Laundry detergent products are essential in households worldwide, and the drive for sustainability in this space is gaining momentum. The latest innovations highlight not only environmental responsibility but also high performance. With the introduction of Evonik’s REWOFERM® Rhamnolipids in laundry pouches, a new era in eco-friendly cleaning solutions is emerging. Here’s how biosurfactants are enhancing laundry detergents and meeting consumer demands for green, effective products.

The Rising Demand for Sustainable Laundry Solutions

Recent years have seen a shift in consumer expectations around laundry detergents. While convenience and effectiveness remain critical, sustainability is now a priority for many shoppers. In regions like Europe and Asia Pacific, eco-friendly laundry pouches are steadily gaining market share, especially among younger generations and higher-income households. By choosing products that reduce their environmental footprint, these consumers are setting a trend for the future of the detergent industry.

Introducing REWOFERM® Rhamnolipids: Biosurfactants with a Green Edge

Evonik’s REWOFERM® Rhamnolipids mark a transformative step in detergent formulations. Rhamnolipids are biosurfactants derived from renewable resources, offering excellent cleaning power with minimal environmental impact. Key advantages include:

  • Low toxicity: Safe for oceanic life and non-hazardous for wastewater ecosystems.
  • Biodegradability: Fully biodegradable, ensuring a reduced environmental footprint after use.
  • Compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with water-soluble PVOH films, which makes it ideal for unit-dose packaging in laundry pouches.

Performance on Par with Premium Detergents

One common concern with sustainable detergents is that they may sacrifice cleaning performance. However, REWOFERM® Rhamnolipids dispel this misconception by delivering cleaning results that match or exceed those of traditional surfactants. Testing on 15 standard stains—including challenging substances like motor oil, blood, and chocolate—has shown that these biosurfactants achieve remarkable stain removal even at lower washing temperatures.

Adapting Formulations for Maximum Sustainability

The laundry industry has historically relied on fossil-fuel-based surfactants. REWOFERM® Rhamnolipids help shift away from these sources, allowing formulators to incorporate plant-based and fully biodegradable ingredients. Additionally, these biosurfactants maintain stability without the use of MEA (Monoethanolamine), further minimizing their environmental impact.

Looking Forward: The Future of Sustainable Laundry

As more brands incorporate biosurfactants like REWOFERM® Rhamnolipids, consumers can expect a broader range of effective, eco-friendly options. Innovations such as these allow formulators to prioritize environmental responsibility without sacrificing cleaning performance.

The journey toward sustainable laundry solutions is well underway, and Evonik’s REWOFERM® is setting a high bar, balancing efficacy with environmental consciousness in a way that resonates with the needs of today’s consumers.