For the second time the SOFW best paper awards winners have been selected. Again, an independent panel of specialists assessed 65 papers published in the SOFW journal in 2021. 

Two of the winning papers focus on Home Care, one on Personal Care. We congratulate the winners and encourage everyone in the industry to continue submitting technical and scientific articles. One of our readers from a prominent producer of both Home and Personal Care products recently mentioned, that reading in our trade literature inspires innovations. 

Unfortunately, once again the pandemic situation hinders a face to face award ceremony. Never the less we are happy to announce the winners here and sincerely hope, that in 2022 we can all meet in person again.

Congratulations again and: Stay healthy!

The winner of the first prize is the article:

The Road to More Sustainability and Functionality in Liquid Laundry Detergents

Authors: A. Phyfferoen, J. Swazey

Companies: CP Kelco UK Ltd. & CP Kelco U.S., Inc.

Abstract 

As consumer trends push the laundry markets towards more environmentally friendly formulations and practices, these industries will need an alternative technology to provide reliable suspension. FDC (fermentation-derived cellulose) is a powerful option for both performance and increased sustainability, offering excellent suspension properties, low cost in use, and due to its insolubility, unmatched limits of compatibility. Its three-dimensional net-like structure enables FDC to structure liquids, suspend perfume microbeads at inclusion levels as low as 0.5% - 1.5% “as is”, and stabilize opacifiers and any insoluble ingredients with inclusion levels that will depend on the density difference between the media and particle size.

The winner of the second prize is the paper:

Hydrophobic Cellulose – Micro-fine Texture at Ultra-strong Performance for a Measurable Soft-focus Effect

Authors: J. Schulte, A. Huneke, J. Ryll

Company: CFF GmbH & Co. KG

Abstract 

Cosmetic products for a young and fresh appearance have moved beyond finding their place on the drugstore shelves merely as target group-specific niche products today. They have become established in both day care and colour cosmetics for all age groups. The soft-focus effect, for example, visually reduces small facial wrinkles to make the skin appear rejuvenated within seconds. In the process, fine powders settle into skin imperfections, causing a change in the way light is scattered. CFF GmbH & Co. KG has succeeded in developing an innovative natural raw material that achieves an extraordinary soft-focus effect and keeps up with the performance of synthetic powders such as PMMA and Nylon-12 with its hydrophobic cellulose. Hydrophobic cellulose is on par with any microplastic powders in its sensory properties and texture. It entirely imitates their characteristic profile. This article provides an overview of the application of hydrophobic cellulose as a soft-focus additive in comparison to microplastic powders.

The winning article of the third prize is:

A Natural, Powerful and Biodegradable Suspension Agent for Home Care

Authors: S. Zhou, M. Chabert, C. Orizet

Company: Solvay

Abstract 

We present an innovative, natural and readily biodegradable suspension agent that opens new possibilities to homecare formulators. When added to detergent formulas, it brings a very powerful suspension capacity without any perceivable impact on viscosity. The agent is based on activated cellulose fibers obtained through the fermentation of starch using specific bacterial strains. We present rheology measurements that allow us to predict the suspension power of a detergent formula supplemented with the agent, based on its rheology at low shear rates. The yield stress value extracted from Bingham plots highly correlates with the density and size of the objects that can be suspended with the agent. We show the application of the agent in multiple home care formulations, in particular the suspension of decorative visual beads and concentrated fragrance in a typical liquid laundry formula. We describe how it is simple to add the suspension agent to a formula due to its pre-activated liquid format. A formula supplemented with the suspension agent is stable for several months at 45°C, with sustained suspension power and no demixion or change in aspect, highlighting the suitability of the suspension agent for commercial consumer products.

>> Download Special Edition of SOFW Journal with awarded papers: