Café Europe — 02.05.2025

Schlieren - HeiQ has presented a new synbiotic laundry detergent. It is enhanced with biosurfactants and is designed to provide a deep, lasting cleaning performance all the while ensuring that the ecological footprint is kept to a minimum.
HeiQ has developed a new laundry detergent that shall reduce the build-up of dirt in washing machines by up to 90 percent. Generic image: Pixabay/constantiawork
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(CONNECT) HeiQ, the textile technology and synbiotics specialist headquartered in Schlieren in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland, has developed a new laundry detergent. According to a press release, it is enhanced with next-generation biosurfactants. The new formula reduces the build-up of dirt in washing machines by up to 90 percent, in so doing preventing odors without the need for high heat or excess water, as HeiQ explains. The detergent is said to be highly concentrated, palm oil-free and biodegradable, in addition to helping to break down allergens in textiles.

According to HeiQ, the process works as follows: the combination of the synbiotics used by HeiQ up to now with the fermentation-derived biosurfactants allows the new detergent to penetrate textile fibers to lift dirt, oils, and stains, while at the same time breaking down odor molecules for long-lasting freshness. Thereafter, active probiotics are said to continue cleaning for up to five days after washing, while the biosurfactants, produced through a sustainable fermentation process, provide powerful cleaning even at low temperatures, which in turn helps to save energy.

“By moving from plant-based to microbe-based surfactants, we help reduce the pressure on plant resources and promote a more sustainable approach to non-food applications”, comments Robin Temmerman, CEO of HeiQ Chrisal, in the press release.

HeiQ Chrisal is offering the product in both branded packaging and as a white label or concentrate solution. On May 13, a webinar entitled “Probiotics + biosurfactants. The latest laundry liquid innovation.” is being held 10:00-10:45 a.m., which will offer further information on this innovative development.

HeiQ, a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH), is headquartered at the IJZ, an innovation and start-up park located in Schlieren. The company is also a member of Start Smart Schlieren. ce/gba

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