Abstract: A non-tower process for preparing a granular detergent composition having a low density of less than 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) mixing an anionic surfactant paste comprising from about 35% to about 85% anionic surfactant and from about 15% to about 65% water with a sufficient amount of a particulate water absorbing material to form a solid mass having a penetration value of from about 75 gf to about 4,000 gf, then (b) agglomerating the solid mass from step (a) and an amount of one or more other detergent ingredients in a mixer so as to produce agglomerates having an anionic surfactant content of from about 12% to about 60%.

Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a low density, preferably about 300 g/l to about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) (i) dispersing an aqueous or non-aqueous surfactant, and (ii) coating the surfactant with fine powders having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in the mixer which is operated under certain conditions to obtain irregular shape granules and excessive fine powders and, (b) spraying on finely atomized liquid to the irregular shape granules and excessive fine powders from step (a), in a mixer which is operated under certain conditions to bind the excessive fine powders onto the irregular-shaped granules.