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Performance Evaluation/ Detergency Analysis

Measurands: First Group: Perception of Washing Results (on garments): WHITENING AFTER SOAKING Evaluates the level of whiteness perceived visually in wet white fabrics following soaking. It is related to the presence of substances that modify the visual perception of whiteness. COLOUR TRANSFER/DISCOLOURATIONS CAUSED BY THE PRODUCT Evaluates the appearance of spots or stains on white fabrics due to the presence of coloured substances in the product and short term discolourations on coloureds. SOIL AND STAIN REMOVAL Evaluates the level of removal of different types of soils and stains from different types of fabrics. ANTI-SOILING Evaluates the gradual increase in the level of soil and stain removal following additional washes. It is related to the presence of substances that are gradually deposited on fabrics and that aid soil and stain removal. Multiple wash cycles. COLOUR TRANSFER DURING WASH Evaluates the transfer of colour from one fabric to another during washing. EASE OF IRONING Evaluates the presence of wrinkles in garments following washing, drying, and ironing. MALODOUR MASKING / PERFUME SUBSTANTIVITY Evaluates the presence of persistent malodours on fabrics after the washing, and also the perfume substantivity by descriptive sensory analysis. One or multiple cycles. SOIL REDEPOSITION Evaluates the level of redeposition of soil on fabrics, as well as anti-redeposition effects. It is directly related to progressive dinginess. Multiple wash cycles. ELIMINATION OF DINGINESS/WHITENESS RESTORATION Evaluates the real or apparent recovery of whiteness in fabrics that were initially notably greyish, yellowish or reddish. It can be related to the presence of substances that modify the visual perception of whiteness. Multiple wash cycles. WHITENESS RETENTION OR IMPROVEMENT Evaluates the persistence or improvement of the whiteness originally perceived visually in a new fabric. It is related to the presence of substances that modify the visual perception of whiteness. Multiple wash cycles. GRADUAL COLOUR CHANGE (FADING) Evaluates the gradual change of garment colours. This is related to loss of original appearance. It also evaluates the presence of insoluble organic deposits that affect the original garment colour (e.g. lime soap). Multiple wash cycles. PILLING DEVELOPMENT AND/OR REMOVAL Evaluates the presence of microfibres in fabrics. It is related to wear and to the loss of original appearance. It can also evaluate improved appearance of worn fabrics. Multiple wash cycles. FABRIC INCRUSTATION Evaluates the presence of insoluble inorganic salts incrusted in fabrics. It is related to abrasive washing action, which affects fabric durability. FABRIC SOFTNESS Evaluates fabric softness or the development of roughness in garments. CHANGE IN FABRIC SIZE/DIMENSIONAL CHANGES Evaluates changes in the size of different types of fabrics and garments (stretching or shrinking). Second Group: Perception of Other Washing Properties (not on garments): RELATIVE SUDSING DURING WASH Evaluates the amount of suds when washing begins and during soaking and washing. It is directly related to the "yield" or "performance" perceived by the consumer. MALODOUR MASKING Evaluates the presence of malodours during the washing process by descriptive sensory analysis. PRODUCT REMOVAL DURING RINSE Evaluates the facility with which a product is completely removed from fabrics during rinsing. SKIN IRRITABILITY Evaluates the partial solubility of the surface layer of the skin during washing. This is directly related to potential irritability. Third Group: Perception of Yield/Economy: PRODUCT WEAR DURING USE Evaluates the wear of a bar, powder or liquid product during use. It is directly related to "yield" or "performance" as perceived by the consumer. RELATIVE DENSITY Evaluates the ratio between weight and volume of powder detergents. It is directly related to "yield" or "performance" as perceived by the consumer.

Technical Parameters: The specific evaluation conditions for each measurand are related to the technical parameters that identify and characterise each laundry market. They include the following: types of soils and stains types of fabrics water hardness Ca:Mg molar ratio wash-water temperature solar radiation (sunshine) intensity type of laundering process type of product product concentration soak and wash times liquor ratio amount of soil ballast amount of mechanical agitation sequence of laundering processes

System for Data Acquisition during Laundering (SDAL): This system allows us to monitor different parameters during both hand- and machine-washing, and thus helps us further guarantee the quality of our work by assuring in real time that the washing conditions are in accordance with our pre-established guidelines. The first stage of this system involves 24 sensors that register more than 80 washes per day. The system was developed jointly by DETERTEC and the School of Electronic Engineering of the National Polytechnic School of Quito during the last half of 1999. In January 2000, we optimised the installation, and it has been fully operational since February 2000. This new technology complements our facilities and our quality management system based on the ISO 9001:2000, ISO/IEC 17025:1999 and OECD GLP:1997 standards.