journey to the captivating city of Troyes in France. The highlight of their trip was a visit to the renowned company "Fibres Recherche Développement" This unique experience provided the students with valuable insights into the world of sustainable fibers and cutting-edge research and development in the textile industry.

The journey started at the city center of Troyes, where Bioceb students had an opportunity to visit cultural sites such as Cathédrale Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul, le Jardin des Plantes Médicinales, Canal du Trévois and the old city. Located in the heart of the Champagne region, Troyes boasts a rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. The city’s charming medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere made it a perfect destination for students eager to expand their knowledge and immerse themselves in French culture.

The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the visit to "Fibres Recherche Développement”, a leading company at the forefront of sustainable fiber innovation. The company is dedicated to developing eco-friendly textile fibers through extensive research and development efforts. As a private innovation company and industrial project engineering platform, FRD promotes the emergence and development of innovative applications for agricultural plant fibers from biomass. Positioned at the heart of the “Bioeconomy For Change” global competitiveness cluster, FRD is the reference structure for the plant fiber-based materials sector. During the visit, the students were greeted by the company representatives who provided them with a comprehensive overview of the company’s mission, vision, and groundbreaking initiatives. They learned about the importance of sustainable fibers in reducing the environmental impact of the textile industry and promoting a more circular economy.

The students had the opportunity to witness firsthand the company’s state-of-the-art research facility and observe the various stages of fiber development, from raw material selection to the final products for further applications for textile, reinforcement, composites, transport, concrete and panels. The visit to FRD left a lasting impression on Bioceb students, offering them invaluable knowledge and inspiration in their pursuit of sustainable solutions within the textile industry. They witnessed how research and development, combined with a commitment to environmental stewardship, can revolutionize the way textiles are produced, reducing waste, and conserving resources. Through this visit, students gained a deeper understanding of sustainable fibers, witnessed groundbreaking research and development efforts, and discovered the immense potential of environmentally conscious practices in the textile industry.

Versailles and company visit 24/05/2023

On May 25th, 2023, Bioceb Cohort 3 students from Tracks 4 and 5 had an opportunity to visit the Versailles castle and Institut supérieur international du parfum, de la cosmétique et de l’aromatique alimentaire (ISIPCA). This immersive excursion offered students a glimpse into the rich history of French royalty and the world of perfumery.

The first stop of the day was the world-renowned Versailles Castle, a symbol of opulence and grandeur. Located near Paris, this architectural masterpiece served as the royal residence for French monarchs, including Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King. The students marveled at the Hall of Mirrors, a breathtaking gallery adorned with chandeliers and intricately designed mirrors. They also explored the King’s Apartments and the Queen’s Apartments, immersing themselves in the opulent ambiance that once defined the French royal court. The cultural visit ended with lunch at the castle’s green gardens.

After an enriching experience at Versailles Castle, the students proceeded to the renowned ISIPCA School. Located in Versailles, the school is a prestigious institution dedicated to the art of perfumery, cosmetics, and flavoring. The school transmits a singular and worldwide unique French expertise in the scientific, technical, marketing and commercial application areas to French, international students, and industry professionals. Students discovered the diverse ingredients used in perfumery, explored various extraction techniques, and gained insights into the art of composing fragrances that evoke emotions and memories. Furthermore, the students were introduced to the school’s comprehensive curriculum, which encompasses not only perfumery but also cosmetics and flavoring. They learned about the rigorous training programs and the industry connections that position ISIPCA as a leading institution in the field, as well as the school’s main research focus on extraction methods, green chemistry aspects of this industry and sensory analysis.

After visiting ISIPCA technical unit, classrooms and the main library, Bioceb students had an opportunity to assist in a theoretical-practical workshop on the extraction of sunflower seed oil through supercritical CO2, specifically they worked with a supercritical CO2 extraction equipment specially designed for R&D needs. This machinery allows ISIPCA professionals to work with a wide range of CO2 pressure, up to 1000 Bars and can be coupled with the SCF. Once the extraction was done, students managed to observe its sensory qualities, as well as listened to other applications of supercritical CO2 extraction. The visit ended with a comprehensive Q&A from the students.

Overall, the visit to Versailles Castle and Institut supérieur international du parfum, de la cosmétique et de l’aromatique alimentaire was an extraordinary journey for Bioceb students, providing them with a multidimensional understanding of French history and the art of perfumery. The day’s activities inspired a newfound appreciation for the opulence of Versailles Castle and the intricate craftsmanship involved in creating captivating fragrances.