Overview
Roquette Frères is a French family-owned company founded in 1933 and headquartered in Lestrem, France. As a global leader in plant-based ingredients and specialty products, Roquette operates across more than 40 locations in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, employing approximately 4,000 people worldwide.
The company specializes in creating innovative solutions from renewable plant resources, with particular expertise in starch transformation and bio-based chemistry. Roquette’s comprehensive portfolio includes over 650 specialty products derived from renewable plant feedstocks including corn, wheat, potatoes, and peas.
Primary Materials & Products
Starch-Based Bioplastics:
- Gaialene™: Innovative bioplastic created from renewable resources like corn starch and other plant-based components
- Biodegradable polymer systems
- Compostable bioplastic formulations
- Plant-derived polyols and precursors
Specialty Plant-Derived Ingredients:
- Functional starches for food and industrial applications
- Plant-based proteins and nutrients
- Pharmaceutical and nutrition ingredients
- Specialty chemicals from renewable feedstocks
Technical Capabilities: Roquette leverages proprietary starch processing and biotechnology to create high-performance materials meeting stringent industrial requirements while maintaining sustainability credentials.
Market Segments
Roquette serves diverse industries with plant-based material solutions:
- Packaging: Sustainable films and protective materials for food and industrial packaging
- Food Service: Plant-based food contact materials, compostable food containers
- Pharmaceuticals: Excipients and specialty ingredients for drug formulations
- Nutrition: Plant-based nutrients and functional food ingredients
- Industrial Applications: Specialty polymers for adhesives, coatings, and engineered materials
Global Operations & Research
Main Research Center: Roquette’s largest facility and R&D center is located in Lestrem, France, employing over 250 researchers and engineers. This center focuses on starch chemistry, biopolymer development, and innovative material solutions.
Manufacturing Network: Production facilities across Europe, North America, and Asia enable efficient global supply chains and serve regional market demands.
Strategic Positioning: The company maintains strong focus on:
- Renewable resource utilization and circular economy principles
- Innovation in bio-based material chemistry
- Sustainable food and industrial applications
- Collaboration with customers for customized solutions
Sustainability Focus
Roquette is deeply committed to sustainable development through:
- Development of biodegradable and compostable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics
- Utilization of agricultural by-products and waste streams
- Reduced environmental impact manufacturing processes
- Support for circular economy initiatives
Last updated: February 13, 2026