FLAVIO MARCHESI
CISME Italy srl, Milan, Italy

Abstract

Modern detergents require ingredients that enhance cleaning efficiency while considering skin equilibrium and reducing environmental impact.
Producers of detergents are seeking for raw materials with higher washing performance to reduce chemical usage, packaging, water consumption, and pollution. In detergents such as dishwashing liquids there is a need for high washing efficiency, foaming properties, viscosity, skin compatibility, low environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness.
Putting together all such requirements is the final goal of each formulator.
Manual dishwashing liquid detergents, are mainly based on ‘primary surfactants’ like LABS and SLES, along with secondary surfactants or co-surfactants. However, secondary surfactants can have conflicting effects on desired characteristics.
The aim of this article is to draw the attention to a new anionic primary multifunctional surfactant, that addresses multiple issues for formulators.

Introduction
The pursuit of modern detergent formulations focuses on achieving heightened cleaning efficiency while minimizing the environmental impact and maintaining skin compatibility.
Dishwashing liquids typically contain primary surfactants like Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Sodium Salt (LABS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate 2EO (SLES-2EO), along with secondary surfactants serving specific purposes. Formulators aim to balance various requirements, including washing efficiency, excellent foaming properties, optimal viscosity and rheological behaviour, skin compatibility during and after use, low environmental impact, and reasonable cost-effectiveness.

Reducing the environmental impact is a critical consideration, leading detergent producers to search for ingredients that enhance washing performance and minimize ecological footprint of their products. By incorporating these materials, manufacturers can reduce the quantity of chemicals used in the formulation, the packaging size, and the plastic consumption, thereby decreasing waste generation and conserving resources.
Improved cleaning efficacy also contributes to water ...