Evonik has expanded the manufacturing capacity of its myristyl myristate product Tegosoft MM MB in Asia Pacific.
In response to growing demand for enzymatically-produced emollient esters in the region, manufacture of Tegosoft MM MB began at Evonik’s Shanghai, China Care Solutions plant on 1 June.
Myristyl myristate is used in a variety of cosmetic and skin care products to improve the texture of formulations and help to keep the skin moisturised and hydrated.
“Asia Pacific is a strong driving force for our personal care business growth,” said Evonik Care Solutions’ Regional Business Director in Asia.
“The increased global production network promotes supply chain agility and availability of low-carbon solutions which are of great importance to our customers within the region.”
She added: “We are looking to further support the local personal care industry with many products and technologies to help us reach our sustainability goals.”
Tegosoft MM MB is made via enzymatic esterification and the Shanghai site will adhere to the same product quality and properties as Evonik’s existing site in Duisburg, Germany, said the specialty chemicals company.
Enzymatic esterification is an eco-efficient biocatalytic synthesis that runs on renewable energy.
It also has an almost 100% lower CO2 footprint compared with conventional chemical production procedures, as evaluated by standardised Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on myristyl myristate.
The ingredient’s raw material, palm oil, is obtained with respect to the RSPO Mass Balance Supply Chain Model.