Highlights 

  • IFF collaborates with Iberdrola for the first renewable hydrogen production in the fragrance sector. 
  • Facility designed to produce 100 tons of clean hydrogen each year using renewable power. 
  • Transition expected to cut 2,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. 

IFF (NYSE:IFF) has introduced a renewable hydrogen production system at its Scent R&D and fragrance ingredient manufacturing plant in Benicarló, Spain. Developed in partnership with Iberdrola, the project marks the first instance within the fragrance industry where renewable electricity powers hydrogenation reactions are used in the creation of essential fragrance components. 

As part of IFF’s “Do More Good” sustainability framework, the new installation can generate 100 tons of green hydrogen each year from renewable sources. It features an integrated compressor that enables on-site hydrogen storage, helping lower the Life Cycle Assessment of fragrance ingredients and supporting global customers in their emission reduction efforts. 

Shifting from Conventional to Renewable Hydrogen 

“The Benicarló site’s new hydrogen production capability is a major shift from traditional ‘gray hydrogen’ production methods like steam methane reforming, which relies on fossil fuels and offsite production,” said Jaime Gomezflores, senior vice president of global operations manufacturing for IFF Scent. “This is the first step to providing technology and expanding the production to reduce operational emissions in the future.” 

The Benicarló site specializes in manufacturing fragrance molecules including Cashmeran and Kharismal. Leveraging Spain’s rich natural resources and high solar potential, the facility’s solar-powered system supports hydrogenation processes for over 50 key fragrance ingredients. 

Advancing IFF’s Emission Reduction Targets 

By transitioning to green hydrogen, the facility is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 2,000 tons annually. This initiative contributes to IFF’s broader sustainability commitments, which include a 50% reduction in direct emissions (scope 1 and 2) and a 30% decrease in indirect emissions (scope 3) by 2030. The company also targets achieving net-zero operational emissions by 2040. 

The project is part of a 10-year renewable hydrogen energy agreement with Iberdrola and is intended to serve as a model for similar projects across IFF’s global production network. Over the past year, IFF has also introduced sustainability-focused initiatives such as ENVIROCAP™, a biodegradable scent delivery system for fabric care, and a collaboration with Reservas Votorantim for sustainable bioprospecting in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest reserve. 

About IFF 

IFF (NYSE:IFF) operates globally in the areas of flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, health, and biosciences. The company focuses on developing innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance product performance and reduce environmental impact across multiple industries.