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Stepan Company, a global leader in chemical solutions, and Belgian biotech innovator AmphiStar have announced an exclusive distribution partnership for AmphiStar’s bio-based surfactants across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), with a focus on the Home Care and Industrial & Institutional (I&I) cleaning markets.
AmphiStar develops upcycled biosurfactants designed to deliver robust cleaning performance with a significantly decreased product carbon footprint (PCF) and life-cycle impact compared to conventional alternatives. Stepan brings deep formulation know-how and established commercial channels in the targeted segments, positioning the partnership to deliver both performance and sustainability outcomes for customers.
Growing regulatory and customer focus on sustainability, combined with performance expectations in Home Care and I&I, is driving demand for bio-based, lower-PCF surfactants. The partnership pairs AmphiStar’s world-class expertise in continuous bioprocessing and sustainable biosurfactants with Stepan’s formulation expertise and market reach. The companies also highlighted the benefits of local European production from waste- and side streams as a longer-term pathway to reduce logistics emissions and support circularity, subject to future implementation.
Commenting on the partnership, Pierre-Franck Valentin, CEO of AmphiStar said: “Stepan’s deep formulation expertise and trusted customer relationships make them the ideal partner to accelerate the adoption of our upcycled biosurfactants across EMEA. Together, we deliver high performance with a materially lower life-cycle impact, helping customers move toward circular, low-carbon Home Care and I&I solutions.”
Philippe Nastasi, Vice President of European Surfactants at Stepan Company added: “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable solutions through innovation, circular design, and meaningful carbon reduction. AmphiStar’s biosurfactants are sourced from locally-sourced, renewable, upcycled feedstocks and are fully biodegradable, offering a lower environmental footprint and superior performance.”
