Microplastic pollution has become a global challenge, with an estimated 10 to 40 million metric tonnes released into the environment annually¹. As concerns over their lasting environmental impact grow, regulations are accelerating the transition away from intentionally added microplastics².

Recent European Commission regulations restrict the use of certain synthetic polymer particles that are insoluble, resistant to degradation and smaller than 5 mm, including those used for opacifying purposes. While long valued for their versatility in liquid detergents, these materials are now facing increasing scrutiny due to their environmental impact. Aude Lemoine-Dessaint, EMEA Home Care Marketing Manager comments on the importance of providing alternatives to synthetic polymers: "The home care industry is entering a new era where performance and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand. CrodaPearl MPF reflects our commitment to being the world’s most sustainable supplier of innovative ingredients and helping customers stay ahead of regulatory change while continuing to deliver the premium product experiences consumers expect."

As regulatory scrutiny of intentionally added microplastics increases and consumer expectations evolve, detergent manufacturers are seeking alternatives that deliver both performance and environmental responsibility. CrodaPearl MPF was developed to help brands navigate this transition without compromising product aesthetics.

CrodaPearl MPF key benefits & features

CrodaPearl MPF is a 92% naturally derived, biodegradable opacifier designed to deliver premium visual appeal in liquid laundry detergents. Cold processable and easy to formulate, it creates a rich pearlescent appearance from inclusion levels as low as 0.5%, offering strong opacity regardless of colour.

CrodaPearl MPF was developed using biobased raw materials, ensuring to meet new regulatory requirements and offer a more environmentally responsible solution. Instrumental and visual evaluations demonstrate performance comparable to conventional opacifiers, delivering strong opacity and a consistent pearlescent effect while supporting the transition away from synthetic microplastic-based technologies.

CrodaPearl MPF is easy to use, cold processable and provides strong and stable performance. It simplifies formulation, helps to reduce energy and manufacturing complexity and delivers an opacity that remains stable over time and in every type of environment, even in warm conditions. With consistent optical behaviour, reproducibility, and predictable pearlescent performance across formulations, CrodaPearl MPF provides a drop in, future ready solution.

CrodaPearl MPF

CrodaPearl MPF represents a new approach to detergent aesthetics, combining premium visual appeal with a formulation profile designed for the future of home care. By delivering stable pearlescence, reliable opacity and simplified processing without the use of microplastic-based technologies, CrodaPearl MPF enables brands to innovate with confidence in an evolving regulatory and consumer landscape.

Find out more about our microplastic-free opacifier

References:

1. Twenty years of microplastic pollution research—what have we learned? | Science
2. Microplastics - ECHA

Croda GmbH

Angelina Gossen, Technical Marketing Manager
Herrenpfad-Süd 33
41334 Nettetal, Germany

E-Mail: angelina.gossen@croda.com
Website: www.crodahomecare.com