Webinar preview: Innovating longevity solutions with multi-mechanism collagen

Health-conscious consumers who seek supplements to support their lifestyles are driving active nutrition. Rousselot and Lonza Capsules & Health Ingredients (CHI) offer a multi-mechanism approach using collagen to meet this demand.

In their upcoming webinar, “Innovating with Collagen: A Multi-Mechanism Approach to Active Nutrition,” experts will explore key market trends, consumer insights, and the science behind flagship ingredients to power next-generation nutraceuticals. 

Registration is open for those interested in watching the webinar, which is scheduled for September 9 at 8:00 PM CEST.

To give a sneak peek into the presentation, Nutrition Insight speaks to the presenters, Hanna Charron, associate director of Global Product Management at Lonza CHI, and Florencia Moreno Torres, global marketing manager at Rousselot.

Charron explains that a multi-mechanism approach to collagen stands out compared to a single-ingredient solution for joint and mobility support, since several effects occur as the ingredients are distributed throughout the body. 

Torres elaborates: “By combining undenatured and hydrolyzed collagens with different postulated modes of action, joint and mobility solutions can be tackled from a different angle, potentially resulting in even better support. Take into account even plausible synergies, and you end up in a one-plus-one-equals-three scenario.”

Moreover, Charron and Torres anticipate that the biggest innovation opportunities in collagen-based active nutrition over the next few years lie in longevity. This is driven by a growing aging population that wants to remain healthy and active as long as possible.

Torres states that combining two collagen ingredients offers benefits in mobility, joint, and bone support, and lifestyle advantages from beauty to performance and sleep.“This reflects a clear shift toward prevention, creating strong demand for health supplements. Strategic partnerships that combine well-established branded ingredients can provide more comprehensive support for the needs of an aging population,” says Charron.

Collagen for active lifestyles

In the webinar, Charron and Torres will discuss their flagship collagen ingredients — Rousselot’s Peptan and Colartix and Lonza CHI’s UC-II.

“It is important to point out that each of these ingredients is quite different. From their composition to their mechanism of action,” says Charron. 

“For example, UC-II is an undenatured type II collagen, resistant to gastric acid and digestive enzymes, and it triggers the immune system to support the body’s natural cartilage repair process and promotes normal building of new cartilage.”

On the other hand, Torres adds that Peptan is mainly based on bioactive collagen peptides type I, produced by controlled enzymatic hydrolysis, and is scientifically proven to be highly bioavailable.

“Once consumed, Peptan is further digested by the body — approximately 57% into free amino acids and 43% into dipeptides and tripeptides. The free amino acids are used as building blocks to support tissue structures and function within the body.” 

“In contrast, the dipeptides and tripeptides operate as bioactive messengers, which are essential for many physiological processes. The peptides are distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream, reaching body tissues,” Torres explains.

Meanwhile, Colartix is a hydrolyzed cartilage matrix featuring a natural mix of collagen peptides and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Torres explains that the collagen is unique because it mainly consists of type II collagen and chondroitin sulfate as the primary GAG.

Collagen-based products that use trusted, branded ingredients will continue to see market growth, says Charron.“The hydrolyzation process results, just like for Peptan, in highly bioavailable building blocks and bioactive messengers.”

Science and branding influence purchases

According to Lonza CHI 2025 Consumer Research, over half of the consumers are heavily influenced by the science backing an ingredient. “Seventy-five percent of consumers say that branded ingredients are influential in decision-making,” adds Charron.

“So, in a segment with so much variety, it is expected that collagen-based products developed relying on trusted, branded ingredients are to remain on the growth path, as they are key to standing out from the shelves and capturing consumers’ attention.”

“Additionally, convenient formats that can be seamlessly integrated into everyday routines — without compromising on taste are becoming a must-have, even in a segment where taste is often compromised in exchange for functionality. For instance, think ‘sandy’ protein bars or other active lifestyle/sports nutrition offerings with low palatability,” details Charron.

Balancing efficacy, taste & convenience

Moreover, Charron and Torres will reveal how prototypes made with the spotlighted ingredients — like the JointFuel functional bar and JointMatrix capsules — prove how efficacy can be balanced with other factors. “A key learning is that functionality does not have to compromise taste and convenience,” says Torres.

“Formulating with leading ingredients such as UC-II, Peptan, and Colartix comes with the expertise and backing of market leaders such as Lonza and Rousselot.” 

Another takeaway is that regardless of whether we’re targeting a consumer who prefers low-dose or pill formats or one looking for a more indulgent option like a bar (which still offers its own convenience), these collagen solutions are the answer, Torres stresses.

“Additionally, by being able to combine two collagen ingredients (such as UC-II and Peptan), we are able to provide not only the active lifestyle benefits expected in mobility, joint, and bone support, but also lifestyle benefits that range from beauty to performance and even sleep.”

Nutrition Insight previously caught up with Stratum Nutrition, Bioiberica, BioCell Technology, and Dolcas Biotech to explore other latest formulation advances and market trends around multifunctional collagens, including new releases of upcycling innovations, ingredient blends, and highly palatable formulations.