Vantage Specialty Chemicals (Vantage) has completed the investment at its Leuna, Germany, plant to produce its Liponic EG-1 (Glycereth-26) humectant. The new production capacity will allow the company to better support the growing worldwide demand for palm-free, naturally-derived humectants.
Vantage already produces the industry-leading Liponic EG-1 at its US plant in Gurnee, Illinois. The glycerine-based humectant is a staple ingredient in many highly conditioning skin care formulations.
The new production line engineered at the Leuna facility will allow Vantage to better serve its European and African customers with shortened lead times, increased local availability and improved service levels.
The extension will also benefit customers worldwide by securing the supply chain for Liponic EG-1. The Liponic EG-1 material manufactured at Leuna will be marketed as Liponic EG-1 VLG for enhanced traceability of its origin.

Growth with a focus on minimising environmental impact
The investment also supports Vantage’s effort to reduce its global carbon footprint. The close proximity between the manufacturing site and European and African customers will contribute to reducing the overall environmental impact of Liponic EG-1.
Last year, the company also announced plans to increase its production capacity for mild, sulfate-free surfactants and intermediates. This includes enhanced capacity for the production of Metaupon surfactants underway at the Leuna facility.
Alexander Snell, senior vice president of Europe, Middle East & Africa for Vantage, said that investing in the Leuna facility to increase its capacity and capabilities is part of the company’s initiative to expand its footprint in the region.
An expansive portfolio of multifunctional ingredients
“Liponic EG-1 is an excellent addition to our continuously growing non-ionic surfactant portfolio at Leuna. In combination with our recent expansion in anionic surfactants, this creates further value for our customers in the personal and home care industries,” said Snell.
Liponic EG-1 (INCI: Glycereth-26) is a multifunctional ingredient that can be used as a humectant, solubiliser, co-emulsifier and skin conditioning agent. It can also be utilised as a butylene glycol replacement. Liponic EG-1 provides the moisturising benefits of glycerin without the tackiness typically associated with this ingredient.