Amyris Biotechnologies, Inc. products

Our sclareol is a replacement for the ambergris found in sperm whales. This pattern symbolizes their echolocation ability. Sclareol is a key component in plants ranging from clary sage to key limes that makes aromas linger longer in products. Sclareol has come to replace a former fragrance material, ambergris, which is derived from sperm whale secretion and is difficult to find and cost prohibitive—its key chemical constituent is ambroxide. As a result of the limited supply available from sperm whales, the industry now uses an alternative to ambroxide: Sclareol, which is most commonly derived from clary sage plants, a flowering herb native to Europe. Since clary sage yields can vary based on weather conditions, Amyris has developed an alternative Sclareol that is produced through fermentation and engineered yeast. Amyris’ Sclareol offers a consistent supply chain, stable pricing, and sustainable sourcing.

Found naturally in the Sandalwood tree and often used as incense, our sandalwood illustration uses elements of woodgrain and smoke. Santalols are the active components of sandalwood oil that gives it its signature woody aroma. Sandalwood has been deeply tied to Indian culture over generations, and has traditionally been harvested with great respect and a mind toward sustainability—a sandalwood tree must grow for 30 years to reach full maturity before its essential oil can be harvested. But over the course of decades, between population growth and globalization, the trees have been overharvested and the supply has dwindled. As a result, pricing has skyrocketed, it’s become inaccessible, and today, it’s a threatened species.