First waste-based biosurfactants

Belgian start-up AmphiStar has launched what it claims are the first fully upcycled biobased surfactants under the trade names AmphiCare and AmphiClean. These are produced “using clean biological conversion processes and derived from local, organic biowaste and side streams from agri-food processing”.

AmphiCare is designed for personal care applications, including shampoos, makeup removers and other skincare products. The company said it has high purity and functionality, and “meets the industry's demands for skin compatibility, mildness and performance”. AmphiClean is aimed at home care applications, including multi-surface cleaners, dishwashing products and detergents.

Describing the two products as “a significant breakthrough in the shift towards fully sustainable surfactants”, AmphiStar COO Sophie Roelants said that they both reduce reliance on fossil and virgin bio-based feedstocks like palm oil, while providing “high-performing, scalable alternatives”.