Isogen TXT 200: the perfect balance between cost, performance and process in fabric softener formulations

Fabric softener production has evolved significantly in recent years. One of the milestones in this transformation was the emergence of cold process bases, which simplified production steps, reduced energy consumption, and brought more agility to manufacturing.

A large portion of these commercially available bases are made from a combination of Cetostearyl Alcohol and Cetrimonium Chloride, widely used in the manufacture of hair conditioners. However, when applied to the production of fabric softeners, this technology presents significant limitations.

The main problem is the reduced absorption of the active ingredient during rinsing. The higher the concentration and better the quality of the active ingredient, the greater the fragrance's ability to adhere to the fibers and the greater the softening of the fabric. When the base has lower performance, the result is a perfume that does not linger on the clothes as the consumer expects, compromising the sensory experience of the product.

Another critical point is dispersion in the soaking. Some cold foundations have trouble spreading evenly, increasing the risk of yellowing in light-colored clothing and staining in dark fabrics.

In other words, despite simplifying the manufacturing process, traditional cold-process bases have, in many cases, ended up reducing the perceived quality of fabric softeners.

It was against this backdrop that Macler decided to develop its own solution: a base that combined the practicality of the cold process with the performance of previously used high-efficiency systems. More than simply meeting existing market requirements, the goal was to surpass them.

The result of this work is Isogen TXT 200, developed after more than five years of research and development. The technology corrects the main limitations of traditional cold-process bases, delivering high softening performance without sacrificing the simplicity of the production process.

In practice, the product combines the ease of manufacturing cold-process bases with the performance of bases used in past hot-processing methods, allowing the development of highly efficient traditional and concentrated fabric softener formulations.

Keep reading to understand what makes this solution a unique product.

A foundation for solving real process challenges

Cold-dispensing detergents available on the market have brought convenience, but many exhibit undesirable behavior during use: they don't disperse well in the detergent and have difficulty draining from the dispenser into the washing machine. As a result, clumping, staining of clothes, and reduced detergent efficiency can occur.

Isogen TXT 200 was developed precisely to avoid this type of problem. Although it has high viscosity when at rest, its structure reorganizes itself when subjected to flow. This behavior allows the product to flow easily and disperse quickly in water, reducing the risk of clumps and ensuring better distribution of the active ingredient during washing.

Enhanced performance, with more softening and fragrance

Another important difference lies in the concentration of the active ingredient. Isogen TXT 200 contains approximately four times more active ingredients compared to traditional cold process bases available on the market.

This characteristic directly reflects on the product's performance and on attributes highly valued by consumers: the feeling of softness and the lasting power of the fragrance.

The higher quantity of active ingredient directly contributes to this fixation, allowing for a reduction of up to 30% in fragrance dosage without compromising the product's sensory experience throughout the entire process, from washing and drying to the use of the garments. Isogen TXT 200 was also designed not to interfere with the olfactory profile of the fragrances.

Therefore, the higher concentration of the active ingredient results in the following benefits:

• Greater softening power
• A more noticeable feeling of softness for the consumer
• Maintaining the appearance of the fabric, without yellowing
• Longer lasting fragrance
• Improved fragrance perception on clothing
• Greater formulation efficiency
• Potential cost reduction

This efficiency allows for the formulation of fabric softeners that deliver greater comfort and perceived quality to the user.

Simple and fast production process

In addition to performance, the product was also designed to facilitate industrial routines. Fabric softener production with this solution occurs through a cold process, with few steps and rapid homogenization. The result is a simpler, faster, and more predictable production process.

For high-volume production, the process can become even more efficient. Some possibilities include heating the base with direct pumping from the drum to the production tank, resulting in reduced operational effort and increased productivity.

Real-life production case: a batch in just 15 minutes

In a project conducted with a Macler client, the use of Isogen TXT 200 yielded significant results:

• Batch produced in just 15 minutes
• Simpler and easier to operate process
• Significant reduction in total production time.

The video below shows the production process of a fabric softener using this solution:

Sustainability and safety

Isogen TXT 200 was also developed in response to a demand that grows year after year: the search for products that are more responsible and less harmful to people and the environment.

In addition to being rapidly biodegradable, the product is hypoallergenic, allowing for the development of gentler formulations, such as fabric softeners for babies.

It is a combination of high performance with environmental responsibility and consumer safety.

The Isogen TXT 200 proposal goes beyond simply supplying raw materials. By working with Macler, clients benefit from the support of SmartLab, which can assist in various stages of the project:

• Formulation development
• Performance tests
• Adjustments and process assembly
• Technical support

More than just a product, Isogen TXT 200 is a complete solution for fabric softener production.

Watch the product's technical video.