Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 14, Sasol International Chemicals, a division of Sasol Ltd. (Johannesburg, South Africa), has announced the launch and commercialization of a bio-circular, palm- and deforestation-free surfactant derived from insect oils, marketed under the trade name LIVINEX IO 7. This innovative product (patent pending) is the first nonionic surfactant of its kind targeting the fabric, home care, industrial, and institutional cleaning markets. The surfactant is made from insect oil, a by-product of producing sustainable proteins for animal feed, which converts organic waste into valuable chemical feedstock, offering an alternative to conventional oleochemistry.

Louis Snyders, Vice President of Care Chemicals at Sasol, said: “This new surfactant broadens our portfolio of sustainable offerings and showcases Sasol’s innovation expertise and capability in helping customers meet evolving requirements.” LIVINEX IO 7 acts as a drop-in replacement for conventional C1214-based chemistry, enabling companies to integrate it into existing product formulations without full reformulation. This allows a straightforward transition to more sustainable cleaning solutions.

The product is made from oil obtained from black soldier fly larvae, which is rich in fatty acids used to produce detergent-grade alcohols. Because insect oil chemistry closely mirrors that of vegetable oil, Sasol can leverage mature technologies and existing production processes, avoiding land-use changes or competition with food crops.

Snyders added: “As global demand for sustainable products increases, we will continue to explore and commercialize innovations like these. We remain committed to offering our customers a diverse suite of solutions that includes both high-performing synthetic feedstocks and novel renewable options. This strategy reflects our focus on sustainable resource use and delivers unique value to those seeking tailored, forward-thinking solutions.”

LIVINEX IO 7 will debut at the SEPAWA® CONGRESS 2025 in Berlin and is currently available exclusively in European markets, initially focusing on the home care, fabric, industrial, and institutional cleaning sectors. Sasol plans to expand its innovation pipeline over the next 12 months and launch an insect oil-based product for the personal care sector as well.

This product follows the company’s 2023 launch of the LIVINEX and CARINEX brands, which featured sophorolipids as their first offerings. By introducing LIVINEX IO 7, Sasol aims to strengthen its portfolio of sustainable surfactants and provide customers with solutions that meet evolving market demands for environmentally responsible and efficient chemical ingredients.

The launch of LIVINEX IO 7 demonstrates Sasol International Chemicals’ commitment to sustainability, innovation, and resource efficiency, while also providing industries with a high-performing, renewable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cleaning surfactants. The new surfactant aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to offer versatile, sustainable chemical solutions that minimize environmental impact.