In a compelling stride towards a more sustainable future, Seattle-based clean-tech startup Sironix Renewables recently secured a substantial $1.47 million in new funding. Sironix is making waves in the clean-tech sector with its innovative suite of surfactants, the chemicals that introduce foam into shampoo and extract oily stains from fabrics. The startup is transitioning from a coconut-based product to a soybean-based one, named Eosix, as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.
The surfactants developed by Sironix are not only eco-friendly but also incredibly versatile, finding applications in a range of consumer goods such as personal care products and laundry detergents. These products are designed to perform efficiently in challenging environments, including hard water and cold temperatures. Moreover, Sironix’s surfactants can replace similar chemicals derived from fossil fuels, some of which can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen. This shift towards cleaner, greener alternatives has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth, as more brands are beginning to reconsider their product formulation strategies in light of increasing environmental concerns.
Sironix Renewables Raises $1.47 Million for Eco-Friendly Surfactants
Seattle-based clean-tech startup, Sironix Renewables, recently announced a new funding round, raising $1.47 million. The startup has been developing a suite of surfactants, the cleaning agents that give shampoo its foaminess and lift oily stains from fabrics. Interestingly, Sironix is transitioning from a coconut-based surfactant to a soybean-based product, known as Eosix.
A Shift Towards Sustainability
These innovative surfactants have applications in a broad range of consumer goods, from personal care items such as shampoos and body washes, to laundry detergents. What makes Eosix stand out is its ability to perform effectively in challenging environments, including hard water and cold temperatures.
Furthermore, the surfactants developed by Sironix can replace those derived from fossil fuels, including substances that could be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen. The state of New York has already defined limits for this contaminant in certain consumer goods.
Christoph Krumm, co-founder and CEO of Sironix, noted the positive impact this regulatory change has had on the company, saying, "That’s been a huge tailwind for us. A lot of brands are starting to kind of rethink entirely how they build their product."
Commitment to Lower Emissions
Sironix has also secured third-party certification showing that its surfactants have a 45% lower greenhouse gas impact than comparable ingredients. This achievement is a significant selling point for manufacturers aiming to reach carbon reduction goals.
Future Plans for Sironix
With the recent funding, Sironix plans to continue expanding the production of Eosix surfactants. Over the past year, the company has been collaborating with an undisclosed global personal-care manufacturer to develop prototype products. One potential use for these surfactants could be as an ingredient in eco-friendly powdered soaps or shampoos that are reconstituted with water.
Origins and Growth
Founded in 2016, Sironix was spun out of the University of Minnesota, with investors including the university’s Discovery Capital Investment program and Midwest-based venture capitalists. The company recently moved into a new 3,700-square-foot R&D facility in March 2021. Sironix’s total funding, including previous investment rounds and both government and private grants, now exceeds $4.8 million.
Takeaways
Sironix Renewables’ progressive approach to creating eco-friendly surfactants demonstrates a commendable commitment to sustainability. The company’s innovative shift from coconut to soybean-based surfactants, along with its ability to reduce the greenhouse gas impact by 45%, sets a strong example for other businesses in the industry. With the recent funding secured, the company shows promising potential for future growth and an increased contribution to the clean-tech industry.
