Imagine turning wood waste and food scraps into the active cleaning agents found in soaps and shampoos. Instead of using petroleum, this project uses microbes and plant fibers to create natural bubbles and emulsifiers. It's like upgrading the 'soap' in your products to be completely plant-based and safe for the planet.
The surfactant market is dominated by petroleum-based products, with only 4% being fully bio-based. There is a lack of diverse, non-hazardous, and cost-effective bio-alternatives for industrial use.
A production process for 9 types of biosurfactants and a DEMO plant layout for scaling production up to 10 m3.
If you are a cleaning product manufacturer dealing with high petroleum dependency in your formulas — this project developed 9 types of bio-based surfactants that replace synthetic chemicals. These ingredients are sourced from wood processing waste and food waste to lower environmental impact.
If you are a personal care brand dealing with consumer demand for non-hazardous ingredients — this project developed a range of microbial biosurfactants like sophorolipids. These are designed to be safe and sustainable, helping you meet strict eco-toxicity standards.
If you are a pesticide producer dealing with the need for greener delivery agents — this project developed lignin-based and microbial surfactants. These help active ingredients spread better on crops while using 2G sustainable feedstocks.
The project focuses on demonstrating cost-efficient production through full Technical Economic Analyses (TEAs) and Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). Based on available project data, specific price points are not yet disclosed.
The project is scaling up production to a range between 150 L and 10 m3. A dedicated DEMO plant is being built to prove this scale.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not provided, but the project involves 5 industry partners and 2 SMEs who are developing the production processes.
The equipment and raw materials procurement plan for the DEMO plant is expected to be completed in July 2025.
The project operationalizes the EC Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) criteria, including hazard assessment and eco-toxicity testing.
The consortium is heavily industry-weighted with a 42% industry ratio, comprising 5 industrial partners and 2 SMEs. This strong commercial presence, combined with 5 research organizations and 1 university across 8 countries, suggests a high focus on commercial viability and scale-up rather than pure academic research.
Contact BIO BASE EUROPE PILOT PLANT VZW in Belgium
Contact us to connect with the SURFs UP consortium for pilot testing opportunities.
