Croda International recently held a ceremonial groundbreaking on a £120 millon capital investment through to 2017 .
Approximately $170 million that will solve the age-old dilemma for many companies: performance or sustainability.
Croda is creating the first North American plant that will lead to 100-per cent sustainable non-ionic surfactants, active emulsifying agents that help keep oil and water together, which are used in a range of products such as face creams, toothpaste, paint, and laundry detergent.
Croda International group chief executive, Steve Foots, and president, Personal Care and Actives, Kevin Gallagher, were joined by Delaware Governor Jack Markell and other officials at Croda’s facility in New Castle, Del., for the ceremonial groundbreaking event. The new plant will be located at the company’s Atlas Point facility in New Castle.
“This investment represents a tidal shift, especially for consumer goods manufacturers who are striving for sustainability and performance,” said Foots. “At Croda, sustainability is fundamental to who we are and what we do, and we’re proud to be launching this first-of-its-kind initiative here in North America.”
The expansion of Atlas Point’s operation will enable Croda to produce non-ionic surfactants from bio-ethanol while maintaining performance standards. By using bio-ethanol, Croda will reduce its use of fossil fuels by moving away from traditional petrochemical derived ingredients, taking yet another step to meet the growing needs of its customers for sustainable options that perform as well as non-sustainable options.
