With the introduction of 100% bio-based surfactants and PEGs, Clariant significantly expands the number of ingredients in its Vita range. Vita products are based on renewable feedstocks and have at least 98% Renewable Carbon Index (RCI) thus providing low carbon footprint solutions to manufacturers.
“As our climate gives us increasing and alarming signals of change, individuals and industries are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprints, and the demand for bio-based chemicals is set to grow strongly in the coming years,” Clariant explains in a statement.
Bio-ethanol derived from sugar cane or corn
Designed for natural formulations targeting a high Renewable Carbon Index (RCI), the new Vita products support manufacturers in maximizing the bio-based carbon content of consumer goods such as detergents, hair and body shampoos, but also paints, industrial lubricants, and crop formulations.
To create these new surfactants and PEGs, Clariant uses 100% bio-ethanol derived from sugar cane or corn to create the required ethylene oxide. 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 new ingredients have significantly lower carbon footprints than their fossil-based counterparts. According to Clariant, the Vita surfactants can help save up to 85% of CO₂ emissions compared to their fossil analogues.
More than 70 bio-based products equivalent to fossil versions
These new solutions are chemically equivalent to fossil versions, the company explained. They offer the same performance and efficiency to formulators and brand owners.
The range currently includes more than 70 bio-based products, and the range will continue to be expanded to meet evolving market needs. In Q1 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.
“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.”
