SEARCH FOR CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES
Natura seeks new solutions and innovations for the development of more sustainable products and works to deepen its knowledge to understand how it can contribute more effectively to the promotion of sustainability.
We study in detail the impacts of the entire raw material extraction by suppliers, the production process, and the use and disposal by the consumer.
SURFACTANTS
Currently, most surfactants available today are derived from petrochemical sources, and a large part of these surfactants are poorly biodegradable, potentially contributing to environmental pollution. Furthermore, the production of "synthetic" surfactants contributes to the depletion of the non-renewable petrochemical resources of our planet. To address this issue, the production of more sustainable surfactants can be achieved through the use of renewable substrates and green technologies.
The development of surfactants based on renewable natural resources is a concept that has been gaining recognition in the chemical and cosmetic industries. This new class of biodegradable and biocompatible surfactants has developed in response to the growing consumer demand for greener and more efficient products. These amphiphilic molecules are typically obtained from natural oils and fats and may also incorporate sugars, polyols, or other polar groups.
THE CHALLENGE
We are looking for new ingredients with surfactant properties that reduce surface tension, with high emulsifying capacity and/or cleaning power, obtained from renewable sources and low environmental impact technological routes.
Our goal is to find technological solutions related to the use of renewable raw materials, with an emphasis on the origin of the substrate – renewable sources – and the proposed extraction process – low environmental impact technological routes.
Proposals must contain at least one test that proves the efficacy and one that proves the safety of the ingredient for application on skin and/or hair.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Proposals will be received through the submission tool. Access https://naturacampus.induct.no to learn about the announcement and participate.
There is no limit to the number of project proposals that can be submitted by each proponent.
The submission deadline is from 10/24/12 to 11/28/12.
Access the announcement here and download the announcement folder here.
EVALUATION
The submitted proposals will be evaluated in sequential stages, according to the criteria below:
Benefits of the presented technology
Maturity of the presented technology
Application potential
Potential to replace synthetic surfactants
Effectiveness of the presented tests
RECOGNITION
The winner of the best project will receive 01 short course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT Short Programs) in the United States, with transportation, food, and accommodation expenses included.
The proponents who submitted the three best proposals will be invited for a visit to Natura and to meet the technical team that works with surfactants.
Transportation, food, and accommodation expenses will be covered only during the duration of the course.
The winner must participate in the course during the year 2013.
The prize will be paid to the winner or to a representative designated by them in writing.
