UK Start-up Viridi's CO2-Based Cleaning Agent to Revolutionise Industry
UK-based tech start-up Viridi, founded by Dr. Sam Cooper, is set to revolutionise the cleaning industry with its innovative product, Vireya. This surface active agent enables water to lift oils and grime from surfaces, making it a key ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and cleaners. What sets Vireya apart is its use of captured carbon dioxide as a feedstock, reducing product carbon footprint by up to 70% compared to traditional ingredients.
Vireya's unique mechanism involves oil-loving hydrophobic tails that attach to grease and grime, while water-loving hydrophilic heads pull these clusters away, allowing them to be rinsed off easily. When added to water, Vireya helps water molecules spread more evenly, enhancing their penetration into surfaces and dirt. The technology uses a solid, reusable catalyst that converts CO2 into a usable raw material, making it adoptable into existing manufacturing infrastructure. Viridi has already licensed this technology to surfactant manufacturers and aims for commercial release by 2026. The company secured £3m seed-funding in 2023 to accelerate development and commercialisation.
Vireya also stands out for avoiding oil palm-derived feedstocks typically used to make ingredients like sodium laureth sulphate (SLS). This not only reduces the product's carbon footprint but also supports sustainable palm oil production.
Viridi's innovative use of captured CO2 in its cleaning product ingredient, Vireya, is a significant step towards a greener future. By reducing product carbon footprint and avoiding unsustainable feedstocks, Viridi is driving the circular economy in the chemistry industry. With commercial release targeted for 2026, the cleaning industry can look forward to a more sustainable way of producing its products.
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