Exploring Trends and Solutions for Modern Home Care and I&I Cleaning with Multifunctional Ingredients

Interview with Marina Evangelista, Application Laboratory Manager,
IMCD Home Care and I&I

What are the key trends shaping Home Care and I&I?

Sustainability and performance optimisation are top priorities. Both consumers and businesses are increasingly conscious of environmental impacts, fuelling demand for sustainable ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and effective, long-lasting formulations. Additionally, regulatory standards are tightening, pushing manufacturers toward greater transparency, compliance, and innovation. When it comes to cleaning products, there is now a growing emphasis on solutions that deliver multiple benefits -such as deep cleaning combined with surface protection or odour-neutralising capabilities. Thus, developing products with multifunctional ingredients has become essential for formulators aiming to meet these evolving market needs.

How can multifunctional ingredients address the needs of this evolving market?

Multifunctional ingredients are particularly effective because they offer both flexibility and efficiency, which are crucial for Home Care and I&I applications. By incorporating a single ingredient with multiple functions, you can streamline formulations, reduce costs, and simplify the supply chain. Concentrated formulas, which continue to increase in popularity, are a key beneficiary from multifunctional ingredients because they help reduce packaging waste, shipping costs, and storage needs. By using fewer but more versatile ingredients, it is possible to develop concentrated products that meet sustainability goals and consumer demand.

How is IMCD supporting the market’s sustainability goals?

At IMCD, we’re on a mission with our partners to build a safer, eco-conscious and more circular future. Through our Sustainable Solutions portfolio, we make it easier for our team and customers to select sustainable alternatives. This approach is about providing clear classifications for our materials and allowing our customers to quickly assess and adopt sustainable solutions tailored to their unique needs.

Our Sustainable Solutions portfolio covers a range of categories: Circular and Renewable - ingredients derived from renewable or recycled sources; Durability - materials focused on extending product lifespan; Emission, Waste & Resources - ingredients that reduce or eliminate emissions and waste, with an increased shelf life, helping to achieve a lower carbon footprint; Material Efficiency & Innovation - raw materials that achieve strong performance with fewer resources; People, Health & Safety - raw materials that are not classified as a substance of concern/hazardous; and Productivity & Energy - materials that promote energy savings in manufacturing and end-use.

At SEPAWA 2024, we introduced three key ingredients to enhance sustainability and performance: MARVELLENZ® 2000 from IFF, a new,  granular enzyme blend for optimal stain removal in automatic dishwashing; Polyepoxysuccinic acid (PESA) from SNF, available in liquid (FLOSPERSE™ HPSA) and granular (FLOSPERSE™ PSD HPSA) formats, which serves as a phosphate replacement across applications; and Evozyme GT 50X from Genesis Biosciences, a multi-strain beneficial bacterial solution for long-lasting cleaning and deodorising.

How do engineered enzymes improve cleaning performance in Laundry and Automatic Dishwashing (ADW) applications?

Highly engineered enzymes play a critical role in modern cleaning, especially in laundry and ADW where efficient, low-temperature cleaning is essential. These enzymes are formulated to target specific stains, effectively breaking down organic materials at the molecular level. As a result, they reduce the need for harsh chemicals while enabling effective cleaning at lower temperatures and in shorter cycles. This approach not only saves energy but also supports a more sustainable cleaning process. MARVELLENZ® 2000 from IFF, for example, allows consumers to use shorter cycles, d elivers premium performance even under demanding conditions, and provides consistent performance time after time.

Why are phosphates and phosphonates falling out of favour, and how does PESA serve as an alternative?

While phosphates and phosphonates have long been valued as chelating agents, they present environmental challenges, particularly in aquatic ecosystems, where they contribute to nutrient pollution and eutrophication. Furthermore, regulatory restrictions on phosphates are tightening worldwide. PESA offers an alternative that provides effective corrosion inhibition and prevents limescale buildup without the environmental concerns associated with phosphates. PESA is also biodegradable and highly efficient in both hard and soft water, making it a versatile replacement.

How do beneficial bacteria improve cleaning formulations, particularly for Home Care and I&I applications?

Beneficial bacteria, such as those found in Evozyme GT 50X, bring a range of unique advantages to cleaning formulations. They provide a natural and effective solution for odour control by neutralising malodours at their source, preventing the buildup of organic residues. This makes them ideal for use in fabric refreshers, deodorisers, and general-purpose cleaners. They also reduce the frequency of cleaning required, making them particularly useful in I&I applications where maintaining sanitation is crucial. Importantly, beneficial bacteria are also biodegradable, safe for users, and can reduce the reliance on harsh chemicals, making them a responsible choice for diverse surfaces and environments.

Can multifunctional ingredients deliver the high cleaning power required in industrial settings?

Yes, multifunctional ingredients are perfectly suited to industrial settings. For example, PESA performs exceptionally well under challenging conditions such as high temperatures and hard water. It prevents both scale buildup and corrosion on equipment and surfaces. Similarly, engineered enzymes in industrial laundry or dish applications offer effective cleaning at lower temperatures and shorter cycles, which not only conserves energy but also reduces chemical residue on surfaces. Additionally, beneficial bacteria provide an extended cleaning effect that reduces the required frequency of cleaning, which is especially valuable in high-traffic areas or locations where long-term odour control is essential

Finally, how important are transparency and regulatory compliance in today’s Home Care and I&I markets?

Ingredient transparency and regulatory compliance are more important than ever. Consumers and regulatory authorities are demanding clearer information about ingredient sourcing, functionality, and environmental impact. Certifications such as EU-Ecolabel and Safer Choice provide consumers with confidence that products meet strict safety and environmental standards. At IMCD, our multifunctional ingredients not only enhance cleaning performance but also comply with international regulations, allowing manufacturers to maintain transparency, build consumer trust, and achieve success in an increasingly competitive market.

At IMCD Home Care and I&I, we have a vast portfolio of multifunctional ingredients to help producers meet shifting market demands, elevate performance, and create a world of opportunity.