Anyone who buys POWR isn’t using a “regular” detergent. The core of our laundry formulas is enzyme technology: small proteins that act as stain busters and break down dirt in a very targeted way, while also performing strongly at low temperatures. Who you gonna call? Stain Busters! Let us take you behind the scenes.
What are enzymes, actually?
Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions. In your body, for example, they break down food in your stomach and intestines. In detergents they do something similar: they break large, stubborn stain molecules into smaller pieces that dissolve easily in water and therefore rinse away more readily.
The main types of enzymes in detergents
There are thousands of types of enzymes, each with its own specific power. In our products, several enzymes are combined. Each type targets a different kind of stain. These are the best known.
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Protease
- Breaks down proteins
- Target stains: blood, sweat, milk, egg, sauces with meat, …
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Amylase
- Breaks down starch
- Target stains: pasta, potato, paprika sauce, baby food, chocolate and dessert stains with a starch base, …
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Lipase
- Breaks down fats and oils
- Target stains: skin oils, frying fat, oil, butter, fatty sauces, …
An “enzyme formula” is a blend or mix of these different enzymes. That explains why it can be used so broadly on everyday stains. POWR keeps working, even while you’re relaxing on the sofa!
Why enzymes work so well at low temperatures
Traditionally, the water in washing machines was heated considerably to get stains out. Hot water increases the solubility of fats and speeds up chemical reactions, but it costs a lot of energy.
Enzymes offer an alternative: they are designed to stay active at lower temperatures (30–40 °C). They effectively lower the “threshold” of the reaction, so stains can also be broken down in cooler washes.
What does that mean for you?
- no pre-wash needed in most situations
- top performance on eco and short programmes
- less energy use per wash
If European consumers switched en masse from washing at 40 °C to 30 °C, it could save millions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.
Enzymes vs. aggressive bleaches
Classic chlorine bleaches attack not only the stain, but also the fibre and the dyes. This can lead to wear and yellowing of textiles. Enzymes work much more selectively. That specificity (picky much?) means the fibres of your clothes are left alone. As a result, you’re less likely to damage your clothing.
POWR combines products such as the White Wash Booster’s oxygen technology (oxygen bleach) with enzymes, not with chlorine bleach: you get stain removal and bright colours, without the typical “swimming pool smell” or aggressive damage to the fabric.
How POWR uses enzyme technology
In the POWR laundry strips we use an enzyme mix that specifically targets the stains you see most often: grease, oil, protein and starch. The formula is designed to perform at low temperatures, so you don’t need hot wash programmes for a clean result. Better for the environment!
In summary - what this means for your laundry routine
- Enzymes ensure that stains are broken down in a targeted and efficient way.
- You don’t need high temperatures or heavy programmes for a clean result.
- Your clothes wear out less quickly due to heat or aggressive bleaching systems.
- You use less energy per wash, without compromising on results.
- No microplastics, no nasties.
That is the core of the enzyme technology behind POWR: washing smart instead of washing hard.
