In Germany, BASF Nutrition & Health and Isobionics are launching their first joint product, a new fragrance in BASF’s portfolio. The starting material for the fermentation process is corn starch obtained from corn grown in Europe.
Thanks to its woody odor profile, the new fragrance in BASF’s portfolio is a convincing alternative to sandalwood oil. The proprietary manufacturing process of Isobionics Santalol makes the product unique. It is produced on a biotechnological basis from renewable raw materials: The starting material for the fermentation process is corn starch obtained from corn grown in Europe. Fermentation is an ancient cultural technique known from processes such as brewing beer and baking bread. In this process, a substance is converted into another substance with the help of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi.
The original sandalwood oil is extracted from the wood and roots of the white sandalwood tree. The trees are not ready for harvesting until they are about 30 years old. Their existence is highly endangered by overexploitation. The sandalwood tree is therefore on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, the demand for the popular scent remains unchecked.
BASF acquired Isobionics, a leading innovator in biotechnology for the production of natural flavor ingredients, in September of last year. The market launch of the new fragrance demonstrates the successful collaboration between the two companies.
