Doing Laundry in Space

Introducing Mark Sivik, a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience at P&G and currently serving as the Senior Director of Fabric & Home Care Research.

Throughout his extensive career, Sivik has played a crucial role in the exploration of groundbreaking solutions for home and fabric care. Notable achievements include the development of cleaning polymer technology for Dawn, designed to effectively remove spilled oil and contaminants from wildlife, and the creation of Tide Infinity—a detergent utilized in space.

During CES 2023, Sivik engaged in a live conversation with astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), discussing their distinctive cleaning requirements. He highlighted how the insights gained from formulating detergents for prolonged and deep-space missions could contribute to conservation efforts on Earth.

Over the past two years, Sivik dedicated his efforts to Tide Infinity, confirming its resilience in the microgravity environment of the ISS. Tide To-Go Wipes and Tide To-Go Pens, part of the same line, demonstrated effectiveness in eliminating stains from sriracha, coffee, olive oil, and punch in space.

Last summer, Sivik continued his work at NASA’s 3D-printed Mars habitat in Houston, Texas, where he fine-tuned the Tide Infinity formula for application in deep-space missions.

Reflecting on his experience at Procter & Gamble, Sivik expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided. He emphasized that the innovations he and his team have contributed to have had a positive impact on people’s lives worldwide on a daily basis.

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