Abstract: A composition which consists essentially of a mixture of oligomeric and polymeric oxidation products of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin containing carboxy, ether and hydroxy groups as obtained by the direct oxidation of a woody plant material, preferably in an aqueous suspension thereof, using alkali hypohalite in a one stage oxidation procedure or nitrogen dioxide, alkali periodate or lead tetraacetate followed by alkali chlorite or alkali hypochlorite in a two stage oxidation procedure. The resulting oxidation products as obtained by one of these specific processes are especially valuable as additives to a surface active detergent or cleaning agent.