Symrise starts production unit in Granada enabling a more secure and sustainable supply of Hydrolite® 5 green

Symrise announces the opening of a new production unit at its facility in Granada, Spain. The plant is dedicated to Hydrolite® 5 green, the high-quality, biobased pentylene glycol from its Cosmetic Ingredients division. Symrise is providing European customers with a shorter supply chain for this in-demand product, in turn fostering a reliable supply for the global market.

The new production unit represents a significant investment and is modeled on the company’s existing Hydrolite® 5 green plant in Charleston, USA. The additional capacity enables Symrise to meet rising global demand for the unique multifunctional ingredient. Consumers ultimately benefit through improved skin hydration and hair fiber enhancement, while it allows formulators to create a better sensorial profile and to increase the efficacy of active ingredients.

By shortening transport routes and thus the supply chain within Europe, the new production site also helps customers in reducing their Scope 3 emissions (indirect greenhouse gas emissions). Furthermore, the site contributes to the local community by creating jobs across various departments, including operations, purchasing, and engineering. The Hydrolite® 5 Green plant sets a benchmark for efficiency and sustainability by recycling and upcycling by-products. These initiatives highlight the company’s commitment to engineering excellence and sustainability stewardship.

This expansion further strengthens Symrise’s leadership in 1,2-alkanediol production and chemical engineering. The facility employs a continuous production process that ensures consistent product quality and high energy efficiency. It features an on-site hydrogen generation system with a closed hydrogen recycling loop, optimizing the use of hydrogen and minimizing environmental impact. A high degree of automation improves operational efficiency while enhancing process safety.

“The market for pentylene glycol is growing in line with the consumer shift to clean and natural beauty,” says Yohanna Sander, VP Micro Protection Business Unit at Symrise. “Hydrolite 5 green delivers on the expectations for multifunctionality and sustainability as a fully upcycled material. It also brings many formulation benefits, including boosting the performance of other ingredients. By adding a new production unit in Spain, we are moving closer to our European customers giving them easier access and a lower carbon option. Our advanced technologies allow us to limit the carbon footprint of our own operations– thus contributing to a more sustainable value chain.”