18th Dec 2019 12:26
(Alliance News) - Evonik Industries AG on Wednesday said it is collaborating with Unilever PLC on large-scale production of a "green" biosurfactant.
The German chemicals firm, which has its headquarters in Essen, has partnered with Anglo-Dutch consumer goods major Unilever to commercialise a new hand dishwashing liquid which uses Evonik's "green" biosurfactants called rhamnolipids, which are made through fermentation.
Surfactants are used in dishwashing liquids because they emulsify oils and disperse them so they do not settle back onto clean dishes. Evonik makes biosurfactants, meaning they are derived from biological organisms.
The new product is being launched in Chile this summer by Unilever under the brand name Quix.
Peter ter Kulve, president of Unilever's Home Care business, said: "Our [research & development] team has been aware of rhamnolipid for some years, but the technology and the science weren't at a point where we were able to scale it and it remained an invention in a lab, until now. That's why we are so delighted to be partnering with Evonik. Together, our teams have worked hard to deliver a sustainable and safe product with even better performance."
Shares in Evonik were flat at EUR26.82 in Frankfurt on Wednesday, while Unilever's shares were up 0.5% at 4,320.00 pence in London.
By Anna Farley; [email protected]
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