Unilever Extends Relationship with Solazyme

Initially, the two parties will continue focusing innovation efforts on the production of tailored oils for use in soap and personal care product applications, while committing additional efforts to developing new tailored oils for use in other applications.

“Unilever’s commitment to help develop products formulated with Solazyme renewable oils represents a milestone in the market validation of our tailored oil technology,” said Jonathan Wolfson, CEO, Solazyme. “Our technology platform presents a unique opportunity for Unilever to develop innovative, new products with enhanced consumer benefits while advancing their Sustainable Living Plan. Unilever has consistently led the consumer goods industry towards greater sustainability and our technology, coupled with Unilever’s scale and reach creates a compelling opportunity to improve product quality while facilitating sustainable living.”


According to Neal Matheson, Unilever’s chief technology officer, Unilever is committed to sourcing 100% of its agricultural raw materials sustainably by 2020.

Since 2009, the two companies have been collaborating on the research and development of tailored oils utilizing Solazyme’s technology platform and Unilever’s broad knowledge in the consumer goods space.

Solazyme is also dabbling in the skin care market with Algenist, a microalgae-based luxury skin care line, which is sold at Sephora. (You can read more about Solayzme’s skin care activitieshere.)