Why is castor oil a key resource for green chemistry?

For more than 70 years, Arkema has been developing unrivalled expertise in castor oil. Behind the iconic polyamide 11, this business line supplies 100% bio-based molecules that combine high performance with reduced environmental impact and recyclability for a wide range of applications.

High-performance, recyclable bio-based polymers made from 100% castor oil

With the opening in 2022 of its Jurong Island site in Singapore, a new-generation plant dedicated to the synthesis of amino 11 (monomer) and Rilsan^®polyamide 11 resin, Arkema has increased its global production capacity for the renowned bio-based polymer Rilsan^® by 50%. Two years later, the markets are responding: ‘Rilsan^® polyamide 11 is showing solid growth in 2024, outpacing global GDP,’ says David Dupont, Vice President, Specialty Polyamides.

This momentum is driven by the material's 100% bio-based nature, but above all by its lightness, strength and temperature resistance for numerous industrial applications in the automotive and electronics sectors." Rilsan® polyamide 11 resin is also used in Pebax^® Rnew^® elastomer, the material of choice for sports equipment such as football boots, running shoes and skis.

Cloudneo by On Running, Lacoste AG-LT23, Kiprun KD900X by Decathlon, Canterbury Speed, Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2... These are just a few models from famous sports shoe brands whose soles contain the bio-based thermoplastic Pebax^® Rnew^®, providing exceptional comfort and energy return!

What are the applications for the bio-based products in the Oleris^® range?

The main fatty acid in castor oil has 18 carbon atoms: 11 of these are used to synthesise amino 11, which is then used to produce polyamide 11 Rilsan^®. The remaining 7-carbon chain is used to make various products that Arkema markets under its Oleris^® range. These 100% bio-based products have many recognised applications in the lubricants, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries. One of the Oleris^® products is also a key component of Fast Glue Ultra instant adhesive developed by Bostik. The Oleris^® range, like polyamide 11 Rilsan^® resin, is available worldwide, particularly with the new plant in Singapore, which has increased production.

Castor bean cultivation: a highly responsible supply chain

As a major buyer of castor oil, Arkema sources most of its supply from India. The oil is obtained from castor seeds grown by farmers, mainly in the Indian state of Gujarat. The plants are grown on semi-arid land that is not particularly suitable for food production.
Through the Pragati programme launched in 2016 with BASF, Jayant-Agro Organics (India's leading producer of castor oil and derivatives) and the NGO Solidaridad, Arkema is supporting farmers in the rollout of virtuous agricultural practices that consume little water and few inputs. This progressive approach has already enabled more than 10,000 farmers to benefit from training, and 8,000 of them have been audited and certified. Compared to regional averages, water consumption has been reduced by around 33% on the plots of certified farmers, where flows are measured accurately.

What is the carbon footprint of Rilsan^® polyamide 11 compared to polyamide 12?

Due to its raw material, castor oil, Rilsan^® polyamide 11 has a carbon footprint that is 80% lower than its fossil-based equivalent, polyamide 12, when it leaves the factory. In absolute terms, its production (from castor cultivation to the finished product) represents 1.3 kg of CO2 emissions per kg of PA11: a figure that has fallen significantly in recent years thanks to changes in the energy mix at Arkema's production sites, notably the biomethane supply contract signed with Engie in 2023 to power the Marseille plant. The goal of reducing CO2 emissions to less than 1 kg per kg of product is now more achievable than ever: it has already been achieved for PA11 made from 50% recycled material.

Which bio-based surfactants are used in organic farming and mining?

Within Arkema, the Specialty Surfactants business unit uses the highest proportion of bio-based raw materials in relation to its sales. These materials, such as vegetable oils (including castor oil) and animal-based fatty acids, are at the heart of many innovative solutions.

For example, the Cecabase RT^® additive plays a key role in recycling road surfacing and lowering temperatures. In the mining industry, certain surfactants, made from 90% bio-based resources, are used to purify lithium while being biodegradable and non-ecotoxic.

"We are pioneers in the bio-based approach and are looking to extend it to new markets,’ explains Gilles Barreto, R&D Director for Specialty Surfactants. In 2024, we launched a 99% bio-based solution for fertiliser coatings in Europe. It protects granules during storage and transport. In 2025, we will begin trials with our customers on a new coating to meet the requirements of organic certification."

Another innovation: for the booming fertigation market (irrigation combined with soluble fertiliser), Arkema is developing castor oil-based surfactants that facilitate nutrient absorption by plant leaves. This biodegradable and non-ecotoxic solution enables more economical use of essential resources such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in agriculture.

Find out more about bio-based polyamides

What is a bio-based polyamide?

Bio-based polyamide is a class of synthetic polymers whose monomers are derived from renewable resources, such as vegetable oils (e.g. castor oil), sugars from biomass or agricultural residues. It is an alternative to petroleum-based polyamides (such as PA12, but also PA6 and PA66), aimed at reducing carbon footprint and dependence on fossil resources.

What are the production processes?

The manufacture of bio-based polyamide is based on the conversion of raw materials of biological origin into functional monomers (e.g. sebacic acid, amino-11-undecanoic acid). These monomers then undergo polymerisation by condensation or ring opening, depending on the type of polyamide targeted (PA11, PA10-10, etc.).

Production processes may include:

Microbial fermentation to produce chemical intermediates from sugars.
Functionalisation reactions to adapt the carbon chains to the requirements of polymerisation.
Melt or solution polymerisation, depending on the desired final properties.

What are the properties and performance characteristics of bio-based polyamides?

Bio-based polyamides offer performance characteristics that are comparable to or even superior to their fossil-based counterparts:
Excellent mechanical and thermal resistance (some grades can withstand temperatures above 150°C).
Good chemical stability and hydrolysis resistance.
Low density, advantageous for lightweight applications (automotive, aerospace).
Compatibility with conventional processing methods (injection, extrusion, spinning).

What are the environmental benefits of bio-based polyamides?

Reduced CO₂ emissions throughout the entire life cycle.
Renewable raw materials, promoting a circular economy.
Potential for recycling and integration into material recovery chains.

What are the areas of application for bio-based polyamides?

Bio-based polyamides are used in:
The automotive industry (under-bonnet parts, connectors, sheaths).
Technical textiles (high-performance fibres, sportswear).
Packaging (biodegradable or recyclable barrier films).
Electronics (insulating components, housings).