Detergent Raw Materials in Africa
In sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa, the term ‘detergent’ can loosely be applied to:-
- Detergent Powders
- Washing up liquids
More sophisticated liquids such as shampoos & bubble baths are not generally made in Africa but are imported from Europe for the ex-pat market. Toothpastes (containing SLS) are made in Africa but the market is dominated by Colgate and they purchase raw materials through their EU/USA offices.
Western Europe and the USA has over the last 30 years become very sophisticated in detergent manufacturing. However in Africa very basic formulations are the norm.This is primarily due to lack of cash both by the consumers and manufacturers. In Europe Manufacturing is mostly in the hands of huge internationals – namely Proctor & Gamble, Unilever & Henkel. Whereas in Africa many small independent manufactures exist alongside Unilever, Colgate & PZ Cussons
Detergent Powders are made both by spray dry method and dry mix:-
High foam is the norm as most consumers do not have washing machines:….
Below are some typical formulations of products manufactured in sub-Saharan Africa
| Typical basic formulation - Spray Dried | |
|---|---|
| Labsa neutralised with Soda Ash: | 25% Active |
| STPP powder | 35% |
| Sodium Silicate | 8% |
| Sodium Perborate | 10% |
| CMC | 3% |
| CME | 3% |
| Dye | q.s |
| Perfume | q.s |
| Aloe Vera | optional |
| Enzymes | optional |
| Sodium Sulphate / Water | Balance |
| Typical basic formulation - Dry Mix | |
|---|---|
| Sodium Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate | 25% Active |
| STPP – Granular | 20% |
| Sodium Silicate | 10% |
| Sodium Sulphate | 30% |
| CMC | 3% |
| CME | 3% |
| Colour | q.s |
| Perfume | q.s |
| Aloe Vera | optional |
| Enzymes | optional |
| Water | Balance |
| Typical basic formulation - Washing Up Liquids | |
|---|---|
| SLES 70% 2eo | 5% - 15% - adjust active level to meet quality / price required |
| Water | Balance |
| Salt | 1.75% - adjust to required viscosity |
| Caustic Soda | q.s – pH adjuster |
| Preservative | q.s |
| Colour | q.s |
| Perfume | q.s |
How can Cayley Chemicals help detergent manufacturers?
Cayley Chemicals is very strong and competitive in:-
Labsa (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid).
We supply the 96% grade which is the industry norm.
A top quality, competitively priced product, supplied ex-Korean major manufacturer
Packing: 80 x 210 kg plastic drums / 20ft Fcl.
Sodium Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate
We supply Nansa HS 85/S ex Huntsman France.
A very high quality product. 85% active, coarse powder.
Packing: 400 x 25kg bags / 20ft Fcl
SLES (Sodium Lauryl Ether sulphate).
We supply the 70% 2EO (2 mols of ethylene oxide) – this is the industry standard
A top quality, competitively priced product, supplied ex-China through our Chinese office
Packing: 114 x 170kg new plastic drums / 20ft Fcl. .
We can also supply: Caustic Soda, STPP, Sodium Sulphate, Sodium Silicate, CME, Sodium Perborate & CMC.
To see our full range of regularly supplied chemical raw materials, please click the ‘Products’ button below and scan through our products or search for a particular product.
Please contact Cayley for your detergent raw material requirements, for any other products or for general enquiries by clicking the button below.
We look forward to hearing from you
