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A ‘natural’ alternative for detergents

Harnessing the flexibility and capacity of Shell’s alcohols manufacturing capability has been essential in enabling Shell to respond to increasing demand for plant-derived surfactants in certain detergent applications.

We’re using 50 years of experience in alcohols to expand our ability to serve the broader ethoxylates market

Washing detergent being poured into a ball dispenser

Shell is responding to increasing demand for plant-derived surfactants in certain detergent applications.

The plant origin of oleo alcohols – they are principally sourced from palm kernel oil – means they can be perceived as ‘greener’ than petrochemical alternatives, although they undergo petrochemical processing much like their olefin-derived equivalents.

“In some product applications, oleo alcohol-based surfactants provide a marketing opportunity for the ‘soap’ industry because of a perceived ‘natural’ image,” says Jack Perini, Global Business Manager Alcohol and Ethoxylates.

“As one of the world’s leading producers of alcohol ethoxylates, we have recognised the demand for this type of product in certain detergent applications and are responding to customers’ requirements.

“We operate the world’s largest integrated olefins and alcohols facility at Geismar in the US and have the capability to produce both synthetic and oleo alcohol ethoxylates.”

“We are one of only a few integrated producers with the capacity to provide the critical processing step that transforms oleo alcohols into more commonly used ethoxylates,” says Perini. “This means we can offer a one-stop-shop for oleo and petrochemical alcohol ethoxylation.”

Supply security

Having a second source of alcohol feedstock provides additional supply security for customers, and increases the overall amount of alcohol available.

“Oleo alcohol ethoxylates are interchangeable with equivalent petrochemical grades, meaning customers can adapt to using both types,” he says. “In challenging market conditions, it is increasingly important to have flexibility in both feedstocks and derivative outlets.

Plant modifications and investments carried out at Geismar have doubled oleo alcohol
ethoxylate capacity to more than 50 kt per year, while raising overall ethoxylation capacity to almost 400 kt per year.

Since the start of 2009, a number of distinct oleo alcohol ethoxylate grades have been marketed by Shell Chemicals under a new NEODOL* LM brand name.

“These grades will be incorporated into the NEODOL portfolio and will benefit from our existing manufacturing, supply chain and logistics expertise,” says Perini. “We’re using 50 years of experience in alcohols to expand our ability to serve the broader ethoxylates market and to confirm our position as the large-scale ethoxylator of choice,” he adds.