TOPIC: NERASOFT® S10 - Unlocking the future of fabric softeners
The shift towards sustainability is reshaping the landscape of the home care industry, and fabric care products are in the spotlight. Given the urgent need to reduce CO₂ emissions, plastic use and water and energy consumption, the industry is exploring innovative formats such as concentrated liquids, solid forms and refillable packaging. Within this context, fabric softeners face unique challenges. Normally composed of over 80% water and reliant on cationic actives with limited flexibility in terms of formulation, they pose significant technical obstacles to achieving more sustainable, water-efficient solutions.
At the same time, consumer expectations remain high, especially in areas such as fabric protection and long-lasting fragrance, which continues to be a key differentiator in the market. Balancing sustainability goals with performance requirements is critical, as fabric care evolves to meet both environmental and consumer demands.
Kao Chemicals Europe has created a new generation of products called NERASOFT, providing a solution to various technical challenges. To overcome some of the limitations of current market esterquats and formulate new sustainable formats, NERASOFT® S10 was developed, shifting fabric softeners towards sustainability.
This innovative ingredient disperses rapidly in water, forming stable opaque dispersions even at low temperatures. Thanks to its unique properties, it allows sustainable fabric softener formats to be developed, including waterless products that can either be diluted by the end user or applied directly.
In addition to being easy to use, this ingredient provides excellent softening, enhanced fragrance deposition and fabric care benefits.
In summary, this new material is a versatile and effective solution, allowing the development of next-generation, eco-friendly fabric softeners. It supports the creation of a wide array of market-ready products that will contribute to a more sustainable society and a cleaner, healthier world.