Solvay launches a new range of low carbon footprint biosurfactants

Solvay has introduced Mirasoft SL L60 and Mirasoft SL A60 - two new high-performance biosurfactants that enable the development of more sustainable beauty care products. Based on rapeseed oil and sugar with low environmental and carbon footprint, these glycolipid biosurfactants are suitable for a broad range of applications in beauty and personal care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, face washes and creams.

Low environmental impact

The two new bio-surfactants are designed to provide the same performance as synthetic ingredients without harmful environmental effects. Made from a fermentation process that Solvay describes as “cost-effective”, Mirasoft SL L60 and Mirasoft SL A60 are 100% biobased and biodegradable.

“With the potential of a net neutral carbon footprint in the near future, biosurfactants represent a step-change technology in the eco-design of next-generation beauty care products. The eco-profile of Mirasoft SL L60 and Mirasoft SL A60 is truly a breakthrough compared to conventional, fossil fuel-based surfactants”, said Galder Cristobal, research & innovation director, Home & Personal Care at Solvay.

Renewable carbon

The launch of the new Mirasoft range aligns with Solvay’s most recent growth platform on “Renewable materials and biotechnology”, which aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions by increasing the share of renewable carbon in the group’s product offering.

The aim of the new platform is to increase the share of renewable carbon [1] in Solvay’s product offering and developing new business opportunities enabled by biotechnology. It complements Solvay’s three existing growth platforms – Battery Materials, Green Hydrogen and Thermoplastic Composites.

The Solvay group has set itself the objectives of increasing by 2030 the share of sustainable solutions in its sales to 65% and more than doubling the share in its sales of products based on circular raw materials or energy compared to 2018, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030.

“This product launch underlines both our commitment to surfactants technology and our long-term vision for the future,” commented Jean-Guy Le Helloco, global vice president, home and personal care at Solvay. “We focus on future technology shifts to enable our customers to reach their sustainability goals.”