FOCUS easier dosing, dissolution and stain pre-treatment. Liquid washing products should dominate the market within a few years, Novozymes says. Press release from: Novozymes A/S, Krogshoejvej 36, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark. Tel: +45 8824 9999. Fax: +45 8824 9998. Website: http://www.novozymes.com (6 Jun 2006) & Net Posten, 6 Jun 2006, (Website: http://www.netposten.dk/) (in Danish)
SDA refutes reports on triclocarban The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) disagrees with a study published by researcher Dr Rolf Halden of John Hopkins University, which states that considerable amounts of the antibacterial agent triclocarban (TCC) endure the wastewater treatment process and can be found in wastewater sludge chemically unchanged. TCC has applications in the production of soaps and other cleaning agents. According to the SDA, the report misleads the public on the risk and effectiveness of the substance, since it implies that existence of TCC in wastewater sludge poses environmental and health risks. Findings of the study will be further reviewed. Chemical Week, 7 Jun 2006, (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)
Zenitech develops new series of products for personal care Zenitech has formulated new products under its Zenisilk and Zenerbet lines. The new Zenisilk compounds are natural oil-based polyesters recommended for oily system applications. Zenerbet is a liquid, reacted polyester containing dimer alcohol, dimer acid and octyl dodecanol. Described as a high molecular weight polymer, Zenerbet is offering new generation products that are marketed as alternatives to guerbet derivatives. The product is reported to offer remarkable results when used in skin, sun protection and hair and scalp care products. HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Jun 2006, 43 (6), 112
Household cleaners can harm ‘Indoor Air Chemistry: Cleaning Agents, Ozone and Toxic Air Contaminants’, a four-year study accomplished by researchers from 4
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the University of California-Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, observed that a number of common household cleaners and air fresheners may be health risks as they release toxic pollutants at dangerous levels. The study focused on ethylene-based glycol ethers and terpenes, both of which are ingredients in cleaning products and air fresheners. The ethylene-based glycol ethers are said to be classified as hazardous air pollutants under the US Environmental Protection Agency’s 1990 Clean Air Act. Although not toxic, terpenes, found in pine, orange and lemon oil, may react with ozone, thereby releasing toxic substances. The Consumer Speciality Products Association (CSPA) stated that terpenes may only be dangerous if in a confined space with abnormally high levels of ozone. The research was financed by California’s Air Resources Board. ICIS Chemical Business, 5 Jun 2006, (Website: http://icischemicalbusiness.com)
Bleaching chemical cartel fined The European Commission has ordered seven companies to pay a combined €388 M in fines for allegedly forming a bleaching chemical cartel that drove up customer prices, particularly in the detergent and cosmetics markets. The cartel reportedly exchanged vital, confidential market information, assigned market shares and customers, and at the same time monitored and fixed prices for perborate (PBS) and hydrogen peroxide (PH) from 1994 to 2000. PBS is used in the production of synthetic detergents, while HP is generally used in hair bleaching products. The largest individual fine was €167 M, to be paid by Belgian company Solvay. Other penalized companies were Akzo Nobel, FMC/Foret, Edison, Kemira, Total/Elf/Aquitaine/Arkema and Snia. Degussa was also involved but managed to elude the fines by informing the Commission of the cartel, while Air Liquide left the alliance in 1998. The cartel participants can file an appeal before the European Court of Justice. SPC, Soap Perfumery and Cosmetics, Jun 2006, 79 (6), 6
APPLICATIONS Marico enters baby care segment with Sparsh Marico has forayed into the baby care segment with the introduction of the Sparsh brand of baby care products that include Baby Oil and Baby Bathing Bar containing natural ingredients. Sparsh Baby Oil contains tulsi, turmeric, coconut oil besides vitamins D and E while the Sparsh Baby Bathing Bar contains turmeric and natural moisturizers. The brand has reportedly received a good response in south India and Marico expects a similar response from other parts of India. Business Line, 22 Jun 2006, 13 (172), 5
Water-soluble esters moisturize while keeping cosmetics transparent Nippon Fine Chemical has formulated new water-soluble oligomer esters that potentially enhance the moisturizing action of cosmetic products, at about three times that of glycerol, without requiring the use of surfactants. The new materials, marketed under the trade name Neosolue-Aqua, are being targeted principally to the hair care products market. The ingredients, which are claimed to provide a velvety texture to the skin when applied and a smooth touch after drying, are particularly suitable in products such as shampoos, conditioners and skin lotions. Japan Chemical Week, 8 Jun 2006, 47 (2370), 3
Rohm and Haas’s floor polish meets green seal requirements Rohm and Haas has introduced a metal-free floor polish that complies with the Green Seal Environmental Standard requirements for floor polish products. Marketed under the name Duragreen MF 1-2, the product is made up of an innovative chemistry that offers excellent gloss, superior durability and resistance to detergents. The product also emits almost no odour, making it suitable for application in hospitals, nursing homes and other patient-care facilities. HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Jun 2006, 43 (6), 109
AUGUST 2006