About Us – Opalians

1887:

Founded in Paris by Louis Marette. Initially specialized in the disinfection of hospital bedding, the company soon evolved toward the supply of funeral equipment.

1946:

The company took its first steps in extending body preservation by introducing the use of dry ice.

1963:

Jacques Marette, grandson of the founder, established the French Institute of Thanatopraxy, marking a turning point in the development of the practice in France.

1978:

The company became Hygeco and significantly expanded its activities in the medical post-mortem field, particularly at the international level.

1992:

Opening of a subsidiary in Spain to serve funeral operators and hospital facilities.

2008:

The German company Funeralia GmbH joined Hygeco, strengthening the group’s expertise in the medical post-mortem sector. With a modern production unit and a unique competence center, the group now offered a complete range of solutions for anatomy laboratories.

2017:

Abénex partnered with Hygeco’s management team in its independence from the Dutch group Facultatieve, supporting the company through a new phase of growth and international development.

2022:

The German company Kugel Medical GmbH, a global reference supplier for histopathology laboratories, joined the Group, further strengthening its leadership position in its markets.

2024:

Already established in the United Kingdom for several decades through its subsidiary Hygeco Lear, the Group expanded further by joining forces with LR Tipping, a key partner to British funeral professionals. Firmly established in four European countries, the Group continues its international growth and now serves over 150 countries through a dynamic distribution network.

2025:

Birth of Opalians, the leading European provider of solutions for post-mortem and pathology. To better support its clients and simplify access to all its areas of expertise, the Group adopts a new identity that reflects both the legacy of its historic brands and its position as a reference in its markets.