Molecular microencapsulation for liquid detergents and softeners

The basic process of microencapsulation in detergents and softeners

This microencapsulation technology is based on chemistry. It makes it possible to integrate liquids inside a membrane. The material is usually a polymer that will encompass almost the entire active ingredient, for example the fragrance of the washing powder and thereby make it hypoallergenic. These microcapsules can contain a large number of particles that may be more or less hydrophilic or lipophilic.
A hydrophilic molecule has a strong affinity with water, allowing it to dissolve quickly; however, lipophilic molecules tend to be attracted to a fatty substance, especially oil, which can be incorporated into microcapsules for laundry and softeners. Microencapsulation is used here to enable lipophilic fragrances to be dispersed in water.

Our knowledge has been acquired over the years and is today being applied in our encapsulation technology. These microcapsules are usually very effective and act quickly. We apply these technologies to the benefit of our customers in the liquid detergent and softener industries. All our technologies and research ensure a progressive improvement of microencapsulation by optimising our formulas using our know-how acquired in this area.
The size of the microcapsules makes it possible to control when they will break, causing the fragrance to be released into a detergent or softener. In addition, we can produce a so-called “free” fragrance, which will be directly incorporated into our formula, giving more richness to the product and ensuring the presence of fragrance as soon as the detergent container is opened. This can give more adequate properties to the washing environment.
Microencapsulation therefore provides us with control over the release of the active ingredient, or even enables us to precisely target the place where the microcapsule clings. This technology is thereby made very effective, but it also remains simple and easy to use and the fragrance is always protected until it is used.

The encapsulated fragrance used in liquid detergents and fabric softeners is released when clothes are rubbed or in contact with the outside environment. This fragrance release process is a key step in the area of detergent products, the aim being to release the fragrance we have introduced into the microcapsules at a specific time for optimal control, making this olfactory experience more effective.
This technology ensures that the effect of the perfume lasts for weeks, which is a feature of choice for our customers. This leads to products with a higher olfactory concentration for a longer period of time and therefore with a longer shelf life.
We also continue to give priority to the environmental aspects, with increasingly restrictive specifications aligned with new European standards, as is the case for biodegradable microcapsules which are more environmentally friendly. As laundry detergent and fabric softeners are the largest consumers of these microcapsules, we always take into account the quality of the fragrance, but also its release, cost and of course European regulations when launching an optimisation phase.