Persil Active Gel laundry detergent

Persil is a world-renowned brand of laundry detergent that holds a significant place in the history of household cleaning. The brand was first introduced in Germany in 1907 by the company Henkel. Its name is derived from two of its original chemical ingredients, perborate and silicate. Persil is famously known as the first commercially available 'self-acting' detergent, which eliminated the need for manual rubbing and bleached clothes through oxygen release during boiling.

Manufacturing for the Polish and Central European markets is primarily handled by Henkel’s large-scale production facilities in Austria and Poland (such as the plant in Racibórz). However, the brand has a unique global ownership structure. While Henkel owns the trademark in most of the world (Europe, Middle East, Africa), Unilever owns and markets Persil in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Oceania, and parts of Asia. In the context of the Polish market, it is strictly a Henkel brand.

Currently, Persil focuses on sustainable innovation, featuring biodegradable ingredients and recyclable packaging. The brand remains a flagship under Henkel’s Consumer Brands division, continuing its heritage of German engineering in chemical hygiene.