Evonik and Beiersdorf Enter into Research Partnership to Develop Care Products

Evonik has signed a research partnership with Beiersdorf to develop sustainable raw materials for care products, using carbon dioxide (CO₂) as the starting material. The joint research project of Evonik and Beiersdorf is being funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Products Using Artificial Photosynthesis

Beiersdorf is on the lookout for new sources of raw materials that will also reduce the company’s carbon footprint. One option here is artificial photosynthesis technology, with the aid of electricity from solar energy and bacteria, valuable raw materials are produced with water and CO₂, drawing on natural photosynthesis as a model.

The research cooperation fits perfectly with Beiersdorf’s sustainability agenda and helps to pursuethe vision of becoming climate positive and play a part in closing the carbon cycle. If the company succeeds in using CO₂ as a source for the raw materials used in care products, this will reduce Beiersdorf’s carbon footprint as well as the land used for renewable resources.

“While artificial photosynthesis technology has already been observed in the early stages of a number of other industries, this application is in its infancy in the cosmetics industry. We are therefore especially proud to be entering into this research partnership,” said Dr. May Shana’a, corporate senior vice president, research and development, Beiersdorf.

Evonik is Developing Technology Platform

Evonik is developing the technology platform needed for artificial photosynthesis together with Siemens in the Rheticus project funded by the BMBF. Evonik believes that the research cooperation just launched with the skin care specialist Beiersdorf, which is independent of the cooperation with Siemens, is an opportunity for the specialty chemicals maker to expand the future product portfolio for artificial photosynthesis.

“With Beiersdorf, we have a partner who is joining us in extending the value chain to include sustainable CO₂-based products – in the interests of the consumer,” said Thomas Haas, responsible for artificial photosynthesis at Evonik.

Source: Evonik