Croda to open North American plant for non-ionic surfactants

Croda held a ceremonial groundbreaking on a £120M capital investment through to 2017 (approximate US$170M) that will solve the age-old dilemma for many companies – performance or sustainability.

Croda is creating the first North American plant, at the company’s Atlas Point facility in New Castle, that will lead to 100% sustainable non-ionic surfactants, active emulsifying agents that help keep oil and water together, which are used in a range of products from face creams to toothpaste to paint to laundry detergent.

Croda will produce non-ionic surfactants from bio-ethanol, while maintaining performance standards. By using bio-ethanol, Croda will reduce its use of fossil fuels by moving away from traditional petrochemical derived ingredients, taking yet another step to meet the growing needs of its customers for sustainable options that perform, as well as non-sustainable options.