Unilever's Sunlight uses 100% plant-based technology for dishwashing; RhamnoClean, developed with Evonik, is a biodegradable biosurfactant that provides superior cleaning performance

Unilever scientists have spent years perfecting the formulation of Sunlight dishwashing liquid so that it delivers superior performance while using 100% plant-based renewable and biodegradable cleaning ingredients. The result is a patented technological breakthrough: RhamnoClean.

We spoke to Judisha Naidoo, Global R&D Dishwash Director, to understand what it is and why it’s so revolutionary.

Firstly, what is RhamnoClean?

Hand dishwash products have traditionally included surfactants – chemicals that create foam and lift grease and dirt. As there’s typically a high level of petrochemicals in surfactants, we wanted to find an alternative that could wash dishes as well as our best-performing products – while delivering additional benefits – but that’s made from renewable ingredients.

In 2017, in collaboration with Evonik, a global leader in biotechnology, we developed rhamnolipid – a 100% natural, biodegradable and renewable ‘biosurfactant’ that delivers outstanding performance.

We introduced rhamnolipid technology in Chile in 2019 in our Quix dishwashing liquid – the first time it had been used in a cleaning product anywhere in the world. We then ran further pilots in Vietnam in 2021, and Indonesia and Thailand last year. Following their success, we’re now launching RhamnoClean technology, powered by rhamnolipid, across our Sunlight hand dishwash premium range, Sunlight Plus.

To meet our needs, Evonik has built a state-of-the-art production facility at its factory in Slovenská Ľupča, Slovakia. It’s the world’s first industrial-scale plant creating rhamnolipids.

What insights led to us develop RhamnoClean technology?

Through extensive research, we gained a deep understanding of the diverse needs of consumers, who look for increasingly differentiated products without compromising on performance. The key ingredient, rhamnolipid, caters for consumers who prioritise natural ingredients without wanting to sacrifice cleanliness.

For consumers everywhere, safety is a priority. This is driven in part by a rapidly ageing population – projected to triple in the next decade in some key markets for Sunlight.

There’s a real concern about traces of chemical residue left on dishes after washing. So consumers are seeking products that are free from harsh chemicals. RhamnoClean’s ingredients make it safe even for babies’ dishes.

Another consumer need is that, even when dishes look clean, consumers worry about contamination through dirty sponges. Our Sunlight premium range is the only dishwashing product that delivers 24-hour protection against the return of harmful bacteria and a seven-day shield against the growth of fungi in sponges.

We also know that people don’t like that their hands get dry or itchy from washing dishes, especially those with sensitive skin. RhamnoClean’s formulation has passed stringent dermatological tests to be gentle on skin, so hands actually feel moisturised after use.

Where have we launched RhamnoClean?

Sunlight BioCare Nature is the hero variant we’re launching across all markets. In addition, we’ve developed further variants available in different markets, dependent on local needs and trends.

So far, we’ve launched in Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand where premiumisation is the fastest-growing segment of the category, and Sunlight is leading the premium market.