Unilever, in collaboration with the University of Nottingham, has launched a new project to create sustainable fragrances by reusing waste flowers. The goal of this pilot program is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on petrochemical-based resources. Neil Parry, head of biotechnology at Unilever, highlighted the project’s potential to develop a circular economy for plants by extracting valuable nutrients and producing sustainable fragrances. This program uses the advanced Soxhlet extraction method and ultrasound to effectively extract essential oils from other flowers such as petunia, roses and marigolds. The method, which uses sound waves to break down cell walls, speeds up the extraction process by 40 percent, allowing researchers to obtain the desired compounds in 20 just minutes. Bridge Farm Group in Lincolnshire, a supplier of 90 million plants annually to UK retailers, is collaborating with Unilever to provide flowers that would otherwise go unsold.
These plants are stored in a 60-acre greenhouse, where they are preserved long enough for scientists to transform them into valuable raw ingredients. Assistant Professor Parimala Shivaprasad from the University of Nottingham noted that the labs are focused on developing energy-efficient extraction methods and enzyme-based modifications, while also assessing the practicality and cost-effectiveness of using plant waste as a raw material. Unilever is also exploring the extraction of other high-value ingredients such as terpenes, lactones, ethers, and complex sugars, which could be used in textile care products and personal care items. This approach not only provides a sustainable solution for plant waste but also enhances the sustainability of Unilever’s product lines. Using advanced sourcing practices and strengthening strategic partnerships, Unilever sets an example for the industry and reaffirms its commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation.