Jean Paufique: Pioneering Founder of Silab Passes Away at 93
Jean Paufique, the visionary founder of Silab, a world leader in natural active ingredients for cosmetics, passed away on October 10, 2024, at the age of 93. The company he established in 1984 announced his passing, marking the end of an era for the innovative French cosmetics industry.
A Visionary Career in Cosmetic Innovation
Born in Nedde, in the heart of France’s Limousin region, Paufique’s entrepreneurial journey began after a successful 20-year tenure with the Blédina group. At 53, he founded Silab (Société Industrielle Limousine d’Application Biologique) with a small, dedicated team. Initially focused on valorizing animal blood for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, Paufique made a pivotal decision in 1991 to shift the company’s focus exclusively to plant-based raw materials, a move that catapulted Silab to success.
Building a Legacy of Independence and Innovation
Known for his bold and pioneering spirit, Paufique implemented a unique governance model based on independence and self-financing. This approach, coupled with his unwavering commitment to innovation, propelled Silab to its current status as a global leader in the engineering of natural active ingredients for the cosmetics industry. In recognition of his contributions, Paufique was honored as a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in 2012.
A Leader with Strong Values and Vision
Silab’s statement emphasized Paufique’s strong human and ethical values, noting his close relationship with collaborators. “Jean Paufique was above all a man with strong human and ethical values, close to his collaborators. Over the years, he instilled his dynamism and convictions in all his teams, building a committed company, dedicated to innovation. All employees join his family in their grief,” the company shared.
Ensuring Silab’s Continued Success
True to Paufique’s vision, Silab remains an independent, family-owned enterprise. The implementation of a Supervisory Board and a Management Board, as per his wishes, ensures the continuation of the Silab legacy. The company is poised to maintain its trajectory of success, managing its operations and development with the same spirit of innovation and independence that Paufique instilled.
As the cosmetics industry mourns the loss of a true pioneer, Jean Paufique’s legacy lives on through the continued success and innovation of Silab, a testament to his visionary leadership and enduring impact on natural cosmetic ingredients.