From the Laboratory to Industrialization: SurfactGreen’s First Steps
The initial work behind SurfactGreen’s surfactants originated from research by two scientists at the École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes in 1984. Seven years later, an operational unit was created to assess the market attractiveness for 100% green surfactants derived from natural raw materials. In 2016, the SurfactGreen startup was born, driven by its two inventors and four entrepreneurs. It was at the ultra-early stage that GO CAPITAL joined the adventure of this emerging green chemistry startup.
In 2019, SurfactGreen launched the commercialization of its “CosmeGreen” range for the cosmetic industry. CosmeGreen surfactants are used in hair care, skincare, and sunscreen products. Distributed across several countries in Europe, they are also set to expand to the United States, Asia, and North Africa. Other applications are being explored in parallel (in the R&D phase), particularly in the field of cleaning agents (for both personal and industrial use) and emulsifiers (asphalt).
A Globally Patented Green Technology
SurfactGreen’s innovation is based on the principles of green chemistry at every step of the development and manufacturing process. The raw materials come from plant products (utilizing the non-marketable parts of sugar beets and rapeseed). These materials undergo a clean transformation process that requires no solvents and generates no waste harmful to the environment.
“Nearly 95% of surfactants come from chemical compounds. Thanks to our patented technology, we produce green surfactants that are just as effective as chemical-based surfactants but are more environmentally friendly and human-safe,” says Xavier Roussel, CEO of SurfactGreen.
A Response to Consumer Demands for Naturalness and Performance
SurfactGreen products are COSMOS certified and carry the Natrue label. By incorporating these products into their formulas, cosmetic brands position themselves in the sustainable, healthy, and Made-in-France beauty niche. The absence of warning pictograms on the packaging also ensures the reliability and safety of the products during handling (no warning labels such as “keep out of reach of children” or “flammable…”).
In addition to these strong arguments, performance is also a key criterion. To prove the effectiveness of its products, SurfactGreen conducts numerous comparative tests. These tests are carried out internally through a dedicated technological process or externally through independent laboratories or blind tests with consumers.
