Our history

From its origins to the expansion of plant proteins

Created in 1943, in the midst of the Second World War, the Institut Technique d'Études et de Recherche des Corps Gras was tasked with responding to the shortage of raw materials and the lack of qualified personnel. Its three founding pillars were clear: research, document and teach.

In 1945, the first research laboratory was set up at the CNRS, named Chevreul after the pioneer of fat chemistry. In 1950, the institute became an industrial technical center and was renamed the Institut des Corps Gras. Its missions expanded to include technical assistance, standardization and management training. A few years later, an experimental workshop was opened in the Paris region, strengthening the Institute's applied research capabilities.

Development and anchoring in Pessac

In 1977, ITERG began to decentralize to Pessac, near Bordeaux, with the support of the French government and the industry. In 1980, the Paris laboratories were transferred there, and in 1989, all activities were grouped together.
During the 1980s, the institute opened up its activities to the private sector and developed expertise in environmental studies. In 1991, it joined the network of Industrial Technical Centers (CTI) and adopted a modernized visual identity.

Technology platforms and innovations

From 2002 to 2022, ITERG will be investing steadily in new platforms:

• Refining pilot (2002)

• Green chemistry platform (2009)

• Formulation Laboratory (2018)

• First transformations workshops (2020)

• Expansion of analytical laboratories (2021)

• New state-of-the-art analytical equipment (2021- )

These infrastructures enable the institute to support its industrial partners from upstream to the formulated product.