Zschimmer & Schwarz, a global supplier of chemical specialties and performance auxiliaries, has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with deep-tech start-up Viridi to accelerate the scale-up and commercialization of CO₂-based sustainable surfactants. Through this strategic collaboration, the companies aim to advance next-generation surfactant technology that uses captured carbon dioxide as a renewable carbon feedstock—marking a significant step toward circular carbon solutions in chemical manufacturing.
Turning Captured CO₂ into High-Value Surfactants
At the core of the partnership is Viridi’s proprietary carbon dioxide utilization technology. The platform enables manufacturers to replace fossil-based raw materials with captured CO₂, transforming emissions into valuable chemical inputs.
Surfactants produced through this process can be used in a wide range of applications, including cleaning agents and industrial formulations. As a result, the technology supports both sustainability goals and performance requirements in modern product formulations.
Following extensive validation trials conducted by Zschimmer & Schwarz, the companies identified multiple promising use cases. Building on these results, they will now work to optimize production processes and accelerate market adoption.
Advancing Sustainability and Production Efficiency
By integrating Viridi’s CO₂-based technology, Zschimmer & Schwarz aims to enhance product sustainability while also improving manufacturing efficiency. Importantly, the initiative aligns with growing industry demand for biodegradable, low-carbon, and environmentally responsible chemical solutions. At a time when regulatory pressures and customer expectations are intensifying, this partnership creates new opportunities for both companies. It enables them to deliver scalable, climate-conscious alternatives to conventional surfactants.
The Collaboration
Dr. Daniel Stewart, CEO of Viridi, informed, “This agreement represents a major step forward in helping the chemical manufacturing industry—and ultimately society—recycle CO₂ and move toward defossilization. We are delighted to share this journey with Zschimmer & Schwarz, a company that demonstrates a truly pioneering mindset.”
Dr. Matthias Hofmann, Director of Global R&D at Zschimmer & Schwarz, emphasized, “Our partnership with Viridi, a highly innovative start-up, reinforces our commitment to delivering sustainable and biodegradable solutions for the future. Together, we are excited to explore opportunities for the next generation of surfactants.”
Driving the Next Generation of Sustainable Chemistry
As per the press release, the collaboration reflects a broader shift within the chemical industry—from fossil-based feedstocks to carbon circularity. By combining Viridi’s deep-tech CO₂ utilization platform with Zschimmer & Schwarz’s global expertise in specialty chemicals, the partners plan to work closely together. They aim to accelerate the transition toward low-carbon, high-performance surfactants for global markets.
