A process for providing detergent compositions comprising synthesizing mono and di esters from biologically derived 1,3-propanediol an incorporating said esters into detergent formulations. The basic process involves producing and purifying biologically derived 1,3-propanediol, synthesizing mono and di esters by the condensation of 1,3-propanediol with an acid using a catalyst, recovering the ester and incorporating said ester into a detergent formulation. The compositions made from the biologically derived 1,3-propanediol are also encompassed by the invention.