Bioiberica has been granted a new U.S. patent for its thyroid active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing process, strengthening the protection of its industrial know-how in a key market.

The patent, granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, corresponds to the application “Thyroid manufacturing process and specifications”. Protection will remain in force until July 18, 2044.

Improving product consistency and safety

The invention covers a thyroid manufacturing process that includes a new drying step during extraction and further homogenization. This process helps obtain a thyroid product with controlled hormone values that is essentially free of viruses and bacteria.

A relevant achievement for SARIA Food & Pharma

Porcine-origin thyroid API is used in hormone replacement therapy for patients with hypothyroidism. The new patent reinforces Bioiberica’s competitive position in the United States, where the company holds the highest market share together with its commercial partner.

The achievement also recognizes years of scientific, technical, industrial, and regulatory work by the teams involved. It confirms the group’s ability to turn specialized knowledge and industrial innovation into protected, high-value assets for the group.

SARIA Food & Pharma has acquired the remaining 50% share in Cortina Development Ltd., taking full ownership of the business and reinforcing its presence in Central and Eastern Europe. Cortina is one of the largest and most important distributors of natural casings in Eastern Europe.

Founded in 1992, Cortina has grown into a well-established business serving customers across Central and Eastern Europe. Over the years, the company has built strong customer relationships and regional expertise, making this a natural next step in the long-standing partnership between Cortina and SARIA Food & Pharma.

A stronger regional platform

The integration of Cortina’s operations into Van Hessen and the VH Devro sales organization marks an important step in strengthening SARIA Food & Pharma’s regional platform.

By bringing together the strengths of Cortina with existing Van Hessen and VH Devro operations, SARIA Food & Pharma is creating a more integrated regional network across sales, logistics, and customer service activities.

The move will support a consolidated distribution network across the region, with warehousing and logistics positioned closer to key markets and major import routes. This will help improve service, strengthen customer relationships, and support long-term growth across Central and Eastern Europe.

“This acquisition is a great opportunity and an important strategic step forward. It strengthens our position in a major growth market and supports our long-term growth strategy.”

– Ronald Burghoorn, Supply Chain and Operations Director, Europe, Van Hessen

Looking ahead

The acquisition marks the next phase of a long-standing partnership and creates new opportunities across the region.

“When I started Cortina in 1992, my vision was simple: work hard, build a business, and make it successful. From our first small underground office to a loyal team and a company active across Middle and Eastern Europe, it has been an extraordinary journey. Over the years, the casings we sold could circle the globe once, then twice, then three times. Now, as part of our new global family, I believe Cortina will continue writing the next chapter of this story.”

– Dalibor Daňhel, former CEO and owner, Cortina

It’s an important milestone for SARIA Food & Pharma and supports its continued development across Central and Eastern Europe.

The Van Hessen North American Operations gathering was the perfect place to bring colleagues together not only to discuss business priorities and strengthen team connections but also to explore how the SARIA Food & Pharma Culture Principles show up in everyday work.

While the session included a dedicated workshop on the principles, one message quickly became clear – these behaviours were already deeply embedded across the team.

Better together

Of all the principles discussed, “We are even better together” resonated the most. From solving challenges across locations to sharing knowledge and supporting one another, collaboration is simply part of how the team operates. Discussions were open, honest and highly engaged, with everyone contributing their own experiences and perspectives. What stood out was not just the strength of the conversations, but the realization that many of the principles were already being lived every day.

Proof in practice

One of the most meaningful moments came during discussions about opportunities and challenges from the past year. Surprisingly, there were very few unresolved issues to raise. Rather than indicating a quiet year, it reflected that teams communicate regularly, address issues early and work together to find timely solutions.

The conversation reinforced that the Culture Principles are not new ideas to adopt. They are a reflection of the behaviours that have helped make the team successful for years.

“The fact that there was an event helped create an environment of openness and made it feel like more than just another meeting. It also helped keep the conversations going. Instead of ending the discussion when the meeting was over, we were able to continue engaging with one another, build on what had already been shared, and have more meaningful conversations,” -Lupe Silva, HR Manager North America

Building on a strong foundation

As the North American team continues to welcome new colleagues and grow across the region, investing in culture remains an important part of building a consistent, high-performing work environment. The group agreed that experience is one of its greatest strengths, but staying open to fresh perspectives will be equally important moving forward. Whether someone has been with Van Hessen for twenty years or twenty days, every voice has the potential to make us stronger.

More than just statements

The biggest outcome of the event was that the Culture Principles were not just aspirational statements hanging on a wall. They already guide how people work, communicate, and support one another every day.

By continuing to invest in people, teamwork and open dialogue, Van Hessen is turning its Culture Principles into something tangible – a shared way of working that helps us succeed together.d supports its continued development across Central and Eastern Europe.

Devro Nantong visited the Rhenus Hong Kong automated warehouse to learn practical lessons that can support future warehouse automation plans at the Nantong site.

Devro Nantong Operations Director, Wendy Li, accompanied by Jackie Zhen, and Shirong Cao visited the Rhenus Hong Kong automated warehouse and met with Ray Kwok, Head of Operations. The visit followed a recommendation from Dr. Martin Rethmann during his earlier visit to Nantong, where he encouraged teams to learn from expertise across the wider RETHMANN Group.

The visit was supported by Cliff Xu, Managing Director of Rhenus Greater China, who helped connect the two teams.

Supporting future development in Nantong

The visit comes as Devro Nantong evaluates plans for a future automated warehouse. The proposed facility could provide approximately 2,500 storage locations and capacity for up to 300 million meters of product storage.

Discussions focused on key operational topics, including system integration, inventory accuracy, maintenance and operating costs, FIFO (First In, First Out) management, and the transition from a conventional warehouse to an automated facility.

Practical insights for future projects

Ray Kwok shared operational experience from managing the Rhenus automated warehouse, including implementation challenges, lessons learned, and proven practices. The insights provided valuable reference points for the Nantong team as it continues to assess automation opportunities.

The visit also demonstrated how collaboration across the Rethmann Group can help teams share expertise and apply practical solutions to future projects.

Acknowledgments

Devro Nantong thanks Dr. Martin Rethmann for encouraging cross-group knowledge sharing, Cliff Xu for bringing the teams together, and Ray Kwok and the Rhenus Hong Kong team for hosting the visit and sharing their experience.