Biodegradable microencapsulation for fabric softeners and liquid detergents

New processes for healthier microencapsulation

Our microencapsulation laboratories have already filed a patent for the biodegradable properties of microcapsules for fabric softeners and liquid detergents, and we are currently doing research to improve their performance, which is not equal to the usual standard capsules.
For this purpose we use biodegradable polymers, with our expertise and know-how focusing on process development, thereby limiting the use of organic solvents that are toxic to the environment.
A totally innovative system has been created in the area of microencapsulation, with this biodegradable technology allowing the incorporation of complementary active substances in the same system, with the primary aim of considerably improving the product’s effectiveness.
The different technologies used in the formulation of biodegradable particles push us to perfect the emulsion, but also to highlight the particle stabilisation mechanism and to improve the deposition of microcapsules on the linen.
We take care to prioritise natural polymers over synthetic polymers, which do not have these desired biodegradable properties.
Our goal is to find and use “greener” technologies, corresponding to demands that are increasingly in tune with the times.
On top of that, our improved formulas using complex coacervation will allow for better use of natural products.
Our current research is aimed at achieving a slower, steadier and therefore longer release of fragrances over time.

Biodegradable microencapsulation in detergents and softeners is an alternative solution to the microplastic compounds that are used in the usual technology.
The presence of biodegradable particles is in accordance with the European legislation that is taking shape: from 2022, the use of microplastic compounds will be banned, which will banish the current technologies in Europe.
To comply with this legislation, the microcapsules must therefore be biodegradable, and if possible biocompatible and bio-sourced, i.e. derived from natural renewable resources, in particular plant resources.
Our laboratories are undergoing rapid change in this area, particularly due to the arrival of regulatory constraints that require the use of environmentally friendly solutions. Given the numerous changes in European legislation, we are improving our microcapsule formulas to meet customer expectations and thus avoid the manufacture of “microplastics”.
At present, our microcapsules used in the detergent area are not completely biodegradable, but their olfactory properties make it possible to save on the quantities of fragrance during their use, because they are deposited directly on the linen in a more effective way than before.

The microcapsule walls contain natural active ingredients to ensure biodegradable properties.
These are less toxic and contain more environmentally friendly polymers, but are less effective technically. This is why they are less resistant to temperature ageing (they degrade because they are designed for this) and their fragrance content must be limited to 35%, whereas this content can usually reach 40% or even 45% in some cases.
For the sake of consumers and our customers, our laboratories manufacture products containing healthier microcapsules which, by clinging to the laundry, not only prevent the fragrance particles from not being exploited to their full potential and ending up in the sewers, but also have a beneficial effect on the environment.
The performance of biodegradable capsules compared to non-biodegradable capsules will of course be different, the former will not have the same qualities of preservation and aging of the fragrance as those with a classic formulation, but we try to improve as much as possible the compounds of the environmentally friendly microcapsules to allow our customers to prefer biodegradability to synthetic for the fragrance content.