increased by 37% to €64 M in 1H2006 primarily due to expansion inAsia and Eastern Europe.

Chemische Rundschau, 24 Oct 2006, 59 (10), 9 (inGerman)

New from Sanyo Chemical:Lauromacrogol 100

Lauromacrogol 100 is apolyoxyethylene lauryl ether nonionicsurfactant product from SanyoChemical Industries Ltd, launchedrecently in Japan for use inbactericidal cleansers for medicalapplications. Demand in Japan isestimated at Yen 500 M/y. With asuperior cleansing action,Lauromacrogol 100 is expected toachieve sales of Yen 16 M in fiscal2006.

Pharma Japan, 2 Oct 2006, (2010), 15

Chemtura announces price increaseson sulfonates, fatty acids

From 1 Oct 2006, or as contractsallow, Chemtura Corporationincreased the price of its sulfonatedetergent and emulsifier productlines, due to rising raw materialscosts. The global increase of $0.04/lbaffects the LoBase, HyBase,Petronate, Surchem and Calcinateproduct lines. The company has alsoraised all fatty acid prices by $0.02/lbfrom 15 Oct because of increasingcosts and declining by-productglycerin prices.

Press release from: Chemtura Corporation, 199Benson Rd, Middlebury, CT 06749, USA. Tel: +1 203573 2220. Fax: +1 203 573 2800. Website:http://www.chemtura.com (6 & 22 Sep 2006)

ASSOCIATEDPRODUCTS

A swell idea to brighten your wardrobe

Researchers at the Southern IllinoisUniversity have developed a gel-based material that dischargesenzymes as needed in the washcycle. The formulation, whichstabilizes enzymes, may extend theuseful life of laundry detergents.Genencor International hascollaborated with the universityresearchers to develop the

technology, focusing on finding waysto release the encapsulated enzymesinto the wash cycle. Study showedthat a mere 1% of the enzymeseeped out of the beads in storage.

Chemical Engineering Progress, Sep 2006, 102 (9), 10

One key ingredient, five powerfullaundry claims

Adding enzymes to detergents canhelp maximize a brand’s value whileproviding customers with a detergentthat performs, is convenient and iskind to the environment. According toNovozymes, enzyme addition cansupport five environmentallybeneficial ‘brand claims’: lower washtemperatures; shorter wash cycles;reduced water consumption; reducedenergy consumption; and fewerchemical ingredients. The companyhas been conducting Life CycleAssessments that compare theenvironmental impact of an existingdomestic laundry practices with analternative practice that provides thesame user benefits. For example, thewash performance of a standarddetergent at 40 deg C was comparedwith that of a detergent with additionalenzymes at 30 deg C; the latter wasfound to provide equal or improvedperformance, offering the potential forsignificant energy savings.Novozymes calculated that for everykilo of enzyme used there is a netdownstream reduction of 100 kilos ofcarbon emissions. Currently thecompany supplies 130,000 tonnes/yof detergent enzymes.

BioTimes (Novozymes’ Enzyme e-zine), Sep 2006,(3), 4-5 (Novozymes A/S, Krogshoejvej 36, 2880Bagsvaerd, Denmark. Tel: +45 8824 9999. Fax: +458824 9998. Website:http://www.novozymes.com/biotimes)

Hard water soap

The addition of a unique chelatingagent, Octaquest E30, helped aCroatia-based natural soap maker towork out the problem of hard watersoap scum and too little lather. Anonline search led to the discovery ofthe award-wining biodegradablechelant by Sympatico. The use of thechelant in soap manufactureaddresses the hard water problem,increases the amount of bubbles andminimizes residue. The chelant alsopreserves the freshness of the soap’s

natural oils, resulting in longerstorage life.

SPC, Soap Perfumery and Cosmetics, Oct 2006, 79(10), 73

APPLICATIONSPersonal careproducts

HBA: innovation and naturals stand out

Among the highlights of the recentHealth & Beauty America (HBA) expowas the expanding market in naturaland organic personal care products.Many present spoke of the functionalproperties of many fruits andbotanicals. The health and wellnessconcept is now a big trend incosmetics. Several companieslaunched new products. Aarhus-Karlshamn launched its shea butter-based waxes and surfactants for hairand skin care products. Bio-Botanica’sOrac Super 7, a blend of berry andfruit extracts that provides highantioxidant value, is said to enhanceskin healing activities. Meanwhile,Arizona Chemical’s Sylvaclearpolymeric gellants are low-molecular-weight polymers with gel actives thatare reported to be compatible with abroad range of cosmetic and personalcare ingredients. Engelhard exhibitedits Reflecks Multidimensions colour-changing pigments; the pigmentschange colour as the visual anglechanges. Sabinsa presented turmericoil, which is said to have woundhealing and antibacterial properties.Aquea Scientific won the best newtechnology award for its Aquea SPFdelivery system. The technology canincorporate sunscreen actives intocleansing products such as facewash, body wash, shampoo orconditioning products.

ICIS Chemical Business Americas, 25 Sep 2006,(Website: http://www.icbamericas.com)

Laundry products

New P&G detergent helps clotheskeep their fit

In the US, Procter & Gamble havelaunched a new liquid laundrydetergent, Cheer® True Fit™, whichis specially formulated to help clothes

4 DECEMBER 2006

F O C U S O N S U R F A C T A N T S