Pilot Chemical & Kao Partner to Bring Sustainable Surfactant Tech to North America

The partnership will leverage Kao's Bio IOS® technology and commercial-scale feedstock supply. Pilot will serve as the exclusive marketing channel and sulfonation partner of Bio IOS® technology for North America and will produce Bio IOS® biobased internal olefin sulfonates at a commercial scale in its Middletown, Ohio facility.

'Kao has a rich history in the chemical and consumer products industries and provides sustainable and high-quality products and services to consumers around the globe,' said Mike Clark, CEO of Pilot Chemical Company. 'We are excited to add Kao's high-performance, sustainable technology to our line of innovative biobased surfactants.'

'We are looking forward to partnering with Pilot Chemical Company, a leader with extensive expertise in the North American market, and to amplifying the future of sustainable surfactants through Bio IOS® technology,' said Daisuke Hamada, Kao's senior executive officer in charge of Chemical Business. 'We are confident that this strategic partnership will foster new innovations and enhance the recognition of Bio IOS® biobased surfactant's exceptional performance.'

Bio IOS® biobased surfactant provides excellent performance properties, such as water solubility and surface activity, for use as primary or secondary surfactants in a variety of applications, including laundry, dish, hard surface cleaning, and personal care applications. Commercial quantities will be available starting in 2026.

Source: Pilot Chemical Company