Recent developments
Bio-based surfactants
Demand in Asia is driving capacity additions in bio-based surfactants, as BASF has expanded APG production in Thailand to support regional supply. The expansion complements existing APG sites in Germany, the U.S., and China, with a new Cincinnati line planned for 2026, strengthening availability for personal care and home care formulations.
Localized R&D hubs
Suppliers are localizing application development. Nouryon is constructing a new customer experience and innovation center in Itupeva, Brazil for home and personal care, featuring laboratories and co-creation spaces. Focus areas include fully bio-based chelates for cleaning and biopolymer-based personal care, with operations targeted by end-2026, subject to local approvals.
Leadership realignment
Strategic leadership changes emerge at scale. Clariant announced a leadership transition in its Business Unit Care Chemicals, with Marcelo Lu to succeed Christian Vang in 2026 and a six-month advisory overlap. The unit posted CHF 2.2 billion sales in 2024 and about 4,000 employees, reflecting ongoing development including the Lucas Meyer Cosmetics integration.
Implications for formulators
The period indicates increased regionalization, sustainability-driven ingredient portfolios, and supply optionality. Expanded APG capacity supports demand for readily biodegradable, non-ionic surfactants; localized innovation may accelerate region-specific prototypes and reduce time-to-market; and executive transitions could influence collaboration models and go-to-market approaches across personal and home care value chains.