Premium PVC-free carpet tile backing made from a thermoplastic polyolefin compound. PVC-free. It weighs 25% less, resulting in carbon reductions during transport. Superior tensile strength compared to traditional PVC backing, improving durability. Products are reclaimed and recycled at the end of use.
EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge: 2003 Designing Greener Chemicals Award
Polyester made from a genetically modified microorganism that produces 1,3-propanediol (PDO) from cornstarch. Derived from cornstarch, making it partially plant based. Fermentation of genetically modified cornstarch replaces chemical synthesis, and PDO is naturally produced (Bio-PDO). Less energy compared to petroleum-based traditional processes.
EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge: 2003 Greener Reaction Conditions Award
Greener soaps and detergents. Method's products are made from at least 70% natural, biodegradable, and compostable organic compounds. These organic compounds degrade in 28 days or less. When the product is composted, it breaks down to only benign compounds. Harsh chemicals are not used in the manufacturing process. The surfactants used in their products are biodegradable and derived from plants; they include laureth-7, decyl glucoside, and lauryl glucoside. The colorants in their products are also non-toxic and biodegradable and are included in ultra-low concentrations.
Renewable bio-based surfactants for personal care. These ethylene oxides (EO) are made with bioethanol from biomass sources and are manufactured with renewable energy. Its performance is identical to petro-based options and is 100% renewable.
Renewable and biodegradable oils. Estolides are oligomeric fatty acid esters that can be a bio-based alternative to conventional motor oils and industrial lubricants. This alternative avoids permanent damage to water bodies and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 90%. Estolides are also biodegradable.
Non-toxic, eco-friendly, and sustainable chemicals that prevent and remove biofilms. These chemicals can replace toxic biocides in consumer and agro-industrial products. A subset of the company's chemicals kill antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Superbugs. Biofilm forms when bacteria adheres and multiplicates on a surface. Biofilms increase the chance of bacterial infections in animal and plant tissues. Biofilms cause the adhesion of "foulers" in industrial surfaces in contact with water or salt water.
Protein Surfactant Complex™ (PSC™) that improves surfactant power. PSC™ is the formation of complexes between certain proteins and metabolites derived from food-grade yeast with a broad range of surfactants. PSC™ enhances surfactant performance and efficiency. They work with a variety of surfacts. PSC™ also reduces the cost of production of cleaning products, agricultural chemicals, and other industrial products. PSC™ does not contain hazardous chemicals, volatile organic compounds, or ozone-depleting substances.
Natural rhamnolipids, or co-surfactant systems, for bioremediation applications and crude oil recovery. These rhamnolipid biosurfactants can facilitate the removal of hydrocarbons and heavy metals, making them effective in remediating soil and sludge. These rhamnolipids also contain a synergistic activity with many synthetic surfactants, resulting in a reduction in synthetic surfactant components. They are also biodegradable, with decompositions that are non-persistent and safe for the environment.
Warm mix asphalt (WMA) technology with a biosynthetic surfactant. The biosynthetic surfactant in this WMA allows the mix to be manufactured at temperatures 60° to 90°F lower than the traditional asphalt. This reduces energy consumption by 55%, reducing carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. This technology uses 75% more recycled material in its mix composition. Conventional asphalt paving mixes contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Polylactic acid (PLA) made from greenhouse gases. This process transforms greenhouse gases into PLA by using agricultural crops to sequester carbon and transform it to simple plant sugars through photosynthesis. The plants are milled to extract glucose as starch. Enzymes are then added to convert the glucose to dextrose via hydrolysis. Microorganisms then ferment the dextrose into lactic acid. Lactic acid is converted to lactide and lactide is polymerized into Ingeo™ PLA by opening the lactide ring and linking them together to form a long polylactide polymer chain.