Pilot Chemical Co. recently announced an exclusive partnership with Kao Corp. to bring a new sustainable surfactant technology, Bio IOS^® biobased internal olefin sulfonates, to the North American market. Bio IOS technology will allow customers to meet sustainability goals without compromising performance in a range of applications.   

The partnership will leverage Kao’s Bio IOS technology and commercial-scale feedstock supply. Pilot will serve as the exclusive marketing channel and sulfonation partner of Bio IOS technology for North America and will produce Bio IOS biobased internal olefin sulfonates at commercial scale in its Middletown, Ohio, facility. 

"Kao has a rich history in the chemical and consumer products industries and provides sustainable and high-quality products and services to consumers around the globe," said Mike Clark, CEO of Pilot Chemical Co. "We are excited to add Kao’s high-performance, sustainable technology to our line of innovative biobased surfactants." 

"We are looking forward to partnering with Pilot Chemical Company, a leader with extensive expertise in the North American market, and to amplifying the future of sustainable surfactants through Bio IOS technology," said Daisuke Hamada, Kao’s senior executive officer in charge of Chemical Business. "We are confident that this strategic partnership will foster new innovations and enhance the recognition of Bio IOS biobased surfactant's exceptional performance." 

Pilot Chemical reports that Bio IOS biobased surfactant provides excellent performance properties, such as water solubility and surface activity, for use as primary or secondary surfactants in a variety of applications. Commercial quantities will be available starting in 2026. 

For more information about Pilot Chemical Co., visit www.pilotchemical.com.