Caldic, a leading global distributor and development partner for specialty chemical solutions, has partnered with Belgian biotech innovator AmphiStar to exclusively distribute and promote AmphiStar’s 100% upcycled biosurfactants for personal care applications throughout Europe.

This collaboration is set to establish biosurfactants as mainstream, sustainable, and effective personal care ingredients. The biosurfactants are entirely derived from upcycled bio-based waste and side-streams, aligning with the EU’s European Green Deal and Biotech Act to help customers meet the increasing demand for sustainable ingredients. With Caldic’s extensive European customer base and application labs, the partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of these biosurfactants in the personal care sector. “This initiative is fully in line with Caldic’s commitment to continuously invest in more sustainable product solutions that enable its customers to reduce the environmental footprint,” the company states. This effort also supports AmphiStar’s goal of expanding its commercial presence in Europe.

Michel Dewael, Commercial Director at Caldic Europe, remarked, “By partnering with AmphiStar, we are introducing a next-generation solution to our customers; high-performance biosurfactants created through advanced upcycling of side streams. In addition to its low carbon footprint, the range presents a unique level of circular innovation that turns underused resources into valuable, mild, and versatile ingredients.” He added, “It provides our customers with novel solutions that care for people and the planet, opening the door to future-proof formulations. With our broad European network and application expertise, we are committed to driving their adoption across the personal care market.”

AmphiStar’s surfactants are produced using a gentle microbial fermentation process, utilizing locally sourced and repurposed agri-food waste and side streams. This results in a new generation of sustainable biosurfactants that are fossil- and palm-free, with no direct land use implications. They are also readily biodegradable and safe for both skin and the environment. A recent Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) indicated at least a four-fold reduction in CO₂ equivalent emissions compared to biosurfactants derived from virgin biobased feedstocks, alongside significant reductions in land and water use, and a 50% lower overall environmental impact than non-upcycled alternatives. The disparity between these sustainable options and traditional fossil- and palm-based surfactants is even more pronounced.

This partnership comes on the heels of a June announcement regarding a collaboration with Kensing, a major US chemicals company, which will facilitate the distribution and eventual manufacturing of AmphiStar’s biosurfactants in North America.