All videos

This low-carbon cleaning ingredient is made from sugar

This video is part of: Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains

It uses chemicals called rhamnolipids which are converted from sugar by fermentation using natural organisms. Rhamnolipids are good at scrubbing away dirt and bacteria while being mild on your skin and the environment. They’re also 100% biodegradable so they don’t pollute water sources or leach into the ground.

Topics:
Circular Economy
Share:
World Economic Forum logo

Forum Stories newsletter

Bringing you weekly curated insights and analysis on the global issues that matter.

Subscribe today

More on Circular Economy
See all

Why recycling EV batteries is an industrial opportunity, not a waste challenge

Aleix Nogués I Grau and Clemence Schmid

June 16, 2026

As space and biotechnology research converge, here's how it affects life on Earth

About us

Engage with us

Quick links

Language editions

Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Sitemap

© 2026 World Economic Forum