Clariant and Global Bioenergies develop new ingredient for creams and lotions

Specialty chemicals firm Clariant and French biotechnology company Global Bioenergies have developed a new renewable isobutene-based ingredient for personal care lotions and creams.

The new ingredient has been developed with Global Bioenergies’ sugar-based isobutene. It is a rheology modifier with texturising properties that influences the viscosity of formulations in creams and lotions.

The cosmetic polymer is said to contain more than 50% renewable carbon, meeting the ISO 16128:2016 standard for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products.

Clariant head of strategic marketing and innovation Ralf Zerrer said: “Supporting our customers in the personal care industry with sustainable, bio-based ingredients is a key priority for Clariant.

“With our new polymer, we are delighted to expand current limited opportunities for formulators looking to improve the sustainability of their formulations, letting them make an immediate switch without compromising application properties or performance.”

The ingredient is currently produced on a small scale at Global Bioenergies’ demo plant in Leuna, Germany.

Global Bioenergies CEO Marc Delcourt commented: “Renewable isobutene is a widely used building block for cosmetic applications and we are excited by the opportunities it presents for new bio-based ingredients to address the needs of niche markets.”

The production of the ingredient for larger capacities is expected to be scaled up in the future.