Iberchem unveils biodegradable microcapsules for sustainable fragrance solutions
The new capsules provide a sustainable alternative to traditional non-biodegradable options.
SPAIN – Iberchem, a leading fragrance manufacturer, has introduced Vernova®Caps+, an enhanced version of its biodegradable fragrance microcapsules.
This product builds upon the original VernovaCaps technology launched in 2022, offering significant biodegradability, performance, and stability advancements.
The new microcapsules are designed for use in fabric softeners and liquid detergents, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional non-biodegradable options.
Michael White, Research and Technology Director at F&F, stated, “This is a fantastic development from the Iberchem New Technologies team, which has improved our existing biodegradable capsules in terms of biodegradability, performance, and stability.”
“It is essential in European markets to have products available like this, given ECHA microplastics regulations restricting the use of non-biodegradable perfume microcapsules coming fully into force in 2027.”
The new VernovaCaps+ microcapsules have a polymer wall that shows significantly improved biodegradability, surpassing the OECD 301 testing requirement of 60%.
The capsules achieve a 90% biodegradability rate within 28 days, an increase from the 80% rate of the initial VernovaCaps launch.
The results from extensive laboratory tests on VernovaCaps+ demonstrate enhanced perfume performance compared to the original VernovaCaps and traditional non-biodegradable melamine-formaldehyde capsules.
Furthermore, VernovaCaps+ delivers a higher perfume load, offering 35% compared to the 29.7% found in the original VernovaCaps technology.
In addition to improvements in perfume performance and fragrance slurry load, VernovaCaps+ offers enhanced slurry stability, ensuring a more consistent formula over time.
These slurries are currently available for use in fabric softeners and liquid detergents.
The Fragrance and Flavours (F&F) group recently achieved annual sales of €338 million(USD 368.96 million), reflecting an impressive 18% growth compared to the previous year.
This growth was driven by a targeted approach to local and regional customers in high-growth regions such as Asia, particularly China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
The group’s expansion into Latin America also contributed significantly, with strong sales surges reported in Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico.
Meanwhile, the company has expanded its global infrastructure, including a new R&D center in Dubai and a manufacturing site in China.
The centers will focus on developing innovative fragrance solutions tailored to local preferences, supporting sustainability initiatives, and fostering collaborations with regional partners.
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