Sourcing alcohol ethoxylates:

A strong chemical supplier should be able to show how they confirm the consistency and integrity of their ingredients.

Reliable manufacturers use defined analytical methods to verify purity, structure, and performance-critical properties.

For example, Shell Chemicals applies internal Shell Methodology Specifications (SMS) and established ASTM standards to evaluate Shell NEODOL® alcohol ethoxylates and Shell NEODENE® linear alpha and internal olefins.

These tests measure attributes such as:

• Purity
• Hydroxyl functionality
• Colour
• Chain-length distribution

Together, these checks help confirm low impurity levels and predictable molecular behaviour, which support consistent performance and help maintain product colour and stability.

Formulators and procurement teams frequently work within eco-label, biodegradability, and ingredient-safety requirements. A dependable chemicals manufacturer should provide clear, transparent data that supports regulatory submissions and environmental claims.

Relevant indicators can include:

• Readily biodegradable performance, confirmed through OECD 301B testing
• Inclusion in the European Detergents Ingredients Database (DID list), which is used to evaluate environmental characteristics for programs such as EU Ecolabel
• In the United States, the EPA Safer Choice program relies on the Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL) as its library of pre-screened, safer ingredients.

A number of Shell NEODOL grades appear on SCIL, demonstrating that they meet Safer Choice criteria for biodegradation, degradation products, and aquatic toxicity.

In Europe, several Shell NEODOL grades are listed in the DID list, which can support product applications for EU Ecolabel.

Together, these validations help formulators select ingredients that align with major environmental standards.

R&D teams rely on clear technical information to make informed formulation decisions. Access to verified data helps reduce trial-and-error during development and gives chemists greater confidence when assessing formulation options.

A capable chemicals manufacturer should provide:

• Technical data on viscosity, purity, and related material characteristics, allowing formulators to understand how ingredients behave under expected conditions
• Information on carbon-chain profiles, as chain length can influence formulation behaviour in surfactant systems

Shell Chemicals offers product specifications and testing information to customers across our ingredient families. These resources help chemists evaluate formulation with greater clarity at the early stages of development.

When products move from pilot trials to commercial production, supply consistency becomes especially important. Scalable production processes enable companies to maintain identical quality across plants and markets.

The proprietary Shell Higher Olefin Process (SHOP) provides controlled carbon-chain distribution and branching, producing high-purity linear alcohols with consistent structure and properties.

Combined with Shell’s global supply infrastructure and reach, this helps ensure product availability.

A reliable supply chain helps protect manufacturing operations from downtime and variability.

Chemical manufacturers with integrated feedstock sourcing and global logistics networks can support planning, reduce the risk of interruptions, and maintain product availability.

Shell Chemicals is integrated with other Shell businesses, helping customers secure advantaged feedstocks, consistent product specifications, and reliable delivery across regions.