(IN BRIEF) BASF Aroma Ingredients, under its Isobionics® brand, has introduced two new natural flavor ingredients developed using state-of-the-art fermentation technology. Isobionics® Natural beta-Sinensal 20 is the first fermentation-produced single isomer of Sinensal, offering a complex citrus profile with marine and algae nuances, making it ideal for enhancing both fruity and savory flavor compositions. In parallel, Isobionics® Natural alpha-Humulene 90 provides a pure woody flavor reminiscent of cedar and pine, tailored for use in beverages and essential oil applications, especially complementing flavors such as mango, raspberry, mint, and citrus, as well as hop oil. Both ingredients adhere to rigorous EU and US food-grade standards and come with multiple certifications, including natural, pesticide-free, kosher, halal, and ISO 22000. These innovative products, produced from renewable raw materials, guarantee consistent quality and supply regardless of seasonal variability. The launches underscore BASF’s strategic investment in its Isobionics® platform, led by Felix Gard, and will be officially introduced at the FlavourTalk Raw Materials Exhibition 2025 in London.
(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, 24-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — BASF SE (ETR: BAS), the world’s largest chemical producer, announces that BASF Aroma Ingredients, under its Isobionics® brand, is proud to unveil two groundbreaking natural flavor ingredients developed through advanced fermentation technology. The new introductions—Isobionics® Natural beta-Sinensal 20 and Isobionics® Natural alpha-Humulene 90—mark a significant milestone in the flavor industry by offering pure, biotech-based alternatives that cater to a wide range of applications.
Isobionics® Natural beta-Sinensal 20 is the first single isomer of Sinensal to be produced by fermentation. It boasts an enticing aldehydic-citrus profile reminiscent of tangerine and mandarin peels, enhanced with subtle marine and algae nuances when used at levels between 0.1 and 10 ppm. This innovative ingredient is designed to enrich fruit flavors—ranging from mango to various citrus fruits—and even elevate savory compositions such as fish, meat, and tomato flavors. Its unique production method bypasses the traditional extraction from orange oil, thereby opening up novel applications and delivering an effect of heightened juiciness and freshness along with a slightly metallic accent. Fully compliant with EU and US food-grade standards, Isobionics® Natural beta-Sinensal 20 meets Reg. (EC) 1334/2008 requirements, can be labeled as a natural flavoring preparation in the EU, and is expected to receive FEMA/GRAS number approval by June 2025. It is certified as natural, pesticide-free, kosher, halal, and ISO 22000 compliant.
Meanwhile, Isobionics® Natural alpha-Humulene 90 offers a distinct woody character with notes of cedar, pine, and damp wood, accented by hints of terpineol, at usage levels of 5-20 ppm. Its aroma is described as dry and resinous with subtle nuances of grapefruit and herbs, making it ideal for enhancing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This high-purity ingredient is particularly effective in complementing flavors such as mango, raspberry, mint, and citrus, and stands out as a prime option for hop oil applications. It also conforms to both EU and US food-grade standards and has been assigned the new FEMA number 5077, with certifications for natural origin, pesticide-free quality, kosher, halal, and ISO 22000 compliance.
Both ingredients are produced via a fermentation process that relies on renewable raw materials, ensuring consistent high quality and reliable supply unaffected by seasonal variations or harvest conditions. These launches are a testament to BASF’s continued investment in innovation, following the recent restructuring of BASF Aroma Ingredients’ global business management organization. This revamped structure, including a dedicated Specialty Aroma Ingredients team led by Felix Gard—who recently succeeded Toine Janssen as Managing Director for Isobionics®—reinforces the company’s commitment to pioneering cutting-edge aroma solutions.
Customers interested in experiencing these novel flavor ingredients can contact their dedicated sales representatives to arrange exclusive demonstrations or to request product samples. The products will be showcased for the first time at the FlavourTalk Raw Materials Exhibition 2025, held from March 26-27 at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel Conference Centre in London, United Kingdom.
About Isobionics®
At Isobionics®, we are a highly innovative and strongly customer-driven team focusing on natural aroma ingredients and passionate about the fragrance and flavor industry. We produce our products from renewable raw materials using cutting-edge fermentation technology. The proprietary process is unique in the world and ensures the constant high quality and availability of our products, independent from weather and harvest conditions. We are located in Geleen, the Netherlands, and are part of BASF’s aroma ingredients business. For more information, please visit our homepage www.isobionics.com.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.
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SOURCE: BASF SE