Within the current agreement, Firmenich has funded technical development at Amyris for two ingredients, which are “sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable” as sources for key ingredients for the fragrances market.
The production of the first of the initial two ingredients has been completed, ahead of schedule according to the two companies, with work to begin on the second shortly, which has led to the agreed further collaboration to incorporate a third ingredient.
“We are very pleased with the progress of our collaboration with Amyris”, commented Firmenich CEO, Partrick Firmenich. “Innovation and sustainability are integral components of our company philosophy and this expanded partnership with Amyris will continue our commitment to provide high-quality ingredients to the flavors and fragrances market.”
Sustainable ingredients
According to the two companies, the aim of the collaboration between Firmenich and Amyris has been to “promote long-term interests of the flavors and fragrances industry by providing sustainable ingredients that are cost-competitive.”
Maintaining the same position throughout the collaboration, both companies have held back on exact information about the ingredient and its source, however, Amyris CFO Jeryl Hilleman has previously confirmed that the fragrance(s) would be derived from a plant sugar.
Manufacturing and distribution roles
As per the agreement, with Firmenich’s funding, Amyris has been and will continue to do so, manufacturing and supplying the fragrance to Firmenich, which will in turn distribute it globally.
With plans to launch it worldwide, targeted at a key area of the personal care industry, the profits made from this collaboration will be shared between the two companies.
“We are excited to be expanding our productive collaboration with Firmenich,” stated John Melo, CEO of Amyris. “Our progress with Firmenich demonstrates our commitment to delivering results to our customers that exceed expectations, and validates our plans to begin production and sale of Amyris-sourced flavors and fragrances ingredients starting next year.”
Firmenich has been finely tuning its business operations to sustainability of late, a factor that was underlined when it announced four sustainable ingredient sourcing partnerships last year.