Sustainability in daily life requires a comprehensive approach, touching various facets of our routines. Recently, biosurfactants like sophorolipids, derived from microorganisms, have gained traction for their eco-friendly properties. LIVINEX SL, a sophorolipid surfactant by Sasol, exemplifies this trend with its performance, mildness, multifunctionality and biodegradability, making it ideal for sustainable household cleaning solutions.

Laundry care stands as a critical juncture in sustainable living, where the choice of detergent not only affects environmental impact but also influences clothing longevity. Here we discuss the incorporation of sophorolipids into detergent formulations as a promising solution. Sophorolipids are known for their gentle nature, skin compatibility and care of the scalp and hair. Their excellent hair conditioning properties promote fabric-friendliness and extended longevity of wool garment. But sophorolipids are also gentler to many synthetic polymers. Thus, their use can additionally be beneficial to synthetic or delicate fabrics, safeguarding them against premature wear and tear during the washing cycle. Moreover, the skin-friendly attributes of sophorolipids may contribute to reducing skin irritations, well known for synthetic detergents, catering to individuals with sensitive skin.

The integration of sophorolipids into detergent formulations for synthetic or delicate clothes represents the synergy between sustainability and practicality. On one hand, they offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic detergents, while on the other, they ensure consistent performance and reduce the environmental impact due to enhanced longevity of clothes.