The success of Anionic Surfactants is attributed to their characteristics: high flexibility and versatility in formulations and applications, excellent compatibility with various chemicals, superior foaming and detergent profiles, rheology modifier properties, availability in different molecule families (sulphated, sulphonated, and bio-based), high volume, cost-effectiveness, and the continuous manufacturing process.

The synthesis of anionic surfactants involves introducing an SO3 group into organic molecules through a continuous manufacturing process, known as "sulphonation", carried out using a falling film reactor type. Ballestra's falling film reactor, developed in the late '70s and continuously improved, is a leading technology in the anionic surfactant supply chain, ensuring optimal product quality through extensive mass and heat transfer.

In 2022, Ballestra introduced the new generation falling film reactor, SULPHONEXT™, meticulously designed to maintain successful characteristics while incorporating advancements. The presentation outlines Ballestra's research and development journey, encompassing data analysis, CFD modelling, experimentation, and the realization of the industrial prototype (capacity 2000 kg/h). It highlights the latest features of the SULPHONEXT™ reactor, emphasizing its versatility in producing a diverse range of bio-based anionic surfactants to support sustainability goals and green-deal strategies within the market. The presentation provides an overview of Anionic surfactants, specifically focusing on the anionic bio-based range.