A recently published report from the Industrial Research Institute (IRI) said R&D spending remains steady across industries but budgets for basic research are being squeezed.
Research budget intact
However, Dr. Ahmet Baydar, the new head of global fragrance research at IFF, told CosmeticsDesign.com that IFF is not following this pattern. Not only is research spending safe from cost-cutting but more money is now being channeled into fundamental research.
He said: “IFF is a company that really believes in R&D and understands how important it is in securing long-term growth. Any cuts made now would cost the company three or four years later."
Fragrance research projects
Giving an overview of current research projects at IFF, Baydar said the company is working on a new extraction technique to help create original odors from existing sources.
IFF is also focusing on natural fragrances to give the perfumer “a bigger palette” to create from.
In addition to the search for new scents, IFF is working on delivery systems. Baydar said this is an important growth area and is helping manufacturers create perfumes that linger for longer.
Valuable experience
Baydar joined IFF in February after heading up R&D at the shave care division of Procter & Gamble (P&G). He has worked in the personal care industry since the early eighties and has spent the last ten years at Gillette and P&G.
IFF plans to take advantage of this depth of experience and the extensive contacts book he has built up over these years. Nicolas Mirzayantz, IFF group president of fragrances, said: “He has a natural talent for building long-term strategic alliances which will serve him well in his new position.”