Since the “Grenelle de l’Environnement” on May 21, 2007, ecology has become an omnipresent theme, and everyone is looking for a more environmentally-friendly way of life. Today, this research touches every field. But the one we’re sure affects everyone is, of course, laundry! Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as clean laundry that stays clean…
The use of detergent is therefore essential, but it can also be environmentally friendly!
With this in mind, today we’re going to take a look at the major trends in laundry detergent.
To begin with, we’re going to outline the emerging consumer trends in detergents and their compositions. Next, we’ll look at the different types of detergent that are currently in increasing demand by consumers, then tackle the problem of microplastics, and finally talk about the “no-wash” and “slow laundry” concepts.
If you’re wondering what detergent properties and compositions are important to the consumer, here’s an overview of the answer:
- Sustainability and ecology: Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the products they use. Environmentally-friendly detergents are gaining in popularity, with biodegradable formulas, natural ingredients and sustainable packaging.
- Hypoallergenicity and skin sensitivity: Many people have sensitive skin or allergies, so they look for mild detergents that don’t irritate the skin. Fragrance-free, colorant-free and irritant-free formulations are often preferred.
- Concentration and reduced packaging: Concentrated detergents are increasingly common on the market. They require less packaging and reduce transport costs. In addition, refills and recyclable packaging are preferred to reduce plastic waste.
- Low-temperature efficiency: Detergents that work efficiently at lower temperatures are in demand. This saves energy during washing, while maintaining satisfactory wash results.
- Enzymes and active agents: Increasingly, detergent manufacturers are using enzymes and active agents to improve the effectiveness of their products. These ingredients help remove stubborn stains and improve overall laundry performance.
- Sustainable fragrances: Consumers appreciate pleasant scents on their laundry, but they are increasingly aware of the synthetic ingredients and potentially harmful substances present in fragrances. Detergents using natural, sustainable fragrances are therefore gaining in popularity.
These emerging trends reflect changing consumer preferences towards products that are more environmentally-friendly, gentler on the skin and more effective.
Now that we’ve seen what consumers are looking for in terms of detergent composition and usefulness, let’s take a closer look at the types of detergents that are currently on trend, and which therefore respect the above properties:
- Plastic-free detergent: Consumers are increasingly concerned about reducing their plastic consumption. Laundry detergent brands now offer plastic-free alternatives, such as cardboard packaging, water-soluble sachets and recycled plastic bottles.
- Bulk laundry detergent: The concept of bulk detergent is gaining in popularity. Consumers can bring their own reusable containers and purchase the desired quantity of detergent at bulk filling stations. This reduces packaging and waste.
- Certified ecological detergents: Environmental certifications, such as ecological or organic labels, are playing an increasingly important role in the choice of laundry products. Consumers are looking for certified products that meet strict standards of sustainability and environmental impact.
- Detergent sheets: Detergent sheets come in thin, water-soluble sheets. This type of detergent offers many advantages, such as reduced waste thanks to pre-dosing, product convenience, ecological appeal and reduced water consumption, as it requires less water than traditional liquid detergents to dissolve completely.
- Liquid detergent vs. washing powder: Liquid detergent remains popular for its ease of use and rapid dissolubility, but washing powder is also making a comeback as a greener option, with less packaging and a reduced carbon footprint.
We can add to this the following innovative trend-setting features:
- Automatic dosing technology: Modern washing machines increasingly feature automatic dosing functions. This allows users to pour the exact amount of detergent needed for each wash, avoiding overdosing and overconsumption.
- No-rinse laundry options: No-rinse laundry products are gaining in popularity, offering a practical alternative for clothes that don’t get very dirty. These products save water and energy by skipping the rinse stage.
- Formula innovation: Laundry detergent manufacturers continue to innovate, developing more effective formulas to eliminate difficult stains, bad odors and bacteria. Technological advances are improving cleaning efficiency while reducing the amount of chemicals used.
Manufacturers are meeting these expectations by developing new formulations, rethinking packaging and adopting sustainable practices throughout the life cycle of laundry products.
A very important issue to raise in the laundry market is that of microplastics. Microplastics are small fragments of plastic measuring less than 5 millimeters in diameter. They are present in many products, including certain detergent formulations.
The presence of microplastics in laundry detergents raises concerns about their potential impact on the environment and health. These microplastics can be ingested by aquatic organisms, end up in the food chain and have harmful effects on marine flora and fauna.
Microplastics in laundry detergents are mainly due to the use of certain ingredients and the production techniques used in the cleaning products industry.
For a clearer picture, we can take the example of liquid detergent in capsules. These capsules are certainly very practical, as they are pre-measured, but the plastic packaging surrounding the liquid detergent poses a problem. This is because the plastic around the detergent does not dissolve completely in the water. This piece of plastic won’t completely disintegrate, and microplastics will be washed away with wastewater and ultimately end up in the seas and oceans.
Because of the harmful environmental effects of microplastic use, many innovations are underway to reduce or eliminate its use in laundry products. Here are just a few of these innovations:
- Natural substitutes: Detergent manufacturers are looking for natural alternatives to microplastics. They are exploring ingredients such as walnut shells, almond powder, vegetable waxes and natural fibers to replace microplastics used as exfoliating agents or thickeners.
- Improved filtration techniques: Wastewater treatment companies and washing machine manufacturers are working on the development of more efficient filtration systems to capture microplastics in wash water. This prevents them from being released into the environment.
- Encapsulation of microplastics: Some innovations involve encapsulating microplastics in a biodegradable or soluble matrix, thus preventing their release during washing. These capsules then disintegrate during wastewater treatment, leaving no residual microplastics.
- Microplastic-free cleaning technologies: New cleaning technologies, such as the use of air bubbles or non-plastic solvents, are being developed to remove stains and dirt without the need to add microplastics to laundry formulations.
- Awareness and regulation: Growing awareness of the problems associated with microplastics has led to regulatory initiatives. Some countries have banned or restricted the use of microplastics in personal care products and detergents. These regulations encourage manufacturers to find sustainable alternatives.
These innovations are still in the development phase, but they undoubtedly hold great promise for environmental protection.
There’s a new trend in the laundry detergent market called “no-wash”. Have you heard of it?
The concept of “no-wash” is used for many beauty products, but in the context of laundry, it refers to reducing the frequency with which clothes are washed and adopting alternative methods to keep them clean and fresh.
Proponents of the “no-wash” clothing movement argue that reducing the frequency with which clothes are washed can benefit both the environment and the durability of the garments themselves. They argue that overuse of washing machines and the chemicals in detergents can lead to increased water and energy consumption, as well as premature wear and tear on clothes.
Some common tricks of the “no-wash” garment movement include airing clothes worn outdoors to freshen them up, using deodorizing sprays to eliminate light odors, using antibacterial fabrics or absorbent underwear, and targeted washing of stain- or odor-prone areas.
Closely related to the latter concept is “slow laundry”, a concept that encourages a more conscious and respectful approach to laundry. It is part of the global “slow living” movement, which seeks to slow down the pace of life and adopt more sustainable practices. This practice is based on principles such as using natural products with fewer chemical agents, washing at low temperatures and less often, and promoting sustainability. By adopting a slow laundry approach, we aim to reduce the environmental impact of our washing habits, save energy, extend the life of our clothes and promote more thoughtful consumption.
In conclusion, we can say that the new trends in laundry detergents reflect our society’s move towards a more ecological, sustainable and health-conscious approach.
These new trends are in line with an approach that is more respectful of the environment, health and practicality. Consumers are looking for products that are long-lasting, effective, gentle on the skin and free from harmful chemicals. Detergent manufacturers are responding to these demands with innovative solutions that combine performance and responsibility.
Sources: L’Express / L’ADN / Marketing-pgc / France info / Journal des femmes / Le soir / Digital Native Group / chat.openai.com / Futura Sciences / Courrier international