WO2005105587A1

WO2005105587A1 - Package for odorant compositions

Info

Publication number: WO2005105587A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/003721
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes Maria Van Mil
Original assignee: Unilever Plc; Unilever N.V.; Hindustan Lever Limited
Priority date: 2004-04-30
Filing date: 2005-04-07
Publication date: 2005-11-10
Also published as: ES2355918T3; BRPI0510255A; BRPI0510255B1; GB0409642D0; EP1740471A1; ZA200608620B; ATE492479T1; EP1740471B1; DE602005025467D1; ES2355918T8

Abstract

A package (1) containing an odorant composition, characterised in that the package comprises a first outlet (5) which is initially closed for opening after purchase to allow controlled egress of the composition for use in a laundry process and a further olfactory outlet (7) facilitating release of odorant components from the composition to provide multiple consumers with means for repeated olfactory testing of the composition before purchase but preventing or at least minimising egress of non-volatile components of the composition. In one embodiment, said packaging comprises a olfactory outlet closure (9) positionable between an open position allowing said olfactory testing and a closed position which prevents or at least minimises release of odorant components between testing events.

Description

Package for odorant compositions.

The present invention relates to a package or container for an odorant composition, particularly but not exclusively for laundry and cleaning compositions.

Consumer acceptance of many commercial products is determined not only by the performance achieved with these products but the aesthetics associated therewith. In the case of laundry and cleaning products, many consumers have come to expect a odorant product. Odorant additives, e.g. perfume, fragrance components are therefore an important aspect of the successful formulation of such commercial products .

If unfamiliar with a particular fragrance or if a new fragrance is introduced by a manufacture, he/she will usually prefer to test the odorant i.e. smell the product before purchasing. However, it is desirable to protect fragranced products with sealed packaging to protect the prevent or at least reduce premature and unintended release of volatile odorant components so that pre-purchase odorant testing may not possible or optimum. In some instances, packages may be damaged by consumers attempting to smell the product before purchase which is undesirable.

Odorant testing devices such as fragranced test strips or so-called "scratch and sniff" device, can be attached externally to the packaging to allow consumers to test the product however, these normally increase the pack costs, the complexity of manufacture and the amount of packaging material, which are undesirable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a package for containing odorant laundry composition, which can overcome at least some of the above mentioned problems.

Accordingly, in one aspect the invention provides a package containing an odorant composition, characterised in that the package comprises a first outlet which is initially closed for opening after purchase to allow controlled egress of the composition for use in a laundry process and a further olfactory outlet facilitating release of odorant components from the composition to provide multiple consumers with means for repeated olfactory testing of the composition before purchase but preventing or at least minimising egress of non-volatile components of the composition, said packaging comprising a olfactory outlet closure positionable between an open position allowing said olfactory testing and a closed position which prevents or at least minimises release of odorant components between testing events.

With this arrangement, multiple consumers can test the smell of the product without purchasing and without destructively opening the pack. Because the olfactory components being tested are provided by the composition there is no complicated testing device necessary. The invention offers a remarkably simple solution to a long standing problem. Instructions for use of the olfactory closure device may be included.

In a further aspect the invention provides a method of pre- purchase olfactory testing by multiple consumers of odorant compositions in packages, wherein each package containing an odorant composition is according to the first aspect of the invention, and wherein at least two different compositions are provided in respective separate packages so that the consumers may select a preferred composition, the method comprising the steps of:

- moving the olfactory outlet closure from a closed position to an open position to allow olfactory testing.

- bringing the olfactory outlet into close proximity with the user's nose and inhaling the odorant released via the olfactory outlet; and

- moving the olfactory outlet closure from an open position to a closed position to close the closure.

The olfactory outlet may comprise one or more micro-holes.

The micro-holes may be of any suitable shape or size and may be uniform or vary in this respect . One or more the micro- holes may present in a visual or tactile aesthetic pattern, image or message/instructions to the consumer.

Preferably the or each micro-hole has a diameter from 0.1 to lmm. Packaging for free flowing material having particles which are small may benefit from a greater number of micro- holes at the lower end of the range to reduce any risk of fine particles escaping via the micro-holes. In this case there may be between 10 and 20 microholes, having diameter 0.1 - 0.5mm and preferably 0.1-0.2mm and further preferably 0.1mm. Fewer e.g. 1-10, larger holes having diameter 0.5 -1 mm and preferably 0.8-1mm, may be used in packaging for free flowing material having a relatively larger particle size or for example where non-free-flowing products e.g. compacted tablets, are stored.

At least in the case of free flowing odorant compositions, the olfactory outlet is preferably located at an upper part of the pack (when orientated upright on a base) .

Often packs are not filled completely and there will be some free space in the upper part. Location of the olfactory outlet in this portion offers the advantage that the volatile odorant components may collect in this free space and then easily escape when the resealable closure is moved away from the outlet . At the same time egress of nonvolatile composition via the olfactory outlet is minimised.

The olfactory outlet closure may comprise flexible sheet material and may comprise a layer of adhesive which can releasably adhere to the pack to cover the olfactory outlet between testing events. Exemplary flexible sheet materials include mono-layer, co-extruded or laminated films. Such films may comprise various components, such as polyethylene, poly-propylene, polystyrene, poly-ethylene- terephtal ate. However, the olfactory outlet closure may also be paper, or metal/metalised material. In one embodiment the closure comprises a poly-ethylene and bi- orientedpoly-propylene co-extruded film. The sheet material may have various thicknesses. The thickness should typically be between 10 and 150 μm, preferably between 15 and 120 μm, more preferably between 20 and 100 μm, even more preferably between 25 and 80 μn and most preferably between 30 and 40 μm.

The olfactory outlet closure may also be positionable so that only part of the outlet is opened e.g. to allow only some of the micro-holes are opened. In this way it is positionable part way between said open and closed positions to vary to amount of odorant released. This has the advantage that consumers can select the odorant release level in response to their personal preference .

The package may comprise any suitable material e.g. paperboard, corrugated cardboard or plastic or combinations thereof .

The package may have any suitable construction e.g. a bag, pouch, carton, box or the like.

The package of the invention preferably consists of a consumer unit containing the detergent composition of the invention and designed to be used/stored as such in the consumer homes .

Packages can be made from sheet material, and can be sealed by various means, e.g. by heat, adhesives/glue, tapes. Films may be either monolayer, including coextruded materials, or laminated; such films are typically paper or plastic or combinations of ^' the two. Paper board may be used for cartons and this may include plastic layers for e.g. barrier and/or releasable sealing of olfactory outlet closure as mentioned above. Suitable materials for the bags herein are plastic and/or paper laminates. Plastic materials are typically polyolefines, and both plastic and paper can be virgin or recycled material; the films herein can be printed in different ways, typically gravure, flexo, offset. Also encompassed herein are films with moisture barrier properties, obtained by resins, either coextruded or in different laminated layers, or coating by e.g. lacquers.

Odorant loss by migration through the packaging and/or olfactory outlet closure may be prevented by barrier layers having an oxygen transmission rate of less than 300 cm³/m²/day, preferably of less than 150 cm³/m²/day, more preferably of less than 100 cm³/m²/day, even more preferably of less than 50 cm³/m²/day and most preferably of less than 10 cm³/m²/day. Exemplary materials having such barrier properties include bi oriented polypropylene, poly ethylene terephthalate, Nylon, poly (ethylene vinyl alcohol), or laminated materials comprising one of these, as well as SiOx (Silicium oxydes) , or metallic foils such as aluminium foils for example. Further, such packaging material may have a beneficial influence on the stability of the product during storage for example.

Preferably the packaging and/or olfactory outlet closure comprises a material which has a Moisture Vapour Transfer Rate (M.V.T.R) from 1 to 20g/m/day at 38 °C and 90% relative humidity, preferably from 1 to 15 g/m²/day at 38 °C and 90% relative humidity, more preferably from 1-10 g/m²/day at 38 °C and 90% relative humidity.

Preferably the package material and olfactory outlet closure allows sealing and re-sealing of the closure over the olfactory outlet without any consequent damage to closure or pack.

In one embodiment, the olfactory outlet closure comprises two distinct layers of plastic e.g. polyethylene. There may be a layer of releasable adhesive so that when brought together the layers releasably adhere to each other (to close the outlet) and does not result in tearing of the layers when separated. The first inner layer has an aperture in registration with the micro-holes. This first inner layer is fixed with permanent adhesive to the carton over the olfactory outlet. The second outer layer is permanently attached only at a hinge portion to the first inner layer. The outer layer can be peeled from the inner layer to open the olfactory outlet for testing and then re- sealed after, always attached at the hinge.

In a second embodiment the olfactory outlet closure comprises one layer of plastic e.g. polyethylene. This is permanently fixed directly to the package at only a hinge portion. The rest of the closure has releasable adhesive so that it is releasably adhered and can be hinged back and forth from the carton to open and close the olfactory outlet. The carton surface for the sticker position should be smooth e.g. plastified, high gloss varnish, to allow the sticker to be peeled off and re-closed again. In each of these embodiments there may be means e.g. releasable adhesive over all or part of the closure to retain the closure in place in the closed position.

The first outlet may be defined by line/s of weakness which is torn to provide a hinged portion. The portion is pivoted away from the pack providing the first outlet to allow egress of the product for use in the laundry operation. The outlet may be reclosable e.g. by repositioning the hinged portion to cover the outlet to protect the contents from moisture during storage after purchase . The hinged portion may be temporarily locked in placed with the aid of further flaps or lugs . The hinged portion may form a pour spout to allow pouring of a free flowing composition. The outlet may be large enough for the consumer to reach inside and retrieve the composition e.g. by means of a scoop if composition is free flowing, or directly if composition is in unit dose format such as water soluble capsules or tablets .

Alternatively or additionally, the first outlet may be a lid or cap with may have secondary sealing to retain it in a closed position prior to purchase by the consumer.

Odorant Compositions

The odorant system of the composition can be prepared using numerous known odorant ingredients of natural or synthetic origin. The range of the natural raw substances can embrace not only readily- volatile, but also moderately-volatile and slightly-volatile components and that of the synthetics can include representatives from practically all classes of fragrant substances, as will be evident from the following illustrative compilation. In this list of perfume ingredients, some are commercial names conventionally known to one skilled in the art, and also includes isomers. Such isomers are also suitable for use in the present invention. A typical disclosure of suitable ketone and/or aldehydes, traditionally used in perfumery, can be found in "perfume and Flavor Chemicals", Vol. I and 11, S. Arctander, Allured Publishing, 1994, ISBN 0- 931710-35-5. Preferred for the purpose of the present invention are the aldehydes or ketones based products .

- Natural products such as tree moss absolute, basil oil, citrus fruit oils (such as bergamot oil, mandarin oil, etc.), mastix absolute, myrtle oil, palmarosa oil, patchouli oil, petitgrain oil Paraguay, wormwood oil; - Alcohols such as farnesol, geraniol, linalool, nerol, phenylethyl alcohol, rhodinol, cinnamic alcohol; - Aldehydes such as citral, Helional, alpha-hexyl-cinnamaldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, Lilial (p-tert .butyl-alpha - methyldihydrocinnamaldehyde) , methylnonylacetaldehyde, 1-decanal, benzaldehyde, florhydral, 2,4- dimethyl-3 cyclohexen-1 -carboxaldehyde; cis/trans-3, 7-dimethyl-2, 6-octadien-l -al; heliotropin; 2,4, 6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexene-l -carboxaldehyde; 2 , 6- nonadienal; alpha-n-amyl cinnamic aldehyde, P.T. Bucinal, lyral, cyrnal , methyl nonyl acetaldehyde, hexanal, trans-2- hexenal, and mixture thereof; - Ketones such as allylionone, alpha-ionone, beta -ionone, isoraldein (isomethylalpha - ionone) , methylionone, Alpha Damascone, Delta Damascone, Iso

Damascone, Carvone, Gamma-Methyl-Ionone, Iso-E-Super, 2,4,4,7- Tetramethyloct-6-en-3-one, Benzyl Acetone, Beta Damascone, Damascenone, methyl dihydrojasmonate, methyl cedrylone, and mixtures thereof; - Esters such as allyl phenoxyacetate, benzyl salicylate, cinnamyl propionate, citronellyl acetate, citronellyl ethoxolate, decyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl butyrate, ethyl acetoacetate, ethyl acetylacetate, hexenyl isobutyrate, linalyl acetate, methyl dihydrojasmonate, styrallyl acetate, vetiveryl acetate, etc.; - Lactones such as gamma-undecalactone, various components often used in perfumery, such as musk ketone, indole, p-menthane-8-thiol- 3-one, and methyleugenol; - Acetals and ketals include the well-known methyl and ethyl acetals and ketals, as well as acetals or ketals based on benzaldehyde, those comprising phenylethyl moieties, or more recently developed specialties such as those described in a United States Patent entitled "Acetals and Ketals of Oxo-Tetralins and Oxo-Indanes, see U.S. Pat. No. 5 084,440, issued January 28, 1992, assigned to Givaudan Corp.; - Recent synthetic specialties include the enol ethers of alkyl- substituted oxotetralins and oxo- indanes as described in U.S. Pat. 5,332, 725, July 26, 1994, assigned to Givaudan; or Schiff Bases as described in U.S. Pat. 5,264,615, December 9, 1991, assigned to Givaudan.

The composition may be a free flowing powder. As used herein, the term "powder" is intended to include powder, agglomerated or discrete particles, granules or any other solid particulate.

Unit dose products e.g. tablets, water-soluble capsules containing the composition may be used. The composition may be a laundry or cleaning composition e.g. a machine dishwashing composition. The laundry composition may have cleaning, softening, conditioning or freshening properties or any combination thereof.

For cheaper packages, the olfactory closure may be dispensed with to reduce manufacturing costs or for environmental reasons . The exclusion of the closure means reduces the amount of plastic required for the olfactory outlet, therefore, reducing the cost and the risk of environmental problems associated with the disposal of the empty package by the consumer .

Accordingly in a third aspect the invention provides a package containing an odorant composition, characterised in that the package comprises a first outlet which is initially closed for opening after purchase to allow controlled egress of the composition for use in a laundry process and a further olfactory outlet facilitating release of odorant components from the composition to provide multiple consumers with means for repeated olfactory testing of the composition before purchase but preventing or at least minimising egress of non-volatile components of the composition.

The olfactory outlet may comprise one or more micro-holes. Preferably the or each micro-hole has a diameter of from 0.05mm to 0.5mm, more preferably from 0.1mm to 0.2mm and most preferably 0.1mm. Where packaging is required for free flowing material having particles which are small, the micro-holes must be small enough to prevent, or at least reduce, any fine particles escaping via the micro-holes but large enough to allow satisfactory olfactory testing. In this case there may be between 5 and 10 micro-holes, having a diameter of 0.1mm to 0.2mm. Larger holes having a diamter of from 0.1mm to 0.5mm and preferably 0.2mm to 0.5mm, may be used in packaging for free flowing material having a relatively larger particle size or for example where non- free flowing products e.g. compacted tablets, are stored.

The relevant preferred features of the first aspect of the invention apply equally to this embodiment of the invention.

In a further aspect the invention provides a method for pre- purchase olfactory testing by multiple consumers of odorant compositions in packages, wherein each package containing an odorant composition is according to the third aspect of the invention, and wherein at least two different compositions are provided in respective separate packages so that the consumer may select a preferred composition, the method comprising the step of bringing the olfactory outlet into close proximity with the user's nose and inhaling the odorant released via the olfactory outlet .

The preferred odorant composition of the invention may be selected by comparison of the odorant released via the olfactory outlet of a first package containing a first odorant composition with that of at least a second package containing a second, different odorant composition. The odorant compositions may differ soley in relation to olfactory components of the compositions, for example perfumes, or in addition, in relation to any other components of the compositions.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a non-limiting embodiment, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: -

Figure 1 is a perspective schematic view of a sealed package according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective schematic view of a sealed package according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Common reference numerals are used to indicate similar features in both figures.

Referring to figure 1 there is shown an embodiment in which the package comprises a carton 1. The carton comprises a base wall 100, four side walls 101 including a front facing wall 103 and a top wall 105. The carton 1 is a consumer unit designed to be used/stored as such in consumer homes.

The package contains an odorant laundry composition 3 in the form of a powder, and comprises an initially closed, first outlet 5 to allow controlled egress of the composition by e.g. pouring or retrieving with a scoop (not shown) for use in a laundry process after purchase and an olfactory outlet 7 facilitating release of odorant components from the contained composition 3 to provide multiple consumers with means for repeated olfactory testing of the contained composition 3 before purchase but preventing or at least minimising egress of the non-volatile part of the composition and, the package comprising an olfactory outlet closure 9 positionable between an open position 11 allowing said olfactory testing and a closed position 13 which prevents or at least minimises unwanted release of odorant components from the contained composition 3 between testing events .

The carton 1 is formed from paperboard. Odorant loss by migration through the packaging walls is prevented by barrier layers i.e. 15-25 gsm PE (Polyethylene) or Wax/PE are typically found with packaging materials having a low oxygen transmission rate, which is preferably less than 12000 cm³/m²/day but in this case is < 9000 cm³/m/day. To further enhance stability of the product, the carton material has a moisture vapour transfer rate ( "MVTR" ) of preferably 1-20 g/ m²/day but in this example is < 15 g/ m²/day.

The olfactory outlet 7 comprises fifteen micro-holes 7, with a diameter 0.2mm. The microholes are located at an upper part of the carton 1 (when orientated upright on a base 100 as shown in fig 1) which makes it easier for consumers to find and access the outlet 7 when the product is on shelf, in a retail establishment, for example a supermarket .

Also, as the carton 1 is not filled completely there is some free space 19 in the upper part. Location of the olfactory outlet in this portion offers the advantage that the volatile odorant components may collect in this free space and then easily escape when the resealable closure is moved away from the outlet. At the same time egress of nonvolatile composition via the olfactory outlet is minimised.

The olfactory outlet closure 9 comprises two distinct layers, an inner layer 15, and an outer layer 17, both comprising a flexible polyethylene circular sheet. A layer of releasable adhesive applied to the outer layer 17 so that when brought together the layers 15,17 releasably adhere to each other (to close the outlet) and does not result in tearing of the layers when separated. The first inner layer 15 has apertures 21 (or a single aperture, not shown) in registration with the micro-holes 7. This first inner layer 15 is fixed with permanent adhesive to the carton around the micro-holes 7. The second outer layer 17 is permanently attached to inner layer 15 only at a hinge portion 27. Outer layer 17 can be peeled from inner layer 15 to open the micro-holes for testing and then re-sealed after, always attached at the hinge 27.

This arrangement allows sealing and re-sealing of the closure over the olfactory outlet without any consequent damage to closure or pack.

The layers are preferably between 10 and 150 μm and in this embodiment are both between 20 and 40 μm.

The olfactory outlet closure is also be positionable so that only part of the outlet is opened e.g. to allow only some of the micro-holes to be opened. In this way it is positionable part way between said open and closed positions to vary to amount of odorant released. This has the advantage that consumers can select the odorant release level in response to their personal preference.

The first outlet 5 is defined by line/s of weakness 29 which is torn to provide a hinged portion 31. The portion is pivoted away from the pack providing the first outlet to allow egress of the product for use in the laundry operation. The outlet may be reclosable e.g. by repositioning the hinged portion 31 to cover the outlet 5 to protect the contents from moisture during storage after purchase. The hinged portion 31 may be temporarily locked in placed with the aid of further flaps or lugs (not shown) . The outlet 5 is large enough to allow egress of the powder by pouring.

Instructions for use of the olfactory closure device are included on the pack. The instructions guide the consumer to lift the outer layer 17 to access microholes 7 to test the odorant composition.

In a retail outlet pre-purchase olfactory testing is provided by multiple consumers of odorant compositions in packages, wherein each package containing an odorant composition as described above, and wherein at least two different compositions are provided in respective separate packages so that the consumers may select a preferred composition, the method comprising the steps of: - moving the olfactory outlet closure from a closed position to an open position to allow olfactory testing; - bringing the olfactory outlet into close proximity with the user's nose and inhaling the odorant released via the olfactory outlet; and

- moving the olfactory outlet closure from an open position to close the closure .

The preferred odorant composition is selected by comparison of the odorant released via the olfactory outlet whilst the olfactory outlet closure is in an open position of a first package containing a first odorant composition with that of at least a second package containing a second, different odorant composition.

Odorant Compositions

The composition is a free flowing laundry powder comprising: Base powder

Linear Dodecylbenzene Sulphonic Acid (Sodium salt) 8.8%

Alcohol ethoxylate (C12 - C13 7 EO) 7.0% C16 -C18 Carboxylic acid 1.0%

Zeolite 29.6%

Anhydrous Sodium Carbonate 10.5%

Moisture, Salts, Minors 4.1% (All above in a granulated Base Powder) Post-dosed ingredients

Sodium Percarbonate 18.0%

Tetracetyl ethylenediamine 3.5%

Sodium Disilicate 5.5%

Sodium Citrate 2.0%. Perfume 0.3%

Fluorescer, antifoam, speckles, enzyme, minors 9.7%

Figure 2 is exactly as described for figure 1 but excludes the olfactory outlet closure.

In this embodiment the olfactory outlet 7 comprises eight micro-holes 7, with a diameter of 0.1mm. The micro-holes are located at an upper part of the carton 1 (when orientated upright on a base 100 as shown in figure 2) which makes it easier for consumers to find and access the outlet 7 when the product is on the shelf.

In a retail outlet pre-purchase olfactory testing is provided by multiple consumers of odorant compositions in packages, wherein each package containing an odorant composition as described above, and wherein at least two different compositions are provided in respective separate packages so that the consumers may select a preferred composition, the method comprising the step of bringing the olfactory outlet into close proximity with the nose and inhaling the odorant released via the olfactory outlet.

The preferred odorant composition is selected by comparison of the odorant released via the olfactory outlet of a first package containing a first odorant composition with that of at least a second package containing a second, different odorant composition. It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiments which are described by way of example only.

Claims

1. A package containing an odorant composition, characterised in that the package comprises a first outlet which is initially closed for opening after purchase to allow controlled egress of the composition for use in a laundry process and a further olfactory outlet facilitating release of odorant components from the composition to provide multiple consumers with means for repeated olfactory testing of the composition before purchase but preventing or at least minimising egress of non-volatile components of the composition, said packaging comprising a olfactory outlet closure positionable between an open position allowing said olfactory testing and a closed position which prevents or at least minimises release of odorant components between testing events.

2. A package containing an odorant composition according to claim 1 wherein the packaging material and /or the olfactory outlet closure material has oxygen transmissivity of less than 300 cm³/m²/day.

3. A package containing an odorant composition according to any preceding claim wherein the packaging material and /or the olfactory outlet closure material has a moisture Vapour Transfer Rate (M.V.T.R) from 1 to 20g/m²/day at 38 °C and 90% relative humidity.

4. A package containing an odorant composition according to any preceding claim wherein the olfactory outlet closure comprises a sheet material .

5. A package containing an odorant composition, characterised in that the package comprises a first outlet which is initially closed for opening after purchase to allow controlled egress of the composition for use in a laundry process and a further olfactory outlet facilitating release of odorant components from the composition to provide multiple consumers with means for repeated olfactory testing of the composition before purchase but preventing or at least minimising egress of non-volatile components of the composition.

6. A package containing an odorant composition according to any preceding claim wherein the olfactory outlet comprises one or more micro-holes.

7. A package containing an odorant composition according to claim 6 wherein at least one of the one or more micro- holes has a diameter of 0.1 - 1mm.

8. A package containing an odorant composition according to any preceding claim wherein said odorant composition is a laundry composition.

9. A package containing an odorant composition according to any preceding claim wherein said odorant composition comprises a powder.

10.A method of pre-purchase olfactory testing by multiple consumers of odorant compositions in packages, wherein each package containing an odorant composition is according to the claims 1-4 and claims 6-9 as dependent on claims 1-4, and wherein at least two different compositions are provided in respective separate packages so that the consumers may select a preferred composition, the method comprising the steps of: -moving the olfactory outlet closure from a closed position to an open position to allow olfactory testing,- -bringing the olfactory outlet into close proximity with the nose and inhaling the odorant released via the olfactory outlet; and -moving the olfactory outlet closure from an open position to a closed position to close the closure.

11.A method of pre-purchase olfactory testing by multiple consumers of odorant compositions in packages, wherein each package containing an odorant composition is according to the claims 5-9, and wherein at least two different compositions are provided in respective separate packages so that the consumers may select a preferred composition, the method comprising the step of bringing the olfactory outlet into close proximity with the nose and inhaling the odorant released via the olfactory outlet.

12.A method of pre-purchase olfactory testing according to claim 10, wherein the preferred odorant composition is selected by comparison of the odorant released via the olfactory outlet whilst the olfactory outlet closure is in an open position of a first package containing a first odorant composition with that of at least a second package containing a second, different odorant composition.

13.A method of pre-purchase olfactory testing according to claim 11, wherein the preferred odorant composition is selected by comparison of the odorant released via the olfactory outlet of a first package containing a first odorant composition with that of at least a second package containing a second, different odorant composition.

14.A package and/or method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings .