Flavor and fragrance company IFF announced a new partnership with Reservas Votorantim, the green economy division of Brazilian investment firm Votorantim SA, for research and bioprospecting in Legado das Águas, Brazil’s largest private Atlantic forest preserve.
The agreement provides IFF and LMR Naturals exclusive access to the native flora of the area with the goal of developing new extracts for perfumery and cosmetics. According to the company’s press release, IFF will build a new research lab within Reservas Votorantim’s existing site to allow experts to study and analyze the flora.
“Our partnership with Reservas Votorantim enables IFF to sustainably source fresh and inspiring ingredients from one of the planet’s most ecologically unique biomes, helping to further appreciation for Brazil’s Atlantic forest,” said Charbel Bouez, senior vice president of R&D for IFF Scent. “The combination of Reservas Votorantim’s strong community roots and LMR’s deep expertise in natural ingredients is uniquely positioned to deliver exciting innovations in fragrance and cosmetic ingredients.”
Officials from both companies hope that this partnership will help expand knowledge of Legando das Águas’ natural flora and serve as a model for biodiversity-driven innovation.
“Since Legado das Águas was established 13 years ago, we’ve made consistent investments in scientific research, driven by the belief that deeper knowledge of the forest would unlock new opportunities,” said Reservas Votorantim chief executive officer David Canassa. “Bioprospecting offers a range of solutions for society, which is why we began developing it years ago – culminating in what we believe is the largest genetic bank of Atlantic Forest species. It’s a powerful ally in advancing conservation.”
IFF will also participate in community outreach programs in the area designed to provide best practices in conservation methods and promote native plant cultivation.
