Process
Renewable, responsible, remarkable.
We like to think we’ve truly mastered our craft – taking natural and synthetic ingredients of exceptional quality and applying the creative vision of our perfumers to make every fragrance a masterpiece. And just like any work of art, our iconic scents awaken the senses and inspire joy, wonder, and delight.
Throughout it all, we’re dedicated to designing renewable ingredients that respect people and planet, now and for the generations to come. In our naturals portfolio, for instance, we work with our suppliers to source ingredients responsibly, while continuously innovating our world-leading extraction technologies and renewable processes at our Center of Expertise. When it comes to synthetics, we embrace green chemistry to help us extend our legacy of discovery, innovation, and creation. And our cutting-edge biotechnology capabilities put us at the forefront of a renewable carbon revolution in perfumery, harnessing super-smart science to put a more sustainable twist on tradition and deliver next-generation efficiency, reliability, and quality.
Responsible innovation, inspired by nature
Maximum impact with a minimal footprint
Greener science for positive perfumery
We learn from our past to improve the future for customers and consumers. And with our perfumery legacy dating back to 1895, we've got plenty of learning to draw on.
From iconic molecules to innovative extraction technologies, every dsm-firmenich breakthrough has been a stepping stone to the next. Over the past few decades, the golden age of green chemistry has seen us pick up the pace of progress.
1995 - 1998
dsm-firmenich pioneered chemical catalysis with the launch of Paradisone® and the very first supercritical CO2 extract, a pink pepper, for use in perfumery. Our breakthroughs coincided with Anastas and Warner developing their definition of the 12 principles of green chemistry.
2010
We celebrated two unique milestones demonstrating our commitment to respecting and protecting nature: the introduction of our Green Gate strategy, ensuring all new molecules we discover or create are degradable, and the opening of our Naturals Center of Expertise in Grasse, France.
2014
dsm-firmenich unveiled Clearwood®, the first biotech ingredient available to our industry. The start of an innovative sequence, it’s 100% natural, 100% renewable, and biodegradable.
2020
We took big strides forward thanks to two acquisitions: DRT, which expanded our portfolio of renewable ingredients, and Evonik, whose CO2 unit added a new dimension to our supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) capabilities. The launch of our EcoIngredient Compass® marked a third step, with this tool providing full transparency on the intrinsic green characteristics of our iconic molecules.
2021
dsm-firmenich unveiled the Firgood® collection, a brand-new range of pure, 100%-natural extracts obtained through a revolutionary, sustainable, patented proprietary extraction technology. This pioneering approach enabled us to process biomass never previously used in the industry for natural ingredients. The very first pear, ginger, and green bell pepper Firgood® extracts are part of our creative perfumery palette.
Technologies
In Ingredients, we harness technology as a powerful tool for liberating our perfumers’ creativity. By continuously advancing our scientific capabilities and technological mastery, we can borrow from nature. Mimic its treasures. And even complement its riches with unique solutions.
Of course, we’re committed to doing all this in ways that respect the planet that makes our innovations possible. We aim to increase the sustainability of our technologies by – for example – eliminating the need for solvents, upcycling residues to reduce waste, and saving energy thanks to faster processing times.
Process
Synthesis
Fermentation
Unleashing our perfumers' creativity. Delivering more sustainable fragrance solutions. And evoking positive emotions for people all around the world.
A first for perfumery and taste, these pure, 100%-natural extracts are obtained through a revolutionary and sustainable proprietary technology.
Esteemed traditional ingredients certified with the geographical indication "Absolue Pays de Grasse."
The finest 100%-natural and responsible ingredients, extracted from flowers, fruit, spices, woods, nuts, and other sources using SFE technology pioneered by dsm-firmenich over 30 years.
A wide range of upcycled ingredients enabling more sustainable fragrance formulations.
An unrivalled collection of fresh and transparent floral notes. Alive with a thousand sensations, this explorative work embodies a brand-new creative approach to develop universal floral muguet-type notes.
We don’t keep our creations to ourselves; in fact, we love to share our latest breakthrough innovations with the world. That’s why, every year, we curate and launch a distinguished selection of perfumery ingredients: our Sharing Innovation Collection.
Our eagerly anticipated annual line-up is packed with one-of-a-kind captives, sustainably sourced naturals, and cutting-edge biotech and synthetic solutions. Together, these ingredients open up new scent sensations, promote more environmentally sustainable fragrances, help customers overcome regulatory challenges, and enable even greater delight for consumers.
We're inspired by the very best of nature, designing high-performance, bio-sourced ingredients for nutrition, cosmetics, and other dynamic industries.
With the acquisition of DRT (Les Dérivés Résiniques et Terpéniques) in 2020, we cemented our leadership in renewable and naturally derived ingredients – paving the way for new endeavors in health, nutrition, and beyond.