Our laboratory’s expertise in microencapsulation in softeners

• Our teams of laboratory finders have carried out various tests used in the design of microcapsules for softeners.
• The results obtained are optimal, especially in the precise adjustment of the silicone content of the wall.
• Melamine is also preferably used in combination with a high molecular weight aldehyde. The primary goal of this combination is to significantly reduce or even eliminate formaldehyde.
• We have also improved the properties of the melamine polymer, prioritising microcapsule cross-linking, leading to the filing of a French patent in 2014.
• This research has made it possible, inter alia, to improve the cling of the microcapsules and their resistance to ageing, allowing better storage of softeners in overheated sheds and thereby preserving their freshness and fragrance.
• All the progress in microencapsulation is leading us towards the development of microcapsules with carefully adjusted electrical charges, with an average fragrance rate of 40% calculated in relation to the slurry as delivered, a rate that can reach 45% fragrance in the case of washing powders. This rate should be compared to the 35% of anionic microcapsules usually used in this area.
• We can also present you with formulations that contain free fragrance in mixture with the microcapsules. This reduces costs while maintaining the properties of conventional microcapsules.
• Formulations containing free fragrance enables the product to release its fragrance when the bottle is opened. This is an advantage for the user, who thus has a ready-made preparation containing all the fragrance used in the final composition.
• This allows us to reduce the production cost, which is of economic interest to the end user.
• Our research has also driven us to manufacture biodegradable microcapsules, in order to meet the new European Union legislation and to reduce consumer fears and protect the environment when using softeners.
• Our goal has been to find natural substitutes for the synthetic polymers we use in our standard encapsulation technologies. Our finders have developed “greener” formulas and technologies, notably in microencapsulation by complex coacervation, allowing the mixing of two active substances with different properties.
• However, we do not guarantee such a long fragrance resistance at high temperatures in fabric softeners, which is currently the primary goal of our upcoming research into improving the aging of fragrances.

Constantly advancing microencapsulation processes

• The research we do on microencapsulation in the area of softeners for detergent products has enabled us to develop multiple processes and methods that we use to improve our formulas in the different areas of our company.
• For example, we have recently produced double-walled silicone and aminoplast microcapsules with a very low formaldehyde content, which we use in softeners and liquid detergents in particular. Their main feature is excellent temperature ageing in these media.
• Different microencapsulation techniques are being developed, with formulations that we are constantly improving. We use the emulsion/stabilisation process to create more or less fine droplets. It is then possible to dry the suspension of microcapsules in a spray dryer, if a customer request this.
• Mixed microencapsulation enables us to produce microcapsules of different diameters, in order to trap the fragrances as much as possible while ensuring their controlled release over time, according to our customers’ requirements.
• Our cutting-edge technologies, our numerous production materials and our know-how in microencapsulation guarantee all our customers who trust us quality membrane encapsulation (or “core-shell”) processes, while preserving the characteristics of the active ingredients that are stored at the heart of each microcapsule.