WO2024017623A1

WO2024017623A1 - A concentrated liquid composition

Info

Publication number: WO2024017623A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/068398
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sarmistha BISWAS; Arnab Sarkar
Original assignee: Unilever Ip Holdings B.V.; Unilever Global Ip Limited; Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
Priority date: 2022-07-18
Filing date: 2023-07-04
Publication date: 2024-01-25

Abstract

The present invention is in the field of cleaning compositions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a concentrated liquid composition for providing a liquid detergent on dilution in water, wherein the liquid detergent has one or more attributes similar to conventional liquid detergents available in market. It has been found that an anionic surfactant with alkylamine or alkanolamine counterion in select amount along with an alkoxylated polyol polyester based associative polymer, selected sequestrant and having less than 10 % by weight water provides a stable concentrated liquid composition. The composition forms a liquid detergent on dilution in water, which has a viscosity higher than the composition. The liquid detergent has a viscosity comparable to conventional liquid detergents.

Description

A CONCENTRATED LIQUID COMPOSITION

Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the field of cleaning compositions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a concentrated liquid composition for providing a liquid detergent on dilution in water. The liquid detergent has attributes comparable to conventional liquid detergents.

Background of the Invention

Consumers prefer to use various cleaning compositions for their house-hold chores. Laundry detergent, dishwash detergents, hard surface cleaners are examples of such cleaning compositions. Detergents are available in various formats, such as, powder, bar, liquid, pods etc. The liquid format is one of the formats most preferred by consumers.

A liquid detergent may contain detersive actives, sequestrants, bleaching agents, soil release polymers, enzyme, antifoaming agent etc. In addition, such detergent contains significant amount of water. Preferably, water acts as carrier for said ingredients and helps in forming a homogenous composition. However, high water content makes the product bulky. Thus, packaging of the product requires substantial amount of materials, such as, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate etc., which are often sourced from non-renewable resources. In this regard there is continuous effort to reduce such consumptions.

One of the ways to reduce such consumptions, is to have a product in concentrated format. A consumer is expected to dilute such product in water to form a liquid detergent and store it in a container. Such products are often termed as 'dilute at home' or ‘Do it Yourself’ (abbreviated as ‘DiY’), which implies that a consumer prepare their own detergent from a concentrate or a premix or a precursor by adding water into it. This differs from in-use dilution, where the consumer doses an aliquot of the detergent into to a bucket of water or in tub of a washing machine forming a wash liquor and use it for washing. Wash liquor is typically low in detersive active content, has viscosity comparable to water and used immediately after preparation. On other hand, ‘DiY’ liquid detergents preferably contain higher amount of detersive actives and has certain product attributes. Viscosity is one of such attributes, which can be correlated to pourability of the product, as well as to sensory of the product.

It is desired that the liquid detergent formed on dilution of a ‘DiY’ product or concentrated product provides a cleaning benefit comparable with conventional liquid detergents available in the market. It is also desired that the liquid detergent has viscosity such that a consumer can relate it with conventional liquid detergents available in market.

It is desired that the concentrated product contains minimal amount of water yet provides a liquid detergent that delivers effective cleaning performance. This may be possible by formulating the product with sufficient amount of detersive actives and/or detergent adjuncts such as, sequestrants, bleaching agents, soil release polymers, enzyme, antifoaming agent etc. Typically, water works as a carrier for detersive actives and/or detergent adjuncts in a composition. Reducing the amount of water may lead to challenge in formulating a stable composition with such ingredients. It is desired that the concentrated product and the liquid detergent formed thereon are in form of stable, isotropic, and homogenous liquid. In this regard, US 2005/0112081 (Clariant GmbH, 2005) discloses compositions comprising oxy-alkylated polyglycerol esters, one or more organic solvents and water.

EP 3 714 945 A1 (Applechem Inc., 2018) discloses a liquid thickener composition comprising poly-al koxylated polyol polyester having guerbet moieties. Compounds contained therein relate to poly-alkoxylated polyol polyester having a viscosity allows a product to be poured.

WO 2017/075681 (Oxiteno S.A., 2017) discloses a thickener composition comprising a mixture of one or more alkoxylated polyol esters, one or more ethoxylated sorbitan esters and glycerol, used to increase the viscosity of cosmetic skin and hair cleansing products and of surface and fabric cleaners, as well as to make these products easier to formulate. The thickener composition described is compatible with a great variety of formulations of cosmetic skin and hair cleansing products and of surface and fabric cleaners comprising one or more surfactants, co-surfactants, solvents, fragrances, emulsifiers, preservatives, salts, pigments and/or colouring agents, besides other inert compounds with regard to the end performance, this composition being capable of increasing the viscosity thereof in a stable a measurable manner.

It is therefore an object to provide an improved concentrated liquid composition providing a liquid detergent on dilution in water, wherein the liquid detergent has one or more attributes similar to conventional liquid detergents available in market.

The present inventors surprisingly found that an anionic surfactant with alkylamine or alkanolamine counterion in select amount along with an alkoxylated polyol polyester based associative polymer, select sequestrant and having less than 10 % by weight water, provides a stable concentrated liquid composition. The composition forms a liquid detergent on dilution in water, which has a viscosity higher than the composition. The liquid detergent has a viscosity comparable to conventional liquid detergents.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a concentrated liquid composition for forming a liquid detergent on dilution in water comprising: a) 20 to 90% by weight of an anionic surfactant with an alkylamine or alkanolamine counterion; b) an alkoxylated polyol polyester comprising at least three alkoxylates and at least two C8 to C40 fatty acid ester; and c) a sequestrant selected from amino-phosphonic acid, phosphonic acid, amino carboxylic acid, and salts thereof, wherein the composition comprises less than 10% by weight water.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a unit dose product for providing a liquid detergent on dissolution in water comprising a composition according to the first aspect contained in a water-dissoluble pouch.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a process for providing a liquid detergent comprising steps of diluting a composition according to the first aspect in water, wherein the ratio of the composition to water is in the range from 1 :1 to 1 : 20 by weight.

These and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from reading of the following detailed description. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be utilized in any other aspect of the invention. The word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of’ or “composed of.” In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. It is noted that the examples given in the description below are intended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples per se. Similarly, all percentages are weight/weight percentages unless otherwise indicated. Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word “about”. Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to include x and y. When for a specific feature multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "from x to y", it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated. Detailed Description of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a concentrated liquid composition comprising: a) 20 to 90% by weight of an anionic surfactant with an alkylamine or alkanolamine counterion; b) an alkoxylated polyol polyester comprising at least three alkoxylates and at least two C8 to C40 fatty acid ester; and c) a sequestrant selected from amino-phosphonic acid, phosphonic acid, amino carboxylic acid, and salts thereof, wherein the composition comprises less than 10% by weight water.

Anionic surfactant with alkylamine or alkanolamine counterion

The composition comprises an anionic surfactant with an alkylamine or alkanolamine counterion. Alkylamine and alkanolamine are considered to be ammoniacal in the understanding of a skilled person.

Preferably the anionic surfactant is selected from alkyl ether sulphates, linear alkyl benzene sulphonates and combinations thereof with an alkylamine or alkanolamine counterion.

Typically, alkylamine or alkanolamine counterions are obtained by suitable substitutions on ammonia, they are often considered to be ammoniacal counterion.

Preferably the alkylamine or alkanolamine counterion is selected from monoisopropanolamine, monoisopropylamine, ammonium, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA) and triisopropanolamine (TIPA). More preferably the alkylamine or alkanolamine counterion is selected from monoethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, monoisopropylamine and trisopropanolamine. Combinations of such counterions are also within the scope of the present invention.

Preferably the anionic surfactant comprises linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) with an alkylamine or alkanolamine counterion. Preferably the linear alkylbenzene sulphonate has an alkyl chain with 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Commercial LAS is a mixture of closely related isomers and homologues alkyl chain homologues, each containing an aromatic ring sulfonated at the “para” position and attached to a linear alkyl chain at any position except the terminal carbons. The linear alkyl chain typically contains 11 to 15 carbon atoms, predominantly 12 carbon atoms. Each alkyl chain homologue consists of a mixture of all the possible sulpho-phenyl isomers except for the 1-phenyl isomer. LAS is normally formulated into compositions in acid (i.e. , HLAS) form and then at least partially neutralized in-situ. Preferably the counterion is selected from monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA), monoisopropanolamine, monoisopropylamine, triisopropanolamine (TIPA). Most preferred counterion is monoethanolamine (MEA) or monoisopropanolamine.

Preferably the anionic surfactant comprises a linear alkylbenzene sulphonate with monoethanolamine (MEA-LAS) and/or linear alkylbenzene sulphonate with monoisopropanolamine.

Preferably the anionic surfactant comprises alkyl ether sulphate (AES) with an alkylamine or alkanolamine counterion. Preferably the alkyl ether sulphate (AES) has alkyl chain containing from about 8 to 22 carbon atoms. The term “alkyl” being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals. The alkyl radicals preferably contain from 10 to 18, more preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms and may be unsaturated. The alkyl ether sulphate may contain from 1 to 10 ethylene oxide (EO) or propylene oxide units per molecule, preferably contain 1 to 7, more preferably 1 to 5 and most preferably 1 to 3 ethylene oxide (EO) units per molecule.

Preferably the alkyl ether sulphates have a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 12 to 14 carbon atoms and containing an average of 1 to 3 ethylene oxide (EO) units per molecule. A preferred example is lauryl ether sulphate (LES) with a counterion, in which the predominantly C12 lauryl alkyl group has been ethoxylated with an average of 3 ethylene oxide (EO) units per molecule. Preferably the anionic surfactant comprises alkyl ether sulphate with an alkylamine or alkanolamine counterion. Preferably the counterion is selected from monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA), monoisopropanolamine, monoisopropylamine, triisopropanolamine (TIPA). Most preferred the counterion is monoisopropanolamine.

Preferably the anionic surfactant comprises alkyl ether sulphate (LES) with monoisopropanolamine.

Preferably the anionic surfactant includes alkyl sulphate surfactant (PAS), such as nonethoxylated primary and secondary alkyl sulphates having alkyl chain length with 10 to 18 carbon atoms.

The amount of the anionic surfactant is in the range 20 to 90 %by weight of the composition.

Preferably the amount of the anionic surfactant is in the range 30 to 90% by weight of the composition. More preferably, the amount of the anionic surfactant is in the range 35 to 90 %by weight, even more preferably 40 to 90 %by weight and most preferably 40 to 85% by weight of the composition.

Alkoxylated polyol polyester

The composition comprises an alkoxylated polyol polyester. The alkoxylated polyol polyester comprises at least three alkoxylates and at least two C8 to C40 fatty acid ester.

Preferably the alkoxylated polyol polyester comprises 50 to 1000, more preferably 100 to 800 and most preferably 200 to 600 alkoxylate units.

Preferably each alkoxylate group comprises 30 to 150, even more preferably 30 to 120 and most preferably 30 to 80 alkoxylate units on average per polyol.

Preferably the alkoxylated polyol polyester comprises a polyol having 3 to 25 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 20 even more preferably 5 to 15 and most preferably 5 to 10 carbon atoms.

The polyol in the present invention can be natural polyols or synthetic polyols of having at least three hydroxyl groups, and their examples are shown (but not limited to) from the following classes of compounds:

Sugar alcohols, also called polyhydric alcohol or polyalcohol with at least three hydroxyl groups, having the general formula of HOCH2(CHOH)_XCH2OH. Examples include, but not limited to, mannitol, sorbitol, galactitol, fucitol, iditol, inositol, volemitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, maltotritol, maltotetraitol, and polyglycitol; Disaccharide, which is formed from two monosaccharide by dehydration via glycosidic linkage, examples include but not limited to, trehalose, sucrose, lactose, and maltose; Dextrin with a chemical structure of (CeH-ioOsK where n is from 2 to 20; Pentaerythritol and di-pentaerythritol; Dendrimer polyols, for examples, Bolton® H2004, H2003, and H20 having 6, 12, and 16 terminal hydroxyls (Perstorp Inc.), respectively; Poly glyceryls with 3 to 10 glycerine units, with six or more hydroxyl groups, and glycerol.

Preferably, the polyol is selected from polyols having 3 to 6 hydroxyl groups, more preferably selected from sorbitol, pentaerythritol and glycerol.

The alkoxylated polyol polyester comprises at least two C8 to C40 fatty acid ester. Preferably the fatty acid ester has 10 to 30, more preferably 12 to 24 and most preferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms. Preferably the fatty acid ester independently selected from laurate, stearate, isostearate, guerbet acid ester and combinations thereof.

Preferably the alkoxylated polyol polyester has HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) values more than 10.

Preferably the alkoxylated polyol polyester is available with an organic career selected from of mono or polyhydric alcohols and ether, ester or amide derivatives and hydrophobic thickeners containing non-ionic alkanolamines, ethoxylated C10 to C14 alcohols, liquid alkanolamines and combinations thereof.

Preferred alkoxylated polyol polyesters include 40-50% PEG/PPG-120/10 trimethylolpropane trioleate; lauryl polyoxyl-6 glycerides I hydrogenated palm/palm kernel oil PEG-6 esters; PEG- 150 pentaerythrityl tetra-stearate, PEG-150 pentaerythrityl tetra-stearate; PEG-20 glyceryl tristearate, PEG-20 glyceryl tri-isostearate, PEG-10 glyceryl trioleate, PEG-40 glyceryl trioleate, PEG-60 glyceryl trioleate; sorbeth-230 tetraoleate; and PEG-120 methyl glucose trioleate, PEG- 120 methyl glucose trioleate.

Commercially available alkoxylated polyol polyesters include Sorbithix L-100 (Applechem LLC.), Versathis MBAL-LQ (Croda), Labrafil M2130 CS (Gattefosse), Sorbax PTO-20 (PCC), Atlas G1096 (Croda), Arylpon TT (BASF), SP Crothix MBAL LQ (Croda), Examlex GWS 320, GWIS 320, GWO 320, GWO 340, GWO 360 (Nihon Emulsions), and Novethix HC220 (Lubrizol).

One of the preferred alkoxylated polyol polyester is Sorbeth 230 tetraoleate with decyl glucoside and sorbitan laurate available under the tradename Sorbithix L100™ from Applechem Inc.

Preferably the amount of the alkoxylated polyol polyester is in the range 1 to 15% by weight of the composition. More preferably the amount of the alkoxylated polyol polyester is in the range 1 .5 to 12% by weight, even more preferably 2 to 10% by weight and most preferably 3 to 8% by weight of the composition.

Sequestrant

The composition comprises a sequestrant. The sequestrant is selected from amino-phosphonic acid, phosphonic acid, amino carboxylic acid, and salts thereof.

Preferably the sequestrant is selected from Diethylenetriamine penta (methylene phosphonic acid- heptasodium salt (DTPMPA), 1-Hydroxyethylidene 1 ,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), Trisodium salt of Methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), N, N-Dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid tetrasodium salt (GLDA) and combinations thereof. It is observed that select sequestrant in combination with alkoxylated polyol polyester helps in building viscosity on dilution in water.

The composition preferably comprises 0.1 to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 15% by weight and most preferably 1 to 10 % by weight of sequestrant.

Non-ionic surfactants

The composition may further comprise a non-ionic surfactant. Suitable non-ionic surfactants include water soluble aliphatic ethoxylated non-ionic surfactants including the primary aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates and secondary aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates. This includes the condensation products of a higher alcohol (e.g., an alkanol containing about 8 to 16 carbon atoms in a straight or branched chain configuration) condensed with about 4 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide, for example, lauryl or myristyl alcohol condensed with about 10 moles of ethylene oxide (EO), tridecanol condensed with about 6 to 15 moles of EO, myristyl alcohol condensed with about 10 moles of EO per mole of myristyl alcohol, the condensation product of EO with a cut of coconut fatty alcohol containing a mixture of fatty alcohols with alkyl chains varying from 10 to about 14 carbon atoms in length and wherein the condensate contains either about 6 moles of EO per mole of total alcohol or about 9 moles of EO per mole of alcohol and tallow alcohol ethoxylates containing 6 EO to 11 EO per mole of alcohol.

Examples of the foregoing non-ionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, the Neodol™ (Shell), which are higher aliphatic, primary alcohol containing about 9 to 15 carbon atoms, such as C9 to C11 alkanol condensed with 4 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide. Such ethoxylates have an HLB (hydrophobic lipophilic balance) value of about 8 to 15 and give good O/W emulsification, whereas ethoxylates with HLB values below 7 contain less than 4 ethylene oxide groups and tend to be poor emulsifiers and poor detergents.

Another group of suitable non-ionic surfactants are alkyl polyglycosides (APG) which are sugar derivatives of fatty alcohol. Example of such surfactants are decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, myristyl glucoside.

Examples of the secondary alcohol ethoxylate suitable for the invention include those with an alkyl chain with a secondary ethoxylate joined thereto. The secondary ethoxylate comprises from 2 to 20 EO groups, preferably from 5 to 12 and most preferably 9 EO groups. The alkyl chain preferably comprises from 8 to 22 carbons, more preferably from 10 to 14 and most preferably 12. The alkyl chain is preferably saturated. Secondary ethoxylates suitable for the invention available commercially under tradename Tergitol® from Dow. Other suitable non-ionic surfactant includes C10 to C18 fatty amide, for example, dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide (Ninol CAA, Stepan) and coco diethanolamide.

Preferably the amount of the non-ionic surfactant is in the range from 1 to 40% by weight for the composition. More preferably the amount of the non-ionic surfactant is in the range from 3 to 35% by weight, even more preferably 5 to 30% by weight and most preferably 7 to 25% by weight of the composition.

Cosurfactant

The composition preferably also contains one or more cosurfactants, such as amphoteric and/or cationic surfactants in addition to the anionic and non-ionic surfactants described above.

Specific cationic surfactants include C8 to C18 alkyl dimethyl ammonium halides and derivatives thereof in which one or two hydroxyethyl groups replace one or two of the methyl groups, and mixtures thereof. Cationic surfactant, when included, may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 7% by weight even more preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight and most preferably 0.1 to 3 %by weight of the composition.

Specific amphoteric surfactants include alkyl amine oxides, alkyl betaines, alkyl amidopropyl betaines, alkyl sulphobetaines (sultaines), alkyl glycinates, alkyl carboxyglycinates, alkyl amphoacetates, alkyl amphopropionates, alkylamphoglycinates, alkyl amidopropyl hydroxysultaines, acyl taurates and acyl glutamates, having alkyl radicals containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term “alkyl” being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals. Amphoteric surfactant, when included, may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 15% by weight, even more preferably 0.1 to 10% by weight, yet more preferably 0.1 to 7% by weight and most preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight of of the composition.

Viscosity

Preferably the composition has a viscosity in the range 100 to 1000 mPa.S, more preferably 200 to 900 mPa.S, and most preferably 300 to 800 mPa.S at 20 S'¹ shear rate and 25 °C.

The composition provides a liquid detergent on dilution in water. Preferably the dilution ratio of the composition to water is in the range 1 :1 to 1:20 by weight, more preferably 1:2 to 1:15, even more preferably 1:3 to 1 :10 and most preferably 1 :4 to 1 :8 by weight. Most preferred dilution ration of the composition to water is 1 :5 by weight. Preferably the liquid detergent formed when diluted at a ratio 1:5 by weight, has a viscosity in the range 1400 to 3500 mPa.S, more preferably 1500 to 3200 mPa.S, and most preferably 1600 to 3000 mPa.S measured at 20 S'¹ shear rate and 25 °C. It is observed that the liquid detergent formed on dilution has higher viscosity compared to the composition.

Preferably the composition is in form of a visually clear liquid. Preferably the liquid detergent formed thereon is also a visually clear liquid. The term “visually clear” herein refers to a liquid having a turbidity less than 50 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit), more preferably less than 30 NTU and even more preferably less than 20 and most preferably less than 10 NTU when measured at 23°C.

£H

Preferably the composition has a pH value in the range 5.0 to 8.0, more preferably 5.5 to 7.5 and most preferably 6.0 to 7.0. The pH of the composition is strictly controlled such that the pH does not change during dilution by the consumer.

Fatty alcohol

The composition may comprise a fatty alcohol with number of carbon atoms from 4 to 18.

Preferably the fatty alcohol has number of carbon atoms from 6 to 12, more preferably 6 to 10 and most preferably 6 to 9 carbon atoms.

Preferably the amount of the fatty alcohol is in the range 0.1 to 15 % by weight of the composition. More preferably, the amount of fatty alcohol is in the range 0.5 to 12 % by weight, even more preferably 1 to 10 %by weight most preferably 2 to 8 % by weight of the composition.

Water

The composition is in liquid concentrate format. Preferably, the composition comprises less than 10% water. Preferably the amount of water includes the amount added to the composition during preparation and the amount added along with a further raw material in which it is incorporated. For example, many surfactants are commercially available as aqueous solutions or suspensions of surfactants. Preferably the composition has effectively nil water. The term ‘effectively nil water’ herein refers to that there is no water added in formulating the composition, however, there could be nominal amount of water sourced through the raw materials.

Most preferably, the composition comprises less than 5% by weight water. Non-. solvent

Preferably the composition comprises a non-aqueous solvent as carrier or balancing ingredient. Preferably the solvent is miscible or soluble in water. Preferably the solvent work as balance in the composition.

Preferably the non-aqueous solvent comprises a hydrotrope. Hydrotrope are typically low molecular weight, water-soluble or water-miscible organic liquids such as C1 to C5 monohydric alcohols (such as ethanol and n- or i-propanol); C2 to C6 diols, e.g., monopropylene glycol and dipropylene glycol; C3 to C9 triols, e.g., glycerol; polyethylene glycols having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from about 200 to 600, and alkyl aryl sulfonates having up to 3 carbon atoms in the lower alkyl group, e.g., sodium and potassium salt of xylene, toluene, ethylbenzene and isopropyl benzene (cumene) sulfonates. Mixtures of any of said materials may also be used. Most preferred non-aqueous solvent is monopropylene glycol.

Examples of other non-aqueous solvent suitable for the invention include glycol ethers such as diethylene glycol alkyl ether, dipropylene glycol alkyl ether, dipropylene dimethyl ether etc.; alkyl esters such as, alkyl levulinate, alkyl octanoate, methyl and alkyl soyate, etc.; C1 to C4 alkyl amide such as N, N-dimethyl alkenamide, more preferably N, N-dimethyl decenamide; alkyl alkoxylate such as benzyl alkoxylate.

The composition may comprise 0.1 to 20%. by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 18% by weight, even more preferably 1 to 16 % by weight, and most preferably 3 to 15 % by weight of nonaqueous solvent.

The composition preferably comprises an effective amount of one or more enzyme preferably selected from the group comprising, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, xylanases, xantanase, lipases, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, pectinases, carrageenases, mannanases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, P-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase, tannases, amylases, nucleases (such as deoxyribonuclease and/or ribonuclease), phosphodiesterases, or mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred are mixtures of protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, phosphodiesterase, and/or pectate lyase.

Preferably the level of an enzyme is from 0.1 to 600, more preferably from 0.5 to 450, most preferably from 1 to 400 mg active enzyme protein per 100 g finished product. Preferably the protease enzyme is present in the greatest weight fraction. Preferably the protease is present a level that are greater than 3 times any other single enzyme.

Examples of preferred enzymes are sold under the following trade names Purafect Prime®, Purafect®, Preferenz® (DuPont), Savinase®, Pectawash®, Mannaway®, Lipex ®, Lipoclean ®, Whitzyme ® Stainzyme®, Stainzyme Plus®, Natalase ®, Mannaway ®, Amplify ® Xpect ®, Celluclean ® (Novozymes), Biotouch (AB Enzymes), Lavergy ® (BASF)

Detergent enzymes are discussed in WO 2020/186028(Procter and Gamble), WO 2020/200600 (Henkel), WO 2020/070249 (Novozymes), WO 2021/001244 (BASF) and WO 2020/259949 (Unilever).

A nuclease enzyme is an enzyme capable of cleaving the phosphodiester bonds between the nucleotide sub-units of nucleic acids and is preferably a deoxyribonuclease or ribonuclease enzyme. Preferably the nuclease enzyme is a deoxyribonuclease, preferably selected from any of the classes EC 3.1.21.x, where x=l, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9; EC 3.1.22.y where y=l, 2, 4 or 5, EC 3.1.30.Z where z= 1 or 2; EC 3.1.31.1 and combinations thereof.

Further optional ingredients

The composition may further contain optional ingredients to enhance performance and/or consumer acceptability. Examples of such ingredients include foam control or anti foam agent, preservatives (e.g., bactericides), fluorescers, soil release polymer, anti-redeposition polymer, optical brighter, degreaser, dyes etc. Each of these ingredients will be present in an amount effective to accomplish its purpose. Generally, these optional ingredients are included individually at an amount of up to 10% by weight of composition. Examples of soil release polymer suitable for the present invention include co-polyester of dicarboxylic acid, diols, cellulose derivative and polyester polyamide polymers. Suitable antifoaming agents include silicones and fatty acids.

Packaging and dosing

In a preferred aspect, there is provided a unit dose product for providing a liguid detergent on dissolution in water comprising the composition contained in a water-dissoluble pouch.

Preferably the water-soluble pouch made of water-soluble film. Preferably the water-soluble film comprises a water dissoluble material, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), including homopolymers thereof (e.g., including substantially only vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate monomer units) and copolymers thereof (e.g., including one or more other monomer units in addition to vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate units). Preferably the water-soluble film comprises partially hydrolysed PVOH.

Other water soluble polymers for use in addition to the PVOH polymers and PVOH copolymers in the blend can include, but are not limited to modified polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylates, water- soluble acrylate copolymers, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethyleneimine, pullulan, water-soluble natural polymers including, but not limited to, guar gum, gum Acacia, xanthan gum, carrageenan, and starch, water-soluble polymer derivatives including, but not limited to, modified starches, ethoxylated starch, and hydroxypropylated starch, copolymers of the forgoing and combinations of any of the foregoing. Yet other water-soluble polymers can include polyalkylene oxides, polyacrylamides, polyacrylic acids and salts thereof, celluloses, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetates, polycarboxylic acids and salts thereof, polyaminoacids, polyamides, gelatines, methylcelluloses, carboxymethylcelluloses and salts thereof, dextrins, ethylcelluloses, hydroxyethyl celluloses, hydroxypropyl methylcelluloses, maltodextrins, and polymethacrylates. Such water-soluble polymers, whether PVOH or otherwise are commercially available from a variety of sources. Any of the foregoing water-soluble polymers are generally suitable for use as film-forming polymers. In general, the water- soluble film can include copolymers and/or blends of the foregoing resins.

The water-soluble film may further contain other auxiliary agents and processing agents, such as, but not limited to, plasticizers, plasticizer compatibilizers, surfactants, lubricants, release agents, fillers, extenders, cross-linking agents, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, detackifying agents, antifoams, nanoparticles such as layered silicate-type nanoclays (e.g., sodium montmorillonite), bleaching agents (e.g., sodium metabisulphite, sodium bisulphite or others), aversive agents such as bitterants (e.g., denatonium salts such as denatonium benzoate, denatonium saccharide, and denatonium chloride; sucrose octaacetate; quinine; flavonoids such as quercetin and naringen; and quassinoids such as quassin and brucine) and pungents (e.g., capsaicin, piperine, allyl isothiocyanate, and resinferatoxin), and other functional ingredients, in amounts suitable for their intended purposes. Preferably the film comprises a taste aversive such as denatonium benzoate and/or a pungent agent such as capsaicin.

Alternatively, a composition of the present invention may be provided in multidose plastics bottle or a flexible pouch with a closure. A dosing measure may be supplied with the bottle or the pouch either as a part of the cap or as an integrated system. Preferably the bottle or the flexible pouch comprises a polymer selected from polyesters, polyolefins, polyamides, polystyrene (PS), polyanhydrides, polyacrylates, poly hydroxy alkanoates, poly vinyl chloride, thermoplastic polyurethanes, polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymer (ABS), styrene/acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), polyoxymethylene (POM), biodegradable thermoplastics, starch-based thermoplastics, their derivatives, and combination thereof.

It may also be possible to provide the composition filled in a container with sufficient empty space. A consumer is expected to add water in the container up to a pre-set level and form the liquid detergent at their ease. In such cases, the container may be made of polymeric materials suitable for packaging application. Examples of suitable polymers include polyesters, polyolefins, polyamides, polystyrene (PS), polyanhydrides, polyacrylates, poly hydroxy alkanoates, poly vinyl chloride, thermoplastic polyurethanes, polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymer (ABS), styrene/acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), polyoxymethylene (POM), biodegradable thermoplastics, starch-based thermoplastics, their derivatives, and combination thereof.

In another aspect, there is provided a process for providing a liquid detergent for cleaning, comprising steps of diluting a concentrated liquid composition according to the present invention in water, wherein the ratio of the composition to water is in the range from 1 :1 to 1:20 by weight. More preferably the ratio of the composition to water is in the range from 1 :2 to 1 :15, even more preferably from 1 :3 to 1 :10 and yet more preferably 1 :4 to 1:8 by weight. Most preferred dilution ratio of the composition to water is 1:5 by weight. The resulting liquid detergent is stable and may be kept by the consumer until ready for use.

Preferably the liquid detergent provided on dilution at a ratio 1 :5 by weight, has viscosity in the range from 1400 to 3500 mPa.S, more preferably 1500 to 3200 mPa.S, and most preferably 1600 to 3000 mPa.S at 20 S'¹ shear rate and 25 °C.

The invention will now be illustrated by means of the following non-limiting examples.

Examples

Materials used for preparing various examples are listed below:

Formulations were prepared following the recipe provided in table 2 as set out below:

Table 2

Further, comparative formulations were prepared following the recipe as set-out below in table 3:

Table 3

Amounts mentioned in the above table are on as is basis, hence it may contain nominal amount of solvents, such as monopropylene glycol, water, which was added as part of the raw materials.

Ex-1 to 4 are within the scope of the invention. Ex- A is control example, does not contain a sequestrant, whereas Ex- B to H are comparative examples. Ex-D to F contain anionic surfactant with sodium counterion. Ex-G and H contain 73% and 20% by weight water respectively. Ex-C and G were not stable. The term ‘stable’ herein refers to a formulation forming an isotropic, homogenized liquid product. Ex- D to F and H were in paste form, no further assessment was performed on these compositions.

Evaluation of viscosity Viscosity of each example was evaluated in two forms viz. neat and diluted. The term ‘neat’ herein refers to the formulation used as is without dilution. In diluted form, each example was diluted with water in 1 :5 ratio by weight. Viscosity was not measured for Ex-C since it was not stable. Viscosity of each example was measured using Modular Compact Rheometer, model number MCR 302 available with Rheocompass software from Anton Paar GmbH with plate type geometry. Viscosity measurement was performed at 21 S'¹ shear rate and (25±2) °C with plate CP50 geometry and summarized in table 2.

According to table 2, Ex 1 , 2, 3, 4 have desired viscosity at ‘neat’ form and have viscosity more than 1400 mPa.S in ‘diluted’ form, whereas Ex A to C fail to provide desired viscosity in either in ‘neat’ form or in ‘diluted’ form.

Claims

Claims:

1. A concentrated liquid composition for forming a liquid detergent on dilution in water comprising: a) 20 to 90% by weight of an anionic surfactant with an alkylamine or alkanolamine counterion; b) an alkoxylated polyol polyester comprising at least three alkoxylates and at least two C8 to C40 fatty acid ester; and c) a sequestrant selected from amino-phosphonic acid, phosphonic acid, amino carboxylic acid, and salts thereof, wherein the composition comprises less than 10% by weight water.

2. A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the alkylamine or alkanolamine counterion is selected from monoisopropanolamine, monoisopropylamine, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) and triisopropanolamine.

3. A composition as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from linear alkyl benzene sulphonates, alkyl ether sulphates and combinations thereof with the counterion.

4. A composition as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 3 wherein the amount of the anionic surfactant the counterion is in the range from 30 to 90 % by weight of the composition.

5. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the amount of the alkoxylated polyol polyester is in the range from 0.1 to 15 % by weight of the composition.

6. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the alkoxylated polyol polyester comprises 50 to 500 alkoxylate units.

7. A composition as claimed in claim 6 wherein the alkoxylate is ethoxylate or propoxylate.

8. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein polyol is selected from sorbitol, pentaerythritol and glycerol.

9. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the fatty acid ester is selected form laurate, stearate, iso-stearate, oleate, guerbet acid ester and combinations thereof. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the alkoxylated polyol polyester comprises sorbeth 230 tetraoleate. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the amount of sequestrant is in the range 0.1 to 20 % by weight of the composition. A composition as claimed in any one of claims of 1 to 11 wherein the sequestrant is selected from diethylenetriamine penta (methylene phosphonic acid- heptasodium salt (DTPMPA), 1-hydroxyethylidene 1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), trisodium salt of methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), N, N-dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid tetrasodium salt (GLDA) and combinations thereof. A unit dose product for forming a liquid detergent on dissolution in water comprising a composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 contained in a water-dissoluble pouch. A process for providing a liquid detergent comprising steps of diluting a composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 in water, wherein the ratio of the composition to water is in the range from 1 :1 to 1: 20 by weight.