Caldic, AmphiStar Partner to Bring Upcycled Biosurfactants to Europe’s Personal Care Market
Caldic, a global distributor and development partner for specialty ingredients and chemicals, has partnered with Belgian biotech innovator AmphiStar, to distribute and promote AmphiStar’s 100% upcycled biosurfactants across Europe.
The collaboration marks a significant milestone in the movement toward circular, eco-conscious ingredient innovation in the personal care industry. AmphiStar’s biosurfactants – derived entirely from upcycled bio-based waste and side streams – offer an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional surfactants. The partnership aligns with the ambitions of the European Green Deal and the EU Biotech Act, both of which encourage the use of sustainable, renewable, and circular resources in industry.
With Caldic’s extensive European network, technical expertise, and application laboratories, the agreement is expected to accelerate the integration of biosurfactants into mainstream personal care formulations. For Caldic, this partnership reinforces its long-term commitment to supporting customers with solutions that lower environmental impact while maintaining high performance. For AmphiStar, it represents an opportunity to expand its commercial reach and strengthen its position in the European biotech market.
Michel Dewael, Commercial Director, Caldic Europe: ”By partnering with AmphiStar, we are introducing a next-generation solution to our customers. These high-performance biosurfactants, created through advanced upcycling of side streams, combine a low carbon footprint with a unique level of circular innovation. They transform underused resources into valuable, mild, and versatile ingredients – helping our customers develop formulations that are future-proof and better for both people and the planet.”
Pierre-Franck Valentin, CEO, AmphiStar: ”This partnership allows us to accelerate our impact across Europe. Caldic’s deep customer relationships and technical know-how will help us reach more brands and support the industry’s transition to sustainable solutions.”
AmphiStar’s technology goes beyond standard bio-based production methods. Its biosurfactants are created through mild microbial fermentation using locally sourced agri-food waste and side streams – a process that requires no dedicated agricultural feedstock and avoids links to deforestation or palm cultivation. The result is a new generation of surfactants that are fossil- and palm-free, readily biodegradable, and safe for both skin and environment.
A recent Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) showed that AmphiStar’s upcycled biosurfactants achieve a fourfold reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to those made from virgin bio-based materials, as well as significant decreases in land and water use. Their overall environmental impact is estimated to be 50% lower than non-upcycled equivalents, and far below traditional fossil- and palm-derived surfactants.
The partnership follows AmphiStar’s recently announced agreement with US chemicals group Kensing in June 2025, which covers the distribution – and eventual local manufacturing – of its biosurfactants in North America. Together, these collaborations signal AmphiStar’s growing global momentum and underline the expanding demand for sustainable, circular chemistry solutions in both personal care and industrial applications.
As the beauty and personal care market continues to evolve under the pressure of sustainability commitments, Caldic and AmphiStar’s alliance demonstrates how innovation, biotechnology, and collaboration can redefine what “clean beauty” truly means in Europe and beyond.
www.amphistar.com
www.caldic.com
