Bio-based biodegradable films for laundry detergent delivery
Customizable bio-based and biodegradable films made from polysaccharides and proteins for use as soluble carriers of laundry detergents. Enables tailored solubility, membrane or sachet formats, and multilayer encapsulation of incompatible cleaning agents for sustainable detergent packaging.
Overview
This solution offers bio-based and biodegradable films designed to deliver laundry detergents in soluble formats such as sachets or single membranes. Made from natural polysaccharides and proteins, the films dissolve under standard washing conditions to release cleaning agents, supporting the shift away from plastic-based detergent packaging. The technology leverages expertise in edible film formulation and multilayer coating to encapsulate hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds that are normally incompatible when mixed, enabling tailored release and performance characteristics.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Bio-based materials constructed from polysaccharides and proteins, offering full biodegradability and renewable sourcing
- Tailored solubility profiles that can be adjusted to match specific washing conditions and detergent formulations
- Multilayer encapsulation using ultrasonic atomization coating technology to combine incompatible active ingredients within a single film structure
- Nanocomposite reinforcement (organic and inorganic) to tune permeability, water resistance, and mechanical strength
- Flexible formats including single-unit membranes with entrapped cleaning agents and multi-compartment sachet films
Technology readiness level
The underlying film and coating technology has been validated across multiple applications, primarily in food packaging, with demonstrated ability to incorporate both hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. The specific application to laundry detergent delivery has not yet been tested. A proposed 18-month joint research collaboration would cover material selection, formulation design, coating optimization, performance characterization, and prototype production, bringing the technology to a validated, company-ready state.
About International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory
The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory is an intergovernmental research organization in Braga, Portugal, bringing together multinational scientists and engineers to advance nanoscale innovation and translation. Industry partners access state-of-the-art cleanrooms, micro- and nanofabrication toolsets, and high-resolution electron microscopy via shared-use facilities staffed by expert technologists. Liaison teams structure sponsored R&D, rapid prototyping, and fee-for-service engagements, and the location near the Northern Portugal–Galicia manufacturing corridors enables frequent on-site collaboration. Research is supported by competitive European and national funding alongside direct industry contracts, with a dedicated technology transfer office managing IP and licensing to speed commercialization.
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