Mark Wrighton

Fully soluble & transparent formulations now easily achievable with new AqFresh™ concentrated solution

Aqdot have launched a breakthrough innovation and filed a new patent for its AqFresh™ odour capture technology.

Previously, given its limited solubility, AqFresh™ has been suspended, rather than solubilised, in aqueous formulations. This has resulted in cloudy products and a few challenges.

Aqdot have now developed & patented a formulating method to solubilise AqFresh™ offering:

• A clear liquid with dissolved AqFresh™ @15%
• Readiness to incorporate into existing or new aqueous formulations at desired usage concentrations e.g. 0.5wt%
• Enhanced odour elimination potential as shown on initial screening.

 New AqFresh™ concentrate formulates seamlessly into 3 different well-known brand formulations:

This patented technology consists of cucurbiturils – barrel-shaped molecules that powerfully attract and capture VOCs to eliminate them.

Fully soluble & transparent formulations. For more information and to discover how these learnings could be applied to your innovation projects for up to 90% odour elimination, please complete the form below.

AqFresh™ technology at Automotive Interiors Expo – VOC & odour elimination technology for textiles, nonwovens & plastics

AqFresh™ technology at Automotive Interiors Expo

To find out more about our patented technology, fill in the contact form below or visit us at stand #3624 at Automotive Interiors Expo Stuttgart 8-10 November 2022. Our team of scientists will give visitors to our stand a demonstration of our unique technology in action.

They will present the breakthrough AqFresh™ performance results that have been proven on a range of automotive textiles, nonwovens and plastics. They will also offer an introduction to the amazing chemistry in action with our 3D video and 3D model, and a presentation of our VDA-270 odour testing results in a wide range of applications.

These include headliners, car seat textiles, dashboard films and rigid plastic door trim. Moreover, they will also share their wealth of experience impregnating AqFresh™ into a rapidly-growing broad range of nonwovens, textiles & PVC/PU coatings.

Patented Technology

AqFresh™ is a revolutionary patented odour capture technology that removes VOCs, odours and pollutants. It uses cucurbiturils – barrel-shaped molecules with polar portals and a hydrophobic cavity to quickly capture & tightly bind unwanted molecules. AqFresh™ has been successfully impregnated into nonwovens, textiles and textile coatings to remove VOCs, odours & pollutants released by these materials themselves as well as capturing external environmental odours.

It has a broad range of applications and is being formulated into products in many industries with significant proven results, including:

• Automotive Interior Coated Textiles – AqFresh™ reduces odours from PVC coated textiles by 1  – 1.5 points on VDA-270 (when applied to the base textile layer)
• Automotive Interior Rigid Plastics – PP plastic dashboard material with AqFresh™ has 1.5pts less VOCs/Odours on VDA-270
• Automotive Interior Nonwovens – AqFresh™ has been added to typical headliner nonwovens to capture odours & VOCs

Automotive Interiors VOC & Odour Capture White Paper

AqFresh™ technology has been proven to capture odour and other VOC emissions from high-VOC materials & parts used in automotive interiors, such as PVC coated textiles & PP dashboards.

This report details the test methodology & results of VDA odour tests carried out on a range of materials with AqFresh™ added, along with key market insights.

For your copy of our full AqFresh™ Automotive Interiors VOC & Odour Capture White Paper packed with insights to inspire & guide your innovation programme, please complete the form below adding “AUTO INTERIORS WHITE PAPER” in the subject.

Free VDA Odour Test of Your Material Incorporating AqFresh™

To give you a free demonstration of our technology, we will add AqFresh™ to your material, carry out the VDA-270 test and send you a full report. To apply, please complete the form below adding “VDA ODOUR TEST” in the subject. Offer limited to the first 3  textile/coating/nonwoven/polymer manufacturers with £100M+ turnover.

3D video of our chemistry in action

Click below to watch a 3D video explaining the key benefits, applications, performance results as well as an explanation of AqFresh™ revolutionary supramolecular capture & release.

Aqdot establishes partnership with Radical Materials for the automotive plastics market throughout Europe

Aqdot, the Cambridge-based chemtech company, is responding to industry pull and entering the automotive plastics market after agreeing a partnership with Radical Materials to distribute its patented VOC and odour elimination technology AqFresh™ incorporated into custom masterbatches and polymer compounds throughout Europe.

AqFresh™ is proven to significantly reduce VOC emissions in industry standard testing. When AqFresh™ is added to polypropylene dashboard material via masterbatch, the VOC emissions fall substantially below the industry benchmark of 3.0 in the VDA-270 C3 test, dropping by 1.5 points. This VDA-270 result was externally validated by Olfasense where the reading dropped from 3.5 to 2.0.

This unique technology consists of cucurbiturils whose structure enables tight binding to a wide range of VOCs and malodour molecules. AqFresh™ is proven to reduce odour and other VOC emissions from polypropylene and polyvinylchloride used in the automotive interiors industry.

Hugh Rathbone, Chief Commercial Officer at Aqdot, said: “Radical Materials are pioneers in the delivery of unique polymer additives via masterbatch and compound plastics. This will enable us to offer a ready-to-use masterbatch or compound to accelerate innovations with the large number of automotive companies who are innovating with AqFresh™. Their experience and knowledge in the European Automotive industry will be invaluable as we expand the industry applications of AqFresh™”

Huw Durban, Director of Radical Materials, said: “We are excited to start a partnership with Aqdot. The revolutionary AqFresh™ technology will offer our customers the opportunity to formulate innovative Automotive parts with significantly lower VOC odours and emissions, helping our customers meet stringent vehicle interior air quality (VIAQ) standards, a huge issue for plastic parts manufacturers and OEMs alike ”.

For a presentation of our latest AqFresh™ performance results in polymers please contact
• info@aqdot.com

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Aqdot

Aqdot is a Cambridge, UK based chemtech company with a focus and expertise in developing, licensing and selling novel proprietary products. AqFresh™ is a novel and versatile performance host-guest chemistry that has exceptional capability at capturing molecules. In unique and proprietary formulations, this chemistry is game-changing in a wide range of industries, including plastic additives, household and personal care products, fragrances, industrial chemicals, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Aqdot partners with companies to create products which address unmet needs and make a positive impact on health, happiness and the environment. www.aqdot.com

Radical Materials

Radical Materials is a UK based specialist developer and manufacturer of custom and off the shelf masterbatches and polymer compounds created to solve complex problems, enhance material performance or mitigate the negative effects of other additives. www.radicalmaterials.com

AqFresh™ technology at Tech Textil – VOC & odour elimination technology for nonwovens, textiles & PVC/PU coatings – free white paper

AqFresh™ technology at Tech Textil

To find out more about our patented technology, fill in the contact form below or visit us at hall 11.0 stand #B80 at Tech Textil Frankfurt 21-24 June 2022. Our team of scientists will give visitors to our stand a demonstration of our unique technology in action. They will present a range of prototype nonwovens, textiles and PVC/PU coatings incorporating AqFresh™ along with the breakthrough performance results that have been proven. They will also offer an introduction to the amazing chemistry in action with our 3D video and 3D model, and a presentation of our sensory and GC odour testing results in a wide range of applications. Moreover, they will also share their wealth of experience impregnating AqFresh™ into a rapidly-growing broad range of nonwovens, textiles & PVC/PU coatings.

Patented Technology

AqFresh™ is a revolutionary patented odour capture technology that removes VOCs, odours, pollutants, and allergens. It uses cucurbiturils – barrel-shaped molecules with polar portals and a hydrophobic cavity to quickly capture & tightly bind unwanted molecules. AqFresh™ has been successfully impregnated into nonwovens, textiles and textile coatings to remove VOCs, odours & pollutants released by these materials themselves as well as capturing external environmental odours.

It has a broad range of applications and is being formulated into products in many industries with significant proven results, including:

• Automotive Interiors – PVC with AqFresh™ scores well below the 3.0 threshold on the 0-6 scale of the VDA-270 standard for automotive interiors
• Hygiene Care – Nonwovens dry impregnated with AqFresh™ have been proven to have up to 95% less urine and sweat malodour.
• Wound Care – Reduce malodours from chronic wounds by 78% using non-woven dressings with new AqFresh™ technology
• Home & Personal Care – AqFresh™ has been proven to significantly reduce a broad range of odours including garlic, onion, fish, sweat, urine, tobacco and many more. It can be incorporated into non-woven materials used for wipes.

Free White Paper

AqFresh™ technology can be incorporated into nonwovens through the fibre, through impregnation and through finishing – and has been proven to reduce odours without the need of a fragrance. This free white paper details the test methodology & results of sensory and analytical tests carried out on nonwovens incorporated with AqFresh™, along with key market insights.

For your free copy of our full AqFresh™ Odour Eliminating Nonwovens White Paper packed with insights to inspire & guide your innovation programme, please complete the form below adding “NONWOVEN WHITE PAPER” in the subject.

3D video of our chemistry in action

Click below to watch a 3D video explaining the key benefits, applications, performance results as well as an explanation of AqFresh™ revolutionary supramolecular capture & release.

Femcare & Babycare Nonwovens with AqFresh™ have up to 95% less urine & sweat malodour in sensory testing – free odour test

New AqFresh™ technology has been proven to capture urine and sweat malodours when dry impregnated into femcare and babycare nonwovens.

AqFresh™ consists of Cucurbiturils – barrel-shaped molecules with a hollow hydrophobic cavity and polar portals enabling it to capture & hold the malodours with extremely tight binding so they are virtually undetectable to the typical consumer. Unlike existing anti-odour solutions, AqFresh™ works in wet environments where femcare & babycare nonwovens are typically used, and does not rely on sensitising or allergenic fragrances or on antibacterials to which bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant.

In these studies, a section of the AqFresh-treated nonwoven was placed in a Gas Chromatography headspace (HS-GC) vial. Triethylamine or Isovaleric Acid were added to the nonwoven. The headspace was evaluated and compared to control (100% malodour before adding to the AqFresh™-impregnated nonwoven). The results showed that the level of malodour was reduced by up to 95% in the nonwoven with AqFresh™.

For your free odour test report of AqFresh added to your nonwoven, please complete the contact us form below adding “NONWOVEN ODOUR TEST” to the message.

(This offer is limited to the first 4 nonwoven manufacturers with £100M+ turnover.)

Other enquirers will receive our free Nonwoven Femcare & Babycare Odour Testing White Paper, comparing a range of malodour emissions from nonwovens with AqFresh™.

(This offer is unlimited.)

Aqdot at Tech Textil Frankfurt

Come and meet the Aqdot team at our stand #B80, hall 11 at Tech Textil Frankfurt, 21-24 June 2022. Learn more about our revolutionary patented technology and touch & smell a range of non-woven, textile and coated textile materials impregnated with AqFresh™ odour capture technology.

Malodours from Femcare & Babycare Nonwovens

Capturing external odours & pollutants is a key priority for manufacturers of feminine/adult care, baby care, and air-filter products. Current odour counteracting technologies are relatively ineffective and rely on fragrances to mask the odour. Nonwovens are widely used in this industry for panty liners, pads, diapers, nappies, intimate wipes and air-filters.

AqFresh™ is a versatile odour & pollutant capture technology with the potential to be incorporated into nonwovens produced using a variety of methods whether needlepunched, spunbonded, airlaid or meltblown. Manufacturers can reduce malodours by using AqFresh in polypropylene (PP), polyester (PE) and many more types of nonwovens, to provide the desired perception of freshness for these consumer products.

Malodour and pollutant reduction through nonwovens is of importance to a huge range of nonwoven applications including femtech, babytech, filters (HEPA), clothtech, hometech, indutech, medtech, mobiltech, protech, packtech, and sportech.

Odour Test

The odour test is run by Aqdot using trained assessors selected according to ISO 8586 for their ability to discriminate and describe malodour. They are trained & assessed quarterly using validated polymeric standards provided by a qualified supplier.

The panel carry out the odour tests to evaluate the impact of our counteractant. The panellists evaluate the odour intensity based on the scale from 0 to 6 (not detectable to extremely strong odour) and the hedonic tone from -4 extremely unpleasant to +4 extremely pleasant.

AqFresh™ odour capture technology

AqFresh™ odour capture technology can be dry impregnated into nonwoven materials, in order to capture malodours.

This patented technology consists of cucurbiturils: barrel-shaped molecules with a hydrophobic cavity and polar portal. Their unique structure enables exceptionally tight capture & binding of unwanted molecules.

AqFresh™ has been successfully impregnated into nonwovens, textiles and textile coatings to remove VOCs, odours & pollutants released by these materials themselves as well as capturing external environmental odours.

AqFresh™ has been proven to capture a wide range of malodours relevant to broader nonwoven applications including: putrescene & cadaverine (wounds), isovaleric acid (sweat), trimethylamine (urine) and skatole (faeces). It has also been shown to reduce VOCs enabling nonwovens, for example as used in car headliners, to meet the VDA-270 standard for automotive interiors.

AqFresh™ is available as powder which has been successfully demonstrated to reduce malodours when dry impregnated into non-woven materials.

48-hour odour protection for deodorants with AqFresh™ technology – free consumer insights report

Clinically Proven Patented Technology

AqFresh™ odour capture technology has been clinically proven to give 48-hour odour protection when formulated in deodorants. This unique patented technology uses cucurbiturils – barrel-shaped molecules with a hydrophobic cavity and polar portals – to capture & strongly bind odours, pollutants and allergens. Effective when wet or dry, at a wide range of pH and environmental conditions, AqFresh™ can be formulated into a broad range of personal care products, among many other applications.

Free Consumer Insights Report

80% suffer from body odour and 56% suffer from allergies according to our Aqdot global survey of over 1200 consumers. 61% are concerned about urban air pollution on their skin. 76% wish that the fresh scent of their personal care products would last longer.

For your free copy of our 50-page AqFresh™ Hair & Personal Care Consumer Insights Report packed with insights to inspire & guide your innovation programme, please complete the form below adding “HAIR & PERSONAL CARE REPORT” in the subject.

Find Out More

To find out more about our patented technology, fill in the contact form below. Our team of scientists can offer a must-see demonstration of our unique technology in action. They also offer an introduction to the amazing chemistry in action with our 3D video, and will share their wealth of experience formulating AqFresh™ into a rapidly-growing broad range of personal care formulation types.

Trained Panel of Home Testers

For initial screening results, a trained panel of home testers used a stick deodorant with 1 percent AqFresh™ Pure included in the formulation. The home test participants showered in the morning, then applied the deodorant with AqFresh incorporated under one arm only. After 12 hours, 84 percent of the home testers preferred the AqFresh Pure treated side. After 24 hours, 100 percent of the volunteers preferred the AqFresh Pure treated side. Even after 48 hours, the home testers could perceive a difference with 64 percent preferring the AqFresh Pure treated side.

Clinical Study

The initial positive results were confirmed by a clinical study conducted by Elementis under scientific conditions. The study proved that inclusion of only .3 percent AqFresh™ Pure provides immediate and long-term odour reduction and reduces odour perception from perceptible to not perceptible or barely perceptible. In the clinical study, odour evaluation experts conducted four assessments – at 2-minute, 8-hour, 24-hour and 48-hour time periods. Odour was reduced by more than 50 percent after 24 hours and more than 35 percent after 48 hours.

In-vitro Malodour Challenge Testing

Malodour challenge testing demonstrated the odour capture longevity efficacy. AqFresh™ Pure placed in a closed container, was exposed to a dose of malodour every three days over a six-week period. While the control sample developed a strong malodour, the sachet containing AqFresh™ Pure only developed a very weak malodour.

AqFresh™ technology at Interclean – captures odours, pollutants, allergens – prolongs fragrance release – free consumer insights report

AqFresh™ technology at Interclean

To find out more about our patented technology, fill in the contact form below or visit us at stand #12.114 at Interclean at the RAI Amsterdam 10-13 May 2022. Our team of scientists will give visitors to our stand a demonstration of our unique technology in action. They also offer an introduction to the amazing chemistry in action with our 3D video and 3D model, and a presentation of our sensory and GC odour testing results in a wide range of applications. Moreover, they will also share their wealth of experience formulating AqFresh™ into a rapidly-growing broad range of home & professional cleaning product formulation types.

Patented Technology

AqFresh™ odour capture technology has been proven to deliver superior odour elimination of 10 different common household malodours as well as many allergens and pollutants. This unique patented technology uses cucurbiturils – barrel-shaped molecules with a hydrophobic cavity and polar portals – to capture & strongly bind odours, pollutants and allergens. Effective when wet or dry, at a wide range of pH and environmental conditions, AqFresh™ can be formulated into a broad range of home & professional cleaning products, among many other applications.

Free Consumer Insights Report

43% of consumers want fragrance-free home cleaning products according to our Aqdot consumer survey, and 13% are allergic or sensitive to fragrance. Most consumers say they want better air quality and eco-friendly products. They seek instant odour removal not just masking with fragrance.

Learn more about:

• What air quality problems exist in indoor public places
• What air quality problems exist in cars
• What consumers’ attitudes are to air-freshening
• What odour removal solutions consumers want

For your free copy of our full AqFresh™ Home Freshening Consumer Insights Report packed with insights to inspire & guide your innovation programme, please complete the form below adding “HOME FRESHENING REPORT” in the subject.

3D video of our chemistry in action

Click below to watch a 3D video explaining the key benefits, applications, performance results as well as an explanation of AqFresh™ revolutionary supramolecular capture & release.

Reduce malodours from chronic wounds by 78%

using non-woven dressings with new AqFresh™ technology

– free odour test report

New AqFresh™ odour elimination technology has been proven to reduce malodours from chronic wounds (eg. putrescene and cadaverine) when dry impregnated into non-wovens.

AqFresh™ consists of Cucurbiturils – barrel-shaped molecules with a hollow hydrophobic cavity and polar portals. This unique structure enables it to capture & hold the malodours with extremely tight binding. Therefore they are virtually undetectable to the typical patient. Unlike existing anti-odour solutions, AqFresh™ works in wet environments like chronic wound dressings and does not rely on to which bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant.

In these studies, a section of the AqFresh™-treated nonwoven was placed in a Gas Chromatography headspace (HS-GC) vial. Putrescene was added to the nonwoven. The headspace was evaluated and compared to control and untreated nonwoven. The results showed that the level of malodour was reduced by 78% in the non-woven with AqFresh™ compared to the non-woven without AqFresh™.

For your free odour test report of AqFresh™ added to your non-woven, please complete the contact us form below adding “NON-WOVEN ODOUR TEST” to the message.

(This offer is limited to the first 4 non-woven manufacturers with £100M+ turnover.)

Other enquirers will receive our free Non-Woven Wound Care Odour Testing White Paper, comparing a range of malodour emissions from non-wovens with and without AqFresh™.

(This offer is unlimited.)

Reduce malodours from Chronic Wounds

Tackling malodours from chronic wounds is a key priority for healthcare workers, carers and patients in the medical sector of the non-wovens industry. A key objective is to help patients overcome social embarrassment & isolation due to the smell.

Current odour technologies such as charcoal only work when dry whilst silver is relatively ineffective and relies on antimicrobial action to which bacterial resistance is increasing.

As well as for advanced wound care, non-wovens are widely used in the medical & healthcare sector. For example, hospitals use them for surgical gowns & face masks, bed linen, underpads, ostomy bag liners, PICO dressings and sterilisation wraps. In wound care, non-woven bandages are used to provide a moist wound healing environment, with controlled vapour transmission, absorbency and low skin adhesion. Hydrocolloid dressings are often used provide a moist and insulating healing environment with gel-forming agents, a waterproof backing and gauze.

Odour Test

The odour test is run by Aqdot using trained assessors selected according to ISO 8586 for their ability to discriminate and describe malodours. They undergo training and a quarterly assessment using validated polymeric standards provided by a qualified supplier.

The panel carry out the odour tests to evaluate the impact of our counteractant. The panellists evaluate the odour intensity based on the scale from 0 to 6 (not detectable to extremely strong odour) and the hedonic tone from -4 extremely unpleasant to +4 extremely pleasant.

AqFresh™ odour capture technology

AqFresh™ odour capture technology can be dry impregnated into non-woven materials. As a result, it can capture malodours, such as those arising from chronic wound dressings.

This patented technology consists of cucurbiturils, which are barrel-shaped molecules with a hydrophobic cavity and polar portal. Most importantly, their unique structure enables exceptionally tight capture & binding of unwanted molecules.

We have proven that AqFresh™ can capture a wide range of malodours relevant to broader non-woven applications. Some examples include: putrescene & cadaverine (wounds), isovaleric acid (sweat), trimethylamine (urine) and skatole (faeces).

In conclusion, AqFresh™ is available as powder which has been successfully demonstrated to reduce malodours when dry impregnated into non-woven materials.

A nice alternative for AqFresh^TM powder impregnation: Fibroline technology

Fibroline is an engineering company which developed and patented innovative dry impregnation technologies. Those cleantechs enable to impregnate powder form materials into porous structures thanks to high intensity alternating electric fields.

AqFresh™ technology eliminates a broader range of household smells, including 10 common complex malodours.

– free sensory odour test report of YOUR formula.*

Instantly effective in solid or liquid formats, it keeps working when both wet and dry. Formulation flexible, it works in aerosol, aqueous or alcohol-based solutions, and is compatible with common cleaning product ingredients.

Our unique patented odour capture technology consists of cucurbiturils – barrel-shaped molecules with a hydrophobic cavity and polar portals that powerfully attract and capture VOCs. They act rapidly and keep on working for lasting freshness. AqFresh™ contains a mixture of cucurbit[n]urils (n =6, 7, 8) and each homologue has affinity for a variety of molecules. Thus, AqFresh™ has exceptional capability to bind a wide spectrum of molecules with different sizes and functional groups.

For a free sensory odour test report of AqFresh™ added to your formula*, please complete the contact us form below adding “HOME CARE ODOUR TEST” to the message.

(This offer is limited to the first 4 home care product manufacturers with £100M+ turnover.) Other enquirers will receive our free Home Care Odour Testing White Paper. (This offer is unlimited.)

Common Household Malodours

Bad household smells trigger negative emotions, such as irritation, stress & anxiety, or a bad mood, according to the Aqdot 2021 survey of over 500 consumers in North America, Europe and Asia. Rotting food smells (fish, rotten egg, milk, cheese, cooking fat) for example, are particularly associated with triggering feelings of being distracted or nauseous.

Many household cleaning products use strong chemicals with even stronger smells. Fragrance is often added to mask the product smell and to give a signal of ‘freshness’ post-cleaning. However, as fragrances are highly volatile, they quickly dissipate, so the malodour can remain distinctly noticeable.

The fact that bad smells are annoying creates a negative emotional experience which becomes associated with using that household cleaning product. However, consumers don’t think that using a strong fragrance to mask the product is a good solution either. For example, 51% prefer an air freshener spray that is fragrance-free or only lightly fragranced and just 14% prefer a strongly fragranced one.

AqFresh™ outperforms benchmarks for a broader range of malodours

We have selected some of the most common household smells, and of these we outperform two leading competitor technologies substantially.  In each case the performance is benchmarked against the next best product – which varies between them depending on the odour, highlighting that competing technologies struggle at removing this breadth of odours, as well as some specific ones. In conclusion, AqFresh™ technology eliminates a broader range of household smells.

Sensory Odour Test

Aqdot has its own externally-validated trained expert panel of assessors who follow a standard sensory odour test protocol to evaluate the intensity of residual malodour after treatment with the test formulation vs a control. The panel uses trained assessors selected according to ISO 8586 for their ability to discriminate and describe malodour. Aqdot train & assess them quarterly using validated polymeric standards provided by a well-known multi-national olfactory company.

Analytical GC-HS Test

The analytical testing is run by Aqdot using gas chromatography to analyse the amount of residual malodour molecules present in the headspace after treatment with the test formulation vs a control. Gas chromatography (GC) is an analytical technique that helps to separate and analyse a mixture of compounds that can be vaporized without their decomposition. Headspace (HS) analysis is a technique for analysing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by collecting the gaseous headspace for introduction into the GC.

Improving indoor air quality

AqFresh™ is a revolutionary new 5-in-1 molecular capture and release technology that removes odours, pollutants, allergens & viruses whilst delivering prolonged fragrance release, to improve indoor air quality.

AqFresh™ is non-toxic, works in more formulations and environmental conditions, faster, for longer. It has been proven in sensory, gas chromatography, consumer & clinical testing to remove a broader range of pollutants, viruses, odours & allergens and give longer-lasting fragrance release.

AqFresh™ technology eliminates a broader range of household smells.

3D video explaining the unique AqFresh™ chemistry