Polymers
What are they?
Polymers can have various purposes within detergents. They are synthesized to provide the final molecule with the desired functionality and usually represent the backbone of a specific detergent, carrying its ad hoc functionalities.
More on Persil polymers
The most commonly used polymers in Persil´s formulas are:
Anti-redeposition agents
Help keeping dissolved soil stable in the wash liquor, preventing its re-deposition on textiles. They also help ensuring anti-greying.
De-foamers
Help maintaining the rise of foam under control to avoid high foaming or water spilling from the washing machines, if an excessive dosage of detergent is used.
Dye transfer inhibitors
Maintain leached dye stable in wash liquor and prevent dye re-deposition on other textiles and color staining. They are a typical component of any effective color detergent.
Opacifiers
Cause light refraction in liquid detergents and give the product the traditional white and creamy appearance that signals care and mildness. Henkel is committed to remove all microplastic made opacifiers in the short-term.
Performance polymers
In addition to surfactants, some Persil products contain polymers for special performance purposes, e.g. deeper stain removal or better shine.
Soil release polymers
Absorb on fibers during washing and build a protective layer. In case of new soiling with oily stains, the removal of stain is strongly improved.
Viscosity agents
Control the viscosity of Persil Gels.
Why and how do we use them?
Persil uses different polymers to fulfill various specific purposes, such as preventing dirt re-deposition on the fibers, inhibiting dye transfer or performing on soil release. Many polymers show good biodegradability. However, for some degradability is still slow. Persil constantly scrutinize its ingredients and is committed to exchange polymers with better degradable one , provided that these latter can ensure a similar performance.
Where do they come from?
Polymers are synthetic organic molecules tailored to their specific purpose in the laundry or home care product.