38 TRENDING TECHNOLOGIES
Global climate action and industry transformation Around the world, governments are implementing ambitious climate strategies. In the United States many states continue to pursue ambitious emission reduction goals through initiatives like the US Climate Alliance. In Latin America, reforestation efforts and
a shift toward renewable energy are gaining momentum. Europe is leading with its Green Deal, aiming to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Meanwhile, countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including China, Japan, and South Korea, are investing heavily in renewable energy and hydrogen technologies. The European Union’s Green Deal provides
a powerful framework for sustainable transformation. Its goals are ambitious and clear, as listed below. These targets are not optional; they are legally binding and backed by comprehensive policy support. ■ Carbon neutrality by 2050 ■ At least 55% reduction in emissions by 2030 ■ Boosting renewable energy and energy efficiency ■ Protecting nature and ecosystems The chemical industry, as a major
contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, must play a central role in achieving these goals. These efforts are not just policy goals, they represent a global commitment to a cleaner, more resilient future. The focus is on reducing emissions, increasing energy efficiency, promoting circular economies, and ensuring that the transition to sustainability is inclusive and equitable. Enzymatic esterification aligns perfectly
with the Green Deal’s objectives. It offers a pathway to cleaner production, reduced emissions, and greater resource efficiency. By adopting enzymatic processes, companies can not only comply with regulations but also lead the way in sustainable innovation.
Industrial implementation: challenges and opportunities While the benefits of enzymatic esterification are clear, scaling the technology for widespread industrial use requires coordinated innovation across several domains:
1. Advanced enzyme engineering To maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness, continued research is needed to enhance enzyme stability, activity, and reusability. This includes developing enzymes that can withstand industrial conditions and maintain performance over extended use.
2. Sustainable feedstock sourcing The sustainability of the process depends not only on the catalyst but also on the raw materials. Using responsibly sourced feedstocks, such as certified palm oil, is essential to ensure the overall environmental integrity of the process.
3. Supportive policy and infrastructure Governments and industry stakeholders must invest in biocatalytic infrastructure and create policy frameworks that encourage
PERSONAL CARE October 2025
Oleon’s commitment to low-carbon chemical manufacturing. “The chemical industry is making enormous
forward leaps in sustainability. We believe that true collaboration is key, and we are not content to stand by when it comes to protecting the earth’s natural resources.” The project also contributed to the SPIRE Vision 2030 targets, which aimed to: ■ Reduce fossil energy intensity by up to 30% ■ Cut non-renewable energy use by up to 20% ■ Increase CO2
equivalent efficiency by 40% By proving that enzymatic esterification
can be implemented at scale, the project highlighted the power of public-private partnerships in driving innovation. Its impact extended beyond the chemical sector, benefiting industries such as personal care, life sciences, and food and drink, all of which rely on a low-carbon chemical supply chain.
A vision for the future At Oleon, we envision a future where chemistry is not a source of pollution but a driver of sustainability—where natural processes replace synthetic ones, and efficiency goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Enzymatic technology is central to this transformation, offering a safer, cleaner, and more energy-efficient alternative to traditional chemical methods. The successful industrial-scale production
green chemistry. This includes funding research, providing incentives for sustainable practices, and establishing clear standards for environmental performance.
4. Collaboration across the value chain Successful implementation requires collaboration between raw material suppliers, enzyme developers, manufacturers, and end- users. By working together, stakeholders can overcome technical and logistical challenges and accelerate the transition to sustainable production.
From research to reality: enzymatic technology at scale The EU-funded INCITE project has demonstrated that enzymatic processes can be successfully scaled for industrial use. The project supported the EU Green Deal and 2050 climate goals, offering a blueprint for future innovation in the sector. Running over 52 months, the project united
eight European partners under the Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, following ten years of preliminary research. It focused on developing novel upstream and downstream processing technologies, particularly through flow chemistry and membrane technology. As part of its contribution, Oleon built
a dedicated enzymatic esterification demo plant at its Oelegem, Belgium site, supported by 100 employees and contractors, with a production capacity of 3,000 tonnes per year. This facility validated the feasibility of large- scale enzymatic esterification and showcased
of IPP demonstrates that sustainable chemistry is not a distant ambition but a present reality. Yet this is only the beginning. The same enzymatic principles can be applied to a wide range of oleochemicals, and we are actively exploring opportunities to expand this technology to other products. Our goal is to help our partners meet their
sustainability targets by offering innovative, low-carbon solutions tailored to their needs. Achieving this vision will require continued investment in biocatalytic infrastructure, workforce development, and alignment with global sustainability standards, but we are committed to leading this change and making enzymatic chemistry the new industry norm.
Conclusion Enzymatic esterification is more than a technical innovation; it is a paradigm shift. It offers a scientifically validated, industrially scalable, and economically viable pathway to sustainable chemical manufacturing. By leveraging nature’s catalysts, we can produce high-performance oleochemicals with reduced environmental burden and enhanced safety. This approach aligns with consumer
expectations, regulatory frameworks, and global sustainability goals. It empowers companies to innovate responsibly, meet market demands, and contribute to a healthier planet. At Oleon, we are proud to lead this
transformation. We believe that the future of chemistry is not synthetic, but biological. Not harsh, but gentle. Not wasteful, but efficient. The future is enzymatic. The future is natural. And that future is already here.
PC
www.personalcaremagazine.com
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