BASF’s Standing Forest program aims to reconcile economic development with the preservation of the Amazon rainforest. “The project grew out of the idea of combining BASF’s scientific and technological expertise with the potential of Amazonian biodiversity to develop high-value cosmetic ingredients,” explains Natalia Nunes, Head of Sustainability at BASF’s Care Chemicals division in South America.
BASF has launched several initiatives around the world to promote sustainable development and the responsible use of renewable raw materials. “Brazil was selected for this project because of its rich biodiversity, established bioeconomy supply chains and the expertise of its local R&D teams,” Ms. Nunes adds.
Implemented locally by BASF’s Brazilian subsidiary, the Standing Forest program is designed to develop solutions for global markets while reinforcing Brazil’s position as an innovation hub for the beauty industry. “For BASF, Standing Forest is also an opportunity to build on the expertise developed in the region and further strengthen Brazil’s contribution to the group’s global innovation and sustainability strategy.”
A valuable ingredient from the Amazon
The project was launched in the Médio Juruá, a protected rainforest area renowned for its rich biodiversity, located more than 700 km from Manaus. The region is particularly rich in andirobas (Carapa guianensis), a tree whose seeds produce an oil that indigenous Amazonian communities have used for centuries.
Andiroba oil is also widely used in cosmetics, particularly in skin and hair care products. “For BASF, this provides an opportunity to explore new applications and create greater value from a raw material derived from the Amazonian biodiversity. With Standing Forest, we wanted to go beyond the traditional uses of andiroba oil,” highlights Nunes.
The first ingredient developed under this approach is Cetiol Forest CG. This new emollient was developed at BASF’s cosmetics R&D laboratory in Jacareí, in the state of São Paulo, using renewable ethanol as a reagent to transform andiroba oil into a high-performance ester, broadening its functional properties and potential applications in cosmetic formulations.
Enhanced sensory performance
Compared with conventional andiroba oil, Cetiol Forest CG delivers an enhanced sensory experience, with improved stability, greater spreadability and absorption, a milder scent, a more uniform appearance, and a lighter, more velvety texture that leaves less residue. “This ingredient offers significant advantages for the beauty market, combining performance with responsible sourcing, traceability and demonstrable positive socio-environmental impacts,” the manager continues.
BASF plans to train nearly 200 harvesting families in the Médio Juruá region in sustainable andiroba harvesting practices. According to Natalia Nunes, the ambition is then to extend the program to other innovations that can contribute to the development of the Amazonian bioeconomy.
“We are currently focused on consolidating the model established in the Médio Juruá region, strengthening the supply chain and encouraging the wider adoption of Cetiol Forest CG in the personal care market.”
Conceived as a long-term innovation platform, the Standing Forest project is expected to expand to other areas of the Amazon biome. “Our vision is to build a scalable innovation platform that can transform biodiversity into solutions for the global beauty industry. This expansion will be guided by the same principles that underpin the initiative: forest conservation, local development and value creation through science and technology,” concludes Natalia Nunes.
