The role of biobased surfactants in responsible ESG initiatives
Dr Charlie R . Landis , chief technology officer , shares how Integrity BioChem ’ s biobased surfactants can help improve industry stewardship
The global surfactants market is projected to expand by 25 % in revenue by mid-decade from an estimated value of approximately $ 42.1 billion in 2019- 20201 , far exceeding global GDP growth rates . This is due to outsized growth in the Asia-Pacific and concerns over personal care products , among other factors . 1 This growth is also projected due to the largest aligned multi-industry commitment in the industry , which is improving the environmental footprint of all chemical markets , including surfactants . Fortunately , new waterbased surfactant reaction chemistry and two well-accepted analytical techniques can start the process of transparent , socially responsible supply sought by industry stakeholders .
Role of biobased surfactants
A key aspect of capturing the opportunity at this moment in time is the development of a potentially large sub-segment of the surfactant industry called biobased biosurfactants . These are a subcategory in the larger biosurfactant segment that , in turn , is a segment of the overall surfactant industry . The US Department of Agriculture defines a biobased product as “ a product determined by the Secretary to be a commercial or industrial product ( other than food or feed ) that is ( a ) composed , in whole or in significant part , of biological products , including renewable domestic agricultural materials , renewable chemicals and forestry materials ; or ( b ) an intermediate ingredient or feedstock . Biobased products are derived from
Bio-based products are derived from raw materials such as plants
raw materials such as plants and other renewable agricultural , marine , and forestry materials .” The initial perception of the term ‘ biosurfactant ’ is dominated by the proven technique of fermentation . Fermented biosurfactants are known throughout the industry and are rightfully being pursued for commercialisation . They enjoy the indisputable benefits of low overall toxicity , quantified biodegradation and water-based synthesis . However , there are hurdles to the exclusive use of fermented biosurfactants in large markets . Fermentation produces reaction products from organic substrates via the metabolic processes of bacteria , enzymes , etc . Implicit in this process are lower final product volumes , longer production times and higher unit costs compared to common , commercially scalable water-based reaction chemistries . Given the well-established technical and logistical infrastructure of North America , its large and diverse agriculture and forestry industries serve as a vast inventory of sustainable raw materials for biobased surfactant product development . New categories of patent-pending , biobased surfactant reaction chemistry promise to deliver environmentally responsible surfactants without sacrifice to performance and cost .
Measuring sustainability
Developing the analytical process for the transparent confirmation of
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