Taking The Strain Off Nature
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 “Green Gate” 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.
Key Contributions
Our R&D activities contribute to protecting climate and nature at two levels:
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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
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During process development: defining the most sustainable and cost-effective production route, maximizing efficient use of available resources, reducing energy and water usage
Nature-Friendly Innovations
Our portfolio of planet-friendly innovations is growing steadily. This year we launched a range of three Firgood™ extracts: Pear Firgood™, Ginger China Firgood™ and Bell Pepper Green Firgood™ in addition to Dreamwood™ (2020), including Clearwood® (2014), Ambrox® Super (2016), and Z11 (2018).
Embracing Nature
Nature gives us everything. It inspires our creations, supplies us with precious ingredients and drives our innovation.
