Top 10 Companies in the Glycolipid Biosurfactant Industry (2026): Market Leaders Driving Green Surfactant Innovation

In Business Insights
January 15, 2026


The Global Glycolipid Biosurfactant Market was valued at USD 1.45 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.78 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.8% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is fueled by escalating consumer demand for sustainable, biodegradable products, stringent environmental regulations phasing out synthetic surfactants, and expanding applications across the detergent, personal care, and agricultural sectors.

As the global economy pivots towards a circular bio-economy, glycolipid biosurfactants are emerging as a cornerstone of green chemistry. These naturally derived surfactants, produced by microorganisms, offer superior environmental compatibility and performance. This blog profiles the Top 10 Companies in the Glycolipid Biosurfactant Industry—a dynamic mix of chemical giants, specialized biotech firms, and innovation leaders shaping the future of sustainable surface-active agents.

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Global Glycolipid Biosurfactant Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔟 1. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: Rhamnolipids, Sophorolipids, Custom Biosurfactant Solutions

Evonik Industries is a global specialty chemicals leader with a strong commitment to sustainability. Its Active Oxygens business line is heavily invested in bio-based surfactants, leveraging advanced biotechnology for the production of high-purity rhamnolipids and sophorolipids. The company serves a diverse clientele in home care, cosmetics, and industrial cleaning.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Pioneering fermentation technologies for cost-effective biosurfactant production

  • Strategic partnerships with biotechnology firms for R&D scaling

  • Committed to increasing the share of sustainable solutions in its product portfolio


9️⃣ 2. Jeneil Biotech, Inc.

Headquarters: Saukville, Wisconsin, USA
Key Offering: High-Purity Rhamnolipids (ZONIX Biosurfactant), Sophorolipids

Jeneil Biotech is a prominent US-based manufacturer specializing in high-quality, commercial-scale rhamnolipid production. Its flagship product, ZONIX, is renowned for its effectiveness in agricultural and industrial applications, including biocontrol and enhanced oil recovery.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Proprietary fermentation and downstream processing for 99% pure rhamnolipids

  • Focus on eco-friendly agricultural solutions to replace chemical pesticides and fertilizers


8️⃣ 3. Saraya Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Sophorolipids (SARAYA SURFACTANT), Rhamnolipids

Saraya is a leading Japanese company in the hygiene and natural product sectors, with a dedicated biosurfactant division. The company utilizes yeast fermentation to produce sophorolipids that are gentle on the skin and highly biodegradable, making them ideal for personal care and cosmetic formulations.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Integration of biosurfactants into its own consumer brands for hand soaps and sanitizers

  • Strong focus on R&D for new applications in food processing and healthcare


7️⃣ 4. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Bio-based Surfactant Blends, Rhamnolipid-based formulations

As one of the world’s largest chemical producers, BASF has a significant interest in the bio-economy. While its portfolio is broad, the company is actively developing and incorporating glycolipid biosurfactants into its home and personal care product lines to meet customer demand for greener ingredients.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Investment in biotechnology research for novel bio-based molecules

  • Aiming for a substantial portion of sales from solutions for a sustainable future

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global Glycolipid Biosurfactant Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Solvay SA

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Key Offering: Sophorolipids, Specialty Bio-based Surfactants for Agrochemicals and Coatings

Solvay is a global leader in advanced materials and specialty chemicals. Its Novecare business unit is exploring the integration of glycolipids into its offerings, particularly for agrochemicals, where they act as effective adjuvants and emulsifiers, improving the efficiency of biopesticides.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Commitment to bio-sourcing and sustainable product innovation

  • Development of biosurfactant-enabled formulations that reduce environmental impact


5️⃣ 6. Holiferm Limited

Headquarters: Bristol, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Sophorolipids, Custom Fermentation Services

Holiferm is a dynamic biotechnology spin-out from the University of Bristol, focusing on the sustainable production of sophorolipids using patented fermentation technology. The company aims to disrupt the market with a cost-effective and scalable production process.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Utilization of waste streams as low-cost feedstocks for fermentation

  • Focus on reducing the carbon footprint of surfactant manufacturing


4️⃣ 7. Biotensidon GmbH

Headquarters: Graz, Austria
Key Offering: Specialized Glycolipids, Melibioselipids

Biotensidon is a specialized Austrian company dedicated to the research, development, and production of novel glycolipid biosurfactants. The company leverages its expertise in microbiology and fermentation to create unique molecules with specific functionalities for niche applications.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Strong focus on R&D for discovering new glycolipid structures

  • Collaborations with academic institutions to advance biosurfactant science


3️⃣ 8. Allied Carbon Solutions Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Amagasaki, Japan
Key Offering: Rhamnolipids (ACS Rhamnolipid), Bio-based Cleaning Agents

Allied Carbon Solutions (ACS) is a key Japanese player in the development of environmentally friendly chemicals. The company produces rhamnolipids for use in industrial and household cleaners, offering effective cleaning power with excellent biodegradability.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of concentrated rhamnolipid formulations to reduce transportation emissions

  • Promoting the use of biosurfactants in wastewater treatment applications


2️⃣ 9. Daqing VICTEX Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Daqing, China
Key Offering: Industrial-Grade Rhamnolipids, Biosurfactants for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

Daqing VICTEX is a significant Chinese manufacturer with a focus on biosurfactants for the oil and gas industry. The company produces rhamnolipids used in microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR), helping to extract residual oil from mature fields in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Large-scale production capabilities catering to the energy sector’s growing demand for green EOR solutions

  • Investment in R&D to improve the efficiency of biosurfactants in extreme reservoir conditions


1️⃣ 10. Deguan Biosurfactant Supplier

Headquarters: Xi’an, China
Key Offering: Sophorolipids, Rhamnolipids, Technical Support and Custom Synthesis

Deguan is a specialized supplier and manufacturer based in China, focusing exclusively on glycolipid biosurfactants. The company serves as a crucial link between production and application, providing high-quality sophorolipids and rhamnolipids to various industries along with technical expertise.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Strong distribution network making biosurfactants more accessible across Asia

  • Collaboration with end-users to develop tailored biosurfactant solutions

Get Full Report Here:
Global Glycolipid Biosurfactant Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Surfactants Is Biological and Sustainable

The glycolipid biosurfactant market is at a pivotal inflection point. While synthetic surfactants still dominate in volume, regulatory pressure and consumer awareness are driving a rapid shift towards bio-based alternatives. The industry is witnessing significant investments in fermentation technology, feedstock optimization, and application development.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Advancements in metabolic engineering to enhance microbial yield and reduce production costs

  • Growing adoption in the agricultural sector for biocontrol and biostimulation

  • Increasing regulatory bans on synthetic surfactants like nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)

  • Expansion into pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications due to mildness and biocompatibility

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential ingredients—they are actively building the foundation for a greener, more sustainable chemical industry.

Get Full Report Here:
Global Glycolipid Biosurfactant Market – View in Detailed Research Report