Unilever

Challenge

Formulation polymers enhance the properties of consumer products like shampoos and detergents – affecting their viscosity and stability.  Due to their widespread use, global production of formulation polymers exceeds 29 million tonnes annually.

Typically, formulation polymers are derived from petrochemicals, contributing to high greenhouse gas emissions and raising concerns about supply due to depleting fossil fuel reserves. Since the products they produce are typically washed into water systems after use, and formulation polymers are not biodegradable, they are accumulating in the environment.

Solution

In partnership with Unilever, researchers at the SMI Hub have been synthesising new degradable formulation polymers from biobased materials. Degradable polyesters derived from bioderived feedstocks offer a promising alternative to the fossil-based polymers currently used in shampoos.

The research focused on the synthesis and in-depth characterisation of novel polyesters, followed by a thorough assessment of their properties, including viscosity and stability, to benchmark their performance against existing formulation polymers.

Finally, techniques such as life cycle assessment are being used to quantify the environmental impact, evaluating the sustainability of the new polymers.

Impact

Adoption of sustainable formulation polymers will reduce the environmental impact of the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, allowing companies to meet their net zero targets, whilst providing lower cost sustainable products to consumers.

Improved biodegradability prevents the accumulation of synthetic polymers in water systems, and biobased components have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewability. This shift not only supports environmental targets but drives innovation in materials science by linking the FMCG industry and academia, leading the way for a more sustainable future in everyday consumer products.