Elevance recently announced the introduction of another bio-based cleaning ingredient that reportedly addresses supply limitations of d-limonene. Its new Elevance Clean™ 1000 is a high-performing, bio-based cleaning ingredient that reportedly reduces uncertainty in price and supply for d-limonene buyers and boosts performance of d-limonene formulations, especially those used in asphalt/tar removal and degreasing applications.

As the cleaning products industry moves toward more renewable solvents and ingredients for industrial, household and institutional applications, demand for d-limonene, which is extracted from citrus rind, is expected to continue increasing significantly. In contrast, there has been a steady decline in orange supply over the past two years as a result of disease affecting orange groves in the two major orange producing countries, the U.S. and Brazil. This long-term supply issue is posing a challenge for customers who rely on the functional benefits of d-limonene for use in green solvents and cleaning products.

The blog is not that familiar with the d-limonene market, its current value and production volume. Googling some information about it, the blog came across reports of price volatilities for this product from a record high of almost $5/lb in 2012 and crashing around $1.50/lb in 2013 because of its dependency in the citrus production seasons that are vulnerable to weather and other natural issues e.g. hurricanes, winter frosts, excess rainfall, drought, etc.

Elevance said its Clean™ 1000 has demonstrated 3x the performance of d-limonene in accordance to the industry standard Garner Cleaning Test (ASTM D4488-95). It also offers price stability, a large secure supply and economy versus d-limonene. Elevance Clean™ 1000 is supplied at commercial scale from the company’s 180 ktpa biorefinery in Gresik, Indonesia. Elevance’s second facility in Natchez, Mississippi is currently in the engineering phase.

The product is especially targeted for removing industrial greases, asphalt, tar and bitumen. Elevance Clean™ 1000 reportedly outperforms d-limonene at neutral pH, removing the need for highly caustic cleaning products, and the need to preserve sensitive metal substrates.