Seeking Innovations to Renew and Strengthen Fibers during washing clothes

  • Anonymous Organization
  • From United States
  • Responsive
  • Project Size Range : Strategic project backed by large scale funding €
  • Deadline at 30/12/2024

Desired outcome

World leader in Laundry Products is looking for innovative technologies to be incorporated into laundry products in the following areas:
1) Renew effect: solutions that maintain the appearance of new textiles for a longer period and improves the condition of damaged textiles, not only in cotton but also in other synthetic fabrics; and
2) Textile strength: solutions that increase the strength of fibers and/or their resistance to damage and wear, as well as reduce inter-fiber friction.

Organization from United States

Details of the Innovation Need

Laundry products, including detergents and fabric finishers, should not only remove dirt but also provide thorough textile care—preserving color, preventing greying, and enhancing fabric longevity through improved dye fixation, pilling resistance, softness, moisture management, comfort, fiber strength, elasticity, and shape retention.

A key goal is fiber protection to avoid breakage, as repeated washing can thin fibers, eventually causing holes. While cellulase enzymes are commonly used to reduce fuzz, pilling, and fiber friction in cotton, they can also degrade cotton fibers, which undermines the goal of fiber preservation. Additionally, cellulase enzymes are ineffective on other important fabrics, such as polycotton blends, synthetics, silk, and wool.

The company is seeking:

  • Treatments that maintain the appearance of new textiles for longer and give older textiles a renewed effect after a maximum of 5 washing cycles.
  • Surface modification (e.g. coatings) that protect the textile from environmental damage and wear.
  • Treatments that make textiles repel substances like oil or dirt.
  • Fiber/textile bonding to improve textile strength and integrity.

Must haves

  • Solutions should ultimately be effective in in-wash applications at 30°/40° C as well as cold wash (relevant for US)
  • Solutions should be suitable for incorporation in detergent or fabric softener/finisher formulations at realistic concentrations
  • Solutions should be compatible with common detergent ingredients, e.g. enzymes, surfactants, builder, fragrances, etc.

Discarded solutions:

  • Solutions that are not biodegradable. Solution should be biodegradable , prioritizing consumer-friendly solutions by integrating technology seamlessly into existing formulations, ensuring ease of use, skin safety, and environmental sustainability.
  • Laundry additives, e.g. sprays before or after wash (not consumer-friendly). Not consumer- friendly additives
  • Solutions that negatively affect the fragrances/perfumes used in detergents.
  • Solutions that negatively impact the overall wash performance and textile properties.
  • Solutions that contain cellulase enzymes since these are well-known.

Other Important Requirements:

  • Legal: Freedom to operate
  • Environmental: Ecological & toxicological data as per OECD/EU test guidelines and Biodegradability data according to OECD test guidelines
  • Cost: Estimated cost-in-use (e.g. $ xy/washload)how much will it cost per washing cycle, or $ xy/kg: how much will be the estimated ingredient price
  • TRL level : 3-7 ( 3. Experimental proof of concept 4. Validated in lab conditions 5. Validated in relevant environment 6. Demonstrated in relevant environment 7. Regulatory approval)
  • IP Management Requirement: Technology/chemistry remains with tech partner, The seeker holds the formulation/application

Key Business objectives to be achieved:

  • Grow business and build significant point of difference in the market
  • Focus on consumer perceivable benefits

Collaboration opportunities:

The desired business relationship includes multiple options, with a focus on potential partnerships, research collaborations, and investment opportunities.

Related Keywords

  • Materials Technology
  • Advanced Textile Materials
  • Textiles Technology
  • Finisher related to Textiles Technology
  • Textile fibres
  • Waste Management
  • Sustainability
  • Consumer Products
  • Textiles (synthetic and natural)
  • laundry
  • natural fibers

About Us

The company operates globally, boasting over 100 years of success in leading innovations and technologies, supported by a dedicated team of more than 20,000 employees worldwide. Our purpose, rooted in a rich legacy of innovation, responsibility, and sustainability, propels us into the future. Guided by our shared values and Leadership Commitments, we make decisions and take actions that reflect our dedication to these principles every day.

About Innovation Needs

Innovation Needs on Innoget are directly posted and managed by its members as well as evaluation of proposals. Innoget is the trusted open innovation and science network aimed at directly connect industry needs with professionals online.

Help

Need help submitting your proposal or have questions regarding this Innovation Need?
Contact Innoget support

FAQs

In the solution proposal submission form:

  • Do not disclose confidential information that is not properly protected
  • Explain and focus on the benefits of applying and/ or developing your solution or technology rather than how you will get into it
  • Provide information about specific expected outcome, implementation or developing timeline and costs
  • Explain about your track record on projects you have successfully worked related to this technology field
  • Use pre-defined buttons to give specific details about your proposal “Stage of development”, “Commercial Information” and “Intellectual Property Status”
The posting organization will directly evaluate your proposal. Please avoid sending spam as you can be blocked by posting members.
You are not asked to reveal any confidential information nor provide any solution that is not protected at this point. You just have to provide non-confidential information. After submitting your proposal, the posting company will evaluate it and directly connect with you. This is when if there is an interest you would request to sign an NDA with the company to keep the conversation ongoing.
Never reveal Confidential Information that it is not properly protected.
There is no need to sign an NDA. You are not asked to reveal any confidential information nor provide any solution that is not protected at this point. You just have to provide non-confidential information. After submitting your proposal the posting company will evaluate it and directly connect with you. This is when if there is an interest you would request to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with the company to keep the conversation ongoing.
The average response rate for this user is 3 weeks
The posting company will directly contact you to open up discussions about your proposal and potential collaboration opportunities
You will be notified and provided with feedback from the posting company. You can always transform your proposal into a Technology Offer to present it to other members at no cost