Evonik & Celtic Renewables: Bio-Based Cosmetics Supply Chain

Scottish biorefinery operator Celtic Renewables has formed a partnership with Evonik to supply bio-based chemicals for cosmetic production.

The deal could signal a shift in how personal care manufacturers source raw materials.

Evonik will use bio-butanol from Celtic Renewables to produce ECOHANCE Soft BOL.

This is marketed as a sustainable emollient for cosmetics and personal care products.

The partnership aims to meet performance standards while reducing environmental impact.

Bio-based alcohol from waste

Celtic Renewables produces bio-butanol at its biorefinery in Grangemouth near Falkirk.

The feedstock comes entirely from local sources, including whisky pot ale and rejected potatoes.

This approach converts agricultural and industrial waste into usable chemical compounds.

Bio-butanol is a four-carbon alcohol derived from biomass. It has higher energy content than ethanol.

It also has lower vapour pressure and better water resistance.

According to the Renewable Fuel Standard, corn-derived biobutanol achieves a 20% emission reduction.

"The butanol we get from Celtic Renewables fits perfectly with what we need," says Wolfgang Goertz, Vice President of Cosmetic Solutions at Evonik.

Our customers really appreciate the cosmetic emollient that we make with this raw material - we are able to achieve great sensory, texture and touch."

The use of waste-derived feedstock could demonstrate how circular economy principles apply to chemical manufacturing.

Emissions reduction in cosmetics

The cosmetics and personal care sector faces pressure to source sustainable ingredients without compromising product performance.

Scope 3 emissions remain a challenge for manufacturers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint across supply chains.

Bettina Brierly, Chief Commercial Officer at Celtic Renewables, says: "The cosmetics sector faces an immense challenge reducing its Scope 3 emissions."

Fossil-based chemicals are used in cosmetic applications ranging from face creams to lip gloss.

These materials function as active ingredients in manufacturing processes. Switching to bio-based alternatives could cut emissions of everyday cosmetics by up to 60%, according to Bettina.

Bettina says: "By switching to bio-based alternatives, the emissions of these everyday cosmetics can be cut by up to 60%, without consumers having to change their purchasing habits and with very little impact on the manufacturing process."

Industry transition timeline

The partnership between Celtic Renewables and Evonik could indicate early movement toward bio-based chemical adoption in cosmetics manufacturing.

First movers in this space may establish supply relationships before wider industry adoption occurs.

Bettina adds: "Partnerships like the one we have with Evonik are critical for accelerating the cosmetic industry's transition to a more sustainable model. They're true first movers in the space, and those who slow on the uptake of bio-based chemicals will be left struggling to transition."

Both companies are exploring further applications of Celtic Renewables' bio-based chemicals.

Additional sustainably created cosmetics could emerge from continued collaboration.

Evonik's sustainability goals extend beyond carbon reduction to include transparency and working with partners to influence future manufacturing practices.