Synkol is an EU-approved manufacturer with a decade of experience specializing in type II chicken sternal collagen, marketed under the Hyacoll brand.
“Hyacoll will become our flagship ingredient dedicated to joint, bone and mobility health within the promotional activities of the entire group, which now includes Bart, Aronpharma, Greenvit and Synkol,” Rafal Pietruszynski, CEO at Greenvit, told NutraIngredients.
‘Broadening our technology base’
Pietruszyński noted that investing in Synkol means entering a new technological area.
Producing poultry-derived type II collagen obtained from chicken sternal cartilage is “an advanced segment of the collagen market that requires expertise in cartilage processing, controlled enzymatic hydrolysis and purification to obtain a matrix rich in type II collagen, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid,” he explained.
He noted that Synkols’ R&D background provides broader laboratory and biotechnological competencies, which complement Greenvit’s foundation in extraction and standardization technologies for botanical raw materials.
“Combining these strengths enables us to create more comprehensive ingredient platforms—for example, linking HYACOLL with polyphenols to support joints, mobility, post-workout recovery or healthy aging," he said. “This is precisely what we mean by broadening our technology base.”
Benefits of type II poultry collagen
Type II collagen is the dominant structural protein in hyaline cartilage, which covers the ends of bones in joints, supporting smooth movement and shock absorption. Its key role is to provide mechanical strength and resistance to wear, which are essential for the proper functioning of joints.
“Clinical research and meta-analyses confirm that type II collagen supplementation can help reduce pain and improve mobility in individuals with osteoarthritis (Simental-Mendía et al., 2025),” Pietruszynski said, noting that it is particularly beneficial in supporting older individuals and active people such as athletes.
“Poultry-derived collagen obtained from pure chicken sternal cartilage naturally contains three key components found in hyaline cartilage—type II collagen, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid,” he said. “These synergistic actives support cartilage regeneration, stimulate endogenous collagen production and improve joint structure and function.”
In comparison, Pietruszynski noted that bovine, porcine and marine collagens are primarily types I and III, used in nutricosmetic products to support skin, hair and nail health. However, type II collagen may also “provide beneficial effects on skin, hair and nails.”
“Although all collagens share structural functions, differences in amino acid sequences and molecular structure lead to distinctive biological effects, which is why each type of collagen is suited to different applications,” he added.
International expansion in 2026
With the global collagen segment estimated to grow from approximately $5.9 billion in 2023 to $14.4 billion by 2033, Pietruszynski expects to see an increasingly robust demand for EU-origin chicken sternal cartilage-derived type II collagen.
“The market data supports our forward-thinking move into specialized type II collagen ingredients through the acquisition of Synkol and reinforces the message that Greenvit is evolving into a broader, science-driven supplier of high-value health ingredients,” he said.
In 2016, the company plans further clinical studies on Hyacoll and its branded Aronvit extract, expansion of its USA customer base, and greater presence at leading industry events.
“This will allow us to present a cohesive and powerful image of the entire group—Bart, Aronpharma, Synkol and Greenvit—at events such as Vitafoods Europe 2026 in Barcelona, significantly enhancing the visibility and attractiveness of our global offer.”
