FR3123330A1 - Packaging containing water-soluble capsules - Google Patents

Abstract

A detergent product is provided comprising a container and at least one unit dose detergent pouch, said container comprising at least 50% of a biodegradable component, based on the weight of the container, said at least one detergent pouch unit doses comprising a water-soluble film, and wherein said film comprises carrageenan.

Description

Packaging containing water-soluble capsules

A detergent product comprising a container and at least one unit dose detergent pouch, said container comprising a biodegradable component.

WO 02/20361 discloses an article of manufacture or packaging for containing and dispensing unit doses of a laundry additive in article form. The package includes a plurality of laundry additive items, means for preventing exposure of the laundry items to moisture prior to dispensing or use, and a container having a compartment and a closure for enclosing the plurality of items in the container. The container may be a tub, tray, jar, bottle, pouch, bag, box, or combination thereof, and will preferably be made of polymeric materials. The container may optionally have dividing means for subdividing the compartment of the container into sub-compartments so that the container can accommodate various different additives in separate compartments. Optionally but preferably, the closure of the container will have child safety features as well as a window or other means to view the contents of the package when the closure is in the closed position. The means for preventing exposure of the articles to moisture may be simply a seal around the closure of the container, or may comprise a separate seal for each article of laundry additive. The sealing devices for the individual articles will preferably be a tray with a depression formed therein to receive the laundry additive article and a polymeric film adhered to the tray above the depression to seal the item inside.

Document WO 2016/198978 discloses a childproof container comprising: a casing made of a sheet material defining an interior volume and having a passage opening delimited by a free edge, a closure system made of a sheet material configured to define open and closed conditions of the case, the closure system including a tab having a closure portion movable relative to the free edge of the case. The container comprises a security device consisting of a sheet material having: a first hooking part carried by the tongue, a second hooking part engaged with the casing. The first and second hooking parts are configured to stably engage with each other in the closed state of the closure system and to set a safety condition: the first and second hooking parts , in the safety condition, are configured to prevent the closing system from moving from the closed position to the open position.

Water soluble capsules are very convenient, however modern packaging requirements are such that one needs to manage water migration more effectively.

It is also desirable to limit access to capsules, particularly for children, by incorporating child-resistant features into the packaging. Current capsules are generally packaged in plastic tubs or plastic bags. They are impervious to water and the formulations they contain. Rigid packaging can currently be recycled, however there is an environmental need to reduce the use of plastics. A compostable or biodegradable material offers ecological benefits, however, due to their very nature (their tendency to biodegrade), the use of such materials is problematic. If the capsules leak, for example due to an imperfect sealing device, the packaging can become weakened by premature degradation of the biodegradable material when it comes into direct contact with the formulation which has leaked. The mechanical properties of the packaging are compromised. Under the weight of the bulk quantities of the capsules, and the likely egress of moisture from the capsules, the integrity of any child resistant closures may be compromised. The conditioning can therefore become more easily accessible to children, which is not desirable. This is particularly the case when the film allows a high degree of water migration.

Further, while plastic containers are typically hermetically sealed and therefore exhibit very low water vapor transmission rates, pulp or fiber containers are prone to high water transmission properties. This means that the possibility of water ingress and/or egress is much higher, and there is therefore an impact on the physical performance of the unit dose products inside such a paste-based container. or fibers. A particular characteristic is that unit dose products containing detergent compositions having 5 to 25% water tend to stick to the interior surface of such containers upon storage. This sticking is because the outer surface is negatively affected by water transmission when stored in a paper-based container. A combination of water soluble film containing carrageenan in a biodegradable container has been found to be an improvement over the prior art.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, there is provided a detergent product comprising a container and at least one pouch of detergent in unit doses, said container comprising at least 50% of a biodegradable component, based on the weight of the container, said at least one unit dose detergent pouch comprising a water-soluble film, and wherein said film comprises carrageenan.

It has surprisingly been found that it is possible to provide commercially viable packaging for a unit dose product, which has the required biodegradability profile, without deleterious water transmission.

"Active at ambient conditions", in the context of enzyme compositions, is intended to mean active at a temperature no higher than 40°C, preferably no higher than 30°C, more preferably no higher than 25°C, especially not greater than 15°C, but always greater than 1 degree Celsius, and "active" means effective in effecting stain removal, which is also defined herein.

"Biodegradable" means the complete breakdown of a substance by microorganisms into water and carbon dioxide biomass, and inorganic materials.

"Child-resistant closure mechanism" refers to any mechanism by which access to the water-soluble capsules is restricted so that the water-soluble capsules cannot be easily removed by infants and children. It preferably includes any suitable arrangement requiring individuals to take multiple cognitive and manipulative steps to open in order to prevent a child from accidentally gaining access to the capsules.

"Compostable" means a material that meets the following three requirements: (1) it is capable of being processed in a composting facility for solid waste; (2) if so treated, it will end up in the final compost; and (3) if the compost is used in soil, the material will eventually biodegrade in soil.

"Enzyme" encompasses enzyme variants (produced, for example, by recombinant techniques). Examples of such enzyme variants are disclosed for example in documents EP 251446 (Genencor), WO 91/00345 (Novo Nordisk), EP 525610 (Solvay) and WO 94/02618 (Gist-Brocades NV).

"Substantially free of a component" means that no amount of that component is deliberately incorporated into the composition.

"Film" refers to a water-soluble material and may be a sheet-like material. The length and width of the material can greatly exceed the thickness of the material, however the film can be any thickness.

"Renewable" refers to a material which can be produced by or which can be derived from a natural source which is periodically (for example annually or perpetually) renewed by the action of plants of terrestrial, aquatic or oceanic ecosystems (for example agricultural crops, edible and inedible grasses, forest products, kelp, or seaweed), or microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi, or yeasts).

"Renewable resource" refers to a natural resource that can be renewed within a time period of 100 years. The resource can be renewed naturally, or through agricultural techniques. Renewable resources include plants, animals, fish, bacteria, fungi, and forest products. They can be natural, hybrid, or genetically modified organisms. Natural resources such as crude oil, coal and peat, which take over 100 years to form, are not considered renewable resources.

"Thermoforming" means a process in which the film is deformed by heat, and in particular it may involve the following: a first sheet of film is subjected to a molding treatment to form an enclosure in the film, for example to form a hollow in the film. This preferably involves heating before deformation. The deformation step is preferably made possible by deposition of the film above a cavity and application of a vacuum or reduced pressure inside the cavity (to maintain the film in the cavity). The hollows can then be filled. The method may then include covering with a second sheet over the filled depressions and sealing it to the first sheet or film around the edges of the depressions to form a flat sealing strip, thereby forming a capsule which may be a product in unit doses. The second film can be thermoformed during manufacture. Alternatively, the second film may not be thermoformed during manufacture. Preferably, the first water-soluble film is thermoformed during manufacture of the unit dose article, and the second water-soluble film is not thermoformed during manufacture of the unit dose article.

"Unit dose" means an amount of composition suitable for treating a load of laundry, such as from about 0.05 g to about 100 g, or from 10 g to about 60 g, or from about 20 g to about 40 g.

"Water soluble" means that the article (film or packaging) dissolves in water at 20°C.

Unless otherwise stated, all component or composition values refer to the active portion of that component or composition, excluding impurities, e.g. by-products or residual solvents, which may be present in sources available in the trade in these components or compositions.

Except in the Examples and Comparative Experiments, or unless specifically indicated otherwise, all numbers are to be understood as modified by the word "about".

All percentages (expressed as "%") and proportions contained herein are calculated by weight, unless otherwise stated. All conditions herein are 20°C and atmospheric pressure, unless specifically stated otherwise. All molecular weights of polymers are determined by weight average molecular weight, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to include x and y. When, for a specific characteristic, multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "from x to y", it is understood that all ranges combining the different ends are also contemplated. When specifying any range of values or quantities, any particular higher value or quantity may be associated with any particular lower value or quantity.

The container material

The container includes a biodegradable material. The biodegradable material can be a biodegradable polymer. The container may comprise a fully biodegradable material, such that the container as a whole can be completely decomposed into substance by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and algae; environmental heat, humidity, or other environmental factors in water and carbon dioxide biomass; and inorganic material. Preferably, 90 to 99.9% by weight of the container, more preferably 96 to 99.9% by weight, is made of pulp or fiber materials such as paper, card stock, or cardboard. The rest includes barrier materials and/or informative labels. However, it is preferred that any label also include biodegradable materials as described herein, preferably paper or other fiber or pulp material.

If desired, the extent of biodegradability can be determined, for example, according to the ASTM 5338.92 test method.

Suitable biodegradable materials include paper, cardboard or cardboard of cellulose or derivatives; and may optionally comprise lignin or derivatives; biodegradable plastics, such as bioplastics which are preferably oxo-biodegradable plastics in which the biodegradation results from an oxidative and cell-mediated phenomenon, either simultaneously or successively (as distinct from an oxo-degradation which is a degradation resulting "oxidative cleavage of macromolecules" such as plastic fragments but which do not biodegrade except over a very long period). The material can also be compostable.

The biodegradable material comprises a biopolymer such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) which can be derived for example from corn starch, cassava, sugar cane, etc. ; polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), including poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB or PH3B), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) and polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH); a PHA copolymer called poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV); biodegradable polyesters, for example polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA); poly(butylene terephthalate adipate) (PBAT); cellulose-based materials, eg ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate (true), cellophane (made of wood, cotton or hemp); starch or starch-based materials (from potato, rice, corn, etc.); sugarcane bagasse, and any combination or mixture thereof. For example, PCL can be mixed with starch to improve the biodegradability of PCL.

The biodegradable material can include any biodegradable polyolefin.

Biodegradable petroleum-derived plastic materials include: poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), a thermoplastic polymer and an aliphatic polyester; poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), which is a thermoplastic polymer resin that has properties comparable to those of propylene; polycaprolactone (PCL), since it has hydrolysable ester bonds providing biodegradable properties.

Most preferred biodegradable materials include paper, card stock or paperboard of cellulose or derivatives.

Preferably, the biodegradable material is bio-sourced in accordance with the ¹⁴ C or radioactive carbon method (EU: EN 16640 or CEN/TS 16137, International: ISO 16620-2, US: ASTM 6866). Preferably, the biodegradable material is made from a renewable resource.

The container material may include an outer layer to provide additional protection or a patina (for biodegradable materials with a matte finish such as cardboard). This layer preferably comprises a coating or varnish or biodegradable polymer film. Preferably, the outer layer comprises any of the biopolymers described above. Preferably, the outer layer is at least present on all or part of the internal surfaces of the receptacle.

The term "fiber or pulp material" encompasses paper or paperboard, specifically. Preferably, the fiber or pulp material is in the form of a sheet and is formed into a blank which is folded to form a sealable container. The closable container may be formed from a single piece blank or may contain multiple pieces.

The material that can be used for the production of the container can have a basis weight of 100 and 500 g/m ² , preferably of 200 and 400 g/m ² . The sheet paper material used for the production of the container may, in an alternative embodiment thereof, be covered, for at least part of the first and/or second main development surfaces, by a coating, by example a film, aiming to balance the transfer of water between the inside and the outside of the container with protection against leaks. Advantageously but not in a limiting manner, the coating could comprise an extrusion coating on one or both of the sides (inner side and/or outer side) of the paper material defining the containers, with values which can for example be between 10 and 50 micrometers of coating material. The coating plastic material can for example be chosen from the following materials: LDPE, HDPE, PP, PE.

Preferred barrier materials include polymeric materials selected from poly(lactic acid), polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyester, poly(butylene terephthalate-adipate), cellulose-based material, starch-based material, sugar cane material, and mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the biodegradable material comprises at least two layers, more preferably at least three layers.

The biodegradable material preferably comprises a bleached layer, which bleached layer comprises an outer layer of the biodegradable material. By outer layer, it is meant that the bleached layer is physically the outermost. A second layer includes an unbleached layer which is also outer but opposite the bleached layer. The biodegradable material therefore preferably comprises a bleached layer and an unbleached layer on opposite sides. Between the bleached and unbleached layers there is preferably a filler layer made of post-consumer recycled material and which is preferably also paper-based.

Cellulose fiber length

Preferably, the biodegradable material used in the present invention is paper-based. By "paper-based" is meant that it is derived from natural sources containing cellulose such as trees. The physical properties of the paper, or pulp product, depend largely on the nature of the cellulose fibers which are separated from the lignin during processing. This can be influenced by the source of cellulose, i.e. what type of tree is the original source, and also what treatment has been carried out. The common tendency is to characterize paper as either recycled or virgin, non-recycled, however this is confusing since it is the physicality of the cellulose fiber which is key to its performance in the context of this invention. For example, hardwood fibers typically have good smoothness and forming characteristics, and have short fibers. Typical hardwood sources include eucalyptus, birch, maple, beech, and oak. In contrast, softwood fibers have good strength and stiffness characteristics, and include those from pine, spruce and fir.

Therefore, when the at least one layer of biodegradable material is paper-based, it is preferred that the weighted average fiber length of the cellulose in the paper be at least 2mm, more preferably 3-5mm.

The length of the cellulose fibers is characterized in accordance with the test mentioned by the TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, technical association of the pulp and paper industry) under the name T 271 om-18, which is a process designed to measure the length of pulp and paper fibers by means of an automated optical analyzer using polarized light. The test is an Approved American National Standard (ANSI).

When the package includes a cooperative base and cover elements, it is preferred that the base contains a paper-based layer having a weighted average fiber length of at least 2 mm, more preferably 3 to 5 mm. It has surprisingly been found that this greater fiber length provides improved performance when the package is designed for the storage of liquid detergent capsules, particularly in the context of water containment during leakage. This is particularly important when the packaging design needs to have child safety features since poor water containment can lead to packaging fragility and therefore easier access to the contents.

When the package includes a separate lid portion, it is preferred that the lid comprises a paper having a weighted average cellulose fiber length of 1 to 5 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the lid comprises at least 80%, more preferably at least 95% by weight, of the lid paper having a weighted average cellulose fiber length of 1 to 5 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the base comprises at least 80%, more preferably at least 95% by weight, of the base paper having a weighted average cellulose fiber length of at least 2 mm.

Container

The container preferably has a minimum compressive strength of 300 N. The thickness (or gauge) of the material will be chosen to provide the packaging with the necessary structural rigidity.

The container may comprise any suitable rigid structure, such as a tub or carton or box, a tubular structure, or a bottle. However, preferred containers will be formed from a blank which is shaped into a container. Preferably, the container will include a base, an opposing pair of walls, and a resealable lid. Preferably, the lid is integral with the base, or is formed from a separate component.

The walls of these structures can be expanded, molded. They may comprise laminated structures (for example consisting of successive layers). They may comprise fibrous material such as fiber/pulp, which is glued, compressed and/or enclosed in rigid walls. Flutes may be incorporated, for example in the form of corrugated cardboard. For cardboard, the basis weight is preferably at least 200 g/m ² (grams per square meter), preferably at least 225 g/m ² .

The structure can be collapsible between an upright structure to provide a functional container and a flattened structure that facilitates transport and ease of disposal, so that multiple packages can be flattened and stacked ready for transport to a biodegradation site .

The biodegradable container may include a combination of a fiber and/or pulp material and a polymeric material. An example may be a material comprising one or more layers of fibers and/or pulp in combination with one or more polymeric materials (all materials being biodegradable). There may be one or more layers of fibers and/or pulp sandwiched between layers of polymeric material. The material can be virgin or recycled.

Preferably the container comprises at least 80%, more preferably at least 95% by weight of the container of a biodegradable component.

Dimensionally, it is preferred that the container include a top surface which, when in the closed configuration, has a width of 9 to 15 cm. This width is an average over the entire length of the top surface. This width is preferred because the biodegradable container tends to flex more easily than more rigid plastic packaging containers, and this dimension has been found to correspond to optimal consumer behavior when opening the container to access the contents for use. of appropriate strength and, in doing so, does not damage the biodegradable container or its contents. This is particularly the case when the childproof closure requires simultaneous pressing of release areas on opposite side walls. These opposing pressures can damage the contents of the container by compressing capsules that are already under water transmission stress.

When the container includes a separate lid and base, it is preferred that the lid includes a top sheet and dependent pairs of opposing walls so that it resembles five sides of a cube. Similarly, it is preferred that the base include a bottom sheet and rising pairs of opposing walls so that it also resembles five sides of a cube.

In this way, the lid and the base cooperate to form a closed container with the opposing pairs of walls for each of the lid and the base which offer a double protection against the outside since the lid and the base cooperate telescopically. Preferably, the lid forms the outermost surface when the base and lid are telescopically engaged to close the package.

Preferably, the lid includes a bleached layer on the outermost layer and an unbleached layer on the innermost layer. In such a configuration, the bleached layer presents the outermost surface of the packaging for the five sides formed by the lid. Preferably, this outermost layer comprises printed parts.

Preferably, the bleached layer also includes a barrier material as described below. More preferably, the innermost surface comprises an unbleached layer, and especially is not treated with a barrier material.

Preferably, the base comprises a bleached layer on the innermost layer and an unbleached layer on the outermost layer. In such a configuration, the bleached layer presents the innermost surface of the package for the five sides that form the base. Such an innermost layer is physically in contact with at least some of the unit dose laundry products.

Preferably, the bleached layer also includes a barrier material as described below. Even better, the inner surface of the base includes an unbleached layer and is especially treated with a barrier material as well.

Barrier materials

Biodegradable container includes barrier material for better performance.

Barrier materials are preferably employed to provide moisture control and are usually applied to a cardboard surface on one or both sides, depending on the end use.

Dispersing Barrier

Dispersion is a new barrier option without the traditional coating layers. The surface is finished using an aqueous dispersion technology. This makes the board resistant to liquids and greases during use, while it breaks down in the recycling process like paper, ensuring a high yield of recovered fibers when the products are recycled.

Green PE coating

PE Green is a fully renewable option to traditional PE (polyethylene), and provides excellent moisture protection. PE Green is made from renewable plant-based raw materials, resulting in barrier packaging that is 100% renewable and recyclable. When converted, it behaves similarly to PE, and is therefore easy to introduce into production for consumers.

PE coating

PE, or polyethylene, is the most commonly used barrier coating. Polyolefin barriers, such as polymers of LDPE and HDPE, provide excellent moisture protection.

Biodegradable coating

Biodegradable coatings are custom-produced polymers, providing moisture, oxygen and grease barrier and sealing power. The present biodegradable coatings are compostable. However, biopolymer coated paperboard can be easily recycled as well, which is usually the preferred end-of-life option.

Biopolymers can be produced from natural crops or from fossil raw materials. But the key is that in the end, the biopolymer-coated cardboard breaks down into humus and CO ₂ . If the present biopolymer coated paperboard is chosen, a product is obtained which is recyclable or which can be collected among other compostable waste going to industrial composting.

PET coating

PET forms a barrier and has other functions. White or black PET liners that provide heat resistance act as an excellent gas barrier and have strong WVTR (water vapor transmission rate) properties.

PP coating

A PP, or polypropylene, liner provides heat resistance for microwave ovens and is also suitable for deep freezing. Good sealing properties ensure the performance during use.

It is however preferred that the barrier material comprise less than 5% by weight, more preferably less than 1% and preferably substantially zero PE, PP or PET.

In a preferred embodiment, the barrier comprises an aqueous dispersion.

Water-based barrier coatings seal the surface of the substrate and protect the container against external and internal influences. The container remains attractive and can fulfill its function without restrictions. Depending on the product, the present barrier coatings provide adequate protection against oils, water, steam, dairy products, alcohols, oils or alkalis for the lifetime of the package. Due to their versatility, they are used for a wide range of applications. Barrier coatings are available for packaging converters and printers or in the paper industry.

Preferably, the base of the container comprises an aqueous dispersion barrier layer.

Preferably, the barrier material on the base is applied to an interior surface.

Preferably, the lid component comprises less than 1% by weight of the barrier material, more preferably an aqueous dispersion barrier.

More preferably, the dispersion barrier component comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Said TPE is preferably dispersed in the barrier component.

The advantage of a barrier material containing TPE is that it is dispersed in the barrier component so that layers are not required. The dispersion is applied in one go. An alternative barrier component may include a multi-layered approach. Such barriers include those commercially available from Weilburger under the trade name Senolith®. Examples are described in document WO 2018/069413. Preferably, they should be applied by digital printing, flexography, dampening device with inkwell, inline-offline coating unit, and web offset, as well as gravure.

These barrier materials can be applied primarily as a wet coat. The dispersion is preferably an aqueous dispersion, in particular a dispersion of PTFE, a dispersion of perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA), and/or a fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP), a copolymer of hexafluoropropylene.

When a coat is applied in wet form, a surface film is formed which can then be cured. A first layer may have a resin to improve adhesion to a substrate. Illustrative suitable resins are, but are not limited to, polyamideimide, poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS), polyethersulfone (PES), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), silicone resin and/or polysulfone. . The proportion of such a resin in a wet composition to be applied in the form of a layer, in particular a dispersion, is preferably about 3 to 8% by weight of the composition.

The second polymer is applied to the first layer in a liquid. The dispersion may contain other constituents mentioned herein. The dispersion is preferably an aqueous dispersion, in particular a dispersion of PTFE, a dispersion of perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA), and/or a dispersion of fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP, copolymer of hexafluoropropylene and tetrafluoroethylene). The proportion of the second polymer in a wet composition to be applied as a layer, in particular a dispersion, is preferably about 40 to 60% by weight. The first layer may have been dried, partially dried, or undried, before application of the second layer. In an advantageous variant, the second layer is applied to the first layer while the first layer is still wet, in particular while the first layer is still wet.

Preferably, both the lid and the base comprise a multi-layered barrier material such as those described above.

Preferably, the barrier material is applied to the exterior of the cover and/or the base. More preferably, the barrier material is applied to at least 50%, more preferably 70%, especially 90% and most especially 95% of the outer surface of the cover.

More preferably, the barrier material is applied to at least 50%, more preferably 70%, especially 90% and most especially 95% of the outer surface of the base.

Even better, the base includes a barrier material on the exterior and interior surfaces.

Adhesive

Preferably, the package is folded into shape and held in shape with the aid of adhesives. Adhesives are common in the art but preferred are hot melt adhesive, reactive hot melt adhesive, thermosetting adhesive, pressure sensitive adhesive, contact glue type adhesive. Preferably, the adhesive is a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive.

Preferably, the hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive is suitable for tackling and bonding a variety of packaging materials.

Total content

Preferably, the barrier material and adhesive constitute 0.1 to 5% by weight of the total container plus adhesive and barrier material. More preferably, the barrier material and adhesive constitute 1 to 3% by weight and especially 1.5 to 2.5% by weight of the total container plus adhesive and barrier material.

Preferably, the barrier material and the adhesive constitute 0.1 to 5% by weight of the lid plus the adhesive and the barrier material. More preferably, the barrier material and the adhesive constitute from 1 to 3% by weight and especially from 0.9 to 1.4% by weight of the lid plus the adhesive and the barrier material.

Preferably, the barrier material and the adhesive constitute 0.1 to 5% by weight of the base plus the adhesive and the barrier material. More preferably, the barrier material and the adhesive constitute 1 to 3% by weight and especially 1.5 to 2.6% by weight of the base plus the adhesive and the barrier material.

Preferably, the barrier material constitutes from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the total container plus the barrier material and the adhesive. More preferably, the barrier material constitutes 1-3% by weight and especially 1.5-2.5% by weight of the total package plus barrier material and adhesive.

Preferably, the barrier material constitutes 0.1 to 5% by weight of the cover plus the barrier material and the adhesive. More preferably, the barrier material constitutes 1 to 3% by weight and especially 1.4 to 2.2% by weight of the lid plus the barrier material and the adhesive.

Preferably, the barrier material constitutes 0.1 to 5% by weight of the base plus the barrier material and the adhesive. More preferably, the barrier material constitutes 0.3 to 3% by weight and especially 0.5 to 1.5% by weight of the base plus the barrier material and the adhesive.

Preferably, the adhesive constitutes from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the total container plus adhesive and barrier material. More preferably, the adhesive constitutes 1-3% by weight and especially 1.5-2.5% by weight of the total package plus adhesive and barrier material.

Preferably, the adhesive constitutes from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the cover plus the adhesive and the barrier material. More preferably, the adhesive constitutes 1 to 3% by weight and especially 1.2 to 2.1% by weight of the lid plus the adhesive and the barrier material.

Preferably, the adhesive constitutes 0.1 to 5% by weight of the base plus the adhesive and the barrier material. More preferably, the adhesive constitutes 1 to 3% by weight and especially 1.5 to 2.6% by weight of the base plus the adhesive and the barrier material.

Preferably, the cover plus the base comprise from 0 to 5% by weight of a polyolefin chosen from PP, PE and PET. Best of all, the lid plus base includes 0-1% and especially zero of PP, PE and PET.

The lid having a bleached outer surface and the base having a bleached inner surface means that the two unbleached surfaces are in contact with each other when the lid and the base are engaged cooperatively. This makes it easier to slide between the two, especially in humid environments.

COBB values

The COBB test (T441 om-20, TAPPI) measures the water absorption capacity of a glued and corrugated fibreboard. The "Cobb value" is the mass of water absorbed in a specific time per square meter of substrate under 1 cm of water.

Preferably, the Cobb60 value for the cover without added barrier materials is 5 to 80 g/m ² , more preferably 6 to 50 g/m ² for the bleached surface, and is 5 to 100 g/m ² , better still from 10 to 30 g/m ² for the unbleached surface.

Preferably, the Cobb60 value for the cover with added barrier materials is 0.1 to 1.5 g/m ² , more preferably 0.3 to 1.0 g/m ² for the bleached surface.

Preferably, the Cobb1800 value for the lid without barrier materials is 80 to 200 g/m ² , more preferably 90 to 150 g/m ² for the bleached surface, and is 8 to 200 g/m ² , more preferably another 100 to 130 g/m ² for the unbleached surface.

Preferably, the Cobb1800 value for the cover with added barrier materials is 80 to 200 g/m ² , more preferably 90 to 150 g/m ² for the bleached surface.

Preferably, the Cobb60 value for the base without barrier materials is 0.5 to 15 g/m ² , more preferably 1 to 10 g/m ² for the bleached surface, and is 5 to 80 g/m ² , better still from 10 to 30 g/m ² for the unbleached surface.

Preferably, the Cobb60 value for the base with added barrier materials is 0.1 to 1.5 g/m ² , more preferably 0.3 to 1.0 g/m ² for the bleached surface.

Preferably, the Cobb1800 value for the base without added barrier materials is 80 to 200 g/m ² , more preferably 90 to 150 g/m ² for the bleached surface, and is 8 to 200 g/m ² , better still from 80 to 120 g/m ² for the unbleached surface.

Preferably, the Cobb1800 value for the base with added barrier materials is 0.5 to 20 g/m ² , more preferably 2 to 15 g/m ² for the bleached surface.

It has surprisingly been found that this greater fiber length provides better performance when the container is designed for the storage of liquid detergent capsules, particularly in the context of water containment during leakage. This is particularly important when the packaging design needs to have child safety features since poor water containment can lead to packaging fragility and therefore easier access to the contents.

Preferably, the width of the boxboard for both the lid and the base is 200 to 800 micrometers.

Preferably, the container includes an absorbent liner. Preferably, such an absorbent pad is placed at the bottom of the package in the base and before the unit dose articles are placed inside the package.

Childproof closure

The invention comprises a childproof closure mechanism comprising a first locking element on the receptacle and a second locking element present on the closure, whereby the elements interlock.

The childproof closure is achieved by specific structures to secure the closure in place (close the receptacle) until a specific operation is performed to disengage the closure.

The closures may include tops and lids having respective locking elements which must be aligned in a certain orientation before they are released from the locking elements on the receptacle, or which require performing a certain sequence of steps or action to trigger their release, as described below.

The receptacle and closure may each incorporate at least one, and preferably at least two, such locking elements, and the packaging closed by locking multiple pairs of locking elements, each pair including a locking element on the closure s engaging with a locking element of the receptacle. Preferably, each pair of locking elements is operable independently of any at least one other pair of locking elements, so that unlocking one pair does not automatically unlock the other pair. Preferably, at least one pair is spaced from another pair at locations on the package, such that they may be located at diagonally opposite positions, for example at or near diagonally opposite edges/corners of a generally square/rectangular closure and/or at diametrically opposite positions on the edge of a circular closure.

Preferably, the or each locking element comprises a flexible part so that it jumps in and/or out of locking engagement with a respective locking element.

The locking elements can be chosen from any projection and corresponding recess, latches, clips, bolts, tabs, straps, hook and loop fasteners, pawls or lugs (on threads), sliding arrangements, buttons, tabs, keys, magnets or other locking components. The locking elements may be biased, for example spring-biased into the locking position (engaged with a respective locking element), such that pressure must be used to release them from each other.

The receptacle and the closure can be attached to each other by a hinge or they can slide relative to each other and can even be in one piece (for example in the case of a hinge movable) so that the closure is secured to the receptacle. The invention is particularly preferred for such arrangements because the flexibility of the receptacle can result in deformation and location stresses on the closure.

The specific operation may comprise a double and/or coordinated action on the closure. Preferably, the childproof closure comprises the locking of elements requiring a double and/or coordinated action to open said opening. Thus, for example, the action required may be push and turn or push and pull mechanisms, as known to those skilled in the art. For example, the closure can be opened only when the closure, or part thereof, is both pressed (radially) and rotated, or pushed (axially relative to the package) and rotated. Child resistant closures may include grasping or squeezing both sides of the closure and twisting at the same time to remove the closure. The closure can be held to the receptacle by respective internal threads carrying ratchets or wedge-shaped lugs as locking elements, and prevent the closure from being unscrewed from the neck opening unless the closure and/or the neck are bent diametrically, whereby the locking elements move relative to each other in a radial direction and allow unscrewing of the closure.

Locking elements may require a double and/or coordinated action to unlock. For example, a push and slide, or push and pull assembly. A removable locking key may be required to lock and/or unlock said interlocking elements.

The container may include a sliding mechanism whereby the closure or part thereof slides relative to the receptacle or the receptacle slides within a closure (e.g. in the form of a tray arrangement in which the capsules are stacked on the shelf part), and there is provided at least one locking mechanism configured to lock the inner sliding part with respect to an outer part of the packaging. The locking mechanism can be biased so that pressure must be exerted to release the shelf. In some embodiments, the inner sleeve includes a tab for removing the inner sleeve from inside the outer sleeve.

The locking elements can be spatially arranged to prevent access by children. For example, at least 2 pairs can be separated from each other by a distance corresponding to the average span between the thumb and the index finger of an adult's hand. Only when both pairs are released simultaneously is it possible to open the lid of the packaging container.

For box-type constructions, preferably the locking elements are located at diagonally opposite corners of the box.

The child-resistant closure may produce audible feedback such as a "click" to alert the user that the closure is in place.

Tear resistant part

Preferably, the container comprises a tear-resistant, dimensionally stable flat material (eg, a laminate), such as a tear-resistant, dimensionally stable paperboard laminate, to form a tear-resistant packaging structure. The tear-resistant and dimensionally stable paperboard laminate may include a tear-resistant biodegradable polymer core layer having opposing first and second sides. The tear-resistant and dimensionally stable paperboard laminate also includes a first paperboard layer adhered to the first side of said tear-resistant polymer core layer by means of a first tacky medium. The tear-resistant and dimensionally stable paperboard laminate further includes a second paperboard layer adhered to the second side of the tear-resistant polymer core layer by means of a second adhesive medium. The tear-resistant polymer core layer has a thickness of at least 0.0254 mm (1 mil) and a tear strength of at least 3.43 N (350 grams-force) in the machine direction and of at least 3.92 N (400 grams-force) in the transverse direction, as measured by the Elmendorf tear propagation test. In addition, the first and second layers of paperboard are substantially identical structurally.

Preferably, the tear-resistant polymer core layer has a thickness of about 0.0762 mm (3 mils) and a tear strength of about 16.67 N (1700 grams-force) in the machine direction. and about 3.92 N (400 gram-force) in the cross direction, as measured by the Elmendorf Tear Propagation Test.

Produced in unit doses

The preferred unit dose product, its constituent parts and its method of manufacture are all described in WO 2015/153157 and WO 2018/086834. In detail, the water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least two water-soluble films and at least one internal compartment, which compartment is enclosed by the films and has an internal space, and which compartment comprises a composition cleaning inside the internal space.

The unit dose article can have a weight between 10 g and 31 g, or even between 5 g and 30 g.

The unit dose article may comprise a gas, in which case the ratio of the volume of said gas to the volume of the liquid laundry detergent composition is between 1/4 and 1/20, or even between 1/5 and 1/15 , or even between 1/5 and 1/9. Alternatively, the ratio of the volume of said gas to the volume of the liquid laundry detergent composition is between 1/25 and 1/10, or even between 1/20 and 15/1.

The water-soluble unit dose article includes multiple compartments. The unit dose article may comprise two, or three, or four or five compartments. The compartment includes a cleaning composition. Each compartment may comprise an identical or different composition. The composition can be a solid, liquid, gel, fluid, dispersion or a mixture thereof.

The water-soluble film is shaped to define the shape of the compartment, so that the compartment is completely surrounded by the film. The compartment can be formed from a single film, or multiple films. For example, the compartment can be formed from two films which are sealed together. The water-soluble film is sealed so that the composition does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, upon addition of the water-soluble bag to water, the soluble film dissolves and releases the contents of the internal compartment into the wash liquor.

The water-soluble unit dose article may be of any material, shape and configuration suitable for retaining the composition, i.e. without permitting the release of the composition, and any additional components, out of the unit dose article prior to contact of the unit dose article with water. The exact execution will depend, for example, on the type and amount of the compositions in the article in unit doses. The unit dose article can be substantially square, rectangular, oval, ellipsoidal, super-elliptical, or circular in shape. The form may or may not contain any excess material present as a rim or skirt at the point where two or more films are sealed together. By “practically” is meant here that the shape gives the overall impression of being, for example, square. It may have rounded corners and/or non-straight sides, but overall it gives the impression of being square, for example.

A multi-compartment unit dose article form may be desirable for reasons such as: separation of chemically incompatible ingredients; or when it is desired that a portion of the ingredients be released into the wash sooner or later.

The multiple compartments can be arranged in any suitable orientation. For example, the unit dose article may include a lower compartment, and at least a first upper compartment, which upper compartment is superposed on the lower compartment.

Alternatively, the compartments may all be positioned in a side-by-side arrangement. In such an arrangement, the compartments may be connected together and share a dividing wall, or may be virtually separated and simply held together by a connector or bridge. Alternatively, the compartments may be positioned in a "tire and rim" orientation, i.e. a first compartment is positioned adjacent to a second compartment, but the first compartment at least partially surrounds the second compartment, but does not completely enclose the second compartment.

At least one film comprises a printed area that covers between 10% and 80%, or even between 10% and 75%, or even between 10% and 60%, or even between 10% and 40%, of the surface of the film.

Preferably, the unit dose article breaks within 10 seconds to 5 minutes once the unit dose article has been added to 950 ml of deionized water at 20-21°C in a 1 liter beaker, in which the water is stirred at 350 rpm with a 5 cm magnetic stirring bar. By "break" herein is meant that the film appears visibly to break or separate. Shortly after the film breaks or separates, the internal liquid detergent composition may be found to leak out of the article in unit doses into the surrounding water.

water soluble film

The film of the unit dose article is water soluble or dispersible, and preferably has a water solubility of at least 50%, preferably at least 75% or even at least 95%. %, as measured by the method given here after using a glass filter having a maximum pore size of 20 micrometers:

Add 50 grams plus or minus 0.1 grams of film material to a pre-weighed 400 ml beaker, and add 245 ml plus or minus 1 ml of distilled water. Vigorously stirred on a magnetic stirrer set at 600 rpm for 30 minutes. The mixture is then filtered through a folded qualitative sintered glass filter having a pore size as defined above (maximum 20 micrometers). The water is removed by drying the collected filtrate by any conventional method, and the weight of the remaining material (which is the dissolved or dispersed fraction) is determined. The percentage solubility or dispersibility can then be calculated.

carrageenan

The film includes carrageenan. Carrageenan is the generic name for a family of linear sulphated galactans, obtained by extraction from a certain species of red seaweed (Rhodophyta). Carrageenans are composed of 3-linked β-D-galactopyranose (G units) and 4-linked α-D-galactopyranose (D units), or 4-linked 3,6-anhydrogalactose (A units), forming the disaccharide repeating unit of carrageenans. Sulfated galactans are classified according to the presence of 3,6-anhydrogalactose on the 4-linked residue and the position and number of sulfate groups.

Carrageenan can be in any of the above forms i.e. alpha (α), beta (β), iota (ι), kappa (κ), lambda (λ), mu (μ ), nu (ν), gamma (δ) or theta (θ)-carrageenan.

Kappa carrageenan is primarily obtained by extraction from the tropical seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii, known commercially as Eucheuma cottonii (or simply cottonii).

Eucheuma denticulatum (trade name Eucheuma spinosumor or simply spinosum) is the main species for the production of ι-carrageenan. Algae are usually extracted with an alkali at high temperature so that the biological precursors μ and ν-carrageenans are transformed into commercial κ and ι-carrageenans.

Lambda carrageenan is obtained from different species of the genera Gigartina and Chondrus.

Preferably, the carrageenan is present in the film in an amount of 20 to 90% by weight, preferably 30 to 85% by weight, more preferably 40 to 80% by weight, most preferably 50 to 80% by weight (relative to the total dry (cast) weight of the film).

The film may however comprise other polymers in addition to carrageenan.

Preferred additional polymers, copolymers or derivatives thereof which can be used as pocket material are chosen from poly(vinyl alcohols), polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly(alkylene oxides), acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose-amides, poly(vinyl acetates), poly(carboxylic acids) and their salts, poly(amino acids or peptides), polyamides, polyacrylamide , maleic/acrylic acid copolymers, polysaccharides including starch and gelatin, natural gums such as xanthan gum and carrageenan. More preferred polymers are selected from water-soluble polyacrylates and acrylate copolymers, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrin, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, maltodextrin, polymethacrylates, and are most especially chosen from poly(vinyl alcohols), copolymers of poly(vinyl alcohol) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), as well as combinations thereof. Preferably, the proportion of polymer in the pocket material, for example a PVA polymer, is at least 60%. The polymer can have any weight average molecular weight, preferably about 1,000 to 1,000,000, more preferably about 10,000 to 300,000, more preferably about 20,000 to 150,000.

Blends of polymers can be advantageous to control the mechanical and/or dissolution properties of the compartments or the pocket, depending on their application and the needs required. Suitable blends include, for example, blends in which one polymer has a higher water solubility than another polymer, and/or one polymer has a higher mechanical strength than another polymer.

Preferred additional film materials are polymeric materials. The film material can be obtained, for example, by casting, blow molding, extrusion or extrusion blow molding of the polymeric material, as is known in the art. Preferred polymers, copolymers or derivatives thereof which can be used as pocket material are chosen from poly(vinyl alcohols), polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly(alkylene oxides), acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose-amides, poly(vinyl acetates), poly(carboxylic acids) and their salts, poly(amino acids or peptides), polyamides, polyacrylamide, maleic/acrylic acid copolymers, polysaccharides including starch and gelatin, natural gums such as xanthan gum and carrageenan. More preferred polymers are selected from water-soluble polyacrylates and acrylate copolymers, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrin, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, maltodextrin, polymethacrylates, and are most especially chosen from poly(vinyl alcohols), copolymers of poly(vinyl alcohol) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), as well as combinations thereof. Preferably, the proportion of polymer in the pocket material, for example a PVA polymer, is at least 60%. The polymer can have any weight average molecular weight, preferably from about 1,000 to 1,000,000, more preferably from about 10,000 to 300,000, more preferably from about 20,000 to 150,000. polymers can also be used as pocket material. This can be advantageous to control the mechanical and/or dissolution properties of the compartments or the pocket, depending on their application and the required needs. Suitable blends include, for example, blends in which one polymer has a higher water solubility than another polymer, and/or one polymer has a higher mechanical strength than another polymer. Also suitable are blends of polymers having different weight-average molecular weights, for example a blend of PVA or a copolymer thereof having a weight-average molecular weight of about 10,000 to 40,000, preferably of about 20,000, and PVA or a copolymer thereof having a weight average molecular weight of about 100,000 to 300,000, preferably about 150,000. Also suitable herein are compositions of polymer combinations, for example comprising combinations of water-soluble and hydrolytically degradable polymers, such as a polylactide and a poly(vinyl alcohol), obtained by mixing polylactide and poly(vinyl alcohol), typically comprising from about 1 to 35% by weight polylactide and from about 65 to 99% by weight poly(vinyl alcohol). It is preferred herein to use polymers which are about 60% to about 98% hydrolyzed, preferably about 80% to about 90% hydrolyzed, to improve the dissolution characteristics of the material. Preferred films exhibit good dissolution in cold water, meaning unheated water straight from the tap. Preferably, these films exhibit good dissolution at temperatures below 25 degrees Celsius, better still below 21 degrees Celsius, more particularly below 15 degrees Celsius. By "good dissolution", it is meant that the film has a solubility in water of at least 50%, preferably at least 75% or even at least 95%, as measured by the method indicated here. after using a glass filter having a maximum pore size of 20 micrometers, described above.

Of course, different film materials and/or different film thicknesses can be employed in preparing the compartments of the present invention. The advantage of selecting different films is that the resulting compartments may exhibit different solubility or release characteristics. The present film material may also include one or more active ingredients. For example, it may be advantageous to add plasticizers, for example glycerol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, sorbitol and mixtures thereof. Other additives may include water and functional detergent additives, including water, to be delivered to the wash water, for example organic polymeric dispersants, etc.

Printing on product in unit doses

The unit dose product may preferably be printed to provide useful information to the consumer. The print is basically inside the capsule when it is formed. Typically, the printing is done on a roll of film before the product is made, and so that the printed surface is the surface that faces the detergent composition when the final product is formed.

The printing area can cover all of the film or part of it. The print area may include a single color or may optionally include multiple colors, and even three colors. The print area can include the colors white, black and red. The print area may include pigments, dyes, brighteners or mixtures thereof. The print may be present as a layer on the surface of the film, or may at least partially penetrate the film. The print area may be present on the exterior of the article in unit doses, in addition to the interior surface of the film, i.e. in contact with the liquid laundry detergent composition.

Preferably, the film comprises a phthalocyanine-based pigment. Such a pigment is used for printing on the film. A preferred pigment includes SpectraRAY® F UVDB354 commercially available from Sun Chemical and is a phthalocyanine pigment. It is designated CAS 147-14-8.

The unit dose article may comprise at least two films, or even at least three films, which films are sealed together. The print zone can be present on a single film, or on several films, for example on two films, or even on three films.

The print area can be made using standard techniques, such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing. Preferably, the print area is made by flexographic printing, in which a film is printed and then molded into a unit dose article.

The package contains a plurality of water-soluble capsules, each water-soluble capsule comprising a detergent composition within a sealed compartment which is preferably filled to at least 60% of the volume of the compartment.

Preferably, the container contains 10 or more of said products in unit doses and a closure.

With this arrangement, water-soluble capsules having performance levels of a substrate treating liquid can be quickly filled and packaged in large quantities to reduce manufacturing costs, but can be packaged using materials biodegradable while still minimizing the deleterious effects of capsule leakage. This is surprising considering the similarity of the compositions forming the capsule film and also the polymers used in the biodegradable packaging.

The selected viscosity range ensures that fill times do not slow down manufacturing times by making the capsules too expensive. At the same time, the applicant has found that if the liquid is thickened to a viscosity as specified in the first aspect of the invention, this minimizes splashing on the sealing areas of the capsules and also minimizes the formation of waves. (in the formulation) which could also affect the integrity of the sealing device, since the capsules are filled at a high rate.

The film may include a print area. The printing area can cover all of the film or part of it. The print area may include a single color or may optionally include multiple colors, and even three colors. The print area may include pigments, dyes, brighteners or mixtures thereof. The print may be present as a layer on the surface of the film, or may at least partially penetrate the film. The unit dose article may comprise at least two films, or even at least three films, which films are sealed together. The print zone can be present on a single film, or on several films, for example on two films, or even on three films.

The print area can be made using standard techniques, such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing. Preferably, the printing area is made by flexographic printing, in which a film is printed and then molded in the form of an open compartment. This compartment is then filled with a detergent composition, and a second film is placed over the compartment and sealed to the first film. The print area can be on either side of the film.

The printing area can be purely aesthetic or can provide useful information to the consumer.

The print area can be opaque, translucent or transparent.

Liquid laundry detergent composition

The unit dose article or capsule comprises a liquid laundry detergent composition. The liquid composition can be opaque, transparent or translucent. Each compartment may comprise an identical or different composition. The unit dose article includes a liquid composition, however it may also include different compositions in different compartments. The composition can be any suitable composition. The composition can be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a dispersion, a gel, a paste, a fluid or a mixture thereof. The composition can be in different forms in the different compartments. Non-limiting examples of compositions include cleaning compositions, fabric care compositions, automatic dishwashing compositions, and hard surface cleaners. More particularly, the compositions can be a laundry, fabric care or dishwashing composition, including pretreatment or soaking compositions, and other rinse additive compositions. The laundry detergent composition can be used during the main wash process or could be used as a pretreatment or soaking composition.

Laundry detergent compositions include fabric detergents, fabric softeners, 2-in-1 detergent and softener compositions, pretreatment compositions, and the like. Laundry detergent compositions may include surfactants, builders, chelating agents, dye transfer inhibiting agents, dispersants, enzymes, and enzyme stabilizers, catalytic materials, bleach activators, polymeric dispersing agents , clay soil removal/anti-redeposition agents, brighteners, defoamers, colorants, fragrance and additional fragrance delivery systems, structure softening agents, fabric softeners, carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids and/or pigments, and mixtures thereof. The composition can be a laundry detergent composition comprising an ingredient selected from the group consisting of tinting dye, surfactant, polymers, perfumes, encapsulated perfume materials, structurant, and mixtures thereof.

The liquid laundry detergent composition may comprise an ingredient selected from a bleach, a bleach catalyst, a colorant, a tinting colorant, cleaning polymers including alkoxylated polyethyleneimines and polyamines, a stain removal polymer stain, surfactant, solvent, dye transfer inhibitors, chelator, enzyme, perfume, encapsulated perfume, polycarboxylates, structurant, and mixtures thereof.

The surfactants can be chosen from anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, nonionic, amphoteric and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fabric care composition comprises an anionic, nonionic or mixtures thereof.

The anionic surfactant can be chosen from a linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate, and combinations thereof.

Anionic surfactants useful herein can include any of the conventional types of anionic surfactants commonly used in liquid detergent products. These include alkyl benzene sulfonic acids and their salts as well as alkoxylated or non-alkoxylated alkyl sulfate materials.

Nonionic surfactants usable herein include alcohol alkoxylated nonionic surfactants. Alkoxylated alcohols are materials that correspond to the general formula: R ¹ (C _m H _2m O) _n OH where R ¹ is a C ₈ to C ₁₆ alkyl group, m is 2 to 4, and n is located in the range from about 2 to 12. In one aspect, R ¹ is an alkyl group, which may be primary or secondary, and which has about 9 to 15 carbon atoms, or about 10 to 14 carbon atoms. carbon. In one aspect, the alkoxylated fatty alcohols will also be ethoxylated materials which contain on average about 2 to 12 ethylene oxide moieties per molecule, or about 3 to 10 ethylene oxide moieties per molecule.

The tinting dyes employed in the present laundry detergent compositions can comprise pigments, dyes, polymeric or non-polymeric, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the shading dye comprises a polymeric dye, comprising a chromophore component and a polymeric component. The chromophore component is characterized by absorbing light in the wavelength ranges of blue, red, violet, purple, or combinations thereof, upon exposure to light. In one aspect, the chromophore component exhibits a maximum absorbance spectrum of about 520 nanometers to about 640 nanometers in water and/or methanol and, in another aspect, of about 560 nanometers to about 610 nanometers in water. water and/or methanol.

Although any suitable chromophore may be used, the dye chromophore is preferably selected from benzodifuran, methine, triphenylmethane, naphthalimide, pyrazole, naphthoquinone, anthraquinone, azo, oxazine, azine, xanthene, triphenodioxazine dye chromophores. and phthalocyanine. Mono- and di-azo dye chromophores are preferred. The tinting dye can comprise a dye polymer comprising a chromophore covalently bonded to one or more of at least three consecutive repeating units. It should be understood that the repeating units themselves need not include a chromophore. The dye polymer may comprise at least 5, or at least 10, or even at least 20 consecutive repeating units.

The repeating unit can be derived from an organic ester such as phenyl dicarboxylate in combination with an oxyalkylene-oxy and a polyoxyalkylene-oxy. The repeating units can be derived from alkenes, epoxides, aziridine, carbohydrate, including units which include modified celluloses such as hydroxyalkylcellulose; hydroxypropyl cellulose; hydroxypropylmethylcellulose; hydroxybutylcellulose; and hydroxybutylmethylcellulose, or mixtures thereof. The repeating units can be derived from alkenes, or epoxides, or mixtures thereof. The repeating units can be C ₂ -C ₄ alkylene-oxy groups, sometimes called alkoxy groups, preferably derived from C ₂ -C ₄ alkylene oxide. The repeating units can be C ₂ to C ₄ alkoxy groups, preferably ethoxy groups.

For purposes of the present invention, at least three consecutive repeating units form a polymeric constituent. The polymer component can be covalently bonded to the chromophore group, directly or indirectly via a linking group. Examples of suitable polymeric constituents include polyoxyalkylene chains having multiple repeating units. In one aspect, the polymeric constituents contain polyoxyalkylene chains having from 2 to about 30 repeating units, from 2 to about 20 repeating units, from 2 to about 10 repeating units or even from about 3 or 4 to about 6 repeating units. Non-limiting examples of polyoxyalkylene chains include ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, glycidol oxide, butylene oxide and mixtures thereof.

The dye can be introduced into the detergent composition as the unpurified mixture which is the direct result of an organic synthetic route. Therefore, in addition to the dye polymer, minor amounts of unreacted starting materials, side reaction products, and mixtures of the dye polymers comprising different chain lengths of the repeating units may also be present, such as might be expected from any polymerization step.

The compositions can include one or more detergent enzymes that provide cleaning performance and/or fabric care benefits. Examples of suitable enzymes include, but are not limited to, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, cellulases, xylanases, lipases, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, pectinases, keratanases, reductases oxidases, phenol oxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases , tannases, pentosanases, malanases, beta-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidases chondroitinases, laccases, and amylases, or mixtures thereof. A typical combination is a cocktail of conventional applicable enzymes such as a protease, lipase, cutinase and/or cellulase together with an amylase.

The laundry detergent compositions of the present invention may comprise one or more bleaching agents. Suitable bleaches other than bleach catalysts include photobleaches, bleach activators, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide sources, preformed peracids, and mixtures thereof. In general, when a bleach is used, the compositions of the present invention may comprise from about 0.1% to about 50% or even from about 0.1% to about 25% bleach, weight of the cleaning composition in question.

The composition may include a brightener. Suitable brighteners are stilbenes, such as brightener 15. Other suitable brighteners are hydrophobic brighteners, and brightener 49. The brightener may be in micronized particulate form, having a weight average particle size in the range ranging from 3 to 30 micrometers, or from 3 micrometers to 20 micrometers, or from 3 to 10 micrometers. The brightener can be in alpha or beta crystalline form.

The present compositions may also optionally contain one or more copper, iron and/or manganese chelating agents. If used, chelating agents will generally comprise from about 0.1% by weight of the present compositions to about 15%, or even from about 3.0% to about 15% by weight of the present compositions.

The composition may include a calcium carbonate crystal growth inhibitor, such as one selected from the group consisting of: 1-hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid (HEDP) and its salts; N,N-dicarboxymethyl-2-aminopentane-1,5-dioic acid and its salts; 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid and its salts; and any combination thereof.

Preferably, the unit dose detergent comprises a phosphonic acid sequestrant.

Preferably, said sequestrant is 1-hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid (HEDP) and its salts; N,N-dicarboxymethyl-2-aminopentane-1,5-dioic acid and its salts; 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid and its salts; and any combination thereof.

The compositions of the present invention may also contain one or more dye transfer inhibiting agents. Suitable polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents include, but are not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, poly(N-amine oxide) polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyvinyloxazolidones and polyvinylimidazoles, or mixtures thereof. When present in the present compositions, the dye transfer inhibiting agents are present at about 0.0001%, about 0.01%, about 0.05%, by weight of the cleaning compositions , at about 10%, about 2%, or even about 1% by weight of the cleaning compositions.

The laundry detergent composition can comprise one or more polymers. Suitable polymers include carboxylate polymers, polyethylene glycol polymers, polyester type soil release polymers such as terephthalate polymers, amine polymers, cellulosic polymers, dye transfer inhibiting polymers, dye-locking polymers such as a condensation oligomer produced by condensation of imidazole and epichlorohydrin, optionally in a 1:4:1 ratio, hexamethylenediamine derivative polymers, and any combination thereof.

Other suitable cellulosic polymers may have a degree of substitution (DS) of 0.01 to 0.99 and a degree of sequencing (DB) such that DS+DB is at least 1.00 or DB+2DS-DS ² is at least 1.20. The substituted cellulosic polymer can have a degree of substitution (DS) of at least 0.55. The substituted cellulosic polymer can have a degree of sequencing (DB) of at least 0.35. The substituted cellulosic polymer can have a DS+DB sum of 1.05 to 2.00. A suitable substituted cellulosic polymer is carboxymethylcellulose.

Another suitable cellulosic polymer is cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose.

Suitable perfumes include perfume microcapsules, polymer-assisted perfume delivery systems, including Schiff's base perfume/polymer complexes, starch-encapsulated perfume accords, perfume-loaded zeolites, flower fragrance accords, and any combination thereof. A suitable perfume microcapsule is based on melamine formaldehyde and typically comprises a perfume which is encapsulated by a shell comprising melamine formaldehyde. It may be particularly suitable for these perfume microcapsules to comprise a cationic material and/or cationic precursor in the shell, such as polyvinylformamide (PVF) and/or a cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (catHEC).

Suitable antifoams include silicone and/or a fatty acid such as stearic acid.

The liquid laundry detergent composition may be colored. The color of the liquid laundry detergent composition may be the same as or different from any printed area on the film of the article. Each compartment of the unit dose article may have a different color. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises a non-substantive dye having an average degree of alkoxylation of at least 16.

At least one compartment of the unit dose article may include a solid. If present, the solid may be present at a concentration of at least 5% by weight of the article in unit doses.

The second water-soluble film can include at least one open or closed compartment. In one embodiment, a first ply of open pockets is combined with a second ply of closed pockets, preferably the first and second ply are joined and sealed together via suitable means, and preferably the second ply is a drum configuration rotary. In such a configuration the pockets are filled at the top of the drum and preferably then sealed with a layer of film, the closed pockets descend to meet the first web of pockets, preferably open pockets, preferably formed on a forming surface horizontal. It has been found to be particularly suitable to place the rotary drum unit above the horizontal forming surface unit.

Preferably, the resulting web of closed pouches is cut to produce individual unit dose articles.

One skilled in the art would recognize the appropriate size of mold needed to produce a unit dose article in accordance with the present invention.

Preferably, for consumption value and convenience, the packages contain a sufficient number of capsules, which is 10 capsules or more, more preferably 20 capsules or more, more preferably 30 capsules or more, more preferably 40 capsules or more and especially 50 capsules or more. There may be no more than 70 capsules in the package, preferably no more than 60 capsules.

The capsules are stacked or crowded during packaging. Higher numbers of capsules per package lower manufacturing costs and consumer price, but increase the weight of the package and the weight load experienced by each capsule that is not on top of any heap or stack at the top. inside the packaging. The invention is particularly advantageous for these capsules, by minimizing leaks.

Preferably, the mass (m) of each capsule is within the range
5 g < m < 30 g, preferably 10 g < m < 30 g. The packaging comprises at least 20 capsules, preferably at least 30 capsules, better still at least 40, more particularly at least 50, and up to 100 capsules per packaging. As the weight of each capsule increases, the force exerted by the capsules on the packaging also increases. Thus, maintaining rigidity is increasingly important.

Each capsule may comprise at least two sheets of water-soluble film, the at least two sheets of film being sealed together by means of a gasket (known as a sealing strip) extending around the periphery of the capsule.

Preferably, the capsule further comprises an internal seal which separates the capsule to form said at least two compartments. This can increase the sealing area for each capsule, which in turn increases the risk of contamination of the gasket during filling. The invention is particularly advantageous for such capsules.

All compartments are filled with a liquid or gel. However, additional compartments can also be filled with gels, powders or any combination thereof. So, for example, some capsules may have one compartment containing liquid and one compartment containing powder, or they may be liquid-gel, gel-powder combinations (each form, e.g. liquid, gel, powder, in a different compartment).

Suitable compositions which can be divided into different components for use in the present invention include those intended for laundry (cleaning, softening and/or substrate treatment), or machine dishwashing.

Multi-compartment capsules can comprise different parts of a treatment composition which, when combined, constitute the complete treatment composition. By this is meant that the formation of each of the parts of the treatment composition has different characteristics of physical form (eg viscosity), composition or, preferably, color/opacity.

Preferably, the capsules are made by forming, more preferably thermoforming, one or more sheets of water-soluble film. During forming or thermoforming, recesses are formed in the film. The recesses are then filled and a second, often thinner, sheet is overlapped over the filled recesses and sealed to the first sheet of film around the edges of the recesses to form a flat sealing strip. Substrate treatment compositions having a viscosity above the range of the invention take longer to settle into the capsule recess after filling. If they have not settled by the time the second sheet is overlaid and sealed, the thinner second sheet can be stretched over the stacked formulation which may include the film. This stretching can create leaks by exacerbating pinholes in the thin film. The viscosity range of the invention is therefore particularly advantageous for such capsules.

When the chambers of the unit dose product or capsule are stacked, i.e. are not side by side but are placed on top of each other, the product will comprise at least three films, and one chamber is covered with another chamber formed on top of the first chamber.

Further, relaxation of the first film then typically causes the second sheet to bulge when the vacuum is released from the first sheet of film in the mold.

The film preferably has a thickness of 40 to 150 micrometers. The second film is typically of a similar type to that used for the first film, but slightly thinner. Thus, in these embodiments, the second film is thinner than the first film. In embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the first film to the thickness of the second film is from 1:1 to 2:1.

In embodiments, the thickness of the first film (before thermoforming) is 50 to 150 micrometers, 60 to 120 micrometers, or 80 to 100 micrometers. After the capsules are made, the average thickness of the first film will generally be 30 to 90 micrometers, or 40 to 80 micrometers.

In embodiments, the thickness of the second film (before thermoforming) is 20 to 100 micrometers, 25 to 80 micrometers, or 30 to 60 micrometers.

1. le placement d'une première feuille de film de poly(alcool vinylique) soluble dans l'eau sur un moule ayant des jeux de cavités, chaque jeu comprenant au moins deux cavités disposées côte à côte ;
2. (le chauffage et l'application d'un vide au film pour mouler le film dans les cavités et le maintenir en place pour former des évidements correspondants dans le film ;
3. le remplissage des différentes parties d'une composition de traitement de substrat, chacune pouvant avoir une couleur/opacité différente (ainsi qu'une fonction de traitement différente) dans les évidements latéraux et central, les parties formant ensemble une composition détergente complète ;
4. le scellement d'une deuxième feuille de film sur la première feuille de film à travers les évidements formés pour produire une capsule à compartiments multiples ayant des compartiments placés de manière opposée, connectés entre eux et séparés par une bande de scellement interne continue ;
5. le découpage entre les capsules de façon qu'une série de capsules à compartiments multiples soit formée, chaque capsule contenant une partie d'une composition de traitement dans de multiples compartiments (un compartiment central et deux compartiments latéraux).

The multi-compartment capsule is produced by a thermoforming process. Such a method can advantageously comprise the following steps to form the capsule:

1. placing a first sheet of water-soluble poly(vinyl alcohol) film on a mold having sets of cavities, each set comprising at least two cavities arranged side by side;
2. (heating and applying a vacuum to the film to mold the film into the cavities and hold it in place to form corresponding recesses in the film;
3. filling the different parts of a substrate treatment composition, each of which may have a different color/opacity (as well as a different treatment function) into the side and central recesses, the parts together forming a complete detergent composition;
4. sealing a second sheet of film to the first sheet of film through the formed recesses to produce a multi-compartment capsule having oppositely placed compartments connected to each other and separated by a continuous internal sealing strip;
5. cutting between the capsules so that a series of multi-compartment capsules are formed, each capsule containing a portion of a treatment composition in multiple compartments (a central compartment and two side compartments).

The sealing can be done by any suitable method, for example by heat sealing, solvent sealing or UV sealing or ultrasonic sealing or any combination thereof. Particularly preferred is water sealing. Water sealing can be achieved by applying moisture to the second film or sheet before it is sealed to the first film or sheet to form the sealing areas.

A preferred thermoforming method uses a rotating drum on which the forming cavities are mounted. A vacuum thermoforming machine that uses such a drum is available from Cloud LLC. The capsules according to the invention could also be produced by thermoforming on a linear network of sections of cavities. Machines suitable for this type of process are available from Hoefliger. The following exemplary description focuses on the rotary process. Those skilled in the art will appreciate how this would be adapted without inventive effort to the use of a linear array method.

bittering agent

The water-soluble package of the present invention contains a bittering agent or an acrid agent. Bittering and acrid agents are widely known. The agents can be any of those described for conditioning. Preferred agents include denatonium benzoate, capsaicinoids (including capsaicin); vanillyl-ethyl ether; vanillyl-propyl ether; vanillyl-butyl ether; vanillin-propylene; glycol acetal; ethyl vanillin-propylene glycol acetal; capsaicin; gingerol; 4-(1-menthoxymethyl)-2-(3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-dioxolane; pepper oil; pepper oleoresin; gingerol oleoresin; nonylic acid vanillylamide; jambose oleoresin; Zanthoxylum piperitum skin extract; sanshool; sanshoamide; black pepper extract; chavicin; piperine; spilanthol; and their mixtures. Preferred acrid agents include capsaicinoids, which include capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin, and nonivamide. A particularly preferred acrid agent is capsaicin.

The bittering or pungent agent is typically incorporated into or coated on the outer surface of the water-soluble package. Alternatively or additionally, the bittering or pungent agent is included in the water-soluble packaging as a powdered bittering agent in a powder coating applied to the outer surface of the water-soluble packaging.

In particular embodiments, the bittering or pungent agent is incorporated into (embedded within) the water-soluble substrate. For example, the bittering or pungent agent can be incorporated into the matrix of a water-soluble polymer included in the water-soluble substrate by dissolving the bittering or pungent agent in a water-soluble polymer solution. water before the water-soluble substrate is formed. The bittering agent may be present in the water-soluble substrate material at 100 to 5000 ppm, preferably 200 to 3000 ppm, more preferably 500 to 2000 ppm, based on the weight of the bittering or pungent agent and water-soluble substrate. For example, 1 mg of bittering agent can be incorporated into 1 g of water-soluble substrate so that the bittering agent is present at 1000 ppm.

The coating of the surface of the water-soluble substrate with a bittering agent can be carried out by known techniques, such as spraying or printing a solution of bittering agent on the surface of the water-soluble substrate. .

The bittering or acrid agent may be embedded, deposited as a film and/or embedded in a powder coating, on the outer surface of the water-soluble substrate in one or more of the printed regions. There should be no adverse effects on the quality of material printed with UV-cured ink when the bittering agent is included, deposited as a film and/or included in a powder coating, on the outer surface water-soluble substrate in the printed regions. In particular, there should be no adverse effects on the quality of material printed with UV cured ink when the bittering agent is incorporated within the water-soluble substrate in the printed regions. In some embodiments, the bittering agent is incorporated into the water-soluble substrate homogeneously. In this way, the incorporation of the bittering agent into the water-soluble substrate and the printing of the water-soluble substrate can be simplified.

Others

The unit dose products described herein are useful in a substrate treatment process, suitably a machine washing or dishwashing process. Thus, another aspect of the present invention provides the use of unit dose products or capsules, as described herein, in a cleaning process, suitably a machine washing or dishwashing process. Suitably, the method includes opening the package by unlocking the child-resistant closure, retrieving one or more capsules from the package, placing the capsule(s) into the drum or metering drawer or any measuring device of a washing machine before the start of a wash cycle.

The capsules are particularly useful in washing machines (a substrate) and in dishwashers, among other applications. They can also be used in operations for washing clothes or dishes by hand. In use, the capsules according to the invention are preferably and conveniently placed directly in the liquid which will form the wash liquor or in the zone where this liquid will be introduced. The capsule dissolves on contact with the liquid, thereby releasing the detergent composition from the separate compartments and allowing it to form the desired wash liquor.

Preferably the capsules rupture within 10 seconds, preferably within 30 seconds to 5 minutes once the unit dose article has been added to 950 ml of deionized water at 20-21°C in a 1 liter beaker , wherein the water is stirred at 350 rpm with a 5 cm magnetic stirring bar. By "break" herein is meant that the film appears visibly to break or separate. Shortly after the film breaks or separates, the internal liquid substrate composition may appear to leak out of the article into the surrounding water.

Many aspects and proposals are described herein, which aspects and proposals are intended to be combined to achieve enhanced or cumulative benefits. So any aspect can be combined with any other aspect. Similarly, the optional features associated with any of the aspects may apply to any of the other aspects.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting drawings, in which:

the is a perspective view of a lid,
the is a perspective view of a base,
the is a cross section of a biodegradable package, and

the is a schematic side elevation of biodegradable packaging.

In detail, the shows a lid (1) for biodegradable packaging. The cover comprises a top (2) and, depending from each edge of the top (2), an upper side wall (3). The side walls shown end at a lower edge (4).

The shows a base (8) which has a bottom (7) and, rising from the edges of the base (7), there are base side walls (5) which terminate at a top edge (6).

From the dimensional point of view, the cover (1) and the base (8) are such that they cooperate in a sliding manner to close the packaging and hold the contents.

The is a cross section along AA showing a lid (1) and a base (8) engaged to close the package.

The package also has an absorbent pad (9) to improve protection against leakage from the package. The pad (9) is held at the bottom of the package on the base and under any contents of the package. Any leakage from the unit dose capsules is therefore minimized or controlled by the absorbent pad (9).

The lid side walls (3) are found to have an inner surface (3A) and an outer surface (3B). The outer surface (3B) is a bleached surface and has a water-based barrier material deposited thereon as a coating. The inner surface (3A) is an unbleached surface and has no barrier material applied thereto.

The base side walls (5) are found to have an inner surface (5A) and an outer surface (5B). The outer surface (5B) is an unbleached surface and has no water-based barrier material deposited thereon as a coating. The inner surface (5A) is a bleached surface and has a barrier material applied thereto. The inner surface of the base (5B) also has a thermoplastic elastomer barrier material applied thereto.

The is a diagram showing the relationship between the dimensions of the cover and the childproof closure.

In side view, the width of the lid turns out to be 11 cm. This is the width at the point of the length where the user activates the childproof closure mechanism. The user uses fingers and thumb to activate the childproof mechanism activation zones (10) on either side of the lid. The actual mechanism is not shown, but activating the zone separates the cover from the base when the user presses on the zones and pulls the cover away from the base.

Example 1

The water-soluble capsules include laundry care compositions dispensed into each of the three compartments as follows: Compartment No. 1 Compartment No. 2 Compartment No. 3 Surfactant Surfactants Surfactants Polymer cleaner Polymer cleaner Polymer cleaner Sequestrant Sequestrant Sequestrant Water Enzyme – cellulase Enzyme – protease Hydrotrope Fluorescent agent Water 8% by weight Opacifier Water 8% by weight Hydrotrope Hydrotrope Dyes Dyes Scent

Unit dose products have a water soluble film printed on the inside.

Example 2

Other examples of unit dose product formulations are shown below. Description 1 2 Raw material Level
inclusion
100 % Level
inclusion
100 % surfactant LAS/SLES/NI report 58/30/12 0/47/53 LAS acid 25.20 21.22 SLES 3EO 13.00 MIPA-LES 2EO Non-ionic 7EO 5.60 23.50 Fatty acid / Oleic acid 6.60 8.64 Hydrotrope Glycerol 7.70 13.10 Monopropylglycerol 12.80 8.30 Neutralizer/Buffer MEA 10.50 6.50 Bleaching agent CBS-SL 0.39 0.40 Salts & sequestrants & adjuvants DeQuest 2010 2.90 Dequest 2066 0.65 Citric acid 0.70 enzymes Mannanase (% as Mannaway 4L form) 1.00 1.00 Cellulase (% as Celluclean 4500T) 1.00 1.00 Protease (% as Savinase ultra 16L) 1.00 1.00 Amylase (% as Stainzyme 12L form) 1.00 1.00

Unit dose products have a water soluble film printed on the inside.

Claims (15)

A detergent product comprising a container and at least one unit dose detergent pouch, said container comprising at least 50% of a biodegradable component, based on the weight of the container, said at least one unit dose detergent pouch comprising a soluble in water, and wherein said film comprises carrageenan. A detergent product according to claim 1, wherein said container comprises at least 80% of a biodegradable component, based on the weight of the container. A detergent product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said container comprises at least 95% of a biodegradable component, based on the weight of the container. A detergent product according to any preceding claim, wherein the biodegradable component comprises paper. A detergent product according to any preceding claim, wherein the container includes a barrier coating. A detergent product according to claim 5, wherein the barrier comprises a water-based barrier coating. A detergent product according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the barrier coating comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. A detergent product according to any preceding claim, comprising a childproof locking mechanism. A detergent product according to any preceding claim, wherein the product has an average width of 9 to 15 cm. A detergent product according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a separable lid and base. A detergent product according to any preceding claim, wherein the unit dose detergent comprises 5 to 25% by weight water based on the weight of the detergent. A detergent product according to any preceding claim, wherein the water-soluble film comprises a bittering agent. A detergent product according to any preceding claim, wherein the water-soluble film comprises a phthalocyanine pigment. A detergent product according to any preceding claim, wherein the unit dose detergent comprises a phosphonic acid sequestrant. A detergent product according to claim 14, wherein the sequestrant is 1-hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid (HEDP) and its salts; N,N-dicarboxymethyl-2-aminopentane-1,5-dioic acid and its salts; 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid and its salts; and any combination thereof.