WO2024028161A1

WO2024028161A1 - Packaged homecare product

Info

Publication number: WO2024028161A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/070582
Authority: WO
Inventors: Deborah Jane Cooke; David Moorfield
Original assignee: Unilever Ip Holdings B.V.; Unilever Global Ip Limited; Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
Priority date: 2022-08-04
Filing date: 2023-07-25
Publication date: 2024-02-08

Abstract

A product comprising packaging and a liquid homecare composition; wherein the packaging comprises a bag (7) and a container (1), the bag housed within the container; wherein the bag contains the liquid homecare composition, and the liquid homecare composition comprises surfactant; wherein the bag comprises a spout (3) for dispensing the liquid homecare composition.

Description

PACKAGED HOMECARE PRODUCT

Field of the Invention

The present application is in the field of packaged homecare products.

Background of the Invention

Homecare compositions are often supplied to the consumer in plastic bottles. The bottles generally range in size from 250ml to 5 liters. These plastic bottles suffer from uncontrolled flow of the fluid when they are first tilted to pour the liquid therefrom. This presents a particular problem for laundry products, which are often supplied in large bottles and the consumer must pour into a small opening in a washing machine drawer. Furthermore, homecare compositions comprise surfactants, which are undesirable to spill on surfaces or floors. This problem is compounded by the trend towards more concentrated formulations, which comprise a higher level of surfactant and require smaller doses. The packaging of homecare products therefore requires careful handling from the consumer to prevent any potential spillage of product. There is an ongoing need for packaging which provides easier pouring for the consumer.

Summary of the Invention

It has been found that packaging comprising a bag and a container provides the consumer with greater control when dispensing a homecare composition, while still allowing a fast, unimpeded flow of product out of the packaging

Accordingly in one aspect of the present invention is provided a product comprising packaging and a liquid homecare composition; wherein the packaging comprises a bag and a container, the bag housed within the container; wherein the bag contains the liquid homecare composition, and the liquid homecare composition comprises surfactant; and wherein the bag comprises a spout for dispensing the liquid homecare composition.

The invention further relates to use of packaging comprising a bag and a container, the bag housed within the container and the bag comprising a spout to package a homecare composition comprising a surfactant. Detailed Description of the Invention

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

The packaging comprises a bag which is housed within the container. The bag comprises the walls of the bag and a spout to dispense the homecare composition.

The capacity of the bag maybe from 0.25 L, preferably from 0.5 L, more preferably from 1 L. The capacity of the bag less than 15 L, preferably less than 10 L, more preferably less than 8 L.

The bag comprises walls, the walls form the main shape of the bag. The walls of the bag may comprise any material suitable for containing a liquid. Preferably the walls comprise: metalized polyester, polyamides such as nylon, polyalkene (such as PE (including LDPE and HDPE), PP, PS, PVOH), polyester (such as PET, PETE), polycarbonate; each of which may be optionally halogenated (such as PVC) or otherwise substituted, foil or combinations thereof. More preferably the wall comprises polyalkene (such as PE (including LDPE and HDPE), PP, PS, PVOH), polyester (such as PET, PETE), or combinations thereof. Even more preferably the wall comprises polyethylene and/or polypropylene, more preferably at least 90 wt.%, by weight of the bag walls, polyethylene and/or polypropylene. Most preferably the wall comprises LDPE (low density polyethylene). The walls of the bag maybe a single layer or a multi-layer construction. The layers maybe the same or they may be different. Preferably the walls of the bag are made from a single material.

The bag material may be laminate and/or coextruded.

When plastic is present in the bag walls (e.g. polyethylene and/or polypropylene), preferably the plastic material comprises a portion of recycled plastic material, preferably at least 30 wt.% of the plastic material is recycled plastic, more preferably at least 50 wt.%, more preferably at least 75 wt.% and most preferably at least 90 wt.% of the plastic is recycled. Preferably the plastic comprises LPDE, more preferably recycled LDPE (low density polyethylene).

Additionally, the bag wall may comprise additives such as stabilizers, slip additives, antiblocking additives, process aids, clarifiers, nucleators, pigments or colorants, fillers and reinforcing agents, and the like as commonly used in the packaging industry. Preferably the bag comprises no metallisation deposited on the inside of the pack.

The bag comprises a spout. The spout forms an opening through which the liquid homecare compositions may be poured. In other words, the spout forms a hollow (unimpeded) opening into the interior of the bag, allowing liquid to be poured out of the bag. This may alternatively be referred to as a neck.

The spout maybe made of any suitable rigid material, such as plastic, metal or wood. Preferably the spout comprises plastic. More preferably the spout comprises polyalkene (such as PE (including LDPE and HDPE), PP, PS, PVOH), polyester (such as PET, PETE), or combinations thereof. Even more preferably the spout comprises polyethylene and/or polypropylene, more preferably at least 90 wt.%, by weight of the spout polyethylene and/or polypropylene. Most preferably the spout comprises LDPE (low density polyethylene). Preferably at least 30 % of the plastic is recycled.

Preferably the walls of the bag and the spout are made from the same material. For example both the walls and the spout may comprise LDPE. More preferably all components of the bag are made from the same material.

The spout may be attached directly to the bag material by any suitable sealing mechanism. Preferably the spout is sealed to the bag by way of compression heat seal, ultrasonic seal, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the spout may comprise a base portion to which the bag material is attached. The spout may be attached to the base portion by any suitable attachment means. The spout can contain a removable closure, such as a lid which may be screwed onto the spout or a flip top cap.

The spout may have a tamper evident closure that the consumer removes before use, such as a foil or plastic film which is peeled off.

The packaging comprises a container. The container has walls within which the bag is contained or housed. The container may be any suitable shape. Preferably the shape is selected from: cuboid, cube, prism (e.g. pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc.) or the shape of a bottle. A polyhedron is particularly preferred for direct-to-consumer applications. The container may fully or partially enclose the bag, preferably fully enclose the bag. The container preferably has an opening through which the dispensing means protrudes.

The container preferably has a maximum linear dimension in any direction (i.e. height, width, length) of 75 cm, more preferably 60 cm, most preferably 40 cm. The container preferably has a minimum linear dimension in any direction (i.e. height, width, length) of 1 cm, more preferably 2 cm, most preferably 5 cm.

The container walls are preferably 0.2 to 10 mm thick, more preferably 0.4 to 8 mm thick, most preferably 0.5 to 6 mm thick.

The container may be made of any suitable material. Preferred materials include cardboard, paper pulp, polymeric material, metal, wood, fiberglass, and any combination thereof. Preferably the container comprises a material comprising cellulose fibers, such as cardboard, paper pulp or wood, more preferably cardboard or pulp, most preferably cardboard. Preferably the container comprises a material comprising recycled cellulose fibers i.e., from cellulosic fibers previously used in industry or by consumers. Preferably the container comprises 40 wt.% to 100 wt.% recycled cellulose fibers based on total number of cellulose fibers, more preferably 50 wt.% to 90 wt.%, most preferably 60 wt.% to 80 wt.% to provide sufficient strength and structural integrity to the packaging. When cardboard or pulp is employed, an adhesive may be required to manufacture the material, suitable adhesives include PVA (polyvinyl acetate) and VAE (vinyl acetate ethylene copolymers). When cardboard is employed, the cardboard may for example be a laminate structure, a composite structure, or a corrugated structure. The carboard preferably comprises multiple (more than one) sheets of material, most preferably cardboard is corrugated. Preferably the cardboard is manufactured in the form of a sheet or blank which may be folded to form the container. When the container is in the shape of a cube or cuboid, preferably the cardboard is pre-weakened (e.g. scored) to aid the folding process.

When pulp is employed, the container may be formed in sheets or in a mould. The container may be formed in one piece by spraying pulp in a mould or in two or more pieces which are then joined using an adhesive, for example two halves of a bottle may be formed from paper pulp and stuck together.

The container material may include flaps or tabs for aiding the joining of the sides of the container. The flaps or tabs may be fixed in place using an adhesive material.

The container may be laminated or coated. The laminate or coating may generally fall into the category of a foil, film, varnish or wax which coats or is incorporated into the material comprising cellulosic fibers. The laminate or coating is preferably selected from the group consisting of a polyglycolic acid (PGA), pofyolefin (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene), polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, nanoclay (e.g. montmorillonites, vermiculite platelets), graphene, graphene oxide, calcium carbonate, wax, varnish, aluminum foil, metal, metal oxides and mixtures thereof. More preferably the material is selected from polyolefins, polyvinyl alcohols, poly acetates, varnish, waxes and mixtures thereof.

The container may comprise artwork or information for the consumer. Images may be directly printed onto the container, the laminate or coating. Alternatively, the container may have an additional external layer which is pre-printed, preferably such a layer comprises plastic or paper. The container may have a handle to aid dispensing of the homecare product. The handle may simply be a cut out section of the container. A cut out section may be reinforced with additional container material. For example, an additional sheet of cardboard may be included on the surface with the handle.

Alternatively, the handle may comprise an appendage attached to the container. The handle may be the same or different material to the container material, e.g. the container may be corrugated cardboard while the handle may be plastic. The container may comprise an opening for the dispensing means. This may simply be a cut out section of the container or may be a more intricate arrangement in which the dispensing means is secured in place. The packaging may be supplied to the consumer with the dispensing means packaged inside the container, in which case means for accessing the dispensing means are supplied. For example, a perforated section of the container wall maybe removed to expose the dispensing means.

When the container comprises cardboard or pulp, the container may comprise perforated sections. The perforated section may be removed to form a handle or may be torn open to expose the dispensing means (e.g. the spout) any flaps formed by the perforations may be repositioned to hold the dispensing means in place.

Preferably the container is configured to pass the ISTA ‘6-AMAZON.COM-SIOC’ test according to the May 2016 procedure.

The packaging described herein is used to package a homecare composition.

The homecare composition may be a laundry detergent, a fabric conditioner, a hard surface cleaner (including internal and external surfaces such as patios), a dish washing composition, an ancillary laundry composition, or any other liquid product suitable for treating fabrics or surfaces within the home. Preferably the homecare composition is a laundry composition, more preferably a laundry detergent or fabric conditioner.

The homecare composition preferably has a viscosity of 1 to 2500 mPa.s, more preferably 5 to 2500 mPa.s, most preferably 10 to 2000 mPa.s at 25°C. The viscosity is measured at 25°C at a shear rate of 21 s^-1. Viscosity can be measured using a Thermo Scientific Haake Viscotester 550 model with a MV1 Sensor System. Compositions within this range exbibit improved evacuation from the bag.

The homecare composition of the present invention comprises a surfactant. The surfactant may be selected from anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactant, zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and combinations thereof. Preferably the surfactant comprises surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants and combinations thereof. When the composition is a laundry detergent, it preferably comprises anionic and/or non-ionic surfactant. When the composition is a fabric conditioner, the composition preferably comprises cationic and/or non-ionic surfactant, preferably cationic surfactant.

The homecare composition preferably comprises 1 to 90 wt. % surfactant, more preferably 1.5 to 80 wt.% surfactant, even more preferably 2 to 70 wt.% surfactant, even more preferably 2.5 to 60 wt.%, even more preferably 3 to 50 wt.% surfactant by weight of the homecare composition.

When the homecare composition of the present invention is a fabric softening composition, preferably the composition comprises 1 to 40 wt. % fabric softening active, preferably 2 to 30 wt.% fabric softening active and more preferably 3 to 20 wt. % fabric softening active by weight of the composition.

When the homecare composition of the present invention is a detergent, the liquid detergent preferably comprises from 2 to 80 wt. % of total surfactant, most preferably from 4 to 50 wt. %.

Anionic surfactants are discussed in the Anionic Surfactants: Organic Chemistry edited by Helmut W. Stache (Marcel Dekker 1995), Surfactant Science Series published by CRC press. Preferred anionic surfactants for use in the homecare composition described herein are sulfonate and sulfate surfactants, preferably alkylbenzene sulphonates, alkyl sulfates and alkyl ether sulfates. The alkyl chain is preferably C10-C18. Alkyl ether sulfates are also called alcohol ether sulfates. Preferably the anionic surfactant comprises at least one anionic surfactant selected from: SLES, SAS, LAS, PAS and combinations thereof.

Commonly used in laundry liquid compositions are C12-C14 alkyl ether sulfates having a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 12 to 14 carbon atoms (C12-14) and containing an average of 1 to 3EO units per molecule. A preferred examples include sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) and primary alkyl sulphate surfactants (PAS). SLES is produced from predominantly C12 lauryl alkyl groups which are ethoxylated with an average of 3EO units per molecule. PAS can be obtained from linear alcohols directly by sulphating the linear alcohol. Another commonly used anionic surfactant is Secondary Alkane Sulfonate (SAS). Preferably SAS comprises alkyl chains from 10 to 18 carbon atoms in length and which may be straight chained or branched. LAS (linear alkyl benzene sulphonate) is a commonly preferred anionic surfactant. LAS is produced when an olefin is reacted with benzene and is then sulphonated to form LAS. Preferably the alkyl chain length is from 10 to 18 carbon atoms.

Further examples of suitable anionic surfactants are rhamnolipids, alpha-olefin sulfonates, olefin sulfonates, alkene sulfonates, alkane-2,3-diylbis(sulfates), hydroxyalkanesulfonates and disulfonates, fatty alcohol sulfates (FAS), paraffin sulfonates, ester sulfonates, sulfonated fatty acid glycerol esters, methyl ester sulfonate alkyl- or alkenylsuccinic acid, dodecenyl/tetradecenyl succinic acid (DTSA), fatty acid derivatives of amino acids, DATEM’s, CITREM’s and diesters and monoesters of sulfo-succinic acid.

Nonionic surfactants are discussed in Non-ionic Surfactants: Organic Chemistry edited by Nico M. van Os (Marcel Dekker 1998), Surfactant Science Series published by CRC press. Preferred non-ionic surfactants are alkoxylated surfactants, preferably ethoxylated surfactants. Most preferred non-ionic surfactant are alcohol ethoxylates and methyl ester ethoxylates, with C10- C26 alkyl chains, preferably C12-C20. The ethoxylates preferably have an average of 5 to 30 EO units per molecule. A preferred example is C12-C20 alcohol ethoxylates with a mole average of 7 to 25 ethoxylate units.

Ethoxy units may be partially replaced by propoxy units in anionic and non-ionic surfactants.

A preferred alcohol ethoxylate is of the formula:

Ri-O-(CH₂CH₂O)_q-H where Ri is C10-C26, preferably selected from saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated linear C16 and C18 alkyl chains and where q is preferably from 4 to 30, more preferably 5 to 25.

A preferred ether sulfate is of the formula:

R₂-O-(CH₂CH₂O)_PSO₃H

Where R₂ is C10-C26, preferably selected from saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated linear C16 and C18 alkyl chains and where p is preferably selected from 3 to 30, preferably 4 to 25. A preferred methyl ester ethoxylate surfactant is of the form:

R3(-C=O)-O-(CH₂CH2-O)n-CH₃

R₃ is C10-C26, preferably selected from saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated linear C16 and C18 alkyl chains and where n is preferably selected from 3 to 30, preferably 4 to 25. Preferably R₃COO is a fatty acid moiety selected from such as oleic, stearic, palmitic. 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.

Further examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include, alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, alkylpolyglycosides, alkoxylated amines, ethoxylated glycerol esters, fatty acid monoethanolamides, fatty acid diethanolamides, ethoxylated fatty acid monoethanolamides, propoxylated fatty acid monoethanolamides, polyhydroxyalkyl fatty acid amides, or N-acyl N- alkyl derivatives of glucosamine, polysorbates (TWEENS).

Cationic surfactants suitable for use in the composition described herein are preferably quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), more preferably an ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound and most preferably the ester-linked triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary ammonium compounds.

Preferably the quaternary ammonium compound 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. Fatty acids may be derived from various sources such as tallow or plant sources. Preferably the fatty acid chains are derived from plants. 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. 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 quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula:

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.

Also suitable are actives rich in the di-esters of triethanolammonium methylsulfate, otherwise referred to as "TEA ester quats".

A second group of QACs suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula:

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 monoester.

A third group of QACs suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula:

(R' ,b-N -[(CH- -T-R' X 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 fourth group of QACs is represented the by the formula:

A fourth group of QACs suitable for use in the invention are represented by formula:

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 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.

If there is a mixture of quaternary ammonium materials present in the composition, the iodine value, referred to above, represents the mean iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compounds or fatty acids of all of the quaternary ammonium materials present. Likewise, if there is any saturated quaternary ammonium materials present in the composition, the iodine value represents the mean iodine value of the parent acyl compounds of fatty acids of all of the quaternary ammonium materials present.

Iodine value as used in the context of the present invention refers to, the fatty acid used to produce the QAC, the measurement of the degree of unsaturation present in a material by a method of nmr spectroscopy as described in Anal. Chem., 34, 1136 (1962) Johnson and Shoolery.

A further type of softening compound may be a non-ester quaternary ammonium material represented by formula:

R¹

R¹ - ⁺ - -R² X‘

² wherein each R1 group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl groups; R2 group is independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups, and X- is as defined above.

The homecare composition preferably comprises a perfume composition. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the packaged composition described herein provides stabilisation to perfume ingredients on storage. By stabilising the perfume ingredients, less perfume will be lost in the headspace and more perfume will be deposited on the clothes or surface treated by the compositions. Additionally, higher quantities of perfumes such esters may be stably incorporated into the perfume composition.

The homecare composition of the present invention preferably comprises 0.1 to 30 wt. % perfume materials, i.e. free perfume and/or perfume microcapsules. Preferably the homecare composition comprises free perfume, more preferably the compositions comprise 0.1 to 15 wt.% free perfume, more preferably 0.5 to 8 wt. % free perfume.

Preferably the perfume composition comprises an ester. More preferably the composition comprises at least 5 wt.% by weight of the perfume composition ester(s), even more preferably at least 10 wt.% ester(s) and most preferably at least 15 wt.% ester(s). The composition may comprise up to 100 wt.% ester(s). Preferably the perfume composition comprises an ester selected from: Allyl amyl glycolate, allyl cyclohexane propionate, amyl acetate, amyl salicylate, benzyl acetate, benzyl salicylate, dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, cis-3-hexenyl alicylate, cyclohexyl salicylate, dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate, ethyl-2-methyl butyrate, tricyclodecenyl propionate, frutene, geranyl acetate, geranyl nitrile, hexyl acetate, hexyl salicylate, linalyl acetate, resorcyclic acid ester, methyl chavicol, phenyl ethyl acetate, phenyl ethyl phenyl acetate, prenyl acetate, terpinyl acetate, Butyl Cyclohexyl Acetate (verdox), (4-tert-butylcyclohexyl) acetate (vertenex), and combinations thereof.

Preferably the perfume composition comprises materials having a vapor pressure of >1 Pa at 20°C. More preferably the perfume composition comprises at least 25 wt.% of the perfume composition materials having a vapor pressure of >1 Pa at 20°C, more preferably at least 40 wt.%. Preferably the materials having a vapor pressure of >1 Pa at 20°C are selected from any of the ingredients provided in table 1, or combinations thereof.

Vapor pressure may be measured by ASTM D2879-18 ‘Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure-Temperature Relationship and Initial Decomposition Temperature of Liquids by Isoteniscope’ updated 12 December 2018. Table 1: Perfume materials having a vapor pressure of >1 C/Pa at 20°C

The perfume composition may comprise further perfume components. Preferably the perfume composition comprises a perfume material selected from: ethyl-2-methyl valerate (manzanate), limonene, (4Z)-cyclopentadec-4-en-1-one, dihyro myrcenol, dimethyl benzyl carbonate acetate, benzyl acetate, spiro[1 ,3-dioxolane-2,5'-(4',4',8',8'-tetramethyl-hexahydro-3',9'- methanonaphthalene)], benzyl acetate, Rose Oxide, geraniol, methyl nonyl acetaldehyde, cyclacet (verdyl acetate), cyclamal, beta ionone, hexyl salicylate, tonalid, phenafleur, octahydrotetramethyl acetophenone (OTNE), the benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX) feedstock class such as 2-phenyl ethanol, phenoxanol and mixtures thereof, the cyclododecanone feedstock class, such as habolonolide, the phenolics feedstock class such as hexyl salicylate, the C5 blocks or oxygen containing heterocycle moiety feedstock class such as gamma decalactone, methyl dihydrojasmonate and mixtures thereof, the terpenes feedstock class such as dihydromycernol, linalool, terpinolene, camphor, citronellol and mixtures thereof, the alkyl alcohols feedstock class such as ethyl-2-methylbutyrate, the diacids feedstock class such as ethylene brassylate, and mixtures of thereof.

The homecare compositions of the present invention may comprise perfume microcapsules. When present, the homecare composition preferably comprises 0.1 to 15 w.% perfume microcapsules, more preferably 0.5 to 8 wt. % perfume microcapsules. Perfume microcapsules may be present in addition to the free perfume composition or instead of the perfume microcapsules.

When perfume components are encapsulated, suitable encapsulating materials, may comprise, but are not limited to; aminoplasts, proteins, polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polysaccharides, polyamides, polyolefins, gums, silicones, lipids, modified cellulose, polyphosphate, polystyrene, polyesters or combinations thereof. Particularly preferred materials are protein and polysaccharides.

Perfume microcapsules of the present invention can be friable microcapsules and/or moisture activated microcapsules. By friable, it is meant that the perfume microcapsule will rupture when a force is exerted. By moisture activated, it is meant that the perfume is released in the presence of water. The homecare composition of the present invention preferably comprises friable microcapsules. Moisture activated microcapsules may additionally be present. Examples of a microcapsules which can be friable include aminoplast microcapsules.

The microcapsules may comprise perfume components and a carrier for the perfume ingredients, such as zeolites or cyclodextrins.

The homecare composition preferably comprises one or more enzyme. In traditional plastic bottles, the enzyme activerty may reduce over time, however, without wishing to be bound by theory it is understood that the packaged composition descriped herein provides the benefit of improve enzyme stability on storage, particularly storage at higher temperatures. This effect is believed to be particularly pronounced in homecare compositions comprising protease enzymes in combination with one or more different classes of enzymes. Enzyme stability is measured by enzyme activity. Reduction in enzyme activity indicates instability. Enzyme activity may be measured by any suitable assay.

Examples of suitable enzymes include, but are not limited to mannase, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, cellulases, xylanases, lipases, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, pectinases, keratanases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, beta -glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase, xantanase, carrageenases, pectate lyases, nucleases, phosphodiesterases, and amylases, or mixtures thereof. Prefered enzymes maybe selected from protease, lipase, amalayse, mannase, cellulase, and combinations thereof. Fabric conditioners preferably comprise cellulase. Layndry detergents preferably comprise protease in combination with at least one other enzyme, perferably the one other enzyme preferably being selected from: lipase, amalayse, mannase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

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

Preferably the level of an enzyme is from 0.1 to 200, more preferably from 0.5 to 150, even more preferably 1 to 120, most preferably from 5 to 110 mg active enzyme protein per 100g homecare composition.

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

A preferred class of enzymes are proteases. Protease enzymes hydrolyse bonds within peptides and proteins, in the laundry context this leads to enhanced removal of protein or peptide containing stains. Examples of suitable proteases families include aspartic proteases; cysteine proteases; glutamic proteases; aspargine peptide lyase; serine proteases and threonine proteases. Such protease families are described in the MEROPS peptidase database (http://merops.sanger.ac.uk/). Serine proteases are preferred. Serine proteases are a subgroup of proteases characterized by having a serine in the active site, which forms a covalent adduct with the substrate. Subtilase type serine proteases are more preferred. The term "subtilases" refers to a sub-group of serine protease according to Siezen et al., Protein Engng. 4 (1991) 719-737 and Siezen et al. Protein Science 6 (1997) 501 -523. Most preferably the protease is a subtilisins (EC 3.4.21.62).

A preferred class of enzymes are amylases. Suitable amylases (alpha and/or beta) include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Amylases include, for example, alpha-amylases obtained from Bacillus, e.g., a special strain of B. licheniformis, described in more detail in GB 1 ,296,839, or the Bacillus sp. strains disclosed in WO 95/026397 or WO00/060060.

A preferred class of enzymes are cellulases. Suitable cellulases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Preferred cellulases are selected from the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Humicola, Fusarium, Thielavia, Acremonium, e.g., the fungal cellulases produced from Humicola insolens, Thielavia terrestris, Myceliophthora thermophila, Fusarium oxysporum and combinations thereof such as those disclosed in US 4,435,307, US 5,648,263, US 5,691 ,178, US 5,776,757, WO 89/09259, WO 96/029397, and WO 98/012307.

A preferred class of enzymes are lipases. Lipases are lipid esterase enzymes, and the terms lipid esterase and lipase are used herein synonymously. Cleaning lipid esterases are discussed in Enzymes in Detergency edited by Jan H. Van Ee, Onno Misset and Erik J. Baas (1997 Marcel Dekker, New York). Preferably the lipid esterase may be selected from lipase enzymes in E.C. class 3.1 or 3.2 or a combination thereof. More preferably the lipid esterases is selected from: Triacylglycerol lipases (E.C. 3.1.1.3), Carboxylic ester hydrolase (E.C. 3.1.1.1), Cutinase (E.C. 3.1.1.74), Sterol esterase (E.C. 3.1.1.13), Wax-ester hydrolase (E.C. 3.1.1.50). Most preferably triacylglycerol lipases (E.C. 3.1.1.3).

The homecare composition may comprise other ingredeints suitable for inclusion in homecare compositions. These include:

Builders such as hydroxides, carbonates, silicates, zeolites, and combinations thereof. Fatty acids and fatty alcohols, preferably linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl chain containing from 6 to 24, more preferably 10 to 22, most preferably from 12 to 18 carbon atoms

Cleaning additives or boosters such as sequestrants, soil-release agents, anti redeposition agents, Fabric care ingredients such as lubricants, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, drape imparting agents, anti-static agents, and ironing aids.

Preservatives including bacteriacides pH buffers, hydrotropes, antifoams, polyelectrolytes, solvents, anti-corrosion agents, anti-oxidants, chelating agents, hydroxamates

Shading or hying dyes, flourescers and optoical brigthteners

Composition asthetic agents such a pearlisers, opacifiers, colourants and dyes

- Additional benefit agents such as insect repellents and sunscreens

Rheology modifiers, such as polymers (e.g. hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) copolymers, cationic polymers), crystallisable glycerides or cellulose fibres.

The product described herein is intended to be used to dispense a homecare formulation. The packaging may be used to pour a laundry product into a washing machine drawer or alternatively into a dosing ball. Alternatively the packaging may comprise a composition to clean surfaces, in which case, the composition may be dispensed directly onto a surface, a cleaning material (e.g. a sponge or a cloth) or may be dispensed into a spray bottle. The composition may be a washing up liquid or an automatic dishwasher liquid, in which case the composition may be dispensed directly into a washing up vessel or a dishwasher. The homecare compstion may be a so called ‘concentrated’ composition, in which case the composition may be dispensed into a secondary container in which it is mixed with water to produce a composition suitable for use. Such compositions may be referred to as ‘dilute at home’ compositions, meaning that the consumer dilutes the ‘concentrated’ formulation with water to produce a composition suitable for use. This reduces the amount of packaging required and the weight of product purchased by the consumer.

Figure 1 depicts packaging comprising a container (1) in the shape of a cuboid, and a dispensing means in the form of a spout (3). The container (1) contains a bag (2) (not visible). The spout (3) is connected to a bag (2) (not visible) via a base portion (4). The spout (3) protrudes through the container wall via an opening in the container wall. Perforations (5) depict a flap which when depressed, aids the consumer in accessing the dispensing means. A handle is provided (6) which is a cut out portion of the container wall. Figure 2 depicts the packaging of figure 1 priror to the removal of any perforated sections (5). The perforated sections may be removed by the consumer to provide a handle and a hole through which the spout can protrude. Figure 3 provides a cross-section of the packaging. The bag (2) has a heat sealed edge (7) and is housed in container (1). The spout (3) is connected to the bag (2) by the base portion (4).

Figure 4 depicts the bag (2) with a heat sealed edge (7) and spout (3). Examples:

Suitable homecare compositions:

Table 2: Example laundry detergent composition

Table 3: Example fabric conditioner composition

Free perfume¹ - Containing 50 wt.% perfume ingredients selected from table 1.

Fabric softening active² - Dialkyloxyethyl Hydroxyethyl Methyl Ammonium Methyl sulphate

Pouring control assessment:

A 3 liter plastic bottle and 3 litter bag in box where filled with identical fabric conditioner compositions. The fabric conditioners had a viscosity of 50 mPa.s. The two packs were tipped to 90° and the period of uncontrolled flow was timed.

Table 4: Results

The period of uncontrolled flow was significantly shorter for the bag in box than the plastic bottle. Uncontrolled flow was judged to be when the flow of the liquid out of the spout of the packaging was oscillating.

Claims

1. A product comprising packaging and a liquid homecare composition; wherein the packaging comprises a bag and a container, the bag housed within the container; wherein the bag contains the liquid homecare composition, and the liquid homecare composition comprises 1 to 90 wt. % surfactant; wherein the bag comprises a spout for dispensing the liquid homecare composition.

2. A product according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant comprises surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants and combinations thereof.

3. A product according to any preceding claim, wherein the homecare composition is a laundry detergent comprising anionic and/or non-ionic surfactant.

4. A product according to claims 1 to 2, wherein the homecare composition is a fabric conditioner comprising cationic and/or non-ionic surfactant.

5. A product according to any preceding claim, wherein the container shape is selected from: cuboid, cube, prism or the shape of a bottle.

6. A product according to any preceding claim, wherein the container wall is 0.2 to 10 mm thick.

7. A product according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a material comprising cellulose fibers.

8. A product according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a material comprising recycled cellulose fibers.

9. A product according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises 40 wt.% to 100 wt.% recycled cellulose fibers.

10. A product according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises cardboard. A product according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises pulp. A product according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a handle. A product according to any preceding claim, wherein the bag comprises walls and the walls comprises a material selected from: metalized polyester, polyamides such as nylon, polyalkene (such as HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, PVOH), polyester (such as PET, PETE), polycarbonate; each of which may be optionally halogenated (such as PVC) or otherwise substituted, foil or combinations thereof. Use of packaging comprising a bag and a container, the bag housed within the container and the bag comprising a spout to package a homecare composition comprising a surfactant.