New distribution partnership to boost sustainable specialty chemicals in Asia

Biolon DDA is an intermediate chemical used to make a variety of end-user products, according to the company, including beauty and fragrances.

It is produced “more sustainably than traditional petroleum-based chemicals​”, the company states, and the new distribution partnership will allow Verdezyne greater scope to distribute across 17 countries in the APAC region, including China, Japan and South Korea.

Verdezyne describes itself as an industrial biotechnology company, which specialises in the cost-effective production of biobased chemicals. Its rising profile in the region is indicative of a wider growing enthusiasm for products boasting sustainability claims  among Asian beauty consumers.

Sustainability in Asia​

Traditionally less interested in sustainability than their western counterparts, Asian consumers have instead long-valued texture and quality: in the past couple of years though, it appears preferences are beginning to shift.

In a 2014 report from market research firm Nielsen, online consumers were reported as more willing to pay for products and services provided by companies that are committed to a positive social and environmental impact.

Indeed, the firm reported that “the propensity to buy socially responsible brands​” is strongest in Asia-Pacific (64%), Latin America (63%) and Middle East/Africa (63%). In North America and Europe it trailed at 42% and 40% respectively.

“This agreement with CBC reflects the strong interest in high quality renewable chemicals​,” confirms E. William Radany, president and CEO of Verdezyne.

Distribution deal​

The agreement between Verdezyne and CBC for the distribution of the Biolon DDDA ingredient gives CBC access to more than 10% of expected production capacity, the companies state.

“Verdezyne presented us with a very strong value proposition​,” says Scott Graddy, vice president, CBC. “We anticipate a strong demand for BIOLON™ DDDA from our customers in Asia-Pacific​.”