Polyglycerols for Polymers and more: The Proposal of Spiga Nord S.p.A.

In the advanced materials industry, the search for higher-performing, safer, and more environmentally responsible raw materials has become a strategic priority for polymer manufacturers worldwide. In this context, refined vegetable polyglycerols are emerging as one of the most promising and versatile solutions — capable of addressing today's technological challenges while embracing a sustainable vision for the future. At the heart of this evolution is Spiga Nord S.p.A., an Italian company based in Carasco, near Genoa, that has been transforming vegetable glycerine into high-quality chemical products for over sixty years, establishing itself as a global reference in the sector.

Who is Spiga Nord S.p.A.: Italian Excellence Since 1957

Founded in 1957, Spiga Nord S.p.A. has built an extensive heritage of technical and scientific expertise that is virtually impossible to replicate. The company has specialised in glycerine refining and in the production of refined vegetable polyglycerols through the polycondensation of vegetable-origin glycerines, developing a proprietary technology that yields finished products with unmatched quality in the international market.

Today, Spiga Nord exports its products to 39 countries worldwide, serving over 492 satisfied customers across a wide range of sectors: food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial. The production facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a rigorous quality control system that covers the entire production cycle — from manufacturing and quality control to packaging and warehousing.

What Are Polyglycerols and How Are They Produced?

Polyglycerols are inter-molecular glycerol ethers formed by the condensation of two or more glycerol molecules with the elimination of water molecules. Depending on the degree of condensation, different grades are obtained — from Diglycerine (PG-2) to Polyglycerol-10 (PG-10) — each with specific physicochemical properties and distinct application fields.

Spiga Nord produces its refined vegetable polyglycerols exclusively through the polycondensation of GMO-free vegetable-origin glycerines, without any animal-derived or synthetic raw materials. The internally developed technology yields finished products with a very high content of linear polymers and a minimised presence of cyclic compounds.

Refined Vegetable Polyglycerols in Polymers: The Heart of Innovation

The polymer industry is one of the sectors where refined vegetable polyglycerols express their full potential. Spiga Nord has developed a product range specifically designed to meet the needs of plastic material processors, offering multifunctional solutions that operate across multiple levels of the production process.

Next-Generation Plasticisers

One of the most important uses of polyglycerols in polymers is as a plasticiser. Incorporated into the polymer matrix during bulk, suspension, or emulsion polymerisation — or in the final production stages — they impart greater flexibility and processability to the material, improving its rheological properties without compromising mechanical or thermal resistance.

Compared to traditional synthetic or petroleum-derived plasticisers, vegetable polyglycerols offer a markedly superior safety profile: they are non-toxic, non-hazardous to the environment, and derived 100% from renewable plant sources. This makes them particularly attractive for applications where food contact or human biocompatibility are non-negotiable requirements.

Anti-Fogging Agents

Another highly relevant application is that of anti-fogging agent. In polymers used for food packaging — transparent films, trays, lids — the formation of condensation on the inner surface can seriously compromise the appearance of packaged products. Polyglycerols migrate toward the polymer surface, forming a layer that lowers water surface tension and prevents the formation of visible droplets. The result is a film that remains perfectly transparent even in the presence of moisture — a decisive advantage for food packaging where visibility is a key purchase driver.

Lubricants and Antistatic Agents

Spiga Nord's polyglycerols also serve as internal lubricants in polymers, reducing friction between polymer chains during processing and improving melt flow while minimising equipment wear. Their high viscosity, stable even at elevated temperatures, makes them especially suited to thermally demanding processes. As antistatic agents, they dissipate electrostatic charges that build up during processing and use, preventing dust attraction issues and risks in electrostatic-sensitive environments.

Product Range for the Polymer Industry

Spiga Nord offers a structured range of refined vegetable polyglycerols designed to cover the diverse application needs of the polymer sector. Each product is identified by a number indicating its condensation grade and features distinct physicochemical characteristics.

Applications Beyond Polymers: The Versatility of Polyglycerols

Spiga Nord's research commitment extends well beyond polymers. Refined vegetable polyglycerols find application across numerous other industrial and technological sectors, confirming their extraordinary versatility.

Sustainability and Compliance: The Values That Drive Spiga Nord

In an era where regulatory pressures and consumer expectations are pushing the chemical industry towards a more sustainable model, Spiga Nord stands at the forefront. All products are obtained exclusively from renewable vegetable sources, without any genetically modified organisms (GMO-free), and comply with the most stringent international standards.

According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) ↗, regulatory trends in Europe are increasingly oriented towards replacing synthetic chemical additives with natural-origin alternatives that carry better toxicological profiles. In this landscape, refined vegetable polyglycerols represent precisely the kind of solution the industry is seeking — high performance, certified safety, and renewable origin.

The growing interest from major international polymer producers confirms that sustainability is no longer just a compliance requirement: it has become a genuine competitive advantage. Choosing bio-based raw materials such as Spiga Nord's polyglycerols allows manufacturers to align with the European Green Deal ↗ objectives and respond to the increasing demand for greener supply chains from brand owners and end consumers alike.

Why Choose Spiga Nord as Your Polymer Partner

Choosing Spiga Nord means relying on a company that manufactures the finished product directly, with full control over every stage of the supply chain. This vertical integration is the strongest guarantee of consistent quality over time, free from the variability typical of complex procurement chains.

With over sixty years of experience, a presence in 39 countries, and a customer base that includes the world's leading manufacturers of polymers, cosmetics, food products, and pharmaceuticals, Spiga Nord is a strategic partner capable of supporting new formulation development and responding swiftly to market demands.

To explore the full range of refined vegetable polyglycerols available for the polymer industry, visit the official Spiga Nord product page.

Conclusion

Refined vegetable polyglycerols from Spiga Nord represent one of the most advanced and strategic solutions available to the modern polymer industry. Their ability to function as plasticisers, anti-fogging agents, lubricants, and antistatic agents — combined with certified regulatory compliance, consistent quality, and 100% green origin — makes them indispensable ingredients for manufacturers seeking to stand out in both performance and environmental responsibility.

From flexible food packaging films to high-temperature technical fluids, from antistatic solutions to industrial surfactants, Spiga Nord offers tailored solutions for every production need, backed by over six decades of experience and an unmatched proprietary technology.