Sustainable strategy: Firmenich forms partnership with biotechnology firm Blue Marble Biomaterials

19 Jan 2018

19 Jan 2018 --- Firmenich has announced an exclusive partnership with Blue Marble Biomaterials, a US biotechnology company specialized in natural and sustainable ingredients. With this partnership Firmenich gains direct access to key expertise, from biomimicry to non-GM fermentation, enabling the design of innovative and sustainable natural ingredients for the food, beverage and flavor industries.

“At Firmenich, we are committed to shaping food and beverage solutions that consumers can trust with flavors drawn from nature that taste great and enhance nutrition,” says Chris Millington, President, Flavors, Firmenich. “This is a win-win partnership, with Blue Marble Biomaterials technology complementing our leadership in flavor science, creation and consumer understanding.”

“Blue Marble is excited to innovate with Firmenich,” said James Stephens, CEO of Blue Marble. “Through biotechnological pathways and with our fermentation technology we will provide Firmenich with valuable and exclusive, novel natural ingredients.”

“Firmenich has leading capabilities in naturals, with our ability to source specific natural raw materials, and develop our own extraction processes,” says Dr. Jerome Barra, Vice President of Innovation & Design, Flavor Division, Firmenich. “In addition, we have a proven track record in bringing natural ingredients to the market. Our collaboration with Blue Marble Biomaterials is an extension of these capabilities, enabling us to address consumers’ expectations for more transparent food and beverage experiences.”

FoodIngredientsFirst has reached out to Firmenich for further comments.

Innova Market Insights has listed “Going Full Circle” as it’s number 4 trend for 2018. The notion of a circular economy is starting to take hold in the food industry as consumers increasingly expect companies and brands to be resource smart. From tip to tail eating through to innovative ways to put food waste to good use, as well as more biodegradable and renewable packaging, “circular consumption” is really gaining traction.

In an interview last year with The World of Food Ingredients, Julien Firmenich, the new Vice President of Ingredients at the flavor and fragrance giant Firmenich noted the company’s commitment to the responsible sourcing of natural ingredients, and to operating the most traceable, sustainable and ethical value chain. “Leading with our ambitious 2020 environmental goals, we are advancing our sustainability footprint throughout our Supply Chain organization. Today, Firmenich is an established top-ranking responder to CDP’s Supply Chain Program, ranking on the Supplier Climate A List, for the third consecutive year. Taking our commitment against climate change one step further, in 2016 we were also the first fragrance and flavor house to mobilize our strategic suppliers, alongside our customers, in CDP’s Supply Chain Program. By mobilizing our suppliers to take action around climate and water, we aim to lead the most sustainable value chain in the industry,” he says.