Vantage Specialty Chemicals said it has completed the increase of production capacity for N-Methyltaurine at its Leuna, Germany, plant to better support the growing demand for sulfate-free and mild surfactants. N-Methyltaurine is a key intermediate for the synthesis of taurate surfactants worldwide.

 

The additional capacity will allow Vantage to better service personal care formulators and brands interested in its Metaupon range of Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate and Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate surfactants. This will also benefit existing N-Methyltaurine customers. The production expansion was completed in October 2020.

 

Vantage acquired LEUNA-Tenside GmbH in 2018, strengthening its European footprint while increasing its portfolio of naturally derived ingredients that address the growing demand for “clean beauty” formulations.

 

Alexander Snell, Senior Vice President of Europe, Middle East & Africa for Vantage, said that ramping up production is only a first step toward making the Leuna site the Vantage expertise center for sulfate-free solutions.

 

“By leveraging our existing infrastructure and integration within the Leuna industrial complex and improving its potential,” said Snell, “Vantage is creating a reliable and innovative platform for customers worldwide. The combination of our process and technical expertise for taurate surfactants and the formulation know-how of our chemists in our 14 application labs across the globe results in a very strong value proposition for our customers looking for sulfate-free surfactant systems.”

 

Market data from Mintel suggest that the number of launches with “sulfate-free” claims in the Beauty and Personal Care category has grown with a compound annual growth rate of 25% over the past four years.

 

Metaupon surfactants are high-performance foam enhancers that create a rich, dense foam for mild rinse-off formulations. As part of this range, Vantage is offering both Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate and Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate at different concentrations. Taurate surfactants have been favored by formulators in applications targeting sensitive skin and scalp irritation because they’re extremely mild. In addition to their foam enhancement benefits, Metaupon surfactants provide a great skin feel, improving the overall sensorial experience. Their excellent flash foam and great compatibility with hard water make them excellent sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate alternatives in shampoos and body washes.

 

“By focusing on our customer’s needs and actively investing in production capabilities, tailored solutions, technical resources and talent, Vantage is well positioned to support our customers with our global reach and local touch,” commented Vantage CEO Steve Doktycz. “We practice responsible chemistry with naturally and sustainably sourced ingredients, making it better, safer and healthier for people and our planet. These combined strengths make us uniquely qualified to successfully respond to our customers’ challenges and to safely deliver powerful technologies and solutions to the world with speed and at scale.”