Shell Chemical LP will provide up to 200,000 metric tons of renewable raw materials to Henkel Corp. for use in Henkel’s laundry products brands, according to a Jan. 17 news release.
The companies signed a five-year agreement in which Shell Chemical will produce surfactants with feedstocks that are based on renewable raw materials at Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Norco facility and Shell Geismar Chemicals facility in Louisiana.
The renewable-based surfactants will be used in Henkel's laundry product brands, including Persil and Purex. Surfactants are an ingredient in cleaning products that help lather and lift dirt.
"This landmark cooperation significantly advances Henkel's share of renewable-based ingredients in leading consumer brands in North America," said Ulrike Sapiro, chief sustainability officer at Henkel. "This is an important, concrete step toward realizing our vision of a regenerative planet through a climate-friendly business model. Working together with partners like Shell will help get us there faster."
Shell estimates that replacing up to 200,000 metric tons of fossil feedstocks with renewable feedstocks can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by up to 120,000 metric tons of CO2 over the length of the five-year agreement.
The combination of traditional, fossil-based methods with renewables is often referred to as “the mass-balance approach.” The mass-balance process and attribution will be verified by an independent, third-party certification organization, according to the news release.
"A mass balance approach is an important step to support the growth of more sustainable raw materials being used in the supply chain and support a reduction in the overall mix of fossil-based ingredients," said Jillaine Dellis, vice president, sustainability and industry relations, Henkel Consumer Brands, North America. "We are delighted to enhance the sustainability of our top-selling consumer brands in North America through this transition to renewable-based ingredients while offering the same outstanding cleaning performance and fabric care our consumers have come to expect from Henkel."
