Clariant unveils range of 100% bio-based surfactants and PEGs

Clariant has unveiled its new Vita 100% bio-based surfactants and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) to help directly address climate change by helping remove fossil carbon from the value chain. 

In the first quarter of  2022,  double-digit kilotons of the bio-based surfactants and PEGs will be available for the worldwide business segments from Clariant IGL Specialty Chemicals (CISC), a Clariant joint venture. 

The introduction of 100% bio-based surfactants and PEGs significantly expands Clariant’s Vita  designated ingredients. Vita products are based on renewable feedstocks and have at least 98%  Renewable Carbon Index (RCI).

“From the packaging to the many ingredients, a typical consumer product in coatings, personal  care, home care, industrial, and agricultural applications still uses petrochemicals and therefore  fossil carbon,” said Christian Vang, global head of Business Unit Industrial & Consumer  Specialties, Clariant. “Switching to bio-based carbon chemistry remains a big challenge for  manufacturers and by launching the Vita surfactant and PEG range we are offering them an  important new solution to achieve this.” 

Designed for natural formulations targeting a high Renewable Carbon Index, the new Vita  products support manufacturers in maximizing the bio-based carbon content of consumer goods  such as detergents, hair and body shampoo, paint, industrial lubricants, and crop formulations. 

Clariant uses 100% bio-ethanol derived from sugar cane or corn to create the ethylene oxide for its  innovative new surfactants and PEGs. The bio-based material is fully segregated along the value  chain from the field to the final consumer product. 

Because only bio-based feedstocks are used, the ingredients have significantly lower carbon  footprints than their fossil-based counterparts. The Vita surfactants are CO₂ emissions savers, according to Clariant. They can help save up to 85% of CO₂ emissions  compared to their fossil analogues, the company said.

In addition to setting the standard in a greener production, these new solutions are  chemically equivalent to Clariant’s fossil versions, offering the same performance and efficiency to  formulators and brand owners. Customers can currently benefit from more than 70 bio-based  products, and the range will continue to be expanded to meet evolving market needs.