Plant-Based Chemicals Offer Sustainable Alternative to Fossil Fuels in Everyday Products
Many everyday products contain fossil fuel-derived chemicals, but a new generation of bio-based chemicals is emerging as sustainable replacements. Driven by consumer demand and environmental regulations, this market is projected to reach $208 billion by 2032. Innovations like Primient Covation's plant-based Zemea offer superior performance, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and price stability, signifying a major industry shift towards greener supply chains without compromising product quality for consumers.
Everyday items, from skincare to activewear and cleaning products, commonly utilize chemicals derived from fossil fuels. Replacing these petrochemicals has historically been challenging due to their pervasive integration. However, a significant transition is underway with the introduction of new bio-based chemicals. The global bio-based chemicals market is projected to reach an impressive $208 billion by 2032, driven by growing consumer preference for sustainable products and evolving environmental regulations.Key bio-based alternatives include glycerin, sustainably produced as a biodiesel byproduct, and sorbitol, a plant-derived sugar alcohol used in various food and personal care items. Bio-ethylene glycol, derived from biomass like corn, is also vital for developing low-carbon plastics. A standout example is Zemea, a 100 percent plant-based 1,3-Propanediol made from corn by Primient Covation. Zemea is widely used in skincare, haircare, and household cleaners, offering benefits like skin hydration, enhanced preservation, and a smoother feel compared to petroleum-based glycols. Importantly, it generates up to 40 percent less greenhouse gas emissions.Primient Covation highlights Zemea's commercial success is rooted in both its sustainability credentials and high performance, meeting customer demands for effective products that align with decarbonization goals. Another significant advantage for brands is the predictable pricing of bio-based options, which contrasts sharply with the volatile costs of fossil fuel-derived chemicals. Zemea also builds trust through transparent supply chains and robust third-party certifications from programs like USDA BioPreferred and EcoVadis. This profound shift, while often imperceptible to consumers, represents a fundamental industrial transformation, moving sustainability from a mere marketing claim to a material fact within supply chains.
