Firmenich is the world’s largest privately owned perfume and taste company, founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1895 and recognized for its industry-leading palette of biotech ingredients, naturals, and molecules for both fragrance and flavor creation. From natural sourcing of Rose Centifolia Pays in Grasse and Red Fruit Naturome in Scotland, using state-of-the-art technologies including supercritical CO2 extraction and white biotechnology, to innovative, renewable, and sustainable molecules designed with green chemistry principles such as new musk Sorbettolide for over 125 years, Firmenich has created iconic fragrance ingredients such as Hedione, Ambrox Super, and Helvetolide.
Dreamwood, Firmenich’s newest white biotechnology innovation, is inspired by the iconic Mysore sandalwood and represents the company’s first ingredient to feature cosmetic benefits. Rigorous laboratory testing demonstrates the ingredient also brings some of the cosmetic benefits traditionally associated with sandalwood oil. Its antimicrobial effect and soothing properties may have positive benefits in skincare products including addressing blemishes.
François-Raphaël Balestra, Principal Perfumer, Director of New Ingredients Discovery, summarizes the innovation: “By being sustainable and affordable, Dreamwood is reviving natural sandalwood notes for modern perfumery creations. Dreamwood reveals its full naturalness and deep creaminess especially in heart and base notes.”
Julien Firmenich, Vice President Sales, Ingredients, Perfumery, said: “Dreamwood is the cornerstone of sustainable innovation and represents the future of our ingredients business, integrating positive consumer benefits at the core level of product composition. This innovative captive opens new creative territories for sandalwood fragrances, with the full benefit of responsible business, in one ingredient.”
Dreamwood also delivers a positive impact on the planet: 100% natural, 100% renewable carbon, and ultimately biodegradable. The sustainable innovation comes from a major investment over the past 20 years to develop a sustainable palette to address today’s needs and future challenges.
Consumers are looking for renewable, sustainable solutions. Individuals and companies alike are examining how they can do their part to minimize their impact on the earth. Ingredients produced via biotech are one way of doing this,” said Sarah Reisinger, Vice President, Research & Development, Biotechnology.
