Respecting Biodiversity Through Innovation

Nature inspires our creations, supplies us with precious ingredients and drives our innovation – from precious flower petals for fragrances, to herb oils for flavor ingredients and to building blocks. These are derived from biomass responsibly sourced on a large scale such as pine trees.

Thanks to our innovation, we aim to reduce the pressure on plant species that are in limited supply.

Our researchers design and develop alternatives based on green chemistry and biotechnology from responsibly sourced biomass. We do this by creating substitutes to natural raw materials – applying science to create entirely new fragrance and flavor molecules that are planet-friendly. They match our customers demands for the highest quality at minimal impact to biodiversity and climate.

Our Research Division follows the principles of Green Chemistry to design chemical processes that minimize the use and generation of hazardous substances. Since 2010, our “Eco Gate” (process formerly known as "Green Gate" was renamed Eco Gate in FY22) filter ensures that our new ingredients have a low environmental impact in terms of biodegradability, non-bioaccumulation and non-toxicity for aquatic organisms. Our scientists also harness biotechnology, using living microorganisms and enzymes to produce sustainable ingredients.

Shaping The Future With DRT

To strengthen our progress towards our 2030 ambitions, we are exploring the potential of renewable building blocks, thanks in part to the recent acquisition of DRT, a French company spearheading the development and supply of high quality, renewable and naturally-derived ingredients. Building on this know-how, we are developing industrial expertise in producing pine-based ingredients from upcycled materials.

See how we respect the environment at DRT

R&D contributions

Sustainability is a pillar of Firmenich’s Research & Development strategy. Our R&D activities contribute to protecting climate and nature at several levels:

During discovery: selecting the starting materials and prioritizing the molecules to be developed, based on our Green Gate environmental criteria and in full compliance with the Nagoya Protocol on genetic resources, as well as the relevant Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) regulations
During process development: defining the most sustainable and cost-effective production route, maximizing efficient use of available resources, reducing energy, waste and water usage
Through evaluation of environmental factors in our existing Ingredients manufacturing portfolio

This approach has helped to develop 10 conversions from non-renewable processes to increased renewability content.

Creative & sustainable innovation

Muguet Firgood™ is the first-ever commercial extract safely obtained from the lily of the valley flower. A strategic partnership brings together Firmenich’s pioneering Firgood™ natural extraction technology and Jungle’s unique capabilities in vertical farming for reduced land and water use.

Embracing Nature

Nature gives us everything. It inspires our creations, supplies us with precious ingredients and drives our innovation.

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