Progress in the Name of Planet-Positive Change

[A version of this article was published earlier on Amyris, our joint venture partner.]

This week, Amyris announced an exciting three-year partnership with World Wildlife Fund. We are thrilled to be working with WWF because of our shared commitment to protect biodiversity and to drive more sustainable practices to provide relief for threatened ecosystems, including the ocean.

According to WWF’s 2022 Living Planet report, the population sizes of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles have declined 69% on average, since 1970. With our science, sense of purpose, and passion, we are proud to join forces with the WWF to reverse this alarming trend.

Over the next 3 years, we’ll explore the intersection of biotech and biodiversity to reduce pressures on wildlife and their habitats through science and innovation.  As an example, WWF brings a wealth of information and research about biodiversity that we can use as inputs as we prioritize where we apply our science to have a maximum positive impact for people and planet, with a focus on endangered habitats.

Amyris’ and Aprinnova’s commitment to ocean conservation and the protection of sharks began when we developed our flagship ingredient, Neossance™ Squalane, as a replacement for the emollient traditionally harvested from the livers of deep-water sharks. By powering our own brands with Squalane and selling it to over 70% of the global Squalane market, we protect more than 2.7 million sharks per year.

Sugarcane field with a sunrise in the background

This partnership with WWF expands on our commitment to sharks and ocean ecosystems by focusing on ocean health and reducing impacts of fishing shark populations with 2 initiatives:

·       driving fisheries in Ecuador and Peru to more sustainable fishing through gear modifications and harvesting methods

·       reducing fishing gear impacts on sharks globally with innovative and recyclable/compostable fishing gear and cleanup of ghost gear (abandoned fishing gear as marine debris)

In addition, we’ll partner with WWF on thought leadership projects and employee volunteerism events to benefit more communities and raise the profile of our sustainable science. We’re excited for more people to discover Amyris’ and Aprinnova’s world-leading bio-fermentation science and manufacturing capability to make sustainably, ingredients that are found in nature — without depleting the earth’s natural resources. We sell our ingredients to 9 of the top 10 beauty manufacturers (and many indie brands globally), as well as health and wellness markets. Aprinnova’s ingredients also form the building blocks for the Amyris family of consumer brands including Biossance™, JVN™, Purecane™, Pipette™, Stripes™, and EcoFabulous™.

Every day at Amyris, we think about how we can improve the health of people and planet, push boundaries, and drive change. This partnership with WWF is a natural fit that underscores our environmental commitments as outlined in Amyris’ 2021 ESG Report.  Aprinnova and Amyris are on a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable consumption. To do that requires systems thinking and partnerships, a key component of Amyris’ success. As the African proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Choose Sustainability

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