Solazyme to provide 10,000 tonnes of tailored oil to Unilever

US algal oil producer Solazyme has agreed to supply consumer products giant Unilever with 10,000 tonnes of its tailored oil from 2014.

The two companies have been collaborating for five years to develop supplies of oils that Unilever can use to make more sustainably-derived ingredients for its products. Solazyme’s ability to tailor its algae to produce oils rich in particular ingredients gives it an advantage over petroleum or plant and animal fats.

In August, Solazyme agreed a multi-year deal to supply Sasol’s olefins and surfactants division with an erucic acid-rich oil. Sasol intends to integrate this feedstock into its portfolio of natural and synthetic alcohols for incorporating into surfactant products.