BASF Nutrition & Health and Isobionics have launched Isobionics Santalol, a convincing and renewable alternative to sandalwood.
Isobionics Santalol, which boasts a woody odour profile, is the first joint product launched by the companies since BASF acquired Isobionics in September 2019.
It is said to be particularly suitable for use in perfumes and high-end personal care products.
Sandalwood oil is extracted from the wood and roots of the white sandalwood tree, which are not ready for harvesting until they are about 30 years old.
As such, their existence has become endangered due to over-exploitation and the sandalwood tree is on the ‘red list’ of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
In contrast, Isobionics Santalol is made from renewable, Europe-grown corn starch fermented via biotechnology.
"With our new development we focus on the needs of our customers, who demand reliability in the supply of raw materials,” Steffen Goetz, Head of BASF's Aroma Ingredients business, commented.
“Isobionics Santalol is highly available and conserves natural resources.
“It offers consistent high quality, and is independent of weather and harvesting conditions.”
“Replacing real sandalwood oil is a challenge that we have mastered with Isobionics Santalol,” added Toine Janssen, founder of Isobionics.
“Our Santalol is the heart of sandalwood oil.
“In fragrance compositions, Isobionics Santalol brings more volume and warmth [and] floral-oriental fine fragrances are enhanced by the creamy sandalwood note.”
Other products derived from the company’s proprietary biotechnology platform include citrus oil components, such as valencene and nootkatone.
