Andre Valkenburg
Co-founder & CEO — business development, commercialisation and industrial partnerships.
The problem
Africa imports more than 95% of its surfactants.
That leaves manufacturers exposed to high costs, long lead times, exchange-rate volatility, and unreliable supply. At the same time, consumer goods companies are under increasing pressure to replace petrochemical ingredients with safer, biodegradable alternatives that can be sourced locally.
ReSurfify's approach
Refinery-integrated biosurfactants for local manufacturing.
ReSurfify converts low-value vegetable oil refinery by-products into high-value biosurfactants using a proprietary microbial fermentation process. Rather than building standalone manufacturing facilities, the company integrates modular production systems directly with existing refineries, reducing feedstock costs, shortening supply chains, and creating new value from industrial waste streams. Its biosurfactants are designed for cosmetics, personal care, cleaning products, and agricultural applications.
Where it's used
Built for consumer goods and agricultural manufacturers.
ReSurfify's biosurfactants are designed for cosmetic, personal care, home care, and agricultural product manufacturers. The company's modular production model can be replicated across vegetable oil refineries, enabling decentralised manufacturing throughout Africa and other emerging markets.
Impact
Why it matters.
Replacing imported petrochemical surfactants with locally manufactured biosurfactants reduces emissions, strengthens regional manufacturing, and creates value from agricultural by-products.
Lower-carbon ingredients
Biodegradable biosurfactants replace fossil fuel-derived surfactants used across multiple industries.
Circular manufacturing
Converts low-value refinery waste streams into premium speciality chemicals through industrial biotechnology.
Stronger local supply chains
Local production reduces import dependence, improves supply reliability, and supports Africa's growing bioeconomy.
Partners & ecosystem
Originally developed from research at Stellenbosch University.
ReSurfify works with research, scale-up and commercial partners including Stellenbosch University, LaunchLab, CSIR Biomanufacturing Hub, Southern Oil (SOILL), UFSC (Brazil), Aston University (UK), Brenntag South Africa, MIT Kuo Sharper Centre, Material Impact, Esse Skincare, Ecowize, Fourchem, Optimus Bio, and Union Swiss.
