Effective odor neutralization – right at the source

Effective odor control doesn’t start with the fragrance – it starts with the source. Discover POLYFIX (zinc ricinoleate), a powerful solution that not only masks odors but also binds them in a targeted and irreversible way.
 

Where do smells come from?

Odors are often caused by volatile molecules – usually alkaline or sulfur-containing – such as amines, mercaptans, or fatty acids. These unpleasant odors are just as bothersome as visible dirt and grime.

A refrigerator doesn’t smell because something is “stinking” inside it, but because volatile molecules have nowhere to disappear to. Binding these molecules solves the problem at its source.

Typical, often unpleasant odors in the refrigerator result from the breakdown of proteins and fats. Microorganisms decompose amino acids, producing amines – which are often perceived as having a fishy odor – as well as volatile sulfur compounds, such as those formed during the ripening process of vegetables.

Fats can also oxidize and undergo enzymatic breakdown without visible spoilage. This produces short-chain fatty acids such as butyric acid, which typically smells rancid. Additionally, aldehydes and ketones form, which are often perceived as “stale” or musty. While cold temperatures slow down the processes described above, they do not stop them.

Of course, a refrigerator cleaner is just one of many applications where unpleasant odors need to be neutralized during cleaning. Other applications include toilet and bathroom cleaners, fabric and carpet fresheners, or pet and specialty cleaners. 
 

POLYFIX – Zinc ricinoleate for effective odor neutralization through targeted molecular binding

The proven active complex zinc ricinoleate is the zinc salt of ricinoleic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid (derived from castor oil). The pre-activated zinc ricinoleate does not act as a masking agent or fragrance, but irreversibly binds odor molecules by having the ricinoleate component interact with lipophilic odorants, while the zinc ion additionally acts as a complexing agent.

POLYFIX performs particularly well against ammonia and amine odors, such as those found in restrooms or animal husbandry, as well as sulfur-containing odors that are more common in kitchens or drains. POLYFIX is effective even at low application concentrations and has a long-lasting effect because the odor molecules are bound.

POLYFIX is compatible with many surfactant systems. Especially in cleaners, the pH range plays a crucial role. Here, POLYFIX is most effective in acidic to neutral pH conditions. This allows you to reduce the proportion of fragrances in the formulation in the context of cost and allergen management.

With POLYFIX (zinc ricinoleate), we offer you a high-performance solution that does not mask odors but specifically and irreversibly binds them.

An additional advantage: Thanks to its targeted mechanism of action, the use of fragrances can be reduced – a plus for cost and allergen management.
 

POLYFIX-TYPEN

Application areas

The range of applications is as broad as our portfolio of products tailored to your formulation. Whether in toilet and sanitary cleaners, kitchen applications, fabric fresheners, or pet care products, POLYFIX stands out thanks to:

• high effectiveness even at low dosages
• long-lasting effect due to molecular bonding
• excellent compatibility with surfactant systems
• optimal performance in the acidic to neutral pH range
   

What’s next?

Are you already familiar with zinc ricinoleate and would like to test another source?

Or do you have a project where an odor-neutralizing component could add value to a cleaner or detergent?

We look forward to discussing the POLYFIX grades with you.