The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given its approval to bio-manufacturing company Locus Fermentation Solutions (Locus FS) to market its expanded list of biosurfactants for consumer and industrial use.
Industrial-scale production of biosurfactants within the USA requires EPA Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) registration through a Premanufacture Notice (PMN) approval process.
Following the EPA’s granting of TCSA certification, the company’s range of glycolipids had approval for use in all industrial and consumer applications, including in agriculture, energy, industrial and consumer products, Locus FS said on 17 October.
The approval included both linear and lactonic, and hydrolysed and non-hydrolysed versions of the company’s glycolipids for use in consumer and industrial applications.
“Expanding the list of TSCA-approved biosurfactants … broadens the availability of sustainable chemical alternatives. Demand from formulators seeking … eco-friendly biosurfactants has been and continues to be high,” Locus FS vice president of Global Regulatory Affairs & Strategy Dr Maxwell Shumba said.
Locus FS’ Amphi sophorolipids biosurfactants are sourced from non-palm oil fatty acids and carbohydrates and do not contain 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde, ethylene oxide (EO) or other Proposition 65 regulated trace chemicals.
In addition to having cleaning properties, the sophorolipids could act as an emulsifier, wetting agent, solubiliser or coalescing agent, the company said.
The company also had REACH registrations from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the UK, which allows distribution of its biosurfactants across the European Union and the UK through its ingredients division.
