The Swiss-based manufacturer of fragrances and flavours has developed a new biotechnological approach for synthesising Ambrofix, an alternative to the very expensive natural ambergris.
The new biotechnology developed by Givaudan to produce Ambrofix, starts with fermenting sustainably sourced sugar cane. This new production process is therefore 100% naturally derived while maintaining 100% renewable carbon. It requires a hundred times less land to produce one kilogram of the new ingredient as compared to the traditional production method. Moreover, according to Givaudan, Ambrofix is a readily biodegradable substance.
The Swiss company states the new method delivers identical olfactory qualities as the traditional method while being “the most sustainable and carbon efficient on the market”.
Ambrofix is the commercial name used by Givaudan for ambroxide, a terpenoid that was first described in the 1950s as one of the key constituents responsible for the odour of ambergris. Throughout the years, Ambrofix has grown in popularity as among perfumers. It is used ubiquitously in consumer products ranging from household and personal care items such as laundry detergents and shampoos to fine fragrances.
“We are thrilled that this new biocatalytic process produces Ambrofix as a powerful, substantive and stable ambery note while aligning to Givaudan’s sustainability approach, ‘A Sense of Tomorrow’. With consumers increasingly seeking safe, high quality and sustainable products, our commitment to responsible innovation leverages our capabilities and expertise to develop fragrance molecules loved by people everywhere for a sustainable tomorrow,” said Jeremy Compton, Global Head of Fragrance Science and Technology.
This new process is in accordance with Givaudan’s FiveCarbon Path™, where all carbon atoms in the bio-based starting material end up in the final product, resulting in zero carbon waste.
