Evonik has signed an agreement with Swedish specialty chemicals company Perstorp to research and develop new animal nutrition products along with investigating future options for commercial partnerships.

The focus of the collaboration is improving gut health. Evonik will provide access to its gut health simulation system and probiotics portfolio while Perstorp will supply its ester technology platform. The companies said the partnership will combine advanced science and practical experience to deliver “breakthrough innovation” to support the needs of tomorrow’s animal farming.

“Both companies believe that the challenges of antimicrobial resistance in animal production can only be tackled with a holistic approach, using new and innovative solutions instead of the preventive use of antibiotics,” said Christoph Kobler, head of Evonik’s sustainable healthy nutrition product lines. “This approach will help to ensure that sustainable livestock production remains possible without resorting to that intervention.”

Last month, Evonik signed another animal health deal, that time with Chinese biotech Vland. The companies signed a joint development agreement (JDA) as part of an existing broader partnership in probiotics for animal nutrition and enzymes for industrial applications.

“The JDA is expected to stimulate innovation and joint R&D activities in the field of selection, production, formulation and application of our new probiotic solution,” said Emmanuel Auer, head of Evonik’s animal nutrition business.

Vland’s CEO Aron Chen added that based on years of cooperation, the companies had extended the scope of their alliance to plant, livestock and aquaculture.