BASF has formed the "Virtual Innovation Ecosystem", combining its own expertise in chemistry, regulatory matters and research & development with the strengths of its perfumery and formulation partners. This collaborative approach accelerates the development of new substances for the fragrance market. There is a high demand among perfumers for new fragrances in order to continuously provide consumers with new fragrance profiles for example in personal care products such as shampoos and body lotions. These new products have to give perfumers more freedom in terms of fragrance creations while meeting growing demands for sustainability, product safety and supply reliability at the same time.

Bringing innovative products to market is time consuming, cost-intensive and involves complicated regulatory efforts and financial risks. Only a few companies in the market have the resources needed for the tedious research and development work involved, which is why BASF founded the innovation ecosystem.

“With Velberry, we have succeeded not only in meeting our customers‘ desire for new substances to differentiate their fragrances, but also in meeting the growing demand for sustainable alternatives – all at an attractive price,” says Steffen Götz, head of the BASF Aroma Ingredients division.

The experts search through the entire palette of BASF chemicals for molecules suitable for use as fragrances. The large number of potential candidates calls for a strict selection and prioritization process.

"We ask for feedback from perfumers, jointly evaluate the substances and then develop the most promising candidates. Our pipeline is filled and additional innovations are already on the way," says Ralf Pelzer, head of the New Business Development unit at BASF Aroma Ingredients.

About BASF´s Nutrition & Health division

BASF Nutrition & Health provides a comprehensive product and service range for human and animal nutrition, pharmaceutical, bioenergy and flavor & fragrance industries. With our science-driven portfolio, we address customers in globally growing markets to meet the demands of an expanding world population. Together with our customers, we play an active role in enhancing the nutrition, health and wellbeing of consumers all over the world. Our products fulfill the highest safety, regulatory and sustainability standards. BASF Nutrition & Health operates sites in Europe, North America, South America and in Asia-Pacific. For more information, go to www.basf.com.