DSM is set to reveal a new corporate identity as a life sciences and materials sciences company, having completed the sale of its agrochemical and melamine businesses last year.

"After 100 years of transformation, DSM is now poised for growth in its new form," says Alexander Filz, head of communications for DSM Nutritional Products. "And it's ready to address the big societal challenges - global shifts in health and wellness, climate change and finite energy supplies."

A key pedestal of DSM's new identity will be a company-wide emphasis on sustainability. "There will be a step-change in sustainable activities," says Fokko Wientjes, DSM's director of sustainability. "Sustainability will cease to be a message and become business relevant."

As DSM states its aim to make sustainability a dominant business driver, the company hopes to change the way it does business around the world, undertaking private-public partnerships, entering into community dialogue where necessary and offering greater accountability to shareholders by reducing water consumption, using renewable resources and cutting emissions.

DSM also plans to ensure that it offers superior products and services with more ecological benefits than its competitors' products. With its yeast extracts, enzymes, cultures and preservatives the company believes it is able to do this, and cites, in particular, its baking emulsifier Panamore and enzyme solution Brewers Clarex as two examples of DSM ingredients with outstanding eco-efficiency footprints.