Detergent Pod-Making Machines
There are a variety of pod machines available, from K-Cup (r) and Tassimo (tm) to Nespresso (tm) or Senseo(tm). All pod coffee machines work the same way, by heating water and pressing buttons.
The process of making pods is more complex, but still easy enough to do yourself. Here are some things to be aware of when purchasing a pod-making equipment:
Detergent Pod Manufacturing
Detergent pods are convenient, efficient, and environmentally friendly. How do they make them? The process is actually quite simple. A single-dose pod is filled with a dissolvable water-soluble film. This film is usually made of polyvinyl ethanol. It dissolves quickly in water and does not leave any residue on clothing. A few other ingredients are added into the detergent formula that include chelating agents to soften hard water and decrease the degradation of detergents optical brighteners to improve the appearance of whites, and fragrances or other additives for pleasant scents.
The sachets then get sealed, protecting the contents from contamination and moisture during transport, storage, and use. Laundry pod manufacturers use high-speed production techniques to keep up with demand. They can produce between 240 and 600 pods per minute, which ensures that the product is delivered within the timeframes set by the manufacturer.
While many of these products are made by third-party companies, Tide makes some of its own pods. Tide makes use of high-quality, U.S-made ingredients, and does not import cheaper substitutes. It also takes steps to trace and verify raw materials.
A machine for making laundry pods includes a product hopper that keeps liquid detergent in storage until it's used. Then, a precisely-sized dispenser fills each pod with precisely measured amounts of detergent. The machine then heat seals each pod. The unique design of the machine protects the water-soluble film, while routine inspections maintain 0.02ml precision.
Pod films also contain other minor ingredients, like denatonium, which imparts a bad flavor and helps them repel liquids. MonoSol for instance, uses Bitrex - a quaternary compound of ammonium known as denatonium. This chemical is so bitter that it could dissuade humans from as low as 0.01 percent. It also can deter pets and children from putting the sachets in their mouths.
When you're not using your laundry pods store them away from pets and children. By keeping them out of moisture and light you can stop their ingredients from degrading too quickly. Proper storage conditions will also increase the life span of the detergent. Additionally, it is important to properly dispose of laundry pods after use.
Detergent Packaging for Pods
Detergent pods are a craze that is stealing market share in dishwasher and laundry detergents, as well as personal care products like shampoo. They contain a concentrated mix of surfactants and other cleaning ingredients that are contained in a water-soluble film. They are easy to use, store, and a safer alternative to liquid cleaners.
Pods are not like traditional detergent containers made of PET plastic, which may contain harmful chemicals such as 1,4 dioxane. Instead, they are made up of a cocktail harsh chemicals enclosed in a polyvinyl alcohol film. These chemicals can vary depending on the brand. They could include surfactants and bleaches as well in optical brighteners, solvents or enzymes. These ingredients are disclosed on the websites of the manufacturers.
The PVA film used to encase pods is biodegradable. It is included in the CleanGredients database of the Environmental Protection Agency. It also has the Nordic Swan Eco-label, which is one of the most stringent independent ecolabels. The EPA mentions that it is able to be broken down into simple natural compounds by microorganisms found in the soil and wastewater treatment plants.
Laundry pods offer an alternative to liquid detergent. Many brands offer a variety of products, ranging from basic detergents to fabric softeners to stain removal products. In the US they comprise 15 percent of the sales of household detergent according to a research by Nohbo.
Most pods consist of one dose of laundry detergent, however some contain additional ingredients like fabric softeners, stain removers, and scent boosters. Some manufacturers also include anti-bacterial properties in the detergent to help fight bacteria.
Some people have complained that laundry pods don't dissolve completely, despite their usefulness. This could be because of filling the washer too full or using water that is unusually cold, or adding the pods too soon in the cycle. It could also be due to consumers don't follow the instructions, as the pods require a specific temperature and pressure to dissolve.
They are not toys. Therefore, people should keep them in a safe place and keep them out of reach of children. Likewise, they should always be cleaned of their contents before putting them in the dishwasher or washing machine. Recycling the packaging as quickly as possible will help to reduce waste and avoid pollution.
Detergent Filling Pods
Laundry pods have become an instant success in household cleaning products, and are rapidly taking over from traditional liquid detergents. The tiny packets are easy to use, and don't require measuring. They come in a variety of sizes and strengths. Depending on the type of laundry you do you can pick between single-dose pods and multi compartment pods or even powder detergent.
The secret to pods is their thin encapsulating film. It has to be able hold solids and liquids that are chemically active, while retaining its shape. However, it should also be able to completely dissolve and quickly in water - even cold water. Many firms have landed on a polymer called PVA, which offers both those properties. The rest of the pod is a mix of powerful detergents bleaches, solvents optical brighteners, enzymes, and preservatives. Manufacturers usually disclose the ingredients in their detergents.
Pods are made of plant-based polymers. They are not like powder and liquid detergents which are packaged in high-density plastic. Microbes break down these polymers in soil or ocean water. According to scientists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, PVA is broken down in less than 70 days in sewage sludge. That's significantly faster than conventional detergent, which takes hundreds of years to degrade.
While laundry pods have revolutionized the world of laundry but they're not without disadvantages. One disadvantage is that they're more expensive than liquid or powder detergents. If you accidentally spill the pod, you'll be greeted by an unpleasant taste as well as chemical burn.
They're also not as flexible as conventional detergents. Using a laundry pod limits your washing options to the specific cycle that's listed on the packaging, which could be a problem if you have top-loading or front-loading washer with an automatic fabric softener or detergent dispenser. If your washer has an drum, pods may not dissolve properly.
Speak to your local laundromat for the best option. And always take the time to read the directions carefully. If your clothes show streaks or spots after washing them with a pod add no more detergent. Don't dry clothes that are stained by detergent because the heat could make it difficult to get rid of the stains later.
Detergent Pod Inspection
Laundry detergents pods are very popular due to their ability to dissolve quickly and efficiently in hot soapy water. They also remove stains from most fabric. The pods aren't without controversy. Many activists refer to them as plastic and they are a rising source of marine debris and litter. While it is true the polyvinyl alcohol and PVOH used to make the pods are derived from petroleum, the producers argue that these plastics aren't as harmful as other kinds of plastics since they are biodegradable in water.
Since they were first introduced in 2012, they have exploded in popularity and now make up more than three-quarters of the country's liquid detergent sales. The sachets are offered by several major brands and come in a variety of scents and colors. They are about the size of an coffee pods coffee machine ice cube. They are also marketed as green with the Cleaning Institute (which represents large detergent multinationals such as Procter and Gamble) arguing that the blending of detergent into a pre-measured dosage results in less packaging, less weight and less shipping emissions. The makers claim that the starches from plants in the pods and other natural materials make them water-soluble and biodegrade rapidly in water treatment facilities.
But in spite of all the hype the pods can be dangerous if mishandled. The thin membranes containing the detergent may break easily and cause irritation to a person's skin or eyes and, if consumed at a high rate, they could cause poisoning with chemicals. In addition the outer packaging designed to prevent children from gaining access to the pods is easily ripped at the zipper track. Consumer Reports asked manufacturers to make pods more secure in September 2012 by switching the transparent containers to opaque ones and adding child-resistant locks. Many manufacturers responded, and some added additional safety warnings.
In the meantime, to avoid any issues Keep the pods out of the reach of seniors and children and away from pets. Place them on a shelf or lock them away to prevent children from mistaking the pods for candy. Also, ensure that you make use of a detergent that is compatible with your particular washer. Also, be aware that cold water--especially when it's lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit, may not dissolve the pod and could cause a blockage in your machine or result in residue of detergent on the fabric.