Cosmetics & Personal Care
Genomatica names Azelis as European distributor for Brontide

Genomatica, a widely-recognised technology leader for naturally sourced chemicals, and Azelis, a leading distributor of specialty chemicals, has announced that Azelis is now the exclusive distributor for personal care applications of Genomatica’s naturally sourced, award-winning Brontide butylene glycol in Europe. Azelis is already seeing widespread interest in Brontide from major brands and plans to support scores of major customers during Brontide’s market introduction.
     
A naturally sourced, sustainable cosmetics ingredient; Brontide honored for innovation
Butylene glycol, a colourless organic alcohol, is commonly used in a wide range of personal care products to increase moisture retention (as a humectant), improve texture, and provide antimicrobial properties. Additionally, it is used to evenly disperse plant extracts, flavours and fragrances.
 
Genomatica produces Brontide biobased butylene glycol from natural, plant-based sugars using its safe and sustainable fermentation-based process technology. This innovative approach has high appeal in personal care applications where demand for natural ingredients is growing. Brontide has already been recognised by the mainstream chemical industry with the prestigious ICIS Innovation Award.
 
Azelis actively developing formulations; sees strong customer interest
Azelis, a leading global specialty chemicals distributor with over 40,000 customers in 40 countries will provide sales, technical and logistics support for personal care product makers in Europe that are looking for a natural alternative to petroleum-based butylene glycol.
 
Azelis has also been actively developing and testing multiple personal care product formulations using Genomatica’s Brontide, including hydra gels, body sprays, and sunscreens. These have tested well for key formulation attributes such as scent, viscosity, pH and stability.
 
Azelis reports that demand for natural ingredients has multiplied across its customer base. “We’re already seeing strong interest in Genomatica’s Brontide butylene glycol,” said Tony Craske, Market Segment Director EMEA for Personal Care, Azelis. “Brontide is a perfect example of the new and exciting technologies that we deliver to our personal care partners. This naturally sourced, sustainable high-quality ingredient makes it easy for formulators and brands to improve their products.”
 
“Azelis knows how to highlight the value of a great ingredient and help their customers benefit from it,” said Damien Perriman, Genomatica’s Senior Vice President, Specialty Chemicals. “Together, we can help make lots of everyday products better for people and the planet.”
 
Genomatica has been producing and shipping tons of Brontide to customers since mid-2017. For samples, companies developing personal care products in Europe should contact Azelis at Brontide.BG@azelis.com; all others should contact Genomatica at Brontide@genomatica.com.