Symrise has joined the Industrieverbund Mikrobielle Genomforschung for the potential environmental benefit that microbial genome research offers. This will allow the company to focus on developing cosmetic products and active substances.
Late last year, the association was formed when several highly-regarded corporations from the fields of chemistry, pharmaceuticals and the food industry joined forces to pursue microbial genome research as a technology for industrial purposes. This organization was formed in close cooperation with scientific and political partners such as the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and academic research groups.
According to the company, joining the association will allow it to increase its use of molecular biology to assess specific effects that are relevant in cosmetic products. A more efficient use of microorganisms in technical processes makes it possible to develop products that can reach the market more quickly.
"With global warming and the limited supply of fossil fuels, the field of 'white biotechnology’, which is based on microbial genome research, provides an opportunity to replace classic chemical procedures with new ones that feature enzymatic or microbial processes, most of which work with sustainable resources.“ said Horst Surburg, senior vice president global scent & care innovations at Symrise. In addition to Symrise, other contributing members include BASF, Bayer Crop Science, BRAIN, Degussa, Henkel, Milupa, Schering, Südzucker, Wacker and many other small- and mid-sized businesses.
