- In May 2024, Evonik officially inaugurated the world’s first industrial-scale rhamnolipid biosurfactant plant in Slovenská Ľupča, Slovakia. This state-of-the-art facility uses a fermentation-based process to produce biodegradable surfactants from renewable corn feedstocks, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional surfactants derived from fossil fuels or tropical oils. The rhamnolipids are non-toxic, high-performing, and suitable for a wide range of applications—from personal care and cleaning to agriculture and animal nutrition. This milestone underscores Evonik’s broader strategy to invest over €3 billion in Next Generation Solutions by 2030, driving sustainability across industries through biotechnology and circular systems
- In April 2024, Nouryon launched Structure® M3, a biodegradable co-surfactant designed to elevate personal care formulations by improving mildness, cleansing, and foaming performance. Introduced at the in-cosmetics Global event in Paris, this polysaccharide-based innovation significantly reduces irritation from conventional surfactant systems. Available as a waterless, free-flowing powder with 85% natural origin content, Structure M3 is cold-water processable and compatible with both sulfate and sulfate-free systems—making it ideal for shampoos, facial cleansers, and body washes. It reflects Nouryon’s commitment to sustainable, high-performance ingredients that align with consumer demand for clean-label, eco-friendly products
- In January 2024, Evonik Industries AG received the prestigious European Responsible Care® Award in the “Safe and Sustainable Chemicals” category from the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic). The recognition highlights Evonik’s groundbreaking achievement in developing the first IP-protected, industrial-scale biotechnological process for producing biodegradable rhamnolipid biosurfactants. These glycolipids, derived from renewable feedstocks via fermentation, offer a sustainable alternative to conventional surfactants and are used in personal care, home care, and agricultural applications. The award also celebrates Evonik’s collaborative innovation model and its commitment to driving the transition toward eco-friendly, high-performance chemical solutions
- In October 2023, Sasol Chemicals introduced CARINEX and LIVINEX, two biosurfactant brands aimed at advancing sustainable solutions in personal care and home cleaning markets. The first offerings under these brands—CARINEX SL and LIVINEX SL—are derived from fermentation-based sophorolipids, developed in partnership with Holiferm Ltd. These biodegradable, palm-free surfactants are produced using natural oils and sugars, offering a significantly lower carbon footprint without compromising performance. CARINEX targets applications like shampoos and conditioners, while LIVINEX is tailored for detergents, degreasers, and industrial cleaning products
- In October 2023, Ashland launched the Easy-Wet™ portfolio—an innovative line of silicone-free substrate wetting agents designed for premium industrial coatings. These oligomeric alkyl polyether polyols deliver exceptional substrate wetting, very low foam stabilization, and defect-free film formation, even in waterborne systems. The Easy-Wet™ agents are biodegradable, VOC-compliant, and tailored for applications across wood, metal, automotive, plastic coatings, and printing inks. With grades like Easy-Wet™ 200, 210, and 300, the platform gives formulators precise control over performance and sustainability—without relying on silicones or fluorocarbons
