Naturex, Avignon, France, has built a worldwide network of application laboratories—known as SPRING labs—to incorporate natural ingredients into food and beverage products.

Officials say SPRINGlab stands for “Sharing PRoduct INGenuity laboratory.” This unique network dedicated to natural products was designed to favor confidential projects to foster co-creation and address specific issues with tailor-made solutions.

“We think it is our role to help customers gain the race to innovation by bringing them a set of tools and services that shortens their time to market,” says Marc Roller, Naturex chief science officer. “We are willing to share our expertise on natural ingredients and make our skills available to our clients’ brands.”

SPRINGlab: from nature to consumer packaged goods From idea generation to analytical and aging testing, the network provides the seeds of innovation for finished products. Besides translating ideas into concrete prototypes, the team answers the technical challenges that can occur when switching from synthetic to natural ingredient solutions. In some cases, the applications can be tested by a panel of trained participants to confirm that the product meets market expectations.

Answering global demand on a regional scale
The SPRINGlab network includes seven regional application laboratories located around the world. The strength of this network relies on skill sharing and respect for regional specificities.

“It is important for us to adapt our ingredients to local tastes and demands,” notes Roller. “If a company wants to launch a finished product with only natural ingredients at an international level, we are able to help them navigate compliancy with local regulations and adapt their product to regional tastes.”

The SPRINGlab network already has been implemented in China, Australia, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Brazil and the United States. Officials say their goal is to expand with additional lab facilities in other countries.

A significant step in Naturex’s innovation process
SPRINGlab is only one part of a comprehensive innovation strategy at Naturex. The company offers a full range of services to accelerate innovation. All new ingredients developed for the food and beverage industry are tested by the application laboratories.

“It’s an additional proof of the ease of formulation of new ingredients designed by our research and development teams,” concludes Roller.

About Naturex:
Naturex is the global leader in specialty plant-based natural ingredients. Through its dedicated business units, the Group addresses the specific needs of three strategic markets: Food & Beverage, Nutrition & Health and Personal Care. The company offers its customers a full array of high quality ingredients, responsibly sourced from nature for food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic applications.

Naturex’s head office is Avignon, France. The company employs more than 1,600 people and benefits from eight sourcing offices around the world and high-performance manufacturing operations across 15 sites in Europe, Morocco, the United States, Brazil, Australia, India and Chile. It also has a global commercial presence through a dedicated network of 25 sales offices.

Visit www.naturex.com for additional details.