This partnership merges BASF's advanced chemical expertise with IFF's bioscience innovation to create next-generation solutions for cleaning and personal care applications.
BASF, one of the world’s largest chemical companies, and International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF), a global leader in bioscience innovation, have formally announced a strategic collaboration set to accelerate the development of groundbreaking enzyme and polymer technologies. The partnership is a direct response to evolving consumer and market demands for high-performance, sustainable products across multiple sectors.
The core focus of this joint effort is to accelerate the development of IFF’s proprietary Designed Enzymatic Biomaterials™ technology platform. The goal is to create next-generation enzyme technologies specifically tailored for a range of critical applications, including fabric care, dish cleaning, personal care, and industrial cleaning. This collaboration is poised to be a significant step in supporting the industry’s transition towards a more sustainable future by leveraging biobased materials.
The alliance represents a potent combination of complementary industry expertise. BASF, a leader in sustainable product innovation and advanced chemical capabilities, will work in tandem with IFF, a powerhouse in biotechnology and protein engineering. This synergy aims to deliver breakthrough solutions at scale, which are expected to enhance cleaning performance, significantly improve personal care formulations, and ultimately reduce environmental impact.
Michael Heinz, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration. "This partnership marks a strategically significant step for both companies," he stated. "By combining our research and development expertise, we are creating the foundation to bring large-scale innovative solutions to market faster for our customers."
The joint effort will concentrate specifically on innovative enzyme systems and biobased polymers. These technologies are designed to enable customers in the target industries to achieve superior product performance while simultaneously reducing resource consumption.
Erik Fyrwald, CEO of IFF, expressed enthusiasm about the venture, noting: “We are very excited about the collaboration with BASF to jointly unlock new potential in enzyme and polymer technologies. Our partnership enables us to develop market-driven solutions that create sustainable value for both the industry and the environment.”
Crucially, the companies confirmed that they will maintain independent operations and competitive positioning within the market. However, by strategically leveraging their complementary strengths, they aim to accelerate the pace of innovation and expand the range of choices available to customers globally seeking more effective and eco-friendly raw materials. This collaboration is set to drive a new era of performance and sustainability across the cleaning and personal care industries.
