The Changing Face of Fluorescent Whitening Agent Requirements in the 1990s—A New Approach

Introduction Fluorescent whitening agents (FWA) are well-established laundry detergent ingredients. They were first introduced into washing powders in the 1950s (1). This paper seeks to examine the role of FWA today and to explore the new approaches necessary to meet the needs of the new requirements posed by changes in the detergent industry of the 1990s.