Impact of non-palm triglyceride feedstocks on surfactant properties and consumer product applications

Abstract

Increased demand and sustainability concerns for palm derivatives, which include the major plant-based feedstocks for surfactants in household, personal care, and industrial & institutional (I&I) applications, is anticipated to cause supply concerns over the next decade. This article reviews the impact of the fatty acid alkyl chain length and unsaturation and resulting physical properties from non-palm feedstocks on formulation, processing, and functionality. Potential adjustments and their limitations are also discussed.