Rhamnolipid: Solutions to Next Generation SLES, LAS, and MEA-Free Laundry Pods

Rhamnolipid: Solutions to Next Generation SLES, LAS, and MEA-Free Laundry Pods

Authors: Jung Shin, Alexandra Trambitas, Kurt Seidel, Konrad Grygiel, and Meris Milek

Since the introduction of laundry pods in 2012, they have quickly become one of the fastest-growing types of laundry detergent on the market, compared to powder and liquid forms. Laundry pods provide a convenient and mess-free way to deliver detergent while ensuring effective cleaning performance. As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability and transparency, the demand for eco-friendly, natural laundry products is rising. In this study, we discuss Rhamnolipid's ability to improve laundry pod's sustainability profile and performance by effectively replacing SLES, LAS, and MEA.

Rhamnolipid, a naturally produced Biosurfactant created through fermentation, is 100% renewable and biodegradable, providing a top-tier sustainability profile. It serves as a primary and secondary surfactant and replaces standard surfactants in the laundry formulation. Traditional laundry pods often contain primary surfactants such as SLES and LAS, for which consumers commonly question sustainability. In addition, Rhamnolipid has a complex chemical structure with multifunctional properties that make it effective for cleaning while also enabling homogeneity and solubilization of components in highly concentrated formulations. This added functionality can replace traditionally used MEA in the laundry pod formulations and enhance their environmental profile.

In evaluations based on Standard Laundry Detergent testing guidelines, Rhamnolipid-based pouches consistently matched or exceeded the cleaning efficacy of leading commercial detergents. This Rhamnolipid formulation represents next-generation chemistry in laundry pods, offering an effective and efficient solution for enhancing sustainability while ensuring excellent stain removal capabilities.