X. Chen, M. Chabert
This study investigates the role of bio-based polymeric additives in enhancing fragrance performance and overall sensorial quality in fabric care formulations. The research objective was to evaluate how two technologies, bacterial cellulose and functionalized guar blends, contribute to improved fragrance delivery, encapsulate stability, and cost efficiency in liquid laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Experimental evaluations combined analytical techniques, such as ultra-fast gas chromatography (e-nose), with sensory panel testing (ISO 5495:2005) to assess fragrance intensity and deposition, complemented by rheological and stability measurements. Bacterial cellulose demonstrated excellent suspension and stabilization properties, preventing fragrance encapsulate creaming while enabling higher encapsulate loadings without increasing perceived viscosity of liquid laundry. In fabric softeners, functionalized guar blends improved fragrance deposition and consumer-perceived intensity while maintaining equivalent softness at reduced ester quat levels, delivering performance with significant cost and carbon efficiency benefits. Microscopic analysis confirmed the co-deposition mechanism of guar and ester quats, which enhances fragrance encapsulate retention on fabrics. Overall, the results highlight how advanced & sustainable polymer technologies can optimize fragrance performance of fabric care products, reduce reliance on traditional actives, and enhance both product sustainability and sensorial benefits in modern fabric care formulations.
