SWITZERLAND – Firmenich, a global fragrance and flavor company, has acquired the CO2 extraction business from Evonik Industries located in Trostberg, Germany, to expand its ingredients production capabilities.
This acquisition significantly expands Firmenich’s capabilities in super critical fluid extraction (SFE), complementing its Naturals Centre of Excellence in Grasse, France.
Besides being the method of choice for applications designed to extract flavors and aromas, CO2-SFE is also gaining momentum in the high-growth sector of plant substances (nutraceuticals, botanicals, food supplements).
With more than 30 years of experience in botanical raw material extraction the CO2 business of Evonik will enhance Firmenich’s ability to address customers’ growing demand for authentic, natural taste and scent experiences.
According to the company, the extraction technology offers the safest, residue-free end-products, and highest-quality method of extracting natural botanical molecules, from flowers and nuts to coffee and tea.
SFE is a gentle extraction method for sensitive feedstocks and also delivers a number of additional, compelling advantages: 100% natural, safe, inexpensive and environmentally responsible solvent, selective and control fully scalable process.
“Firmenich has been a pioneer in CO2 extraction for three decades, creating game-changing, natural ingredients, such as the unique spicy notes of pink pepper,” said Patrick Firmenich, Chairman of the Board, Firmenich.
“With
this acquisition, I look forward to expanding our capacity in naturals to
delight consumers with sustainably produced new ingredients.”
Gilbert Ghostine, CEO, Firmenich added: “This
technology strengthens our leadership in naturals by enabling us to capture the
exact, authentic and vibrant notes we want from natural ingredients.
“Complementing our established leadership in Perfumery and quadrupling our CO2 extraction capacity, this acquisition gives us the scope to apply SFE to a wider range of flavor products, such as peanuts, tea and coffee.”
The facility of Evonik in Trostberg, Germany is now part of Firmenich’s Centre of Excellence for Naturals, expanding its footprint from Grasse.
Its
products will be commercialized through Firmenich’s Ingredients Business, while
adding to the Group’s natural product palette for Flavors.
The works council of Evonik has approved the sale in an agreement that focuses
on a long-term commitment, ensuring job security for transferring staff for a
minimum of two years and ongoing investment in the Trostberg site for at least
three years.
