Symrise (Holzminden, Germany) has joined the Industrieverbund Mikrobielle Genomforschung—an association formed last year to pursue microbial genome research as a technology for industrial purposes. This research will allow Symrise to focus more on developing new innovative cosmetic products and active substances. In addition, it will be able to increase its use of molecular biology to assess specific effects that are relevant in cosmetic products.
Not only does this research have the possibility of positively influencing Symrise’s business, but it also can contribute to protecting the environment and the climate. Symrise’s senior vice president of Global Scent and Care Innovations Horst Surburg explains, “With global warming and the limited supply of fossil fuels, the field of ‘white biotechnology,’ which is based on microbial genome research, provides an opportunity to replace classic chemical procedures with new ones that feature enzymatic or microbial processes, most of which work with sustainable resources.”
In addition to Symrise, other contributing members include BASF, Bayeer Crop Science, BRAIN, Degussa, Henkel, Milupa, Schering, Südzucker and Wacker.
