Sharing knowledge and solving challenges through the application of groundbreaking technologies have always been at the heart of Naturex's business. Launched in March 2016, the Ingenium program, which aims to encourage technological advances and the introduction of new products through collaboration with external partners, has been a great success this year. Ingenium is well placed to make a positive contribution to Naturex's progress, helping the group to achieve its Bright2020 strategic objectives.
Eight successful collaborations over the year
During 2016, Naturex collaborated with a number of international partners. These cooperations include, among others, a licensing agreement with the Barry Callebaut group that enabled the launch of Cocoactiv', a cocoa extract with a high flavanol content, and with Poland-based Adamed, which led to the market introduction of Aronox®, an aronia extract targeting cardiovascular health. Other companies such as Mazza Innovation, FP Innovation, EPC Natural Products, In-Vitro Plant-tech and Green2Chem have also collaborated with Naturex to develop responsible and innovative natural solutions. The latest transaction involves the acquisition of certain assets from French company Dialpha SAS, including patents, trademarks and clinical studies on three health ingredients. These ingredients, derived from cashew nuts, cinnamon and chicory, are specifically designed to help regulate blood sugar levels and manage weight. The group intends to study the potential of these ingredients, and their synergistic effect in combination with other ingredients in the Naturex portfolio.
Specific avenues for Open Innovation in 2017
"The past year has been a very productive one in terms of Open Innovation at Naturex," explains Doug Klaiber, responsible for the global roll-out of the Ingenium program. "We're delighted with the number of interesting opportunities we've received. We currently have dozens of opportunities in the pipeline, and we're identifying new ones every day. The challenge now is to focus on the most significant ones.
To this end, Naturex has defined four main areas of potential collaboration:
- Natural colors (especially blue, green and red);
- Innovative natural food preservation solutions;
- Natural phytoactive ingredients for health and cosmetic purposes
- Technologies or enriched ingredients of natural origin for nutrition (vitamins and minerals).
Klaiber adds: "We see Ingenium as a flexible tool that will help us achieve our Bright 2020 objectives. Naturex is pleased and proud to share its botanical expertise with partners determined to implement innovative approaches."
