Pushing The High Temperature Limit: Stability Test Results of REF's New Flavor in Alkaline African Laundry Environments Revealed

Preamble:

In March 2025, a breakthrough test was carried out in REF's laboratories: the RF-302M flavour developed by REF achieved a long-lasting scent for 72 hours in a simulated typical African washing environment (water temperature of 60°C, pH 10.2), a 300% increase in performance compared to traditional products. This technology will revolutionise the African market, where high temperatures and high alkalinity have led to fragrance failure.

The double challenge of Africa's washing environment:

According to the African Household Chemical Association 2024 survey:

-Water quality issues: 80% of sub-Saharan households use well water with an average pH of 9.5-10.5 (well above the global average of 7.8)

-Washing habits: 72% of consumers choose to dry in the open air, and fragrances need to remain stable in environments above 60°C.

As a result, traditional fragrances generally have problems such as fragrance retention of less than 24 hours and discolouration in contact with iron ions, which account for 43% of the quality complaints of African daily chemical manufacturers.

REF solutions:

1. Microencapsulation for slow release:

By encapsulating flavour molecules in alkali-resistant polymer microspheres, the release is achieved in stages: rubbing → soaking → drying in three stages of precise controlled release.

Resistance to interference:

Colour stability in a solution containing 5% sodium carbonate (LAB colour difference value ΔE < 1.5)

2. Improved molecular structure:

EDTA-Free chelating technology is adopted to address the common problem of iron ion exceeding the standard in Africa:

Reduce the binding rate with metal ions to 0.3% (industry average 2.1%)

Passed the SABS certified 30 wash cycle test in South Africa

Technical Openness and Support:

REF is available to customers in Africa with immediate effect:

✅ Free samples (lemon, lavender, floral)

✅ Formulation optimisation service: 48 hours response to customised customer requirements

✅ Localised testing: rapid compatibility testing in partner laboratories in Nigeria and Egypt.

Conclusion:

‘The African market does not need ‘perfect flavours’ by European standards, but products that solve problems in real environments.’

                                                                                                                  --Dr. Amina Diallo, Head of the REF Africa Technical Centre