Croda to build US plant for sustainable non-ionic surfactants from bioethanol

Croda International, manufacturer of speciality chemical ingredients that enhance everyday consumer and industrial products, is creating the first North American plant that will lead to 100% sustainable non-ionic surfactants, active emulsifying agents that help keep oil and water together, which are used in a range of products from face creams to toothpaste to paint to laundry detergent.

Recently, Croda International Group chief executive Steve Foots, and president, personal care and actives, Kevin Gallagher, were joined by Delaware governor Jack Markell and other officials at Croda's facility in New Castle, Delaware, for the ceremonial groundbreaking event. The new plant will be located at the company's Atlas Point facility in New Castle.

The expansion of Atlas Point's operation will enable Croda to produce non-ionic surfactants from bioethanol while maintaining performance standards. By using bioethanol, Croda will reduce its use of fossil fuels by moving away from traditional petrochemical derived ingredients, taking yet another step to meet the growing needs of its customers for sustainable options that perform as well as non-sustainable options.

Croda officials are working with local leaders on the permitting details for the project and are encouraged by the collaborative process.

While not a consumer brand itself, Croda's ingredients are found in many popular consumer products, such as personal care products, textiles, detergents and cleaners.

These new sustainable ingredients will be used in countless ways, including lubricants, seat foams and coatings in the automobile industry; air- and floor-care products in the cleaning industry; and drilling fluid in the oil industry; as well as cosmetics and hair care products in the personal care industry.

Croda has partnered with Scientific Design Company, a licensor of chemical process technologies worldwide, to design the new plant.