Inside IFF and BASF's Sustainable Enzyme Tech Partnership

Two of the world’s largest chemical firms, International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) and BASF, have joined together on a new biomaterials technology platform that targets sustainability in cleaning and personal care.

IFF brings its enzyme development to the table, while BASF contributes its chemical manufacturing expertise.

The collaboration keeps both companies independent while focusing on shared goals around reducing waste and conserving resources.

Scaling enzyme technology for commercial use

The partnership centres on IFF’s proprietary enzyme platform, known as Designed Enzymatic Biomaterials.

This technology uses engineered proteins – enzymes – which are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.

The system is designed to support commercial-scale production of bio-based polymers and enzyme systems, which are used in everything from laundry detergents to skincare.

IFF, which operates across a broad portfolio including fragrances and biosciences, is collaborating with BASF to scale the platform for market-ready solutions. These solutions aim to reduce energy and resource use, particularly in the manufacturing and use of cleaning and personal care products.

Erik Fyrwald, CEO at IFF, says: "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."

Enzymes can help reduce environmental impact because they often require lower operating temperatures than traditional chemical processes. Lower temperature processes can translate into less energy use during manufacturing and consumer use, resulting in a smaller environmental footprint.

The partnership also includes biobased polymers, which serve as alternatives to conventional materials derived from fossil fuels. These polymers offer an opportunity to replace petroleum-based ingredients in a wide range of consumer products, supporting a move towards sustainable product formulations.

Research collaboration without consolidation

While the two companies are collaborating on technology development, both IFF and BASF continue to operate independently.

Each company maintains its competitive standing in the marketplace while using its own research and development infrastructure.

This set-up allows both parties to focus on their core strengths. IFF brings its leadership in biotechnology and protein engineering, while BASF offers expertise in chemical development and large-scale production.

Michael Heinz, Executive Director at BASF, adds: "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."

The collaboration provides a model for partnerships in the chemical sector, which increasingly looks to share research costs and technical risks when developing sustainable platforms.

Such alliances allow companies to move from concept to commercial deployment without bearing the full financial and technical burden alone.

While competitive dynamics in the industry remain, this form of cooperation points to a trend where technology sharing becomes part of strategic planning for multinational chemical firms.

Targeting efficiency and lower environmental impact

The chemicals sector, particularly in cleaning and personal care, faces growing pressure to reduce its impact on the environment. Products in these sectors must continue to meet performance expectations while being produced more efficiently and with lower emissions.

IFF’s platform specifically targets areas where enzymes can reduce the carbon footprint of its offerings. This includes improved efficiency during production and reduced waste in formulation and packaging.

Enzyme-based processes can deliver performance at lower temperatures and shorter cycles, which reduces overall energy consumption.

Ultimately, this helps customers in both industrial and consumer markets meet sustainability goals without compromising on product performance.

Demand for alternatives to traditional chemical ingredients is also growing, with both regulatory pressures and consumer preferences shifting toward environmentally-friendly options.

The inclusion of biobased polymers in the partnership addresses this shift by offering scalable solutions to replace petroleum-based components in everyday products.

Erik continues: "This partnership reflects what IFF stands for: co-creating a sustainable future through innovation and deep collaboration. By transforming how everyday products are made, we’re reducing reliance on fossil fuels, conserving energy and water and supporting healthier lives."

The alliance between IFF and BASF highlights how strategic cooperation can support more sustainable production in the global chemicals industry. It reinforces a direction of travel where firms pool resources to meet shared environmental objectives while preserving individual market positions.