MOSCOW (MRC) -- Evonik Industries announced that it is commercializing biosurfactants following five years of research involving scientists from Germany, China, and Slovakia, said the company on its site.
The company flagged the plan at a recent innovation event in Germany. Evonik says it is the first company to use biotechnology methods to produce industrial-scale quantities of surfactants - key components of shampoos, shower gels, and household cleansers. The first household biosurfactant cleansers are already available to consumers.
The company also plans to develop and market another class of biosurfactants known as rhamnolipids. These materials have exceptional foam-forming properties, which will open up additional applications as a result. Also under construction at the Slovenska L’upca site is a pilot plant that will produce rhamnolipids through fermentation. Bacteria will be used in this process instead of yeasts.
Evonik biosurfactants meet all of the requirements of modern surfactants. They have good cleaning properties, are gentle on the skin, and completely biodegrade more quickly. At the same time, these materials are even more gentle to aquatic organisms such as algae and daphnia.
As MRC informed earlier, Evonik is conducting research into biodegradable high-strength composites, which could potentially replace metal in implants used for the internal fixation of fractured bones.
Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2015 more than 33,500 employees generated sales of around EUR13.5 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about EUR2.47 billion.
MRC