Inditex and BASF develop laundry detergent to reduce microfiber release

Inditex brand Zara Home will introduce the first laundry detergent made to lessen the discharge of microfibers during washing. The detergent will be sold both in-person and online.

Depending on the fabric type and washing circumstances, an innovative approach developed by Inditex, BASF Home Care, and I&I Solutions Europe in Spain and Germany may reduce microfibre release by up to 80%. Several research organizations have tested these findings.

In the lab, several textile types and washing circumstances were used to evaluate the detergent mixture with effective components. The findings demonstrate that the detergent is particularly well suited for washing at low temperatures, which has additional benefits. For instance, end users can reduce their energy usage by switching from, say, 40°C to 20°C, which lowers their carbon footprint. Longer color retention increases the longevity of the materials.

Customers in more than 25 regions, including Spain, Germany, and most of Europe, may purchase the detergent in Zara Home stores and online. In the upcoming weeks, the product will also be offered at new markets and retailers.

The created solution can be modified to allow other detergent producers to adopt this technology.

Javier Losada, Chief Sustainability Officer of Inditex, said that to overcome the challenges facing the textile sector, innovation and cooperation are essential. By promoting cutting-edge new technology, they aspire to be more imaginative and effective. This initiative with BASF is a good illustration of this strategy since it demonstrates the value of inter-industry cooperation and goes a step further because it can be modified to expand the use of this technology in the sector.

Senior Vice President for Home Care, I&I, and Industrial Formulators Europe Soeren Hildebrandt said that they consistently meet the growing need of our customers for creative and sustainable solutions. They are assisting the textile sector in moving toward sustainability with the jointly created laundry detergent, which also enables consumers to reduce their environmental impact.