6 N-Acyl ED3A Chelating Surfactants: Properties and Applications in ...

Alkyl Polyglycosides 27
FIG. 22 Mucous membrane compatibility of C 12/14 -APG compared with betaine in combination
with FAES.
2. Alkyl Polyglycoside–Containing Manual Dishwashing
Detergents in Europe
Within the group of hard-surface cleaners, MDDs are the most important in
terms of tonnage. Thus, around 1.3 million tons of manual dishwashing detergents
were produced in Europe in 1992 [55]. At the present, in Europe there are
three segments: conventional manual dishwashing detergents, or high active
manual dishwashing detergents (concentrates) and manual dishwashing detergents
with excellent skin compatibility.
The most significant segment today is still that of conventional manual dishwashing
detergents. However, they are by no means a homogeneous group from
the formulation point of view. On the contrary, they may be divided into three
groups (Table 3) which differ significantly in their active substance content and
hence in their performance (for the same dosage). Products of relatively low
concentration are found in Southern Europe while products of relatively high
concentration are found, for example, in Great Britain. Since their introduction
in Europe (Spain: 1984, Germany: 1992), very high active products that are used
at half or one third the dose of conventional dishwashing detergents have experienced
continual growth. Manual dishwashing detergents with excellent skin
compatibility for consumers with sensitive skin were first introduced onto the
European market by two manufacturers of branded goods at the end of 1992.
Alkyl polyglycoside—containing MDDs which satisfy all consumer requirements
are now available for all three market segments.
(a) Dishwashing Performance. The core property of a manual dishwashing
detergent, namely its high cleaning performance, is still demanded by the con-