UNSPSC 12161909: Betaine surfactant

Betaine surfactants as internally compensated quaternary ammonium compounds that differ from quaternary ammonium salts in that they do not have a mobile anion. Betaines retain their positive molecular charge and cationic character in both acidic and alkaline media. Betaines are inherently mild to the skin and eyes. They also have strong anti-irritant properties when combined with anionic surfactants as shown later in this chapter. Betaines are not affected by water hardness and produce excellent foam with good stability in soft and hard water.

UNSPSC 12161909 Betaine surfactant is a Commodity code encompassing specialty surfactant products used in chemical formulations for industrial, environmental, and facility maintenance applications. The recent opportunities show state and local governments procuring surfactants as components within broader chemical programs — including vegetation management adjuvants, dewatering agents for wastewater treatment, and institutional chemical formulations for corrections facilities. The code captures both bulk specialty-chemical procurement for government operations and embedded surfactant products within larger chemical-management contracts. Issuing bodies span state departments of enterprise services and transportation, county governments, municipal utilities, and state corrections agencies. These jurisdictions buy surfactants through statewide cooperative purchasing vehicles as well as standalone RFPs and ITBs for specific operational needs.

Geographic activity centers on Washington State, Florida, and Michigan based on recent postings. Washington State Department of Enterprise Services posted a statewide Vegetation Management & Related Products RFP in July 2026 due August 20, 2026, establishing multi-year contracts for surfactants and adjuvants across state and municipal purchasers; historical annual spending on related products ranged from $914,419 to $3.87 million. Volusia County, Florida issued ITB 2363 in August 2026 for cationic liquid polymer used in wastewater dewatering, with virtual pre-bid conference and online submission through the City of Daytona Beach's procurement platform; bidders must hold valid pesticide dealer licenses and pass third-party testing protocols. Michigan Department of Corrections procured bulk chemicals including specialty formulations through Michigan State Industries, with recommended awards totaling approximately $3.12 million across the initial three-year term. All three opportunities require bidders to register on state electronic procurement systems and comply with product safety documentation and testing validation requirements.