Gray biotechnology-derived liquid polymer offers high suspension properties without affecting formulation viscosity

Solvay introduced its new biodegradable rheological agent, Rheozan BLC, a ready-to-use, natural liquid polymer solution that offers high suspending power in household and personal care products, but without any impact on formulation viscosity.

This solution, explains the company, responds to the trends and demands of consumers who move towards items of more natural origin. In this context, it is explained, formulators must develop high-performance products with advanced aesthetics, fewer synthetic chemicals and more environmentally friendly materials.

“Solvay’s new Rheozan BLC combines the best of science and nature. It is an innovative and flexible ingredient that harnesses the full power of biotechnology with beneficial features and excellent sustainability credentials, “said Jean-Guy Le Helloco, Solvay’s Global Vice President of Home and Personal Care.” This ingredient validated by COSMOS allows a new formulation possibilities and responds to the market demand for biodegradable solutions, making it a beneficial solution for formulators and consumers ”.

Rheozan BLC is derived from gray biotechnology. Its synthesis is based on the fermentation of starch by carefully selected bacterial strains that generate very uniform cellulose fibers.

Solvay highlights that when added to home and personal care formulas, these nature-designed fibers form a regular three-dimensional mesh, creating a highly effective suspension mechanism. It can suspend and stabilize visual signals such as pigments, natural exfoliating particles, perfume capsules, air bubbles, opacifier or emulsion, and insoluble agents such as zinc pyrithione or minerals.

Solvay’s new solution belongs to a new generation of biotechnology-based ingredients that can revolutionize the chemical industry, harnessing the power of nature to combine higher performance with more safety and sustainability towards a more circular economy.