Fragrance and flavour manufacturer Symrise has opened a new production plant in Belém, Pará. The company plans to use the facility's Amazon location to research raw materials for cosmetics and fragrances.
The 2,000sqm plant represents a €5m investment for the company, and has been developed to ensure that there is as little impact on the environment as possible. The building's air conditioning is powered by geothermal energy, while water for production comes from wastewater and rain water purified by botanical filters. The company will also work with local universities to conduct scientific studies at the factory.
Achim Daub, President of Scent & Care at Symrise, said: "At this facility, we intend to bring the richness of the Amazon rainforest to the world's beauty consumers. This is an important step to sustainably developing and producing ingredients for cosmetics and fragrances."
Symrise is also working with more than 2,000 local families on the cultivation and harvest of raw materials. As part of the factory's opening ceremony, the company announced it would donate a medical boat to improve local access to health care.
The news comes shortly after Brazil changed the laws governing biodiversity-based research, making it easier for companies to apply for permission while still addressing the interests of indigenous populations.
