International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) and BASF have formed a partnership to speed up development of IFF’s Designed Enzymatic Biomaterials platform.
The alliance targets applications across fabric, dish and personal care, as well as industrial cleaning.
It brings together BASF’s chemical capabilities with IFF’s biotechnology and protein engineering expertise.
According to the companies, the aim is to develop enzyme systems and bio-based polymers that can improve cleaning performance, enhance personal care formulations, lower environmental impact and support more sustainable product development at scale.
The initiative will centre on new enzyme technologies and bio-based polymers intended to help customers deliver higher performance while using fewer resources.
Both companies said they will continue to operate independently and compete in the market, while drawing on complementary strengths to broaden customer options globally.
IFF CEO Erik Fyrwald said: “We are very excited about the collaboration with BASF to jointly unlock new potential in enzyme and polymer technologies. Our partnership enables us to develop market-driven solutions that create sustainable value for both the industry and the environment.”
BASF member of the board of executive directors Michael Heinz said: “This partnership marks a strategically significant step for both companies. By combining our research and development expertise, we are creating the foundation to bring large-scale innovative solutions to market faster for our customers.”
Separately, earlier this month IFF outlined plans for a new scent creative centre in Mumbai, India, to bolster its presence in the country’s fragrance market.
The facility, located in Powai, is scheduled to be fully operational in the first half of 2026 and will feature laboratories, “category-specific” evaluation booths and sensory evaluation areas to support product development and customer collaboration.
In a further industry development last week, BASF Aroma Ingredients introduced Isobionics Natural alpha-Farnesene 95, a new ingredient for lime-related applications, expanding its Isobionics portfolio of natural flavour compounds produced via fermentation.
