Green Surfactants For Sustainable Cleaning

April 9, 2020

In recent years, consumers are inclined towards naturally based, ecologically friendly and sustainable products. Surfactants are a major component of cleaning products and hence there is a shift towards increasing the usage of more natural surfactant technologies. Green labels and sustainability credentials are highly sought after, and many companies try to substitute conventional surfactants with green surfactants like Alkyl Polyglucosides (APG) to avoid using petroleum feedstock. Another green surfactant, Alkyl Ethoxy Polyglucosides (AEG), is a new and improved version of the current APG.

What is Alkyl Polyglucosides (APG)?

APGs are non-ionic surfactants derived from natural fatty alcohols and glucose from renewable plants. They are mild and effective as surfactants in cleaning products.

Different Grades of APGs

No.	INCI Name	Carbon Chain	APG Grades
1	Caprylyl/ Capryl glucoside	C8-C10	APG0810
2	Coco glucoside	C8-C14	APG0814
3	Decyl glucoside	C8-C14	APG0814
4	Lauryl glucoside	C12-C14	APG1214

End Product Properties

Property	Results
Appearance	Clear viscous liquid
pH	7 – 8

Key Benefits of APGs

What Is Alkyl Ethoxy Polyglucosides (AEG)?

It is a new non-ionic surfactant where the polyoxyethylene chain was introduced between the alkyl chain and polyglycosides group. Similar to APGs, AEGs are mild, biodegradable and have strong detergency. They also qualify as green surfactants and are RSPO certified, Eco-certified and REACH compliant.

Key Improvements of AEGs

Which Surfactant Should You Use?

Formulation Guide Using APG: Dish Wash

Phase	Material	Function	INCI Name	Supplier	% w/w
A	Tetrasodium EDTA	Chelating Agent	Tetrasodium EDTA	-	0.1
A	Aquademin	Solvent	-	-	Add to 100
B	Texapon N70	Main Surfactant	Sodium Laureth Sulfate	BASF	10
	WQ 818CG	Secondary Surfactant	Coco Glucoside	Jiangsu Wanqi	10
	CAPB KA30	Co-Surfactant	Cocamidpropyl betaine	Vance	5
	CDE K82	Viscosity Builder	Cocamide DEA	Vance	5
C	Troycare BD55	Preservative	DMDM Hydantoin	Troy	0.5
D	Citric acid (50%) solution / NaOH (20%)	pH Adjuster	Citric acid, water NaOH, water	-	qs

Procedures

Predisperse phase A at room temperature
Add phase B, continue mixing
Add preservative then mix
Adjust pH to the range 7 -8

End Product Properties

Property	Results
Appearance	Clear viscous liquid
pH	7 – 8

Formulation Guide Using AEG: Floor Cleaner, Strong Cleaner And Less Foaming

Phase	Material	Function	INCI Name	Supplier	% w/w
A	HEC	Thickener	Hydroxyethyl cellulose	-	0.7
A	Deionized water	Solvent	-	-	Add to 100
B	AEG 1511	Surfactant	Isooctyl/Capryl Glucoside	Wanqi	5
C	Arquad 2.10-80	Antimicrobial	Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride	Noryoun	0.5
D	Fragrance	Fragrance	Fragrance	-	qs
D	Coloring Agent	Coloring Agent	Coloring Agent	-	qs

End Product Properties

Property	Results
Appearance	Clear viscous liquid
pH	7 – 8
Viscosity, cps	1520 #3 spindle,18rpm

Procedures

Heat and mix phase A at 70^oC.
Add phase B then continue mixing.
Cool down to 60^oC, then add phase C.
Cool down to 40^oC, then add phase D.
Check the pH and adjust if required.