AmphiStar, a Belgium-based biotech firm known for pioneering 100% upcycled microbial biosurfactants, has announced a strategic partnership with Kensing, a major North American producer of high-purity surfactants and a global leader in upcycled plant-based vitamin E and sterols. The collaboration aims to introduce next-generation, sustainable biosurfactants to the North American personal care market.

Through this exclusive partnership, Kensing will market and distribute AmphiStar’s biosurfactants in North America. These biosurfactants are produced through microbial fermentation using repurposed agricultural and food industry sidestreams. Kensing will leverage its surfactant expertise and established customer base across the personal care and home, industrial and institutional (HI&I) sectors to drive market adoption.

As part of their joint efforts, the companies plan to develop circular, regionally sourced feedstocks from bio-based waste, including plant oils from Kensing’s own production. A near-term goal includes fully relocating production to the United States, a move expected to reduce transportation emissions and enhance supply chain resilience. This localized, decentralized approach aligns with growing consumer and industry demand for sustainable sourcing.

AmphiStar’s biosurfactants are designed for high performance and are suitable for use in mild, eco-conscious formulations. Applications include body lotions, creams, shampoos, body wash, make-up removers and other personal care products. The ingredients function effectively as emulsifiers and co-surfactants.

The partnership also includes a co-development initiative focused on AmphiStar’s recently launched platform featuring more than 80 sustainable, proprietary “designer” biosurfactants. Together, the companies will explore further innovation opportunities in the personal care, agrochemical and HI&I markets.

“This partnership merges our advanced biomanufacturing technology with Kensing’s deep experience in plant-based ingredient production,” said Pierre-Franck Valentin, CEO of AmphiStar. “It’s a complementary collaboration that enables us to bring our sustainable biosurfactants to a broader market and jointly develop new products.”

“This agreement represents Kensing’s commitment to advancing the next generation of biosurfactants,” said Serge Rogasik, president and CEO of Kensing. “By combining AmphiStar’s breakthrough technology with our market reach and scale, we are unlocking a new era of sustainable, high-performance surfactants—free from fossil-based or resource-intensive feedstocks.”

AmphiStar’s biosurfactants are the result of a proprietary technology platform integrating synthetic biology, waste valorization and continuous biomanufacturing. A recent life cycle assessment conducted in March 2025 showed these biosurfactants offer substantial sustainability advantages: four times fewer carbon emissions, 18 times less water usage, 5.5 times lower impact on human health and 15 times less overall environmental impact compared to traditional and current biosurfactant alternatives.