Raw materials for the cleaning industry
Manufacturers of cleaning products face the challenge of developing formulations that effectively remove stubborn contaminants, deliver consistent performance under a wide range of conditions, and at the same time comply with increasingly stringent requirements regarding safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.
The selection of surfactants, fatty alcohols, and other functional ingredients ultimately determines the performance of a cleaning product. Chempri supports manufacturers of cleaning products with specialist expertise in (oleo)chemical raw materials, a broad portfolio of surfactants, and access to a European network of manufacturers. This enables us to assist customers in the development of new formulations as well as the optimisation of existing products.
Which raw materials are used in cleaning formulations?
Cleaning products consist of various ingredients that work together to remove dirt and contamination.
| Commonly used raw materials | Function |
|---|---|
| Betaines | Enhance foam formation and improve mildness. |
| Glucosides | Mild, bio-based surfactants. |
| Sulfates | Provide strong cleaning performance and abundant foam. |
| Amine oxides | Improve foam stability and cleaning efficiency. |
| Fatty alcohol ethoxylates | Emulsify fats and remove stubborn soils. |
| Fatty alcohols | Building blocks for various surfactants. |
| Fatty acids | Used in the production of soaps and surfactants. |
| Emulsifiers | Combine oil and water into a stable formulation. |
| Solvents | Dissolve fats, oils, and other contaminants. |
Commonly used raw materials include:
-
Surfactants
- Fatty alcohols
- Fatty acids
- Ethoxylates
- Glucosides
- Betaines
- Amine oxides
- Emulsifiers
- Solvents
- Foam control agents
Chempri offers a broad portfolio of ingredients for cleaning products, including Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco Glucoside, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, and various Ceteareth products. This enables manufacturers to combine different cleaning and foaming properties within a single formulation.
Besides the cleaning industry, we serve many other industries with (oleo)chemical products!
Which cleaning applications does Chempri supply raw materials for?
Chempri's raw materials are used in a wide range of cleaning products for industrial applications.
Examples include:
- Industrial degreasers
- Vehicle cleaners
- Floor cleaners
- All-purpose cleaners
- Sanitary cleaners
- CIP cleaning agents
- Professional cleaning products
A CIP cleaning agent for a food manufacturer, for example, requires different foaming characteristics than a vehicle cleaner or an industrial degreaser. That is why Chempri supports customers in selecting ingredients that are tailored to the specific application and operating conditions.
What functions do chemical raw materials perform in cleaning products?
The performance of a cleaning product is determined by the combination of its functional ingredients.
Depending on the application, raw materials may be responsible for removing fats and oils, reducing surface tension, improving wetting, generating or controlling foam, and enhancing overall cleaning performance.
For an industrial degreaser, the primary focus is often on removing heavy contamination. In contrast, a hand cleaner may require greater emphasis on skin mildness and the foaming experience.
By selecting the right combination of surfactants, these properties can be precisely tailored to meet the requirements of the intended application.
What requirements does the cleaning industry place on raw materials?
Manufacturers of cleaning products look for raw materials that contribute to reliable production processes and a resilient supply chain.
Key considerations include:
- Cleaning performance
- Security of supply
- Consistent quality
- Batch-to-batch consistency
- Sustainability
- Traceability
- Technical documentation
In addition to performance, sustainability and responsible sourcing of raw materials are playing an increasingly important role in the cleaning industry. Manufacturers are seeking ingredients that comply with evolving legislation and regulations while meeting the growing demand for more sustainable products.
Chempri supports these developments through a comprehensive quality management system and a range of certifications. We are ISO 9001 and RSPO certified, and we also hold Skal certification for organic products. These certifications enable us to support customers with stringent requirements for quality, traceability, and responsible sourcing.
Why do cleaning product manufacturers choose Chempri?
Specialist expertise in surfactants
Chempri has extensive expertise in surfactants, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and their derivatives used in professional cleaning products.
Comprehensive surfactant portfolio
Chempri offers a broad range of surfactants for a wide variety of cleaning applications, enabling customers to combine multiple functionalities within a single formulation.
Tailored solutions
Products can be adapted to meet specific technical, commercial, or logistical requirements. Chempri works closely with customers to develop solutions that match the intended application, product characteristics, and market requirements.
Direct access to technical and commercial specialists
As a compact organisation, Chempri enables customers to communicate directly with specialists who have in-depth knowledge of both the products and the market. This allows questions to be answered quickly and projects to move forward efficiently.
Access to a European oleochemical network
Through Mosselman, Chempri has access to an extensive network of manufacturers and specialists within the European oleochemical industry. This gives customers access to a broad product portfolio supported by a reliable supply chain.
Focus on long-term partnerships
Many customers have worked with Chempri for years. Our focus is on building long-term B2B partnerships based on reliability, quality, and mutual trust.
Frequently asked questions about raw materials for the cleaning industry
Which surfactants are commonly used in cleaning products?
Commonly used surfactants include glucosides, betaines, sulfates, amine oxides, and fatty alcohol ethoxylates. The choice depends on the required cleaning performance, foaming characteristics, and the intended application of the finished product.
What is the difference between a high-foaming and a low-foaming cleaner?
High-foaming cleaners are typically used for manual cleaning applications, where foam helps improve product coverage and user experience. Low-foaming products are better suited for automated cleaning processes, such as Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems.
Can Chempri assist with optimising existing cleaning formulations?
With its specialist knowledge of (oleo)chemical ingredients and surfactants, Chempri can advise on alternative raw materials and formulation improvements to optimise existing cleaning products.
What documentation is available for raw materials used in cleaning products?
Depending on the product, Chempri can provide product specifications, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), certificates, and additional quality documentation.
How does water hardness affect the performance of a cleaning product?
Water hardness has a direct impact on the performance of cleaning products. Hard water contains higher concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions, which can react with certain ingredients in a formulation. This may reduce cleaning efficiency, alter foaming behaviour, and lead to unwanted deposits on surfaces or equipment.
For cleaning product manufacturers, this is an important consideration because a product used in the Netherlands may be exposed to different water conditions than the same product used in Southern Europe. As a result, water quality is often taken into account during the formulation development process.
Chempri as your supplier of raw materials for the cleaning industry
Developing high-quality cleaning products requires more than selecting the right raw materials. Manufacturers need a partner who understands how ingredients influence cleaning performance and production processes.
With specialist expertise in oleochemicals and chemical raw materials, a broad portfolio of surfactants, certified quality management systems, and access to a European network of manufacturers, Chempri supports customers in the development and production of high-quality cleaning products.
