From 14 to 16 October 2026, Berlin hosted a new edition of the SEPAWA Congress, one of Europe's leading events for the detergent, cleaning product and cosmetics industries. With more than 300 exhibitors and over 150 scientific and technical presentations, the congress brings together raw material manufacturers, formulators, universities and research centres every year.
At Instaquim we closely follow what is presented at forums like this: it is where the raw materials and technologies that will reach professional cleaning products in the coming years first appear.
The trends that defined this edition
1. Biotechnology is gaining ground. Surfactants produced by fermentation from agri-food by-products, new enzymes designed for synthetic fabrics such as polyester, and microorganism-based solutions for odour control and the maintenance of surfaces and machines.
2. Washing well at low temperatures. Chlorine-free oxidisers that work in cold water and polymers that prevent greying or improve stain removal in concentrated formulations. The aim is to save energy without compromising results.
3. Simpler, cleaner formulas. Detergents with a lower surfactant load, alternatives to controversial ingredients and PFAS-free water-repellent treatments.
4. Renewable raw materials. Plant-based chelating agents, preservatives and fabric softeners, some of which also allow cold-process manufacturing, with lower energy consumption at the plant.
5. Dishwashing: from clean dishes to a clean machine. New rinse surfactants that, as well as improving drying and shine, help reduce grease residues inside the machine, even on short or eco programmes.
What this means for our customers
Our technical department is analysing these developments to assess which of them can bring real improvements to the ranges we already manufacture: laundry, industrial dishwashing, surface cleaning and hygiene. Any change to a formula first goes through testing in our laboratory and an update of its technical data sheet, with the same quality control we have applied for more than 25 years under the ISO 9001 standard.
This technology watch is what allows us to keep developing our EU Ecolabel certified range and to offer distributors and professional users effective products in line with market requirements.
Would you like to know how these trends could affect the products you use? Contact our team and we will advise you.