In ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Rome, people got their scrub on with soap-like mixtures made from animal fats and ashes. Fast forward to the Middle Ages, where soap production reached new heights in Europe. They spiced things up by using vegetable oils and the magical touch of lye. Then, the 18th century brought a bubbly revolution with French chemist Nicolas Leblanc’s brilliant invention—the soap-making process using alkali and fats.
As we leaped into the 19th century, German chemists wowed the world with the discovery of surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate, giving birth to the sensational world of synthetic detergents. But hold onto your socks, because the 20th century delivered the real soap opera. Procter & Gamble, the masterminds behind Dreft, kicked off the commercial success of synthetic detergents in 1933. Soon, Tide and Persil followed, captivating hearts and clothes everywhere. Post-World War II, the demand for cleanliness skyrocketed, leading to a detergent production boom. Enzymes and other additives emerged, transforming detergents into stain-fighting superheroes.
As the swinging ’60s and ’70s rolled around, Mother Earth raised her concerns about the environmental impact of phosphates used in detergents. The brilliant minds of the time responded with a game-changing solution—phosphate-free and biodegradable detergents that went easy on our beloved planet. Enter the ’80s and beyond, a glorious era of detergent innovation with concentrated formulas and eco-friendly options took center stage.
Present day, detergents are widely used in various industrial sectors for cleaning, degreasing, and disinfecting purposes. In the food and beverage industry, they play a vital role in ensuring impeccable hygiene. From sanitizing equipment and utensils to eliminating grease and food residues from production lines, detergents keep things sparkling clean and safe. The hospitality industry relies on detergents to maintain the utmost cleanliness and comfort for guests. Whether it’s laundering linens and towels in hotels, cleaning kitchenware and utensils in restaurants, or ensuring spotless guest rooms and public areas, detergents work their magic to create a pristine environment.
In the healthcare industry, detergents become guardians of health. They play a crucial role in sterilizing medical instruments and equipment, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in hospitals and clinics, and even ensuring cleanliness in laboratories. Detergents also step up in laundering healthcare textiles like bed linens and scrubs, ensuring a hygienic environment. The automotive industry relies on the power of detergents to keep things shiny and clean. From degreasing and cleaning engine parts to removing dirt and grime from vehicle exteriors and interiors, detergents play a vital role in maintaining the sleek appearance and functionality of automobiles. They also prepare surfaces for painting or coating processes, ensuring a flawless finish.
In the manufacturing industry, detergents take on the tough job of cleaning and degreasing metal parts, machinery, and equipment. They remove contaminants from surfaces before assembly or packaging, ensuring the quality of finished products. Additionally, detergents play a part in maintaining clean industrial floors, walls, and workspaces, creating a safe and productive environment for workers.
Currently, in the face of escalating cargo theft risks and the exigency to prevent product contamination, it’s no longer an option, but a necessity to incorporate robust layered cargo security measures for industrial detergent compound shipments. To ensure the utmost integrity of your sensitive goods, shippers and carriers are integrating TydenBrooks’ ISO 17712 barrier seals, connected cargo condition devices, and tamper-evident layered security measures. Dive into today’s blog, and review our invaluable and practical advice that will enhance your cargo security efforts across all conveyances.
Shipping Methods
Across North America, trucks are the workhorses for short to medium distances, offering versatility, accessibility, and the flexibility of scheduling and route planning. For long-distance shipping, rail transport takes the stage, boasting cost-effectiveness, ample carrying capacity, and environmental friendliness.
When it comes to international shipping and large quantities of detergents, ships reign supreme, offering a cost-effective solution over extended distances. And when time is of the essence, airplanes swoop in as the go-to choice for expedited or urgent shipments, although it comes with a higher price tag.
Detergents are carefully housed in a range of containers to ensure their safe arrival. Bottles and containers made of plastic or glass are popular choices, offering lightweight durability and reliable protection against leakage or spillage during transportation. For bulk shipments, sturdy drums made of steel or plastic step onto the scene, prepared to withstand the rigors of rough handling.
Finally, the stars of bulk shipments are the Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), large plastic or metal containers capable of holding a significant volume of detergent, ensuring a smooth and secure journey.
Environmental Factors
Temperature:
High temperatures: Excessive heat can cause detergents to degrade, leading to changes in their chemical composition and reduced effectiveness. Heat can also cause the expansion of containers, leading to leakage or spillage. It is crucial to avoid exposing detergents to extreme temperatures during transportation.
Low temperatures: Freezing temperatures can cause detergents to solidify or separate, affecting their consistency and performance. This is particularly relevant for liquid detergents. It is important to protect detergents from freezing during shipping, especially in cold climates.
Light:
UV radiation: Exposure to direct sunlight or UV radiation can cause detergents to degrade and lose their effectiveness. This is especially true for products containing sensitive ingredients. Packaging should be designed to block or minimize UV exposure, and detergents should be stored in dark or opaque containers to protect them from light during transportation.
Moisture:
Humidity: High humidity levels can lead to moisture absorption by detergents, resulting in clumping, caking, or loss of effectiveness. Moisture can also cause packaging materials to weaken or deteriorate. It is important to store and transport detergents in dry conditions, using moisture-resistant packaging if necessary.
Water exposure: Detergents, especially powdered or granular ones, can be damaged if they come into direct contact with water. Water can cause clumping, dissolution, or chemical reactions that alter the detergent's properties. It is crucial to protect detergents from water exposure during shipping, ensuring proper sealing and waterproof packaging.
Securing the World
At TydenBrooks, we’re not just another cargo security company. We’re your partners in safeguarding your industrial detergent compound shipments from start to finish. With our cutting-edge solutions, we empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to conquer the challenges of the modern logistics landscape.
Why settle for anything less than total peace of mind. Don’t compromise on safety and security. Trust the cargo security experts with 150 years of proven solutions. Join forces with TydenBrooks and take your cargo security to the next level.
Contact our leading supply chain security specialists today at 1-800-458-7325 or send us an email at [email protected]. Get a FREE cargo security consultation that will change the game for your business!
