dsm-firmenich innovators in nutrition, health and beauty, announced a strategic partnership with Nous, an Italy-based start-up focused on next-generation functional food ingredients, to accelerate the global commercialisation of Koncentra. The novel botanical functional ingredient is designed for energy, focus and mood enhancement applications.
Developed following an extensive screening process of carefully selected botanicals, Koncentra is manufactured through a proprietary extraction technology that preserves the integrity and efficacy of its natural components. The result is a new approach to energy formulation, delivering sustained performance without the unwanted side effects often associated by consumers with traditional stimulants like caffeine, such as jitters, anxiety and energy crashes.
Building on dsm-firmenich’s recent investment in Nous through its ventures activities, the companies are now expanding their partnership. Through this collaboration, dsm-firmenich will support the further development, claims substantiation, and market validation of Koncentra, accelerating its path from clinical development to commercialisation as a science-backed, regulatory-compliant solution for the energy category.
Redefining energy for modern consumers
Energy remains a key concern for consumers globally, with around 68 % of them worldwide reporting that they worry about their energy levels in daily life.1 Due to this, energy has become one of the most prominent positioning platforms in functional beverages, with 44 % of claims globally linked to energy and 14 % to brain and nerve support.2 While caffeine still dominates the category, increasing awareness of its drawbacks is shifting consumer preferences toward more balanced, natural alternatives.
Koncentra responds to this need with a multi-functional, caffeine-free solution that supports energy, focus and mood, enabling brands to move beyond traditional stimulant-based approaches toward more holistic performance solutions.
A new standard for energy and mood solutions
Koncentra is produced via a sustainable and natural extraction process that preserves key bioactive compounds while ensuring consistency and scalability.
In addition to its functional benefits, Koncentra has been developed with formulation in mind. Its excellent solubility and low effective dose enable seamless integration into a wide range of food and beverage applications, with minimal impact on taste, colour or turbidity. This makes it a highly versatile solution for manufacturers in F&B looking to develop next-generation functional food and drinks.
Accelerating validation and commercialisation with dsm-firmenich
As part of the partnership, dsm-firmenich will support the design of clinical trials to substantiate claims related to energy and overall cognitive and physical performance. The collaboration will also strengthen regulatory positioning and claims development by leveraging dsm-firmenich’s deep consumer insights, application expertise, and regulatory knowledge to refine product concepts, validate compliant botanical solutions, and enhance market readiness for demanding customer applications.
1dsm-firmenich Global Consumer Health study, 2025
2Mintel GNPD
With distractions at an all-time high, Pure Leaf helps Americans find focus with a new functional iced tea and partnership with digital wellness tool Brick
Pure Leaf introduces Pure Leaf Mental Focus, the brand’s first line of sparkling, real brewed iced teas, made with naturally occurring caffeine from black tea and added L-theanine, to help support attention and focus.
In a world full of notifications, texts and endless to-dos, it has become increasingly difficult to focus on the projects that matter – a reason why more than 80 % of Americans say they’re looking for ways to unplug and take a break from the digital world1. To introduce Pure Leaf Mental Focus, Pure Leaf is teaming up with two-time Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and digital wellness tool Brick to highlight the importance of finding focus when it’s needed most.
Pure Leaf Mental Focus key features
- Product: New Pure Leaf Mental Focus, real brewed sparkling iced teas made with naturally occurring caffeine from black tea and added L-theanine (an amino acid found in tea leaves)
- Benefit: Formulated to help support attention and focus amid everyday distractions
- Flavours: Peach; raspberry
- Nutrition: 69 mg caffeine; 0g sugar; 0 calories (12 fl oz can)
- Availability: In the US including all major retailers, convenience stores, gas stations and online
“Functional drinks are no longer niche. People want products that keep up with their lives,” says Zach Harris, Vice President and General Manager, Pepsi Lipton Tea Partnership North America. “Pure Leaf Mental Focus delivers great flavour, plus added benefits. It’s a real brewed iced tea with naturally occurring caffeine from black tea and added L-theanine, making it a smart option for busy days, especially as packed schedules and constant distractions have become the norm.”
How Jordan Chiles finds her focus
Jordan Chiles knows what it takes to stay focused while juggling elite training, gymnastics competitions, school, and touring. Her ability to stay locked in under pressure reflects the mindset required to keep pace with a demanding schedule. Anchored by a consistent pre-competition routine that includes unplugging and meditating, Chiles prioritises getting into the right headspace for whatever challenge comes next, big or small. Pure Leaf Mental Focus iced teas complement that routine, helping support focus throughout her day, from schoolwork to training to her daily to-do list.
“My days move fast, and distractions can add up quickly,” says Chiles. “I’ve learned the biggest game changer is protecting my focus. Whether I’m heading into practice, studying, traveling, or preparing for a competition, I try to be intentional about where my energy goes and make sure I’m in the right headspace. Pure Leaf Mental Focus helps support my attention so I can lock in on what matters and take on whatever comes next.”
The Mental Focus Dock
In an era of nonstop notifications, texts, and endless scrolling, Pure Leaf is partnering with Brick, a digital wellness tool designed to temporarily block distracting apps and websites on phones. Together, they created the Mental Focus Dock, a custom coaster that holds a can of Pure Leaf Mental Focus and a Brick device. The dock’s base houses the Brick to enable blocking selected apps, while the top keeps Pure Leaf Mental Focus close at hand to help support focus and enable people to power through their to-do lists.
Beginning April 28, 2026, consumers can enter for a chance to win a limited-edition Mental Focus Dock by visiting http://www.PureLeafMentalFocus.com. Winners will receive a Pure Leaf Mental Focus kit that includes both flavours of the new Pure Leaf Mental Focus iced tea – Raspberry and Peach, a Brick, and a limited-edition Mental Focus Dock.
1Source: Talker Research, 2026
Elopak ASA reports stable revenues of EUR 298.2 million for the first quarter on a constant currency basis and EBITDA of EUR 41.0 million, after adjusting for restructuring costs.
First quarter 2026 summary:
- Group revenue for Q1 2026 remained stable on a constant currency basis, but declined by 3.9 % in EUR terms, as currency headwinds and lower equipment sales outweighed volume growth in Americas
- Americas achieved 6.0 % constant currency revenue growth and an EBITDA margin of 22.3 %, driven by the plant in Little Rock
- Adjusted EBITDA amounted to 41.0 million in the quarter, corresponding to an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.8 %, compared to 14.4 % in the same quarter last year, mainly reflecting currency impacts and one‑off items
- Net profit attributable to Elopak shareholders was EUR 16.9 million, in line with prior year, and the financial position remained solid with a leverage ratio of 2.2x and ROCE at 15.1 %
Commenting on Elopak’s performance, CEO Thomas Körmendi said: “The ongoing geopolitical situation poses challenges for all global businesses; however, we remain confident in our ‘Repacking tomorrow’ strategy and in delivering on our mid-term targets”.
For the full report and presentation, please see the attachment or visit www.elopak.com/investor-relations.
