Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Develops New Manufacturing Method for Palm Oil-Free, Amino Acid-Based Biosurfactants*1

*1) Refers to 'Bioacylglutamate'

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (President: Shigeo Nakamura, Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo) has developed a new manufacturing method using fermentation technology that uses only sugar, which can be stably procured worldwide, instead of the conventional palm oil-derived fatty acids used in the production of amino acid-based surfactants (patent pending). This technology enables the provision of amino acid-based biosurfactants (surfactants produced by microorganisms) that use neither petroleum-derived raw materials nor palm oil. By utilizing this technology, we solved the problems of color and odor, which were issues with conventional biosurfactants, and achieved higher foaming. We will promote the development of highly functional materials through environmentally friendly manufacturing technologies using sustainable raw materials, and continue to provide consumers with gentle and comfortable products.

In recent years, towards the realization of a sustainable society including environmental considerations, changes have been required in raw materials for cosmetics and detergents as well. In particular, while palm oil is widely used around the world, environmental and social issues have been pointed out internationally, such as the reduction of tropical rainforests due to production expansion, the accompanying increase in carbon dioxide emissions, and human rights issues of workers on plantations. There are also supply constraints, as palm oil production areas are limited to warm, rainy regions within 10 degrees of latitude. Against this background, research on reducing the use of palm oil and selecting alternative sustainable raw materials is progressing*2.

*2) Source: WWF-Report-Palm-Oil-Searching-for-Alternatives.pdf

Biosurfactants produced by microorganisms are attracting attention because they are naturally derived, highly biodegradable, and have low environmental impact, and the market is rapidly expanding due to technological innovation and cost reduction. Currently, the global biosurfactant market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 13% from 2021 to 2030*3. However, conventional biosurfactants had issues that made them difficult to use in cosmetics, such as weak foaming, coloration, and lingering odor*4. 'Bioacylglutamate', manufactured by the newly developed fermentation method, is a type of amino acid-based surfactant, and is the result of research and development utilizing our knowledge and know-how of AminoScience® based on market needs and technological issues.