Inditex and BASF develop the first detergent designed to reduce microfiber release from textiles during washing
Today Inditex brand Zara Home will launch the first laundry detergent designed to reduce microfiber release during washing, which will be available both in the brand’s stores and online.
Developed jointly by Inditex and BASF Home Care and I&I Solutions Europe, in Spain and Germany, the innovative solution may reduce microfiber release by up to 80% depending on fabric type and washing conditions. These results have been tested by several research institutions.
The detergent formula containing efficient ingredients was tested in the laboratory using different textile types and washing conditions. The results show that the detergent is particularly suitable for washing at low temperatures which brings additional advantages: end users can lower their energy consumption — by reducing the temperature for example from 40°C to 20°C — and thereby reduce their carbon footprint. Colors stay bright for longer, extending the life of the textiles.
Availability
Consumers can buy the detergent at Zara Home stores and online platforms in more than 25 markets, including Spain, Germany and most of the European markets. The product will also be available at additional markets and stores in the coming weeks.
The developed solution can also be adjusted to enable the use of this technology by other detergent manufacturers. «Innovation and collaboration are key to meeting the challenges of the textile industry. We strive to be more creative and efficient by driving innovative new technologies. This project with BASF is a good example of this approach as it shows the effectiveness of cross-industry collaboration and goes one step further as it can be adjusted to extend the use of this technology in the industry,» says Javier Losada, Chief Sustainability Officer of Inditex.
Soeren Hildebrandt, Senior Vice President Home Care, I&I and Industrial Formulators Europe, further adds: «We work continuously to address the growing demand of our customers for innovative and sustainable solutions. With the jointly developed laundry detergent, we are supporting the textile industry on their sustainability path and allow consumers to improve their own environmental footprint.»
About Inditex
Inditex is one of the world’s largest fashion retailers, operating in more than 200 markets through its online platform and stores. With a business model focused on meeting customer desires in a sustainable way, Inditex is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2040.
About Zara Home
Zara Home is the home décor brand of the Inditex Group. Its collections are based on the latest fashion trends and include all the needs to decorate bedroom, kitchen and dining room, living room and bathroom. It also includes a special selection for kids’bedroom and playroom and a complete home fragrances collection. It now operates in more than 60 markets with more than 500 stores.
About the Care Chemicals division at BASF
The BASF division Care Chemicals offers a broad range of ingredients for personal care, home care, industrial & institutional cleaning, and technical applications. We are a leading global supplier for the cosmetics industry as well as the detergents and cleaners industry, and support our customers around the world with innovative and sustainable products, solutions and concepts. The division’s high-performance product portfolio includes surfactants, emulsifiers, polymers, emollients, chelating agents, cosmetic active ingredients and UV filters. We have production and development sites in all regions and are expanding our presence in emerging markets. Further information is available online at www.care-chemicals.basf.com .
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of ˆ78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U. S. Further information at www.basf.com.
