Let's make liquid detergents
Although invented in the early 20th century by Otto Rohm, detergents gained popularity in the 1950s due to the development of modern technology and washing machines which started replacing scrub boards. The liquid detergent manufacturing process involves three key stages: soap premix manufacture, ingredient mixing and enzyme addition.
Which liquid detergents equipment do you need?
Liquid detergent filling machine
Combined wraparound and shrink-wrap packer
Robot palletizer for liquid containers
Versatile bottle sorting system
Residual liquid inspection system
Advanced residual liquid inspection system
High-frequency fill level controller
Optical fill level controller
X-ray fill level controller
Compact shrink sleeve applicator
Electric shrink tunnel solution
Low speed can sleeve applicator
Low speed shrink sleeve applicator
Shrink sleeve applicator - 400 per minute
Shrink sleeve applicator - 600 per minute
In-line tamper evident applicator head
Shrink sleeve applicator - 800 per minute
Laboratory size auto-steam shrink system
Advanced auto-steam shrink system
Premium steam tunnel for sleeve application
Tamper-evident sleeve applicator for caps
Energy efficient tunnel for sleeve application
High-speed unscrambler for large bottles
High-speed unscrambler for small bottles
Low-speed unscrambler
Acid filling machine
Automatic bottle capping machine
Semi-automatic trigger capping machine
Self-adhesive linear labeling machine for bottles
Low speed Filler for large-volume parenterals
Wrap-around case packer for cans or bottles
Shrink wrapping machine for PET bottles
Multifunction case packer for bottles and jars
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The essential steps in the liquid detergent manufacturing process
In addition to liquid laundry and dish-washing liquid detergents, household cleaners such as floor cleaning liquids or glass cleaners are also classified as liquid detergents. All these detergents can be produced in the same plant. Substantially, liquid detergents are powders mixed with water and chemical solutions called solubilizers, making detergents dissolvable in water. The first stage of the liquid detergent manufacturing process consists of neutralizing fatty acids with either caustic soda or potassium hydroxide.
After the chemical reaction and the premix step, ingredients such as thickeners and pH adjusters are added to a homogeneous mixer. These balancing ingredients are essential to achieve desirable viscosity, stability, and pH value. In the enzyme addition stage, powdered enzymes are added to the cooled mixture due to their delicate nature.
Their role is to break down tough stains and soils. Enzymes like lipase are good for removing grease and oil while amylase, for instance, can remove starch-based or carbohydrate soils. Lastly, liquidized detergents are pumped into bottles by a filling system, weighted on weighing devices and sealed by a capping machine.
What’s the difference between liquid dishwashing detergent and liquid laundry detergent?
The formula of the two liquid detergents is almost very similar even though, if you think about it, they are designed for totally different applications.
Since dishwashing detergents are designed for frequent contact with human skin they contain mildness additives and antibacterial agents. Moisturizing agents, oils and protein compounds are added to protect the skin and prevent tears. They also contain chelating agents and preservatives due to oxidation. Furthermore, dishwashing detergents use sodium Laureth sulfate as a surfactant which acts as a foaming agent.
On the contrary, surfactants used in liquid laundry detergents are alkyl or aryl sulphonates, which restrict suds. The use of enzymes in laundry detergents is essential since they exterminate stains that grip the fabric. Moreover, laundry detergents use ingredients specified for protecting fabric and washing machine parts. Builders improve the effectiveness of the surfactant, polymers help capture soils and prevent dye from coming off and transferring to textile, bleach preserves color while softeners reduce fabric friction. Finally, corrosion inhibitors protect the parts of washing machines from corrosion.
The environmental impact of liquid detergents
In recent years, the detergent industry has faced various environmental challenges, since detergents contain several harmful chemicals. Surfactants damage the protective layers of fish, leaving them vulnerable to parasites, bacteria and other pollutants. Another problem caused by a standard surfactant was foam creation in the nation’s waterways. It was discovered that the problem was caused by ABS (alkyl-benzene sulfonate). Nowadays, manufacturers replaced ABS with LAS (linear alkylate sulfonate), which biodegrades faster than ABS.
Although phosphates were banned for causing eutrophication by inducing algae population explosions, environmental damage is still driven by its alternatives. Chemicals such as nonylphenol ethoxylated, acetaldehyde and benzene further contribute to water and air pollution.
Additionally, liquid detergents are sold in plastic bottles, which end up in oceans, waterways and landfills. However, manufacturers of liquid detergents are looking for solutions to avoid harming the marine environment. Eco-friendly solutions are being developed such as detergents made with plant-based ingredients and biodegradable packaging.
