{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"Synthetic fabrics, real problems - Solving the activewear detergent dilemma","text":"\u003Cp\u003ESpandex, nylon, and polyester are stretchable, sweat-friendly synthetic fabrics—but their performance features create unique challenges in fabric care.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"Synthetic fabrics, real problems - Solving the activewear detergent dilemma","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.png/1753484667382/smiling-woman-in-front-of-blue-skies.png","alt":"Smiling woman in front of blue skies","width":3840,"height":1651},"tags":[{"name":"Chemicals","value":"line-of-business:b2b/chemicals"}]},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com/"},{"name":"Business customers","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers.html"},{"name":"Shell Chemicals","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals.html"},{"name":"Resources & Insights","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources.html"},{"name":"Synthetic fabrics, real problems - Solving the activewear detergent dilemma","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeaderBanner","color":"semitransparent","model":{"title":"Solving the activewear detergent dilemma | Shell Chemicals","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/_jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header_copy.shellimg.png/1753486199884/smiling-woman-in-front-of-blue-skies.png","alt":"Smiling woman in front of blue skies","width":3768,"height":1650}},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header_copy"},{"organism":"PromoFull","color":"brand3-solid","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/main/section/promo_copy_copy_copy","model":{"title":"When performance apparel meets real-world washing","text":"\u003Cp\u003EEveryday wear is stretching the limits of laundry care.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003ESynthetic fabrics like spandex, nylon, and polyester have become staples in activewear — and in daily wardrobes. While these materials are engineered for stretch and sweat, they present real challenges for fabric care.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/_jcr_content/root/main/section/promo_copy_copy_copy.shellimg.png/1753484876292/person-pouring-liquid-detergent-into-washing-machine-png.png","alt":"Person pouring liquid detergent into washing machine","width":2979,"height":1677}}},{"organism":"PromoBanner","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/main/section/promo_copy_copy","model":{"title":"Odour retention, fabric breakdown, and loss of elasticity are common complaints.","text":"\u003Cp\u003EA recent survey found that \u003Cb\u003E80% of activewear users rewash their clothes due to lingering smells.\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe problem isn’t how people wear their garments. It’s how detergents treat them.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EFor detergent formulators, the situation presents technical challenges, as well as an opportunity to become a go-to choice for performance fabric care.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/_jcr_content/root/main/section/promo_copy_copy.shellimg.png/1753811040446/person-holding-orange-juice-bottle-png.png","alt":"Person holding orange juice bottle","width":3840,"height":1485}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","colspan":5,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_copy_copy_copy_","model":{"text":"\u003Ch3\u003EBreaking down the activewear boom:\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEveryday wear is stretching the limits of laundry care.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EActivewear has moved beyond gym attire to become a staple in everyday wardrobes.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe global activewear market is valued at $406.8 billion and is projected to grow 9.0% annually through 2030, driven by rising demand for clothing that blends performance with everyday comfort.\u003C/p\u003E\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand3-solid","colspan":7,"colstart":6,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_copy_copy_copy","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELatin America:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA $53.5 billion market, growing 9.6% annually through 2030\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUnited States:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe largest segment, forecast to grow 6.8% annually through 2035, reaching $135.1 billion\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIndia:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESmaller in size at just under $700 million, but scaling rapidly, with 19% annual growth projected through 2030\u003C/p\u003E\n"}},{"organism":"PromoFull","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/main/section/promo_copy_copy_copy_492020962","model":{"title":"Specialty fabrics and laundry detergent formulation","text":"\u003Cp\u003EUnlike cotton and traditional textiles, activewear is engineered for high performance, and it needs to be cared for that way.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThese leggings, sport bras, and technical tees can be harder to clean and easier to damage.\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EMany detergents struggle to penetrate synthetic weaves effectively and may lack the targeted surfactants and enzymes needed to break down sweat and bacteria trapped in these materials.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EBecause of this, activewear washed with conventional detergents may:\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003ERetain odours\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EAccumulate residue that clogs moisture-wicking channels\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EExperience pilling or stretch degradation, especially when exposed to fabric softeners, optical brighteners, or high pH formulas\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/_jcr_content/root/main/section/promo_copy_copy_copy_492020962.shellimg.png/1753811064667/detergent-bags.png","alt":"Detergent pods resting on a folded towel","width":3840,"height":2765}}},{"organism":"PromoFull.Right","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/main/section/promo_copy_copy_copy_2070585699","model":{"title":"The activewear detergent formulation difference","text":"\u003Cp\u003EActivewear fabrics are likely here to stay, and they demand purpose-built care solutions. Delivering on that promise means formulating beyond the basics.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ETo protect both garments and ensure a good consumer experience, these detergents need to do more. Effective formulations should:\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EPreserve fabric integrity\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EInclude enzymes like proteases and lipases to target odour-causing compounds\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EBe residue-free, so performance fabrics stay breathable and bacteria doesn’t build up\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EPerform well in cold water\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/_jcr_content/root/main/section/promo_copy_copy_copy_2070585699.shellimg.png/1753811080933/person-holding-detergent-bottle.png","alt":"Person looking at bottle of detergent in grocery store","width":3840,"height":2528}}},{"organism":"PromoFull","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/main/section/promo_copy_copy_copy_735387882","model":{"title":"Activewear detergents enter the mainstream","text":"\u003Cp\u003ESome detergent manufacturers are providing solutions to the laundry challenges created by activewear apparel and evolving consumer expectations.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EExamples include:\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHEX Performance®: \u003C/b\u003ETouts elimination of synthetic fabric odours and preservation of fabric.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETide Plus Febreze Freshness Sport\u003C/b\u003E: Boasts elimination of week-old odours and helps activewear stay fresh for up to three times longer than its original formula.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWIN™ High-Performance Sports Detergent:\u003C/b\u003E WIN says its detergent is formulated to release oils trapped in synthetic fibres and restore the wicking ability of performance fabric.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPersil® Activewear Detergents\u003C/b\u003E – Persil says its enzyme-rich formula removes body oils and odours from performance fabrics while helping maintain stretch, shape, and colour over time.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/_jcr_content/root/main/section/promo_copy_copy_copy_735387882.shellimg.png/1753811098200/person-doing-exercise.png","alt":"Man in activewear stretching on street","width":3840,"height":3060}}},{"organism":"PromoFull.Right","color":"brand1-solid","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/main/section/promo_copy_copy_1731","model":{"title":"Ready to formulate for performance?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EAs activewear usage rises and fabric expectations evolve, detergent performance is under more pressure than ever.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EFor manufacturers, this presents a formulation challenge and a chance to lead in a growing segment.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EDiscover Shell NEODOL®, designed to help formulators build laundry solutions that deliver deep cleaning, odour control, and fabric-safe care.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/our-products/shell-performance-olefins/neodol-alcohols-and-ethoxylates.html\"\u003ESee how Shell NEODOL supports deep cleaning and fabric-safe care for today’s performance detergents.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/_jcr_content/root/main/section/promo_copy_copy_1731.shellimg.png/1753811163572/detergent-pods.png","alt":"Hand holding detergent pod in front of open washing machine","width":3834,"height":2157}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_copy_copy","model":{"text":"\u003Ch3\u003ESources:\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377718791_Wash_it_or_wear_it_Perceptions_of_odor_control_technologies_on_activewear_and_their_influence_on_the_likelihood_to_launder\"\u003E\u003Csub\u003Ehttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/377718791_Wash_it_or_wear_it_Perceptions_of_odor_control_technologies_on_activewear_and_their_influence_on_the_likelihood_to_launder\u003C/sub\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287000495_Effect_of_laundering_on_dynamic_elastic_behavior_of_cotton_and_cottonspandex_knitted_fabrics\"\u003E\u003Csub\u003Ehttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/287000495_Effect_of_laundering_on_dynamic_elastic_behavior_of_cotton_and_cottonspandex_knitted_fabrics\u003C/sub\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/money/2024/apr/27/remote-working-laundry-revolution-athleisure-clothing\"\u003E\u003Csub\u003Ehttps://www.theguardian.com/money/2024/apr/27/remote-working-laundry-revolution-athleisure-clothing\u003C/sub\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://lifestylemonitor.cottoninc.com/winning-in-the-u-s-activewear-market/\"\u003E\u003Csub\u003Ehttps://lifestylemonitor.cottoninc.com/winning-in-the-u-s-activewear-market/\u003C/sub\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/activewear-market-report\"\u003E\u003Csub\u003Ehttps://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/activewear-market-report\u003C/sub\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca 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href=\"https://www.just-style.com/news/in-data-value-luxury-sportswear-set-to-drive-turkish-apparel-market/\"\u003E\u003Csub\u003Ehttps://www.just-style.com/news/in-data-value-luxury-sportswear-set-to-drive-turkish-apparel-market/\u003C/sub\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.self.com/story/how-to-wash-workout-clothes\"\u003E\u003Csub\u003Ehttps://www.self.com/story/how-to-wash-workout-clothes\u003C/sub\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-wash-smelly-workout-clothes-2147005\"\u003E\u003Csub\u003Ehttps://www.thespruce.com/how-to-wash-smelly-workout-clothes-2147005\u003C/sub\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.clotheslyne.com/blog/sports-detergent/\"\u003E\u003Csub\u003Ehttps://www.clotheslyne.com/blog/sports-detergent/\u003C/sub\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.clotheslyne.com/blog/sports-detergent/\"\u003E\u003Csub\u003Ehttps://www.clotheslyne.com/blog/sports-detergent/\u003C/sub\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://hexperformance.com/collections/best-sellers/products/performance-laundry-detergent\"\u003E\u003Csub\u003Ehttps://hexperformance.com/collections/best-sellers/products/performance-laundry-detergent\u003C/sub\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://tide.com/en-us/shop/type/liquid/tide-plus-febreze-freshness-sport-liquid\"\u003E\u003Csub\u003Ehttps://tide.com/en-us/shop/type/liquid/tide-plus-febreze-freshness-sport-liquid\u003C/sub\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://tennisexpress.com/products/win-original-32-oz-bottle-laundry-detergent-41014\"\u003E\u003Csub\u003Ehttps://tennisexpress.com/products/win-original-32-oz-bottle-laundry-detergent-41014\u003C/sub\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca 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dilemma","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/footer/breadcrumb"},{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com/_jcr_content/root/footer/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/footer/inherited","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma/jcr_content/root/footer","model":{}}],"id":"/conf/shell/settings/wcm/templates/base/structure/jcr_content/root","model":{}}],"model":{"title":"Synthetic fabrics, real problems - Solving the activewear detergent dilemma","text":"Synthetic fabrics like spandex, nylon, and polyester are stretchable and sweat-friendly—but they also pose real challenges when it comes to fabric care.","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Global"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-GB"},{"name":"title","value":"Synthetic fabrics, real problems - Solving the activewear detergent dilemma | Shell Global"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/solving-the-activewear-detergent-dilemma"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Shell plc Legal Disclaimer\r\n\r\nYou are now leaving the Shell global 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