Ciba has already a fixative available. It is called Tinofix. Rhodia is working on a polymer coating to protect fabric color by protecting the individual fibers. Soil that comes in contact with the thus treated fabric binds with the polymer and is released in later washings as a function of the right temperature and alkalinity. It works well on synthetics.
Efforts are underway to make it work as well for cotton.
Novo and Genencor make protease enzymes for laundry and automatic dishwasher detergents. As new technology becomes available, enzymes can be tailored to other difficult problems in home care products. International Specialty Products makes Disintex 75, which containes polyvinylpolypyrrolidone. This polymer rapidly absorbs water causing the laundry tablet to swell and break-up in 30 seconds, like aspirin. Rohm and Haas has Acusol 771, a fast swelling polyacrylate.