A global leader in the development of rosin and turpentine extracted from pine resin, DRT has announced an increase in capital of its joint-venture with the Indian company Crown Chemicals to the level of 50 %. Specialized in the manufacture of synthetic piperonal, Crown Chemicals and DRT have provided for several years a sustainable alternative to piperonal and hope now to double their production capacity in 2014. DRT reaffirms thus its position as a major global player in the development of responsible chemistry.

Piperonal production, leading to large-scale deforestation

Natural piperonal is obtained from Sassafras oil which is extracted from the roots of the Sassafras tree, a species of deciduous trees in the family Lauraceae. The massive commercial felling of Sassafras forests, and the absence of any significant replanting programs have forced authorities to protect the species, which is now in danger of extinction. Currently a high proportion of the Sassafras oil available in the world market is being sourced illegally from countries like Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.