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Pilot Chemical to Produce Biobased Sulfonates at Ohio Facility

May 7, 2025

Commercial-scale production of biobased surfactant is expected to begin in the second half of 2025.

Global specialty chemicals manufacturer Pilot Chemical Co. announced May 5 it will produce biobased surfactants at its Middletown, Ohio, facility under an exclusive agreement with Novvi LLC.

The partnership enables Pilot to supply CalCare AOS, a biobased alpha olefin sulfonate surfactant, to the North American household, industrial and institutional, and personal care markets. Pilot will serve as the exclusive sulfonator and marketing channel for the product in the region.

The surfactant combines the performance characteristics of synthetic alpha olefin sulfonates with the environmental benefits of a renewable feedstock, according to the press statement. Production will utilize Novvi’s bio alpha olefin technology and supply chain, integrated with Pilot’s commercial-scale sulfonation operations.

CalCare AOS is designed for use in cleaning and rinse-off personal-care applications and is considered a sulfate-alternative surfactant. Pilot stated that commercial quantities will be available in the second half of 2025.

About the Author

Amanda Joshi | Managing Editor

Amanda Joshi has more than 18 years of experience in business-to-business publishing for both print and digital content. Before joining Chemical Processing, she worked with Manufacturing.net and Electrical Contracting Products. She’s a versatile, award-winning editor with experience in writing and editing technical content, executing marketing strategy, developing new products, attending industry events and developing customer relationships.

Amanda graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2001 with a B.A. in English and has been an English teacher. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and daughter, and their mini Aussiedoodle, Riley. In her rare spare time, she enjoys reading, tackling DIY projects, and horseback riding.