UMS Students Create Eco-Friendly Detergent Made from Guava and Sage Leaves

Students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) have once again achieved national recognition. The UMS team from the Student Creativity Program – Entrepreneurship (PKM-K) successfully received funding from the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology in 2025 for their innovative project titled “Laundry Stick Bioedible Film Innovation from Guava Leaf Saponin and Sage Leaf Extract as an Antibacterial Agent for Water Waste Control.”

Team leader Yulia Fitriyani explained that the idea stemmed from concern over the negative environmental and health impacts of conventional detergents, which often contain phosphates and synthetic surfactants. Wastewater from household laundry that flows directly into rivers and drainage systems frequently causes pollution that disrupts aquatic ecosystems.

“The chemicals in conventional detergents pose risks to both skin health and the environment. We wanted to create a natural cleaning alternative that’s effective, safe, and eco-friendly,” Yulia said on Tuesday (14/10/2025).

In their research, the team discovered that guava leaves (Psidium guajava L.) contain saponins, which act as natural surfactants capable of removing dirt. Meanwhile, sage leaf extract (Salvia officinalis) contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial compounds that help prevent musty odors on clothes. The combination of these ingredients results in a detergent that is both effective and gentle on the skin.

The product, named “DEGSALTURE,” has undergone an eco-friendly formulation and packaging process. It comes in the form of a bioedible film stick that dissolves completely in water, leaving no plastic waste behind.

“The main advantage of DEGSALTURE lies in its practical bioedible stick packaging. Each stick is pre-measured, so consumers don’t have to worry about using too much detergent,” explained Yulia.

Each 10 cm stick is packed in a 16 Oz biodegradable cup, making it hygienic, lightweight, and easy to carry while traveling. The team hopes the product can serve as a practical solution for consumers with sensitive skin while also helping to reduce water pollution caused by detergent waste

The PKM-K team, led by Yulia Fitriyani, consists of Intan Mega Puspita, Raisya Najwatu Zahra, Hilda Putri Aulia, and Agviolisa Kusuma Wardani. The members come from various study programs, Biology Education (FKIP), Chemical Engineering (Faculty of Engineering), and Pharmacy (Faculty of Pharmacy), under the supervision of Endang Setyaningsih, M.Si.

“We worked intensively as a team, complementing each other’s roles to ensure every aspect of the program ran optimally,” added Yulia.

The supervising lecturer, Endang Setyaningsih, explained that the mentoring process began from the idea formulation stage through to the proposal submission, ensuring the program was eligible for funding.

“This program was designed in December 2024. Over six months, the students conducted research, developed the concept, and carried out product testing,” said Endang.

Currently, DEGSALTURE has undergone a series of laboratory tests, including moisture content analysis, organoleptic testing (physical characteristics), and pH testing at the Goods Quality Testing and Certification Center (BPSMB) of Surakarta.

“This innovation proves that UMS students excel not only academically but also in producing creative, science-based entrepreneurial ideas. Through this project, the PKM-K UMS team aims to introduce a natural cleaning solution while inspiring the public to adopt a sustainable lifestyle in preserving Indonesia’s aquatic ecosystems,” concluded Endang.

Writer: Fika Annisa’ Sholihah

Editor: Maysali Sudarwati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid