IFF has announced the opening of two new facilities in China—a flavors manufacturing facility in the Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone, which opened on October 9, and a natural product Research lab, located in the Nanjing Life Science Park, which will open on October 15. The flavors plant is the company’s second in China and is designed to supplement IFF’s existing flavors and manufacturing operations in Guangzhou. The naturals lab is the company’s first outside of the United States.
“China is a critical component of our long-term strategy,” said Andreas Fibig, IFF chairman and CEO. “The opening of these new sites will support our efforts to be a partner of choice and to grow in this exciting region. Our presence in Zhangjiagang allows us to better serve our Chinese customers and focus on driving differentiated products within the broader Greater Asian market and beyond.”
The Zhangjiagang site spans 66,800 square meters, encompassing the main manufacturing building that is fitted with a strong odor control system, quality control labs, and an ambient warehouse for goods. Aligned with IFF’s commitment to sustainability, this facility is designed to have zero liquid discharge by reusing all water onsite and is built to LEED Silver qualifications. The site will initially focus on powder flavor production with additional flavor technologies coming on line in a phased approach.
The natural product research lab is approximately 520 square meters and is equipped with state-of-the-art systems for the research and development of flavors from natural sources. The lab is strategically located to leverage the botanical supply chain, biodiversity, and accumulated botanical and phytochemical knowledge prevalent throughout China’s expansive history. The facility will expand the company’s capabilities in natural product research and address the accelerating consumer demand for naturals and clean label.