AkzoNobel, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, this week announced the sale of its biomaterials technology to Ashland Inc., Covington, Ky., USA. The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year.

 

The business is in its early phase of commercialization and the divestment of this biomaterials technology follows a strategic review of the business' fit within AkzoNobel's portfolio. This transaction will enable AkzoNobel to focus on its core technology platforms—specialty surfactants and polymers--and help reinforce its leadership position in both areas, the company noted.

 

The biomaterials activities are focused on plant-based chemistry, which is used to develop products for various applications, such as high performance beauty technologies.

The patented Zeta Fraction process and technology selectively isolates efficacious components from living plants and marine sources to produce a wide range of biofunctional ingredients. Targeted cellular fractions are gently separated based on unique patented technology, preserving the inherent value of the plant cell juice. Conventional plant extraction technology isolates botanical extracts from dried plants and uses external solvents that limit shelf life stability and reproducibility, among other limitations.