Have you ever thought about how many personal care or household products you use every day?
Starting with the time you get out of bed in the morning until returning to bed at night, the short answer is, a lot.
From toiletries like soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and cosmetics, to household and office cleaning supplies, degreasers and laundry detergents, products like these directly affect – and improve – our daily lives.
What you may not realize is that each of these contain a key, all-natural ingredient: methyl esters (MEs).
Often called fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), this compound is green, biodegradable and produced from vegetable oils. Through a process called transesterification, the conversion of triglycerides with alcohol forms into esters with the aid of a catalyst. The methyl esters are extracted from that point as a focal ingredient in products you’ve probably used yourself today!
Common Daily Products
Cremer provides custom oleochemical solutions as ingredients for many different personal and industrial uses, including methyl esters.
Methyl soyate is one such key ingredient. This soybean-based compound is a sustainable alternative used in degreasers, ink removal, oil spill remediation and more. Cremer’s ME-S1885, distilled methyl soyate is a colorless and odorless liquid with low solubility and a high flash point, making it low hazard and safe for several applications.
Environmental Impact of MEs
In an ongoing effort to promote environmental awareness, safety and protection, methyl esters play a crucial role in end-user products because of their biodegradability. MEs are naturally produced, which means they are sustainable and renewable.
Every time you use that shampoo or body wash during your morning shower or clean the floors and countertops at your home or business, you’re using products made with environmentally safe, natural ingredients.
Additional everyday items that contain methyl esters include:
- Cosmetics
- Degreasers
- Industrial oils and lubricants
- Hand cleaners
- Laundry detergents
- And more
Visit our Methyl Esters page to learn more information, see spec sheets, and its practical uses in everyday products.