Creating sustainable value by harnessing the power of nature.
Hayashibara‘s Biotech Innovations: Pioneering Sustainable Food Solutions
According to the UN, the world’s population of approximately 7.8 billion is expected to grow to more than 10 billion by 2060. Food security will be a major issue in the future as global demand for food increases and crop yields decrease due to rising temperatures, droughts, and natural disasters caused by climate change.
Amid these expected environmental changes, Hayashibara Co., Ltd., a biotech company in Okayama, Japan, specializing in microbial enzyme discovery and mass production of biomaterials, strives to contribute to the well-being of people and the planet.
Founded in 1883 as a starch syrup manufacturer, Hayashibara began its journey when sweet food items were scarce and not widely accessible to the general public. In 1959, a technological turning point came with the successful mass production of glucose from starch utilizing enzymes.
Ever since, the company has continued innovation in biotechnology. The most significant achievement was the world’s first successful mass production of trehalose, a disaccharide, from starch using enzymes discovered in microorganisms from local Okayama soil in 1994. With its corporate purpose, “Respect life and embrace the well-being of people and the planet,” Hayashibara provides solutions in various fields, including food, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
Advancing Biotech Research: Hayashibara’s Quest for Sustainable Biomaterials
Hayashibara focuses on R&D, searching for microorganisms and enzymes in its laboratories to prepare new compounds and accumulating expertise in scale-up technology for mass production. It also adds value to biomaterials by developing new applications and exploring their physiological functions.
Hayashibara has a proven track record of numerous sustainability initiatives. In food systems, it has promoted safe, sustainable, and healthy diets that support human and planetary health through the unique functions of its food ingredients.
After endorsing the purpose of the UN Food Systems Summit 2021 in New York, Hayashibara issued a commitment at the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth Summit 2021, “Unique biotechnology brings well-being to all.” In recent years, Hayashibara’s efforts have consistently earned high ratings in sustainability assessments by EcoVadis, particularly in the criteria for “Environment” and “Labor and Human Rights.”
Looking toward a sustainable future where people can live in harmony with nature, Hayashibara has established four types of materiality and has been promoting sustainability through developing new materials and values that solve social issues. In April 2024, Hayashibara will change its name to “Nagase Viita,” reflecting the corporate purpose. The new name “Viita” comes from the Latin word “vita,” meaning life or living. Adding another “i” to become “ii” signifies our dedication to a prosperous and sustainable future in harmony with nature.
The company believes that through co-creation with diverse partner companies, researchers, and people of all generations worldwide, even the smallest ingredients can expand into a wide range of areas and become an essential pillar in building a better future.
Embracing a New Era: Hayashibara’s Transition to Nagase Viita
As a long-standing biotech company, Hayashibara believes that developing impactful solutions and values addressing social issues is essential to realizing a truly sustainable world. Nagase Viita, as it will come to be known in April 2024, hopes to meet and collaborate with many like-minded people.
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