Polymers
Interesting facts
Polymers in detergents have various important functions and often make the special effect of a detergent possible.
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.
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.
How do we use polymers?
Persil uses different polymers to achieve different product properties. They prevent, for example, the re-deposition of dirt on the fibers, ink transfer or even the deeper penetration of dirt. Many polymers are readily biodegradable, but unfortunately some are not. As our product development is constantly striving to improve our formulas and their environmental footprint, we are working to replace polymers with more biodegradable ones where these can provide similar performance.