SEPAWA® CONGRESS 2022 

Speaker: Dr. Coralie Alonso

Company: Ashland Industries Netherland BV

Title: Novel Nature Derived Polymeric System for Softness and Suspension in Fabric Softeners

Abstract: Fabric conditioners deliver a constant fragrance performance after repeated washes, due to fragrance capsules that are suspended uniformly in dense lamellar gel phase of quats (softening agent). However, suspension becomes a challenge in low quat systems. Therefore, additional ingredients such as polyacrylates are commonly used as suspending agents. As consumer preference for natural and biodegradable ingredients gains momentum globally, synthetic solutions are losing favor, resulting in an increasing demand for efficient suspending agents derived from natural polymers. EcothixTM polymer is novel polysaccharide system that functions as a softening booster and suspension aid for fragrance encapsulates. By association with the lamellar gel phase, it increases the yield value of quat systems. The fragrance performance of free and encapsulated fragrance was evaluated via a sensory panel at day zero (air-dried fabric) and 7 days later, before and after rubbing the fabric at both time points. The panel reported no impact on performance for either. The yield value increases linearly with dosage from about 0.4Pa at 0.1% to 1.5Pa at 0.5% weight polymer in a formulation containing 5% quats, without impacting the viscosity and hence pourability of the product. Thanks to its unique chemistry and substantive to some fabrics, it also provides additional softness. This boost was perceived as significant in several sensory panel tests. It provides rheology and suspension across a wide pH range for good pour aesthetics. it is cold processable, compatible with hot process and does not require neutralization. EcothixTM polymer has a natural origin content of more than 70% according to the ISO 16128 2:2017 standards. it contains more than 80% of components that are either readily or primary, inherently biodegradable following OECD 301D and OECD 302B testing methodology and is not classified as a microplastic following current ECHA restriction guidelines.