Beneo and Wacker launch human milk oligosaccharide 2’-FL for infant formula globally

Functional ingredients manufacturer Beneo, and Wacker, a European chemical supplier of biotechnology solutions, are launching the human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) globally.

The ingredient is dubbed the predominant and most extensively studied HMO and will be available to the European market in the coming weeks. As an HMO, 2’-FL belongs to a structurally and biologically diverse group of complex indigestible carbohydrates, which are the third major component in breast milk following lactose and lipids.

The product launch is the first result of a strategic and global partnership to enhance early-life nutrition. It will provide additional volumes of HMOs to the market, helping secure supply and quality for both large and smaller manufacturers of infant formulas.

“The launch of 2’-FL and the associated addition of HMOs to Beneo’s established and well-recognized portfolio of scientifically proven prebiotics is strategic. Particularly for the infant nutrition market, it provides promising opportunities for highly effective combinations,” says Olivier Roques, CEO at Beneo.

“We are pleased about the collaboration with such an experienced partner like Wacker and are looking forward to the joint journey for HMOs.” 

Operational strengths

Within the partnership, Wacker will oversee the production, leveraging its reputable expertise in biotechnology. It will produce 2’-FL in Europe using precision fermentation via a patented strain.

Beneo will be responsible for the commercialization, making the most of its comprehensive knowledge in scientific research as well as of the global market for infant nutrition.

“We are excited about this new partnership. It will bring together Wacker’s expertise and production track record with Beneo’s thorough market understanding. Together, we are set to meet the high demands of customers in the infant nutrition sector,” says Mathias Wiedemann, president of Wacker Biosolutions.

HMOs act as prebiotics in a class of their own, supporting the development of healthy gut microbiota, bolstering infants’ immune systems, and contributing to overall health outcomes such as improved metabolic health and neurodevelopment.

These unique components are crucial for the development of milk formulas that achieve a profile as close as possible to breast milk, which is widely recognized as the gold standard in infant nutrition.

Beneo highlights that the global demand for HMOs is expected to grow significantly, from around US$180 million in 2022 to almost US$900 million by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of more than 17%.

This predicted growth is supported by an increasing number of infant-formula product launches featuring HMOs, which rose from 4% to 20% between 2018 and 2023.