What is AmphiStar?
AmphiStar is the trailblazer in developing, scaling up, producing, and selling biosurfactants made entirely from biobased waste- and side streams. These biosurfactants find their way into a variety of consumer products, from home care and personal care to industrial cleaners, textiles, and agrochemicals. Using patented technology, AmphiStar converts diverse biomass into high-performance, sustainable biosurfactants. The company stands out thanks to its commitment to safety, affordability, and consistent quality—making sustainability not just a goal but a reality.
The Main Benefit: Sustainable Surfactants for a Greener Future
Surfactants are everywhere, but did you know that only a tiny fraction are truly sustainable? Here’s the scoop:
- Over 20 million tonnes of surfactants are produced globally every year.
- Only 4% of these are fully biobased.
- Less than 0.5% are made using biological methods like plant extraction, biocatalysis, or microbial fermentation.
- Surfactants—short for SURFace ACTive AgeNTs—are amphiphilic molecules that reduce surface tension, making them essential as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants.
- Microbial biosurfactants are gaining serious attention due to rising consumer demand for greener, sustainable products.
- Industries such as cosmetics and personal care are increasingly switching to bio-based ingredients.
AmphiStar’s Cutting-Edge Biosurfactant Technology Platform
At the heart of AmphiStar’s innovation is a technology platform born from over a decade of integrated strain and process development. The platform uses the highly productive yeast Starmerella bombicola, originally isolated from bumblebee honey, to produce more than 25 distinct and well-characterised glycolipid biosurfactants. Demonstrated at a 15 m³ scale, this technology delivers high-purity products perfect for a wide range of applications. Plus, with a robust patent portfolio protecting the tech, AmphiStar keeps pushing the envelope with enzymatic and chemical derivatisation advancements, ensuring their solutions stay ahead of the curve.
Powered by Nature: Clean and Sustainable Production
AmphiStar’s production processes are firmly rooted in industrial biotechnology, relying on local, sustainable, and renewable raw materials. Microbial fermentation is a clean production method that operates under mild conditions, making it safe for both people and the environment. By tapping into side streams and waste streams, AmphiStar avoids direct land use for production, which means a smaller environmental footprint. This approach is not just smart—it’s essential for a sustainable future.
From Waste to Wonders: Circular Economy in Action
The technology can handle both first generation (1g) biomass feedstocks like glucose and fatty acids from locally sourced plant oils, and second generation (2g) feedstocks such as crude glycerine and food waste. By prioritising these waste and side-streams, AmphiStar aligns perfectly with circular economy principles—creating value across multiple sectors while reducing overall environmental impact. It’s a win-win for business and the planet.
Project Impact: Aligning with Global Sustainability Goals
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 15: Life on Land
Why AmphiStar Matters
In a world where sustainability is no longer optional, AmphiStar’s approach to biosurfactants offers a fresh, innovative path forward. By turning waste into high-performance, eco-friendly ingredients, the company not only meets the growing demand for greener products but also helps reduce environmental impact across industries. It’s a shining example of how science and nature can come together to create solutions that are good for business, people, and the planet. Simply put—AmphiStar is creating sustainable biochemicals for a better tomorrow!
