UK Start-up Viridi Launches CO2-Based Cleaning Ingredient Vireya
UK-based tech start-up Viridi has launched a groundbreaking ingredient for cleaning products, Vireya, made from captured carbon dioxide. This innovation could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of soaps and cleaners, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future.
Viridi's technology converts CO2 into a core ingredient, replacing oil palm-derived feedstocks typically used in making ingredients like sodium laureth sulphate (SLS). Early assessments indicate a potential 70% reduction in product carbon footprint using Vireya.
Vireya, a surface active agent, enables water to lift oils and grime from surfaces. Its oil-loving hydrophobic tails attach to grease and grime, while the water-loving hydrophilic heads pull these clusters away, allowing them to be rinsed off easily. When added to water, Vireya allows water molecules to spread more evenly, enhancing their penetration into surfaces and dirt.
The company, Croda International, secured £3m in seed-funding in 2023 to accelerate the development and commercialisation of this technology. Targeting a commercial release for 2026, Viridi's innovation offers a quick decarbonisation solution for companies, helping them stay ahead of tightening regulations without building new plants.
Viridi's Vireya promises a substantial reduction in the carbon footprint of cleaning products, paving the way for a more sustainable future. By turning captured CO2 into a key ingredient, the technology offers a practical solution for companies aiming to decarbonise quickly and efficiently.
Read also:
- Boston Metal pioneers route to commercial production for eco-friendly steel method
- United States Secures $632 Million to Fuel Electric Vehicle Revolution
- DKSH Upgrades Distribution Operations Through Significant Technological Renovation
- Vegetable oils are similarly utilized in the process of road cleaning.
