Evonik has kicked off rhamnolipids production ahead of schedule at its industrial-scale biosurfactants plant in Slovakia.
The Slovenská Ľupča facility, which deploys a fermentation-based manufacturing process, is the first worldwide to produce sustainable rhamnolipid biosurfactants.
Rhamnolipids are a class of biosurfactants that are sustainably manufactured using European corn sugar as the main raw material.
This biogenic, carbon-based process does not require petrochemical feedstocks or tropical oils.
Rhamnolipids are fully biodegradable and offer a sustainable alternative to conventional surfactants due to their biobased raw materials, and low toxicological and ecotoxicological profile.
“Our high-performance rhamnolipids are setting a precedent, not only at Evonik, but as part of a broader sustainable chemicals revolution. We are excited to be leading the way with our biosolutions,” said Johann-Caspar Gammelin, president of Evonik’s Nutrition & Care division.
“Completing this plant ahead of schedule is a milestone for our business and a testament to our technical expertise, but most importantly, it enables our customers to bring more sustainable cleaning and personal care products to market faster,” added Yann d'Hervé, head of Evonik's Care Solutions business line.
