Resumen
The modern consumer values convenience, economy, and multifunctionality; these ideas drive and direct the research and development of new and improved laundry detergents. The focus of this research is the development of a methodology for the design of laundry detergent formulations and their associated manufacturing processes using chemical product design tools. Where applicable, computer modelling was employed to ensure essential target properties such as detergency was achieved by manipulating the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the surfactants responsible for the effect. The incorporation of various additives, such as anti-microbial agents, dye transfer inhibitors, and enzymes, can bestow additional features to the formulation. Multiple process routes for the production of laundry detergent were identified by considering the elements of cost and sustainability. The integration of the concept of sustainability in terms of inherent safety and occupational health was done via a computer aided molecular design framework. The assessment was conducted according to their respective sustainability indexes and work to improve them has been carried out without compromising the cost. This approach ensures that the product has met the targeted properties and fulfilled the sustainability requirements.