Sasol International Chemicals – a division of global chemicals and energy company Sasol – has launched a bio-circular insect oil surfactant for the care chemical sector.
Derived from insect oil-based feedstocks the non-ionic LIVINEX IO 7 product was suitable for use in the fabric, home care, industrial and institutional cleaning sectors, the company said on 7 October.
A C12-14 alcohol (mid-cut alcohol) ethoxylate, Sasol said the palm oil- and deforestation-free product could be used as a drop-in replacement for conventional synthetic-based alcohol ethoxylates.
The surfactant is derived from oil from black soldier fly larvae, which is rich in fatty acids used to produce detergent-grade alcohols.
Sasol said it planned to expand its portfolio to include insect oil-based products for the personal care industry.
“As global demand for sustainable products increases … we remain committed to offering our customers a … suite of solutions that includes both high-performing synthetic feedstocks and novel renewable options,” said Louis Snyders, Sasol vice president of care chemicals.
LIVINEX IO 7 is currently available in European markets.
