http://au.acnielsen.com/pubs/documents/MarketWatch_FMCG_AP_April06.pdfSCIENTISTS EXTRACT VANILLA FRAGRANCE FROM COW DUNG
Japanese scientists at the International Medical Center of Japan say they have successfully undertaken a co-operative development program to extract vanilla fragrance from cow dung with Sekisui Chemical Company. Vanillin is often used to fragrance a range of personal care products - from high-end perfumes, to hair care and skin care formulations. However, in recent years vanilla beans have become an increasingly difficult commodity to source, as crops have historically fluctuated from year-to-year, leading to unstable pricing. This problem has led to the big fragrance companies developing a range of synthetic vanillin fragrances, but with the rise in demand for naturally derived ingredients combined with the sourcing problems, researchers have been chasing other ways to develop the extract. Although the researchers say that the bi-product could not be used in food, they claim the chemical make up of the compound is exactly the same as vanilla bean-derived vanillin. Another major advantage to personal care producers is the cost of the cow dung-derived vanillin. The scientist claims that, because of the availability of the dung and the simplicity of the extraction process, it is around half the price of vanilla bean-derived extract. The research work was carried out on the basis that the excrement of grass-eating animals is rich in lignin, a chemical compound that exists in plants and is used to produce vanilla aroma. In fact the solution solves two problems, as cow farmers are often at a loss as to how to dispose of the vast quantities of dung involved in cattle farming, allowing the dung to be recycled, while also putting it to use as a potential means of cash revenue. The personal care industry is no stranger to animal wastage, with a specific type of whale vomit proving to be one of the most highly treasured fragrance extracts.
Novis Cosmetics News: March 08, 2006
