
20 Apr 2023 Mérieux NutriSciences boosts services in food system sustainability
Mérieux NutriSciences, a world leader in food safety, quality and sustainability, has announced the acquisition of Blonk, a leading international expert in food system sustainability.
Blonk helps organisations to better understand their environmental impact in the agri-food value chain by offering LCA-based advice (Life Cycle Assessment) and developing tailored software tools based on the latest scientific developments and data.
Says Nicolas Cartier, CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences, “Making food systems more sustainable is a major challenge and is becoming increasingly urgent with a growing world population that is expected to reach 10 billion people by 2025, with limited natural resources.
“Regulations are rapidly evolving and actors in the agri-food sector must be able to rely on expert partners in food sustainability to initiate or accelerate their transformation.
“Bringing together Blonk and Mérieux NutriSciences is an exciting step in strengthening and accelerating our contribution to the sustainability of food systems.”
About Blonk
The consultancy was founded in 1999 and today counts 50 food and sustainability experts, software developers, data and methodology specialists based in the Netherlands.
Working with various players in the food chain, from ingredient producers to food manufacturers and retailers, Blonk has a proven track record of providing customised, science-based advice and intelligent software solutions to define the environmental footprint of products.
It is also at the forefront of sustainability research in the agri-food sector. In particular, it works with international and governmental organisations to define sector-specific standards and build databases allowing thorough assessment of environmental impact of food products and combining with nutritional parameters for optimised diets.
Cartier adds: “Sustainability is at the heart of Mérieux NutriSciences’ vision, mission, and business roadmap. Our ambition is to become the reference partner for science-based sustainability solutions in the food sector to support the transition to more positive food systems.
“Blonk strategically consolidates our existing capabilities in the field of environmental footprinting and enriches the sustainability solutions we already offer in packaging, new food alternatives, responsible sourcing and soil health, as well as transparent labeling.”
Says Hans Blonk – CEO and founder of Blonk: “Blonk is looking forward to realising its global ambitions as part of Mérieux NutriSciences. The matching vision, values and global presence of Mérieux NutriSciences accelerates our growth ambitions, but, most importantly I am happy to pursue and strengthen my mission to make the food industry a more sustainable business.”
Source: Mérieux NutriSciences