Test Procedure under Realistic Conditions
The test was conducted in the Applied Cleaning and Hygiene Laboratory at the University of Sigmaringen. The goal was to examine the effectiveness of Novaline in real-world situations. Standardized test methods were used: cleaning was carried out on various surfaces such as glass, mirrors, plastic, and elastic floor coverings (e.g., PVC or linoleum), exactly where cleaning agents are used in everyday life. Notably, a less effective, so-called «worst-case» cleaning cloth was deliberately used to assess the effectiveness of the product itself – not the cleaning tool.
Another key part of the test was the direct comparison with standard commercial cleaners. A defined testing procedure was also used here to objectively compare the performance of different products side by side. Novaline performed exceptionally well – its cleaning power was on par with conventional products already established in professional building cleaning.
Experienced cleaning professionals then visually assessed how much dirt was removed with a single swipe. The evaluations were made according to the school grading system – with consistently very good, homogeneous results. «The products worked very uniformly. That's a good sign,» said Prof. Eilts. Differences between individual evaluators were barely noticeable, indicating the reliably high quality of the tested formulations.
The positive impression also extended to special application situations. For example, the maintenance cleaner Novasan, a product from the Novaline line, was also used in WC areas – with surprisingly good results. «With stubborn dirt, you often expect a noticeable drop in performance with biologically based cleaners. This was not the case here,» said Prof. Dr. Eilts. This way, Novaline refutes a common prejudice against so-called «bio-cleaners,» which are often considered powerless.
A New Generation of Bio-Surfactants
What makes Novaline special is the use of bio-surfactants. These are not derived from palm oil or petrochemical sources but from fermented waste materials – such as from the food industry. For Prof. Eilts, this approach represents a real advancement in ecological cleaning technology: «We manage to generate high-quality cleaning components from materials that would otherwise end up in the trash. For me, this is a closed and sustainable cycle.»
The environmental compatibility of the bio-surfactants was also considered. Unlike conventional synthetic surfactants, bio-surfactants break down more quickly and efficiently in sewage treatment plants, leading to significantly lower strain on aquatic ecosystems. For Eilts, this is a clear advantage: «These surfactants do not remain in the environment for long – which makes them very interesting from an environmental toxicological perspective.»
A Step Towards a More Sustainable Future
Overall, Prof. Eilts sees great potential in this technology – even beyond building cleaning. Applications in hand cleaners or other areas of professional hygiene are also highly conceivable. However, the key question remains whether customers are willing to accept a slightly higher price for sustainable ingredients. Biotechnologies are more expensive to produce – but they also offer ecological and ethical added value beyond mere cleaning power.
What is especially encouraging, according to Benjamin Eilts, is that a medium-sized company like Wetrok has had the courage to push forward with innovative concepts. «Such developments are usually known from large corporations – so it’s all the more wonderful to see a company with foresight taking responsibility.»
