Bio-Based Surfactants

Clariant launches 100% bio-based surfactant series enabling transition to renewable carbon

Clariant is launching new Vita 100% bio-based surfactants and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) to help address climate change directly by removing fossil carbon from the value chain. As our climate sends us signals of increasing and alarming change, individuals and industries are seeking ways to reduce their environmental footprints, and demand for bio-based chemicals will grow strongly in the coming years. Clariant is committed to promoting a transition to a more sustainable bioeconomy and has an increasing share of bio-based products and processing aids in its portfolio. [caption id="attachment_133794" align="aligncenter"] Vita series is produced in a completely segregated facility, with all material flows from field to final product kept separate from fossil-based flows.[/caption] The launch of 100% bio-based surfactants and PEGs significantly expands the components defined by Clariant's Vita. Vita products are based on renewable raw materials and have at least 98% Renewable Carbon Index (RCI). This is just one example of the commitment to Greater Chemistry—providing low-carbon footprint solutions between people and planet to customers. Christian Vang, Head of Global Business Unit for Industrial and Consumer Specialties, said, "Many materials in typical consumer products—from packaging to coatings, personal care, household care, industrial and agricultural applications—still use petrochemicals and therefore fossil carbon. The transition to bio-based carbon chemistry continues to be a major challenge for manufacturers, and by launching our Vita surfactant and PEG series, we are providing them with an important new solution to achieve this." The new Vita products, designed for natural formulations targeting high Renewable Carbon Index (RCI), support manufacturers in maximizing the bio-based carbon content of consumer goods such as detergents, hair and body shampoos, paints, industrial lubricants and crop formulations. Clariant uses 100% bioethanol derived from sugar cane or corn to generate ethylene oxide for its innovative new surfactants and PEGs. The bio-based material is completely segregated throughout the value chain from field to final consumer product. Because only bio-based raw materials are used, the components have significantly lower carbon footprints compared to their fossil-based counterparts. Vita surfactants are CO₂ emission savers; they can help save up to 85% of CO₂ emissions[1] compared to fossil analogues. More importantly, beyond setting the standard in greener production, these new solutions are chemically equivalent to Clariant's fossil versions and offer formula creators and brand owners the same performance and efficiency. Customers can currently benefit from more than 70 bio-based products, and the product range will continue to be expanded to meet evolving market needs. In the first quarter of 2022, double-digit kilotons of bio-based surfactants and PEGs will be offered by Clariant IGL Specialty Chemicals (CISC), a Clariant joint venture, for business segments worldwide. As one of the global leaders in specialty chemicals and a member of the UN Global Compact, Clariant is at the forefront of advanced carbon solutions with a unique level of expertise, knowledge and industry insights. [1] Based on EO estimates   Source