Technology/ Innovation: We will contribute to the well-being of all human beings, our society and our planet with “AminoScience” based on the corporate slogan “Eat Well, Live Well.”
The Ajinomoto Group is a global leader in AminoScience, dedicated to the corporate slogan “Eat Well, Live Well.” Our purpose is to contribute to the well-being of all human beings, our society, and our planet by unlocking the fundamental power of amino acids. Leveraging over a century of research, we pioneer innovative solutions across four core areas: Healthcare, Food & Wellness, ICT, and Green Solutions. Through our ASV (Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value) model, we aim to extend the healthy life expectancy of 1 billion people and reduce our environmental impact by 50% by 2030. From life-saving biopharmaceuticals to essential materials for the global semiconductor industry, the Ajinomoto Group is transforming molecular-level science into a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Overview of Technology/ Innovation:
Ajinomoto’s innovations in AjiPro-L and Biostimulants represent the company's "AminoScience" approach: leveraging amino acid technology to solve global challenges in food production and environmental sustainability. 1. AjiPro-L: Rumen-Protected Lysine AjiPro-L is a high-performance nutritional supplement designed for dairy and beef cattle. The primary challenge in ruminant nutrition is that essential amino acids like lysine are often destroyed by microbes in the cow's first stomach (the rumen) before they can be absorbed. Core Technology: The "Smart Coating" • Encapsulation: Ajinomoto developed a proprietary granulation technology that protects lysine with a barrier layer of hydrogenated vegetable oil. • Targeted Release: The coating is durable enough to survive the harsh, microbial environment of the rumen but is designed to dissolve when it reaches the small intestine, where nutrients are actually absorbed. • Performance Metrics: It provides approximately 80% rumen bypass and 80% intestinal digestibility, resulting in a high bioavailability of roughly 64%. Strategic Impact • Productivity: Improves milk yield and quality (protein/fat content) by balancing the "limiting" amino acids in the diet. • Environment: By providing precise nutrition, farmers can reduce the total crude protein in feed. This lowers nitrous oxide ($N_2O$) emissions from manure and reduces reliance on high-impact protein sources like soybean meal, which helps prevent deforestation. • Economic Value: Farmers save on feed costs and can potentially generate carbon credits through schemes like Japan’s J-Credit.
Agricultural Biostimulants Ajinomoto’s biostimulants are substances derived from amino acids that enhance plant health and productivity through natural physiological stimulation rather than direct fertilization. Core Innovation: The "Bio-cycle" The foundation of Ajinomoto’s biostimulant business is a circular economy model. The "leftover" liquid (co-products) from the fermentation process used to make MSG and other amino acids is rich in organic matter. Ajinomoto processes these co-products into high-value agricultural inputs. Key Benefits & Functions • Abiotic Stress Tolerance: Unlike pesticides (which fight pests), biostimulants help plants survive "non-living" stresses such as drought, extreme heat, and soil salinity. • Nutrient Use Efficiency: They act as "prebiotics" for soil microbes and activate plant enzymes that improve the uptake of minerals, allowing farmers to reduce chemical fertilizer use by up to 50% while maintaining yields. • Crop Quality: They stimulate the synthesis of secondary metabolites, which can improve the flavor, color, and nutritional profile of fruits and vegetables. Market Positioning Through the acquisition of companies like Agro2Agri (Spain), Ajinomoto has integrated specialized biotech expertise to create brands like Agriful and Tecamin Max, positioning themselves as a leader in sustainable "green" agriculture.
Website: Ajinomoto.com
Country: Japan