Takasago and Amyris Develop Novel Scent

Takasago and Amyris are moving into the next phase of their relationship to commercialize farnesene-derived fragrance molecules. Having successfully completed feasibility testing, Takasago agreed to move forward with commercialization, starting with a first purchase for scale-up this quarter.

“The use of Amyris's renewable farnesene supports Takasago's goal of utilizing innovative, cost-effective and sustainably-sourced materials to make products that impact our customers' daily lives. These new products will address customer demand resulting from the regulatory phase out of certain existing fragrance ingredients and will be some of the newest and most valuable fragrance ingredients on Takasago's palette. We intend to introduce these aroma ingredients to the global fragrance market in 2015,” said Masayuki Mita, senior vice president of the fragrance and aroma chemical division at Takasago.

“Amyris is delighted at the rapid progress made by Takasago on the commercialization of novel fragrance materials derived from farnesene. Takasago's strong scientific and manufacturing expertise is expanding the range of new fragrances made possible through our innovative technology. We look forward to the commercialization of these products and to the expansion of the portfolio of products enabled by our building block molecule. The new fragrance ingredients should help our partner extend the impact of their products on the diversity of fragrance formulations that perfumers can reach,” said Zanna McFerson, chief business officer at Amyris.

Amyris and Takasago began their relationship in late 2012 by initiating feasibility studies to evaluate the opportunities of transforming farnesene into a range of fragrance ingredients.

This relationship is the latest among the strategic collaborations that Amyris has developed with companies in the flavors and fragrances industry. It is another example of the versatility of Amyris's industrial bioscience technology platform.