A surfactant with a non-charged hydrophilic part, e.g. ethoxylate, is non-ionic. These substances are well suited for cleaning purposes and are not sensitive to water hardness. They have a wide application within cleaning detergents and include groups like fatty alcohol polyglycosides, alcohol ethoxylates etc. Cationic surfactants

For fabrics with a high content of synthetic fibres it may be necessary to add small amounts of cationic surfactants that can neutralise the charges of anionic surfactants and thus prevent static electricity. Using non-ionic or amphoteric surfactants normally makes such additions unnecessary.

Over the recent years much attention has been given to the fact that some substances – in particular a surfactant like LAS – have been proven to biodegrade very slowly under oxygen free conditions (anaerobic conditions). These substances have the potential to accumulate in places with anaerobic conditions.

The obvious alternative to the use of these substances is to soften the water by ionic exchange before laundering. Specific groups: Carboxylates (e.g. Tartrate, Citrate or Gluconate) The substances in this group are weak complexing agents. They are readily degradable and non-toxic to aquatic organisms.

EU Flower criteria (2002/371/EC) and Öko-tex Standard 100 – Class II (Products with direct skin contact) (01.2/2004)