US personal care ingredients maker IFF is to develop a ‘forest lab’ in Brazil for sustainable fragrance and cosmetic ingredient innovation.
IFF has signed a partnership with local green investment outfit Reservas Votorantim for research and bioprospecting in Legado das Águas, Brazil’s largest private Atlantic Forest reserve.
The agreement provides IFF and its subsidiary, LMR Naturals (LMR), exclusive access to the native flora of Legado das Águas with the aim of developing new and unique extracts for perfumery and cosmetics.
IFF aims to tap into growing consumer interest in Brazilian ‘super’ ingredients.
Its activities will also include community outreach programs designed to provide technical guidance on best practice conservation methods and promote the cultivation of native plants with the potential to become the next ingredient sensations.
As part of the deal, IFF will build a new research lab within Reservas Votorantim’s existing site located in the heart of the 31,000-hectare reserve.
The new facility will enable IFF scientists and experts — including perfumers and flavourists, along with LMR’s botanists and agronomists — to study and analsze nearly 1,000 species of flora.
“Our partnership with Reservas Votorantim enables IFF to sustainably source fresh and inspiring ingredients from one of the planet’s most ecologically unique biomes, helping to further appreciation for Brazil’s Atlantic Forest,” said Charbel Bouez, senior vice president of R&D for IFF Scent.
“The combination of their strong community roots and LMR’s deep expertise in natural ingredients is uniquely positioned to deliver exciting innovations in fragrance and cosmetic ingredients.”
“Since Legado das Águas was established 13 years ago, we’ve made consistent investments in scientific research, driven by the belief that deeper knowledge of the forest would unlock new opportunities,” said David Canassa, CEO of Reservas Votorantim.
“Bioprospecting offers a range of solutions for society, which is why we began developing it years ago — culminating in what we believe is the largest genetic bank of Atlantic Forest species. It’s a powerful ally in advancing conservation.”
