At a time when the market leaders continue to expand their quest for market penetration world wide with standardized products manufactured in centralized production units shipped around the world, all citrus producing regions could opt for the creation of local detergent industries based on waste from fruit processing. Whereas the fruits face a global competition, the use of high concentrations of limonene extracted locally not only generates local jobs, but also reduces the load on local water resources. Limonene-based cleaning products are slowly gaining on the market. Brazilian investors have already build a dozen limonene extraction plants around their juice making facilities. Whereas their facilities are sized to the processing facilities, small units can be established rather quickly. Even major juice producers, located near urban areas in Europe or USA could manufacture their own raw materials.

Extracts from citrus are not the only alternative, entrepreneurs should look for a portfolio of opportunities. Another option is to convert glucose from sugar, which is produced in excess around the world due to decades of over-subsidization, into another new generation of raw materials for soaps and detergents. Any country that is facing a downturn in sugar prices, there is the well known option to convert it to ethanol, other option is to manufacture APGs (Alkyl polyglucoses), a completely biodegradable chemical that is even used in medicine, and thus be safely recommended for use in and around your home. Whereas jobs are getting scarce, the opportunity to rethink the industry starting from readily available raw materials, should inspire entrepreneurs around the world.

Pictures: StockXCHNG

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