WO2023280725A1

WO2023280725A1 - A composition for reducing malodour

Info

Publication number: WO2023280725A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/068340
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nagaraja ACHARYA; Shanthi APPAVOO; Manu George; Samiran Mahapatra
Original assignee: Unilever Ip Holdings B.V.; Unilever Global Ip Limited; Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
Priority date: 2021-07-05
Filing date: 2022-07-01
Publication date: 2023-01-12
Also published as: EP4367210A1; BR112023027386A2; CN117321183A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry treatment composition. Particularly, the present invention relates to a fabric conditioning composition that ensures that the fabric remains fresh and free of malodours even under slow drying conditions. This is ensured by combining zinc salts with certain specific combination of essential oils.

Description

A COMPOSITION FOR REDUCING MALODOUR

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a laundry treatment composition. Particularly, the present invention relates to a fabric conditioning composition that ensures that the fabric remains fresh and free of malodours even under slow drying conditions.

Background of the invention

Washing fabrics, also known as laundering or simply as laundry, makes up one of the main chores that people undertake routinely. For this, people have been relying on detergent compositions that are widely available. Typically, a fabric is washed by contacting it with a detergent composition either in neat or diluted form, rinsing the fabric one or more times with water; and finally, drying it. In the washing step, the fabric is cleaned by mechanically agitating it using hands and/or by using suitable cleaning means e.g. a brush, in so-called hand-wash method. Alternatively, in so-called machine- wash method, a fabric is cleaned by mechanical agitation carried out by a machine. In either case, a step of soaking the fabric, in a neat or diluted detergent composition, may be carried out for a desired duration e.g. 30 to 60 minutes. The step of drying may also be carried out by using machines; or simply by exposing the fabric to air, and if possible, under the sun.

During the rinsing steps, which may be with fresh water two or three times, often a laundry treatment composition is added especially in the final rinse step to provide various benefits like anti yellowing, fabric conditioning, or antimicrobial benefits. Fabric conditioners were generally developed to deliver certain surface treatments to the fabric to ensure they are soft, smooth and free of static. The present invention relates to a composition that could be included in such a rinsing step for delivering the benefit of reducing dank odours.

Drying of the fabric may be carried out in a machine at high temperature (e.g. 50 to 80 °C) with flow of air, in which case, the step may be carried out for half hour to about two hours. This is considered as fast drying in which case the high temperature ensures quick removal of water and inactivation of residual odour causing microorganisms. Machine drying is energy intensive and is popular only in cold and rainy countries where there is continuous supply of power to run such machines. In hot countries like in the tropical areas with high amount of sunshine the washed fabric is dried in the sun on clotheslines. Such a drying process often taken several hours. Depending on the season e.g. the rainy season or unavailability of outdoor space to dry the fabric in the sun, the drying is much slower and may sometimes take two or three days to dry. Under such drying conditions, the clothes acquire a dank odour. Including a fabric treatment composition (containing high amount of perfume) during the rinse step provides immediate deodourization benefits. However, residual microorganisms on the damp fabric produce certain gaseous compounds that cause the fabric to have a dank odour after one or two days. The present inventors consider that microorganisms like Moraxella osloensis and Staphylococcus hominis are responsible for producing the malodour when fabric are present under these high - moisture conditions. The present inventors in seeking to solve the above problems have hit upon zinc salts which in combination with certain specific combination of essential oils when included in a composition for use in cleaning fabric, especially in the rinse stage, provides for reducing such odour even under extreme conditions. The composition is found to be very effective when included in a fabric conditioning composition.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide for a laundry treatment composition that provides malodour benefits on the washed fabric especially when they are dried under slow drying conditions or could only be dried to a high moisture content. Summary of the invention

The first aspect of the present invention relates to a composition for reducing malodour comprising

(i) A zinc salt; (ii) 0.01 to 5 wt% one or more substituted phenols selected from thymol, sec- butylphenol, carvacrol, eugenol, and propylphenol; and (iii) 0.01 to 5 wt% one or more unsaturated terpenes selected from limonene, alpha- terpinene, terpinolene, cymene, and phellandrene.

It is particularly preferred that the zinc salt is selected from zinc chloride, zinc undecylenate, zinc glycinate, zinc citrate, zinc acetate or zinc ricinoleate.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition of the first aspect which is a laundry detergent composition additionally comprising 1 to 80 wt% detergent active.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition of the first aspect which is a fabric conditioning composition additionally comprising 1 to 50% of a fabric softening active. According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of reducing odour on fabric for up to 48 hours comprising the step of contacting the fabric pre-wet with water with a composition of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be utilised in any other aspect of the invention. The word "comprising" is intended to mean "including" but not necessarily "consisting of” or "composed of". Thus, the term "comprising" is meant not to be limiting to any subsequently stated elements, but rather to optionally also encompass non-specified elements of major or minor functional importance. In otherwords, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. Whenever the words "including" or "having" are used, these terms are meant to be equivalent to "comprising" as defined above. It is noted that the examples given in the description below are intended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples per se. Except in the examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word "about". Unless specified otherwise, numerical ranges expressed in the format "x to y" are understood to include x and y. When for a specific feature multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "x to y", it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated. Unless specified otherwise, amounts as used herein are expressed in percentage by weight based on total weight of the composition and is abbreviated as “wt%”.

The composition comprises one or more substituted phenols selected from thymol, sec- butylphenol, carvacrol, eugenol, and propylphenol; and one or more unsaturated terpenes selected from limonene, alpha-terpinene, terpinolene, cymene, and phellandrene. The substituted phenol is preferably one or more selected from thymol, and sec-butylphenol.

The amount of the one or more substituted phenols is preferably in range of 0.01 to 5 wt%, more preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt%, further more preferably 0.05 to 2 wt%, even more preferably 0.075 to 1.5 wt%, yet more preferably 0.1 to 1.0 wt% and most preferably 0.5 to 1.0 wt%.

Most preferably the substituted phenol is thymol. The structural isomer of thymol (carvacrol) may also preferably be used.

Preferably, the composition comprises 0.01 to 5 wt%, more preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt%, even more preferably 0.05 to 2 wt%, further more preferably 0.075 to 1.5 wt%, yet more preferably 0.1 to 1.0 wt%, most preferably 0.5 to 1.0 wt% of thymol. The composition of the present invention also comprises one or more unsaturated terpenes selected from limonene, alpha-terpinene, terpinolene, cymene, and phellandrene. Within the meaning of the present application “unsaturated terpene” preferably means that the terpene contains unsaturated (carbon-carbon) bonds and does not contain a hydroxy group.

The preferred unsaturated terpenes for inclusion in the composition of the invention are one or more selected from limonene and terpinolene. The composition comprises 0.01 to 5 wt%, more preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt%, even more preferably 0.025 to 1.0 wt%, yet more preferably 0.05 to 0.75 wt% and even more preferably 0.1 to 0.5 wt% one or more unsaturated terpenes.

Preferably, the unsaturated terpene is limonene. The structure of a limonene is given below:

The composition preferably additionally comprises one or more aliphatic terpene alcohols selected from menthol, isomenthol, neomenthol, and neoisomenthol. Wthin the meaning of the present application “aliphatic terpene” preferably means that the terpene does not contain unsaturated (carbon-carbon) bonds.

The terpene alcohol may be the (+) or (-) stereoisomers, for example (+)-menthol, (+)- isomenthol, (+)-neomenthol, (+)-neoisomenthol, (-)-menthol, (-)-isomenthol, (-)- neomenthol, (-)-neoisomenthol. Preferably, the composition comprises 0.01 to 5 wt%, more preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt%, even more preferably 0.025 to 1.0 wt%, yet more preferably 0.05 to 0.75 wt% and even more preferably 0.1 to 0.5 wt% of terpene alcohol. The most preferred aliphatic terpene alcohol for inclusion in the composition of the invention is menthol. The structure of menthol is given below:

A highly preferred aspect of the present invention provides for a composition wherein the substituted phenol is thymol and the unsaturated terpene is limonene. The aliphatic terpene alcohol when included is preferably menthol. According to an especially preferred aspect of the present invention, the composition comprises thymol, menthol, and limonene. Preferably, the composition comprises 0.05 to 2 wt% thymol, 0.025 to 1 wt% menthol, 0.025 to 2 wt% limonene. The composition preferably comprises 0.1 to 10 wt%, preferably 1 to 9 wt%, more preferably 2 to 8 wt%, most preferably 3 to 7 wt% of the substituted phenols, aliphatic terpene alcohols, unsaturated terpenes or mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the substituted phenol, the aliphatic terpene alcohol and the unsaturated terpene are present in the ratio 1:0.5:0.5.

A highly suitable composition of the invention comprises a) 0.01 to 5 wt%, of one or more substituted phenols selected from thymol, sec- butylphenol, carvacrol, eugenol, and propylphenol, preferably thymol, b) 0.01 to 5 wt%, of one or more aliphatic terpene alcohol selected from menthol, isomenthol, neomenthol, and neoisomenthol, preferably menthol; and c) 0.01 to 5 wt%, of one or more unsaturated terpenes selected from limonene, alpha- terpinene, terpinolene, cymene, and phellandrene, preferably limonene.

The composition of the invention preferably comprises a zinc salt selected from zinc chloride, zinc undecylenate, zinc glycinate, citrate, zinc acetate or zinc ricinoleate. They have the chemical structures as given below: Cl

/

Cl — Zn zinc chloride

zinc glycinate

zinc citrate

zinc ricinoleate

Of the zinc salts, zinc chloride and zinc glycinate are especially preferred.

The composition preferably comprises the zinc salt at a concentration of 0.1 to 5 %, preferably 0.25 to 1 % by weight of the composition.

The composition may be delivered as a laundry detergent composition which in addition to the essential ingredients of the present invention also includes 1 to 80% surfactant. The laundry detergent composition may be delivered in the form of a solid or as a liquid of which the liquid form is more preferred.

The solid laundry compositions herein can take a variety of physical solid forms including forms such as powder, granule, ribbon, noodle, paste, tablet, flake, pastille and bar, and preferably the composition is in the form of powder, granule or a bar. The composition according to the present invention may be made via a variety of conventional methods known in the art including dry-mixing, compaction such as agglomerating, extrusion, tableting, or spray-drying of the various compounds comprised in the detergent component, orcombinations of these techniques. The powder or granule compositions preferably have a density of more than 350 grams/litre, more preferably more than 450 grams/litre or even more than 570 grams/litre.

Typical solid laundry detergent compositions comprise one or more of surfactants chosen from anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic, cationic, amphoteric types, preferably it is of the anionic type. These compositions in solid form typically comprise from 2 to 30% by weight anionic surfactants. They may also comprise other adjuvents to provide benefits to the fabric being washed e.g. soil release polymers and antiredeposition polymers which together may be included in 0 to 5% by weight of the composition. Builders are generally included especially to counteract the ill effects of hardness of water being used to wash the fabric and these account for up to 50% typically 10 to 30% by weight of the composition. Other fabric benefit agents like shading dyes and optical brightener may be included in up to 1% by weight of the composition. Bleaches may sometimes be included and when it is included it accounts for up to 10% by weight of the composition and fillers generally account for up to 40% by weight of the composition.

The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably has a pH from 7.0 to 10.5, preferably 7.0 to 10.2, still preferably from 8.5 to 10.2, when measured at 1 wt.% dilution in de-ionised water at 25°C. The composition may preferably include a buffer.

The laundry detergent composition in which the present invention may be delivered in the liquid form. The term liquid may encompass emulsions, suspensions, and compositions having flowable yet stiffer consistency, known as gels or pastes. Pourable liquid detergent compositions preferably have a viscosity of from 200 to 1,500 mPa.s, preferably from 200 to 700 mPa.s. Such compositions generally have an aqueous continuous phase. Preferably, the composition comprises at least 50% wt. water and more preferably at least 70% wt. water. Water is generally present in an amount of 20% to 99.9% preferably from 40% to 80% by weight of the composition. Liquid laundry detergent compositions generally comprise 5 to 60% and preferably from 10 to 40% by weight of one or more surfactants. The surfactant is generally anionic in nature. Preferred anionic surfactants are of the organic sulfates and sulfonates having alkyl radicals containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term “alkyl” being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals. Examples of such materials include alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkaryl sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates and mixtures thereof. The alkyl radicals preferably contain from 10 to 18 carbon atoms and may be unsaturated. The alkyl ether sulfates may contain from one to ten ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units per molecule, and preferably contain one to three ethylene oxide units per molecule. The counterion for anionic surfactants is generally an alkali metal such as sodium or potassium; or an ammoniacal counterion such as monoethanolamine, (MEA) diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA). Mixtures of such counterions may also be employed. Sodium and potassium are preferred. Most preferred surfactants are of the alkylbenzene sulfonates type, particularly linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) with an alkyl chain length of from 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Some alkyl sulfate surfactant (PAS) may be used, such as non-ethoxylated primary and secondary alkyl sulphates with an alkyl chain length of from 10 to 18.

Preferably, the composition comprises from 5 to 20 wt% non-ionic surfactant based on the total weight of composition. A preferred class of nonionic surfactant for use in the invention includes aliphatic Cs to Cie, more preferably C12 to C15 primary linear alcohol ethoxylates with an average of from 3 to 20, more preferably from 5 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. A preferred non-ionic surfactant are the C16/18 alcohol ethoxylates.

Liquid laundry detergent compositions also generally comprise agents like soil release polymers, hydroptropes, co-surfactants, builders, polymeric thickeners, and shading dyes in addition to the above described ingredients. Soil release polymers (SRP) help to improve the detachment of soils from fabric by modifying the fabric surface during washing.

The SRP structure may also include capping groups to control molecular weight or to alter polymer properties such as surface activity. Preferred SRPs for use in the invention include copolyesters formed by condensation of terephthalic acid ester and diol, preferably 1,2 propanediol, and further comprising an end cap formed from repeat units of alkylene oxide capped with an alkyl group. The SRP, when included, may range from 0.1 to 10%, desirably from 0.3 to 7%, more preferably from 0.5 to 5% by weight of the composition.

A composition of the invention may incorporate non-aqueous carriers such as hydrotropes, co-solvents and phase stabilizers. Such materials are typically low molecular weight, water-soluble or water-miscible organic liquids such as C1 to C5 monohydric alcohols (such as ethanol and n- or i-propanol); C2 to C6 diols (such as monopropylene glycol and dipropylene glycol); C3 to C9 triols (such as glycerol); polyethylene glycols having a weight average molecular weight (M_w) ranging from about 200 to 600; C1 to C3 alkanolamines such as mono-, di- and triethanolamines; and alkyl aryl sulfonates having up to 3 carbon atoms in the lower alkyl group (such as the sodium and potassium xylene, toluene, ethylbenzene and isopropyl benzene (cumene) sulfonates). Non-aqueous carriers, when included, may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 3%, preferably from 0.5 to 1% by weight of the composition. The preferred hydrotropes are monopropylene glycol and glycerol. The liquid laundry detergent composition of the invention may contain one or more cosurfactants (such as amphoteric (zwitterionic) and/or cationic surfactants) in addition to the non-soap anionic and/or nonionic detersive surfactants described above. Such cosurfactant, when included, may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the composition.

The liquid laundry detergent composition may also optionally contain relatively low levels of organic detergent builder or sequestrant material. Examples include the alkali metal citrates, succinates, malonates, carboxymethyl succinates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates aminocarboxylates and polyacetyl carboxylates. If utilized, the organic builder materials may comprise from about 0.5 percent to 20 wt percent, preferably from 1 wt percent to 10 wt percent, of the composition.

The composition of the invention is most preferably delivered as a fabric conditioning composition which additionally comprises 1 to 50% of a fabric softening active. Fabric softening active:

The fabric conditioner composition is also referred to as a fabric softener. Fabric conditioners comprise active materials which soften or condition fabric. Examples of suitable fabric softening actives include: quaternary ammonium compounds, silicone polymers, polysaccharides, clays, amines, fatty esters, dispersible polyolefins, polymer latexes and mixtures thereof. The fabric softening active is selected from a quaternary ammonium compound, or silicone polymer and mixtures thereof, preferably a quaternary ammonium compound. The fabric softening compounds may preferably be cationic or non-ionic. Preferably, the fabric softening compounds of the present invention are cationic. Suitable cationic fabric softening compounds are described below.

Fabric conditioning compositions for use in accordance with the invention may be dilute or concentrated. Dilute products typically contain up to about 6 wt.% of the composition softening compounds, generally about 1 to 5 wt.%, whereas concentrated products may contain up to about 50 wt. % of the composition softening compounds, preferably from about 5 to about 50 wt.%, more preferably from 6 to 25 wt.%. Overall, the products of the invention may contain from 1 to 50 wt. %, preferably from 2 to 25 wt. % of the composition softening compounds, more preferably 2 to 20 wt. % of softening compounds.

The preferred softening compounds for use in fabric conditioner compositions of the invention are quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC).

The QAC preferably comprises at least one chain derived from fatty acids, more preferably at least two chains derived from a fatty acids. Generally fatty acids are defined as aliphatic monocarboxylic acids having a chain of 4 to 28 carbons. Preferably the fatty acid chains are palm or tallow fatty acids. Preferably the fatty acid chains of the QAC comprise from 10 to 50 wt. % of saturated C18 chains and from 5 to 40 wt. % of monounsaturated C18 chains by weight of total fatty acid chains. In a further preferred embodiment, the fatty acid chains of the QAC comprise from 20 to 40 wt. %, preferably from 25 to 35 wt. % of saturated C18 chains and from 10 to 35 wt. %, preferably from 15 to 30 wt. % of monounsaturated C18 chains, by weight of total fatty acid chains.

The preferred quaternary ammonium fabric softening compounds for use in compositions of the present invention are so called "ester quats". Particularly preferred materials are the ester-linked triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary ammonium compounds comprising a mixture of mono-, di- and tri-ester linked components.

Typically, TEA-based fabric softening compounds comprise a mixture of mono, di- and tri ester forms of the compound where the di-ester linked component comprises no more than 70 wt.% of the fabric softening compound, preferably no more than 60 wt.% e.g. no more than 55%, or even no more that 45% of the fabric softening compound and at least 10 wt.% of the monoester linked component. A first group of ester linked quaternary ammonium compounds suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (I):

KCH₂MTR)]_m

wherein each R is independently selected from a C5 to C35 alkyl or alkenyl group; R1 represents a C1 to C4 alkyl, C2 to C4 alkenyl or a C1 to C4 hydroxyalkyl group; T may be either O-CO. (i.e. an ester group bound to R via its carbon atom), or may alternatively be CO-O (i.e. an ester group bound to R via its oxygen atom); n is a number selected from 1 to 4; m is a number selected from 1 , 2, or 3; and X- is an anionic counter-ion, such as a halide or alkyl sulphate, e.g. chloride or methylsulfate. Di-esters variants of formula I (i.e. m = 2) are preferred and typically have mono- and tri-ester analogues associated with them. Such materials are particularly suitable for use in the present invention. Suitable actives include soft quaternary ammonium actives such as Stepantex VT90, Rewoquat WE18 (ex-Evonik) and Tetranyl L1/90N, Tetranyl L190 SP and Tetranyl L190 S (all ex- Kao). Also suitable are actives rich in the di-esters of triethanolammonium methylsulfate, otherwise referred to as "TEA ester quats".

Commercial examples include Preapagen™ TQL (ex-Clariant), and Tetranyl™ AHT-1 (ex-Kao), (both di-[hardened tallow ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulfate), AT-1 (di-[tallow ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulfate), and L5/90 (di-[palm ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulfate), (both ex-Kao), and Rewoquat™ WE15 (a di-ester of triethanolammonium methylsulfate having fatty acyl residues deriving from C10-C20 and C16-C18 unsaturated fatty acids) (ex-Evonik). A second group of ester linked quaternary ammonium compounds suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula (II):

(R'jaN^*— {CH₂)_n-CH-TR² X" (II)

I

CH₂TR² wherein each R1 group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R2 group is independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and wherein n, T, and X- are as defined above.

Preferred materials of this second group include 1,2 bis[tallowoyloxy]-3- trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2 bis[hardened tallowoyloxy]-3- trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2-bis[oleoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, and 1,2 bis[stearoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride. Such materials are described in US 4, 137,180 (Lever Brothers). Preferably, these materials also comprise an amount of the corresponding mono-ester.

A third group of ester linked quaternary ammonium compounds QACs suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula (III): (R VNM(CH_I)_B-T-R¾ XT (III) wherein each R1 group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, or C2 to C4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R2 group is independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and n, T, and X- are as defined above. Preferred materials of this third group include bis(2-tallowoyloxyethyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, partially hardened and hardened versions thereof.

A particular example of the third group of ester linked quaternary ammonium compounds is represented the by the formula (IV):

A fourth group of ester linked quaternary ammonium compounds suitable for use in the invention are represented by formula (V)

R1 and R2 are independently selected from C10 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl groups, preferably C14 to C20 alkyl or alkenyl groups. X- is as defined above.

The iodine value of the ester linked quaternary ammonium fabric conditioning material is preferably from 0 to 80, more preferably from 0 to 60, and most preferably from 0 to 45. The iodine value may be chosen as appropriate. Essentially saturated material having an iodine value of from 0 to 5, preferably from 0 to 1 may be used in the compositions of the invention. Such materials are known as "hardened" quaternary ammonium compounds.

A further preferred range of iodine values is from 20 to 60, preferably 25 to 50, more preferably from 30 to 45. A material of this type is a "soft" triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compound, preferably triethanolamine di-alkylester methylsulfate. Such ester-linked triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compounds comprise unsaturated fatty chains.

Non-ionic surfactants:

The fabric conditioning compositions may further comprise a nonionic surfactant. Typically these can be included for the purpose of stabilising the compositions. Suitable nonionic surfactants include addition products of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty amines. Any of the alkoxylated materials of the particular type described hereinafter can be used as the nonionic surfactant.

Suitable surfactants are substantially water soluble surfactants of the general formula (VII):

R-Y-(C2H40)z-CH2-CH2-0H (VII) where R is selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary and branched chain alkyl and/or acyl hydrocarbyl groups; primary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups; and primary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl-substituted phenolic hydrocarbyl groups; the hydrocarbyl groups having a chain length of from 8 to about 25, preferably 10 to 20, e.g. 14 to 18 carbon atoms.

In the general formula for the ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, Y is typically: -O- , -C(0)0- , -C(0)N(R)- or -C(0)N(R)R- in which R has the meaning given above for formula (VII), or can be hydrogen; and Z is at least about 8, preferably at least about 10 or 11. Preferably the nonionic surfactant has an HLB of from about 7 to about 20, more preferably from 10 to 18, e.g. 12 to 16. Genapol™ C200 (Clariant) based on coco chain and 20 EO groups is an example of a suitable nonionic surfactant. If present, the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount from 0.01 to 10 wt.%, more preferably 0.1 to 5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

A class of preferred non-ionic surfactants include addition products of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty amines. These are preferably selected from addition products of (a) an alkoxide selected from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and mixtures thereof with (b) a fatty material selected from fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty amines.

Suitable surfactants are substantially water soluble surfactants of the general formula (VIII):

R-Y-(C2H40)z-CH2-CH2-0H (VIII) where R is selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary and branched chain alkyl and/or acyl hydrocarbyl groups (when Y = -C(0)0, R ¹ an acyl hydrocarbyl group); primary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups; and primary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl-substituted phenolic hydrocarbyl groups; the hydrocarbyl groups having a chain length of from 10 to 60, preferably 10 to 25, e.g. 14 to 20 carbon atoms.

In the general formula for the ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, Y is typically:

-O- , -C(0)0- , -C(0)N(R)- or -C(0)N(R)R- in which R has the meaning given above for formula (VIII), or can be hydrogen; and Z is at least about 6, preferably at least about 10 or 11.

Lutensol™ AT25 (BASF) based on C16:18 chain and 25 EO groups is an example of a suitable non-ionic surfactant. Other suitable surfactants include Renex 36 (Trideceth-6), ex Croda; Tergitol 15-S3, ex Dow Chemical Co.; Dihydrol LT7, ex Thai Ethoxylate ltd; Cremophor CO40, ex BASF and Neodol 91-8, ex Shell.

Thus, the fabric conditioning composition of the invention preferably comprises 0.1 to 5 wt% of a non-ionic surfactant preferably an fatty alcohol ethoxylate. Co-softeners and Fatty complexing agents:

Co-softeners may be used in the fabric conditioning composition. When employed, they are typically present at from 0.1 to 20 wt.% and particularly at from 0.5 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferred co-softeners include fatty esters, and fatty N-oxides. Fatty esters that may be employed include fatty monoesters, such as glycerol monostearate, fatty sugar esters, such as those disclosed WO 01/46361 (Unilever).

The compositions of the present invention may comprise a fatty complexing agent. Especially suitable fatty complexing agents include fatty alcohols and fatty acids. Of these, fatty alcohols are most preferred.

Preferred fatty acids include tallow fatty acid or vegetable fatty acids, particularly preferred are hardened tallow fatty acid or hardened vegetable fatty acid (available under the trade name Pristerene™, ex Croda). Preferred fatty alcohols include tallow alcohol or vegetable alcohol, particularly preferred are hardened tallow alcohol or hardened vegetable alcohol (available under the trade names Stenol™ and Hydrenol™, ex BASF and Laurex™ CS, ex Huntsman).

The fatty complexing agent is preferably present in an amount greater than 0.3 to 5 wt. % based on the total weight of the composition. More preferably, the fatty component is present in an amount of from 0.4 to 4 wt.%. The weight ratio of the mono-ester component of the quaternary ammonium fabric softening material to the fatty complexing agent is preferably from 5:1 to 1:5, more preferably 4: 1 to 1 :4, most preferably 3:1 to 1:3, e.g. 2:1 to 1:2. Preferably the composition of the present invention comprises 0.5 to 20 wt.% perfume materials by weight of the composition, more preferably 1 to 15 wt.% perfume materials, most preferably 2 to 10 wt. % perfume materials. Cationic polymers/ deposition polymers:

The fabric conditioner composition of the present invention may comprise a cationic polymer. This refers to polymers having an overall positive charge at a neutral pH (pH 7). The cationic polymers provide increased viscosity. The cationic polymer may be naturally derived or synthetic. Examples of suitable cationic polymers include: acrylate polymers, cationic amino resins, cationic urea resins, and cationic polysaccharides, including: cationic celluloses, cationic guars and cationic starches.

Preferably the cationic polymer is selected from; cationic polysaccharides and acrylate polymers. More preferably the cationic polymer is a cationic acrylate polymer.

The molecular weight of the cationic polymer is preferably greater than 20 000 g/mol, more preferably greater than 25000 g/mol. The molecular weight is preferably less than 2 000000 g/mol, more preferably less than 1 000000 g/mol.

Compositions according to the current invention preferably comprise cationic polymer at a level of 0.25 to 10 wt. % of the composition, preferably 0.35 to 7.5 wt. % of the composition, more preferably 0.5 to 5 wt. % of the composition.

The compositions may comprise other ingredients of fabric conditioner liquids as will be known to the person skilled in the art. Among such materials there may be mentioned: antifoams, insect repellents, shading or hueing dyes, preservatives (e.g. bactericides), pH buffering agents, perfume carriers, hydrotropes, anti-redeposition agents, soil- release agents, polyelectrolytes, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti oxidants, dyes, colorants, sunscreens, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, anti-static agents, sequestrants and ironing aids. The products of the invention may contain pearlisers and/or opacifiers. A preferred sequestrant is HEDP, an abbreviation for Etidronic acid or 1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic acid.

The fabric conditioner composition is preferably in an aqueous form. The compositions preferably comprise from 75 to 95wt.% water

The fabric conditioning composition may be used to treat fabrics either in a hand washing or a machine washing process. Preferably the fabric conditioner is used in the rinse stage of the washing process. Preferably the clothes are treated with a 10 to 100 ml dose of fabric conditioner for a 4 to 7 kg load of clothes. More preferably, 10 to 80 ml for a 4 to 7 kg load of clothes.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of reducing odour on fabric for up to 48 hours comprising the step of contacting the fabric pre-wet with water with a composition of the invention. When the composition is a solid or a liquid laundry detergent composition, the fabric may be washed in such a composition followed by rinsing them in water. When the composition is a fabric conditioning composition, it is included in preferably the last rinse before the fabric is dried.

The invention will now be illustrated with the help of the following non-limiting examples. Examples

The materials used in the examples below are commercially available and were purchased from the following suppliers: Thymol from Ronak Fine Industries, Menthol from Sigma Aldrich, and Limonene from Cutrale. These three materials were synthetically prepared by the respective suppliers.

Example A-E, 1 ,2: Reduction of dank malodour measured with a sniff test.

The samples as shown in Table -1 were taken and the malodour generated was measured using the following protocol. Invitro sniff malodour or dank malodour assay:

Moraxella osloensis and Staphylococcus hominis, which are dank and body malodour causing bacteria respectively, are added to an autoclaved polyester fabric and incubated along with media and active ingredient in a sterile container for 48 hr at 37°C. Post incubation, the assay is sniffed for malodour scoring by the panelist on a score of 0 to 5, where Ό’ is no malodor and ‘5’ is maximum malodour. Malodour scores of less than 2.0 is considered as very good and are hardly perceptible to an average nose. The data is an average of 5 panelists. The data is summarised in Table -1 below: Table - 1:

TL in the above table refers to a mixture of thymol and limonene in a weight ratio of 1.0 : 1.0. The data in the above table indicates that the combination of the ingredients (zinc glycinate or zinc chloride along with limonene and thymol) as claimed in the present invention (Examples 1 and 2) provides for vastly superior antimalodour benefit over extended period of time in a dank malodour assay as compared to the effect produced by the individual components (examples C-E).

Example 3-17: Reduction of dank malodour measured with a sniff test at various concentrations.

The samples as shown in Table -1 were taken and the malodour generated was measured using the invitro sniff dank malodour assay protocol described above. The data is summarised in Table -2 below:

Table - 2:

The data in the above table indicates that the combination of the ingredients as claimed in the present invention at various concentrations provides for antimalodour benefit over extended period of time in a dank malodour assay.

Examples F and 18: The composition as per the invention was formulated in a powder formulation as shown in Table - 3 below:

Table - 3

TL in the above table refers to a mixture of thymol and limonene in a weight ratio of 1.0

: 1.0 The malodour score as per the protocol above was measured immediately after wash, 24 hours after wash and 48 hours after wash and the malodour measured is summarized in Table - 4 below: Table - 4:

The data in the table above shows the vastly improved odour on using the composition as per the invention in powder form over even up to 48 hours.

Examples G and 19: The composition as per the invention was formulated in a liquid formulation as shown in Table - 5 below:

Table - 5

TL in the above table refers to a mixture of thymol and limonene in a weight ratio of 1.0 : 1.0

The malodour score as per the protocol above was measured immediately after wash, 24 hours after wash and 48 hours after wash and the malodour measured is summarized in Table - 6 below: Table - 6:

The data in the table above shows the vastly improved odour on using the composition as per the invention, in liquid form, even up to 48 hours.

Claims

1. A composition for reducing malodour comprising

(i) A zinc salt;

(ii) 0.01 to 5 wt% one or more substituted phenols selected from thymol, sec-butylphenol, carvacrol, eugenol, and propylphenol; and

(iii) 0.01 to 5 wt% one or more unsaturated terpenes selected from limonene, alpha-terpinene, terpinolene, cymene, and phellandrene.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the zinc salt is selected from zinc chloride, zinc undecylenate, zinc glycinate, zinc citrate, zinc acetate or zinc ricinoleate.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 2 wherein the zinc salt is zinc chloride or zinc glycinate.

4. The composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims additionally comprising one or more aliphatic terpene alcohols selected from menthol, isomenthol, neomenthol, and neoisomenthol.

5. The composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substituted phenol is one or more selected from thymol and sec-butylphenol.

6. The composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the unsaturated terpene is one or more selected from limonene and terpinolene.

7. The composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, wherein the substituted phenol is thymol, wherein the aliphatic terpene alcohol is menthol and wherein the unsaturated terpene is limonene.

8. The composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the zinc salt is present at a concentration of 0.1 to 5% by weight of the composition.

9. The composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which is a solid laundry detergent composition additionally comprising 2 to 30 wt% anionic surfactant.

10. The composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8 which is a liquid laundry detergent composition additionally comprising 5 to 60 wt% anionic surfactant.

11. The liquid laundry detergent composition as claimed in claim 10 comprising 5 to 20% non-ionic surfactant.

12. The composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8 which is a fabric conditioning composition additionally comprising 1 to 50% of a fabric softening active.

13. The fabric conditioning composition as claimed in claim 12 wherein the fabric softening active is one or more selected from a quaternary ammonium compound and silicone polymer, preferably a quaternary ammonium compound.

14. The fabric conditioning composition as claimed in claim 12 or 13 additionally comprising 0.1 to 5 wt% of a non-ionic surfactant preferably a fatty alcohol ethoxylate.

15. A method of reducing odour on fabric for up to 48 hours comprising the step of contacting the fabric pre-wet with water with a composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.