COPENHAGEN, DENMARK — Danisco has launched Xivia, a new brand name for sustainable xylitol, which is a polyol sweetener. Danisco produces Xivia through a wood-based integrated concept (DWB), which produces as little as 1% to 16% of the environmental impact associated with a biomass hydrolysis process (BHP) that uses corn cobs as raw material, according to the company.

Danisco uses a life cycle assessment, which is an analytical tool, to quantify and interpret the environmental flows to and from the environment. The environmental flows include emissions to air, water and land and the consumption of energy and other material resources. The life cycle assessment found xylitol produced through DWB had a carbon footprint 90% lower than xylitol produced through BHP. The DWB was 85% lower in required energy, had 94% less impact on toxicity for land, had 99% less impact on toxicity for water, and had 86% less impact on depletion of the ozone layer.

“The significantly better environmental performance is interesting from a business standpoint especially for companies looking for a stronger contribution to sustainability from the sugar substitutes that they use in creating healthier, more nutritious products,” said Stephane Constant, executive vice-president, Sweeteners division. “The integrated manufacturing process of Xivia is a key differentiator and a potential competitive advantage provider. This could be particularly meaningful for consumer products with a high dosage of xylitol such as sugar-free chewing gum and confectionery.”

Xivia has all the sweetness of sugar but with 40% less calories, according to Copenhagen-based Danisco. It leaves no aftertaste. Xivia has been shown to work in food, beverages, oral hygiene products, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.