The Algal Oils, produced by renewable oil and bio products firm Solazyme, are derived from oil-producing microalgae that are sustainably and responsibly cultivated and are produced in days using a fermentation process.

“Through incorporating algal oils into our Lux products, we have a unique opportunity to make a difference on a large scale, as we help develop a raw material that we know has been responsibly sourced,” said Lux Global’s brand vice president Anne Radmacher.

“Using algal oils creates a win-win situation: not only do we deliver better products to our consumers, but we also help the planet in the process.”

The announcement from Unilever is part of its ambition to double the size of its business while reducing its overall environmental footprint. As such, the company has made a commitment to only use sustainably sourced agricultural raw materials by 2020.

New era

The vast majority of the oil for the Lux soap products will be produced in a new renewable oils facility in Moema, Brazil.

Jonathan Wolfson, chief executive of Solazyme, added: “Unilever’s commitment to commercialising these soap products means that they will continue to lead the way in offering consumers the best performing and most sustainable products available.

“Unilever’s Lux brand is leading the way in consumer innovation and in a new era of sustainability for the 21st century. This announcement of the incorporation of our Algal Oils into Unilever’s consumer soap products that are on shelves today in Brazil is a very exciting moment for Solazyme.”

Lux is present in over 100 countries, reaching 600 million women daily. The soap brand’s commitment to sustainability also includes the recent re-launch of its body wash packaging with a new design that is expected to save 1,400 tons of plastic globally.

Luke Nicholls

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