Biodiversity-biotech blend: Amyris and WWF introduce environmental initiative for ocean conservation

27 Oct 2022 --- Biotechnology company, Amyris, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), a conservation organization, have partnered to support WWF’s initiatives to improve ocean health and lessen the negative impacts of fishing on shark populations. Squalene can be derived from shark livers for beauty formulations; however, precision fermentation provides ethical solutions.

“The partnership underlines and furthers Amyris’ ESG commitments as outlined in our recent report. By making good on the strategic goals we put forward, we’re enabling our entire business ecosystem – from vendors, partners and industry customers – to help meet their ESG goals and agendas too,” Beth Bannerman, chief engagement and sustainability officer at Amyris, tells PersonalCareInsights.

Together, over the next three years, we will explore the intersection of biotechnology and biodiversity, working to reduce pressures on wildlife and their habitats through science and innovation, she explains.

“More specifically, our teams will collaborate to identify target ingredients for Amyris’ molecule pipeline that could reduce the impact on ocean ecosystems and have a meaningful impact on biodiversity and endangered habitats.”

“We look forward to the possibilities this partnership holds for showing the positive link between [environmental] sustainability, clean chemistry, healthy habitats and the importance of science leading to positive impacts on biodiversity,” says Sheila Bonini, SVP of private sector engagement at WWF.

A prevalent issue
According to the 2022 Living Planet Report, the population sizes of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles have decreased by 69% on average since 1970.

The partnership with WWF will deepen Amyris’ aim of protecting biodiversity.Because biodiversity loss impacts human health and well-being, WWF and Amyris have joined forces to support and safeguard biodiversity.

“As our planet faces a biodiversity crisis, the need for companies to invest in solutions that protect the health of essential habitats, including our oceans, has never been more important,” says Bonini.

Biodiversity and endangered habitats
In the first year of their partnership, Amyris and WWF will work together to promote more [environmentally] sustainable fishing practices in Ecuador and Peru fisheries and lessen the adverse effects of fishing gear on shark populations.

Additionally, Amyris and WWF will work together to identify target components for Amyris’ molecular pipeline that could positively influence biodiversity and endangered habitats in addition to having a smaller negative impact on ocean ecosystems.

“Our partnership with WWF will positively impact both our B2B portfolio and customers purchasing one of the eleven consumer brands we own,” says Bannerman.

“Gen Z and Millennials are conscious consumers and demand action from the brands they support.”

The initiative is well positioned with Amyris’s eco-friendly moves, such as its Lab-to-Market technology platform that “accelerates the global shift” toward [environmentally] sustainable consumption.

By Nicole Kerr