Firm uses yeast to develop first-ever 'eco-surfactant'

Ecological cleaning firm Ecover says it’s developed the “world’s first ‘eco-surfactant’ ” using a process powered by yeast.

Today, most surfactants — wetting agents that reduce the surface tension of water and help boost cleaning power — are petrochemical-based and require high temperatures and pressure (hence, energy) to manufacture. Ecover says it’s always used plant-based substances instead of the typical petrochemicals, but the manufacturing process itself had required the same standard high-energy inputs.

The new “eco-surfactant,” on the other hand, is made with a process that’s both energy efficient and completely biochemical-based, according to the company.

Ecover’s scientists developed the new process using a special “bioreactor,” a machine which provides an ideal breeding ground for yeast cells. The yeast cells combine water-soluble sugars and non water-soluble oils to produce the new type of surfactant.

The process takes place at ambient atmospheric pressure and a temperature of 30°C and at ambient atmospheric pressure, compared to the average of 100°C and 2 – 5 bar pressure required for petrochemical surfactants. The required ingredients can also be grown throughout Europe, resulting in a carbon footprint that’s lower than for alternative surfactants made from coconut oil and sugar.

In addition, the company says, tests show the new “eco-surfactant” matches standard surfactants in cleaning ability, with the added benefits of being low in toxicity and completely biodegradable.