Plant Based Chemistry

What is Biobased?
What does it mean to be Biobased?
What are the benefits of Biobased?

What is Biobased?

Biobased Products

Biobased products as defined by Environment Canada and the Biobased Manufacturers Association rely on plant and/or animal materials; are sustainable, renewable resources; and generally do not contain toxins, synthetics or environmentally damaging materials.

Generally healthier and safer for the user

Manufacturers and end-users reduce regulatory problems by replacing hazardous chemicals listed by Environment Canada’s Toxic Release Inventory. Manufacturers and end-users improve worker safety by using biobased products. Biobased produces are usually less toxic, less flammable and less corrosive than petroleum-based products.

Generally healthier for the environment

Using biobased products decreases the amount of upstream pollution generated from the extraction and processing of crude oil into chemicals. Most biobased products are biodegradable and safe to dispose of.

Reduced dependence on oil

Biobased products are becoming increasingly competitive with petroleum-based products. Manufacturers and end-users can also save money by avoiding special permits, compliance penalties and disposal cost.

Extremely helpful to the rural economy

Manufacturing biobased products stimulates rural economic development. Agricultural crops efficiently convert into higher value end-products creating greater income opportunities for farmers and rural communities.

Derived from renewable resources

GEMTEK® products are derived from renewable plant-based materials from grains, nuts and seed crops. GEMTEK® products do not contain petroleum distillates or synthetics including artificial foaming and thickening agents, builders, reagents, dyes or fragrances. Although some citrus-based products would be defined as biobased and safer for the environment, they are not typically safe for people. Therefore, GEMTEK® products do not contain terpenes such as d-Limonene.