Water-soluble film containing at least one polyvinyl alcohol

Abstract

The invention relates to a water-soluble film containing at least one polyvinyl alcohol, wherein the water-soluble film further contains at least one inulin and / or one derivative thereof; wherein the inulin and / or the derivative thereof is a neutral uncharged molecule, a positively charged cationic molecule or a negatively charged anionic molecule. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a water-soluble film according to the invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a water-soluble container for dishwashing, preferably a water-soluble container for automatic dishwashing, in which the water-soluble container is made from the water-soluble film of the present invention; and wherein the water-soluble container is at least partially filled with a dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water-soluble film containing at least one polyvinyl alcohol.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for producing such a water-soluble film of the present invention.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a water-soluble container for dishwashing, preferably a water-soluble container for automatic dishwashing, wherein the water-soluble container is made of the water-soluble film according to the present invention. Background Art

[0004] Currently commercially available water-soluble films for composite multi-chamber thermoforming processes, such as those used to make water-soluble automatic dishwashing (ADW) capsules, are mainly produced by aqueous solution casting processes. This process results in a water content of the film greater than 3%, which provides elasticity to the film by acting as a plasticizer.

[0005] In addition, in such a casting solution process, polyvinyl alcohol-polycarboxylate-polyvinyl acetate copolymer resins can be used. Compared with polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers, these polymers provide greater freedom in adjusting properties. However, these copolymers are prone to decomposition due to high melting temperatures and therefore cannot be used in extrusion processes. In addition, the process also requires a large amount of energy to dissolve all solid materials and then evaporate the water. In addition, due to the drying step, the production facility requires a large space.

[0006] Water-soluble film can also be produced by blow molding extrusion process.These films are mainly used for applications such as shrink packaging because it is difficult to control the blow molding process in a way that allows the uniform thickness required for thermoforming to be achieved.The water-soluble film processed using blow molding extrusion is exposed to 2 to 3 thermal stress steps, that is, before the composition is melted to make the film, solids are mixed with liquids under high shear and the materials are compounded in an extruder.The further difficulty and limitation of the blow molding extrusion process is that it is difficult to mix a high level of liquid plasticizer into the water-soluble film.

[0007] At present, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) is still the most commonly used water-soluble detergent capsule film material. On the one hand, certain grades of PVOH have good dissolution and biodegradation characteristics, and are considered to be cold-water soluble and easily biodegradable, so they are favored by many industries, including hard surface cleaning, laundry washing and dishwashing.

[0008] On the other hand, PVOH is a synthetic polymer derived from petrochemicals, which has great potential to improve the sustainability of PVOH films.

[0009] In addition, the current PVOH is only a water-soluble packaging material and does not bring further functional and performance advantages.

[0010] Purpose of the Invention

[0011] In view of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a water-soluble film comprising at least one polyvinyl alcohol which does not exhibit the above-mentioned disadvantages of the water-soluble films comprising at least one polyvinyl alcohol of the prior art.

[0012] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a water-soluble film containing at least one polyvinyl alcohol which can nevertheless be processed for the production of water-soluble dishwashing containers, preferably automatic dishwashing containers; at the same time the incorporation of biopolymers should be maximized.

[0013] Furthermore, it is a particular object of the present invention to provide a water-soluble film containing at least one polyvinyl alcohol, in which the amount of plasticizer (eg glycerol) can be minimized. Summary of the invention

[0014] The above objects and other objects which are not explicitly stated but can be immediately derived or discerned by reference to the connections discussed herein are achieved by a water-soluble film having all the features of claim 1. Appropriate modifications of the water-soluble film of the invention are protected by the dependent claims 2 to 10. In addition, claim 11 relates to a method for producing such a water-soluble film of the invention. Claim 12 relates to a water-soluble container for dishwashing, preferably a water-soluble container for automatic dishwashing, wherein the water-soluble container is made of the water-soluble film of the invention, and claims 13 and 14 are appropriate modifications thereof. Claim 15 relates to the use of such a water-soluble film of the invention for producing a water-soluble container for dishwashing, preferably a water-soluble container for automatic dishwashing.

[0015] Therefore, the present invention provides a water-soluble film containing at least one polyvinyl alcohol, wherein the water-soluble film also contains at least one inulin and / or one of its derivatives; wherein the inulin and / or its derivative is a neutral uncharged molecule, a positively charged cationic molecule or a negatively charged anionic molecule.

[0016] Thus, it is possible in an unexpected manner to provide a water-soluble film comprising at least one polyvinyl alcohol which does not exhibit the above-mentioned disadvantages of the water-soluble films comprising at least one polyvinyl alcohol of the prior art.

[0017] Furthermore, a water-soluble film comprising at least one polyvinyl alcohol is provided, which can also be processed to produce a water-soluble dishwashing container, preferably an automatic dishwashing container; while maximizing the incorporation of biopolymers.

[0018] Furthermore, a water-soluble film comprising at least one polyvinyl alcohol is provided, wherein the amount of plasticizer (eg glycerol) is reduced.

[0019] Table Description

[0020] The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will also become apparent from reading the following description in conjunction with the tables, in which:

[0021] Table 1 shows a comparison of the comparative formulation and the inventive formulation.

[0022] Table 2 shows the experimental results of dissolution of PVOH films containing inulin or its derivatives.

[0023] Table 3 shows the experimental results of the tensile properties of PVOH films containing inulin or its derivatives.

[0024] Table 4: shows the experimental results of the sealing performance of PVOH films containing inulin or its derivatives.

[0025] Table 5: shows the experimental results of dissolution of PVOH films containing inulin or its derivatives. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] As used herein, the term "derivative" when applied to the inulin of the present invention refers to a chemical reaction between the inulin molecule and another organic molecule, wherein at least one hydroxyl group is directly covalently bonded to a glucose ring or a fructose ring; or at least one -CH2OH portion is directly covalently bonded to a glucose ring or a fructose ring.

[0027] Thus, at least one hydroxyl group in the inulin molecule has been reacted to form a final -OR moiety, wherein the residue R can be uncharged, positively charged or negatively charged.

[0028] If the residue R is uncharged, the resulting inulin derivative is a neutral, uncharged molecule.

[0029] If the residue R is positively charged, the resulting inulin derivative is a positively charged cationic molecule.

[0030] If the residue R is negatively charged, the resulting inulin derivative is a negatively charged anionic molecule.

[0031] Inulin derivatives can be hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium inulin, carboxymethyl inulin, cyanoethyl inulin, 3-amino-3-oxypropyl inulin, carboxyethyl inulin, 3-hydroxyimino-3-aminopropyl inulin, esterified inulin, etherified inulin, inulin carbamate, methylated inulin, reaction products of inulin with amino acids, inulin carbonate, polycarboxylate inulin, oxidized inulin, reduced inulin, inulin phosphate and inulin containing quaternary ammonium groups or primary, secondary or tertiary amines.

[0032] As used herein, the terms "wt %", "% wt.", "weight %" and "weight %" are synonymous with each other. All of these expressions refer to the weight percentage of the corresponding component.

[0033] As used herein, the term "water-soluble container" refers to a container that at least partially dissolves in water or disperses in water within 10 minutes at 20°C to allow the contents of the package to enter the surrounding water.

[0034] By "single dose" it is meant that the product contains the amount of one or more compositions required for a single wash cycle in a dishwasher.

[0035] Thermoformed water-soluble films comprising polyvinyl alcohol can be rigid or flexible at room temperature.

[0036] Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol film may be partially or completely alcoholized or hydrolyzed, for example, it may be a polyvinyl acetate film that is alcoholized or hydrolyzed by 40% to 100%, preferably 70% to 92%, and most preferably about 85% to about 92%. It is known that the degree of hydrolysis affects the temperature at which PVOH begins to dissolve in water. 88% hydrolysis corresponds to a film that is soluble in cold (i.e., room temperature 20°C) water, while 92% hydrolysis corresponds to a film that is soluble in warm water. The film may be made by casting, blowing or extrusion. It may also be non-oriented, uniaxially oriented or biaxially oriented.

[0037] In one embodiment, the water-soluble film further comprises at least one plasticizer, preferably glycerol.

[0038] The plasticizer may be selected from the group consisting of glycerol and its derivatives, C2-C6 alkylene glycol and its derivatives, polyalkylene glycol, carboxylic acid esters, and combinations of any two or more thereof.

[0039] Examples of C2-C6 alkylene glycols suitable for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentanediol, and hexanediol. Examples of polyalkylene glycols include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol.

[0040] Examples of carboxylic acid esters include, but are not limited to, esters of citric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, and succinic acid.

[0041] It is well known that increasing the plasticizer content to 20 to 35 wt % of the film improves the forming properties of the film. This is believed to be due to the plasticizer lowering the glass transition temperature, thereby providing flexibility to the film.

[0042] The film may comprise more than one plasticizer. Preferably, the film may comprise a blend of plasticizers.

[0043] Preferably, the film comprises a blend of glycerol and 1,2-propylene glycol.

[0044] Surprisingly, it was found that when the film contains more than one plasticizer, particularly a blend of glycerol and an alkylene glycol (e.g. 1,2-propylene glycol), the seal strength of the film is improved. Without being bound by theory, this is believed to be due to the interaction between the polyvinyl alcohol hydroxyl groups and the plasticizers of different molecular sizes.

[0045] The blend ratio of the blend of plasticizers, such as a blend of glycerol and 1,2-propylene glycol, may be 1:1 to 8:1, such as 2:1 to 6:1, most preferably 4:1.

[0046] The water-soluble film may further comprise a plasticizer that is solid at room or ambient temperature.

[0047] By "solid at room or ambient temperature" it is meant that the melting point of the plasticizer is greater than about 20°C to 25°C at a pressure of 1 atmosphere.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment thereof, the water-soluble film contains less than 25 wt. %, preferably less than 22 wt. %, more preferably less than 15 wt. % of the at least one plasticizer.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment thereof, the total amount of all plasticizers contained in the water-soluble film is less than 25 wt %, preferably less than 22 wt %, more preferably less than 15 wt %.

[0050] In one embodiment, the inulin and / or its derivative is a neutral uncharged molecule or a positively charged cationic molecule; preferably a positively charged cationic molecule.

[0051] In one embodiment, the water-soluble film contains 0.15 to 20 wt %, preferably 3 to 15 wt %, more preferably 3.5 to 13 wt % of the at least one inulin and / or the at least one derivative thereof.

[0052] In one embodiment, the water-soluble film contains all inulin and its derivatives in a total amount of 2 to 20 wt %, preferably 3 to 15 wt %, more preferably 3.5 to 13 wt %.

[0053] In one embodiment, the water-soluble film contains at least two different polyvinyl alcohols.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment thereof, one of the at least two different polyvinyl alcohols has a weight average molecular weight of at least 50,000 g / mol, and another of the at least two different polyvinyl alcohols has a weight average molecular weight of less than 50,000 g / mol.

[0055] In one embodiment, the water-soluble film contains a total amount of polyvinyl alcohol of 50 to 90 wt %, preferably 65 to 80 wt %, and more preferably 70 to 75 wt %.

[0056] The water-soluble film may comprise one or more layers.

[0057] The water-soluble film may further contain one or more processing aids. Suitable processing aids include mono-, di-, tri-carboxylic acids / salts thereof, fatty acids (such as stearic acid) / salts thereof, mono-, di-, tri-glycerides / salts thereof, fumed silica, and inorganic and organic pigments.

[0058] Antiblocking agents may also be present in the film. Suitable antiblocking agents include silica, talc, zeolite and starch.

[0059] In addition, the object of the present invention is also achieved by a method for producing the water-soluble film of the present invention, which comprises the following steps:

[0060] i) providing at least one polyvinyl alcohol, at least one inulin and / or one of its derivatives, and at least water as solvent; wherein the inulin and / or the derivatives thereof are neutral uncharged molecules, positively charged cationic molecules or negatively charged anionic molecules;

[0061] ii) mixing all the components by stirring and heating the mixture to a temperature of at least 40° C., preferably at least 50° C., more preferably at least 60° C. to form a homogeneous casting solution;

[0062] iii) casting a water-soluble film having a wet film thickness of 200 to 1000 microns, preferably 300 to 900 microns, more preferably 400 to 800 microns; and

[0063] iv) drying the cast wet water-soluble film; specifically drying at room temperature for at least 8 hours; or specifically drying at an elevated temperature of at least 40° C., preferably at least 50° C., more preferably at least 60° C. for at least 1 hour, preferably at least 2 hours, more preferably at least 3 hours; to achieve a dry film thickness of 50 μm to 150 μm, preferably 70 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 75 μm to 90 μm.

[0064] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is also achieved by a water-soluble container for dishwashing, preferably a water-soluble container for automatic dishwashing, wherein the water-soluble container is made of such a water-soluble film of the present invention; and wherein the water-soluble container is at least partially filled with a dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment thereof, the water-soluble container comprises at least a first compartment and at least a second compartment separated from the first compartment; wherein the at least first compartment is at least partially filled with dishwashing gel; and wherein the at least second compartment is at least partially filled with dishwashing powder.

[0066] In an even more preferred embodiment thereof, the water soluble container further comprises at least a third compartment separated from the first compartment and the second compartment; wherein the at least third compartment is at least partially filled with dishwashing liquid.

[0067] Alternatively, the object of the present invention is also achieved by a laundry water-soluble container, wherein the water-soluble container is made of such a water-soluble film of the present invention; and wherein the water-soluble container is at least partially filled with a laundry detergent composition, preferably an automatic laundry detergent composition.

[0068] Alternatively, the object of the present invention is also achieved by a hard surface cleaning water-soluble container, wherein the water-soluble container is made of such a water-soluble film of the present invention; and wherein the water-soluble container is at least partially filled with a hard surface detergent composition.

[0069] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is also achieved by using the water-soluble film of the present invention to produce a water-soluble container for dishwashing, preferably a water-soluble container for automatic dishwashing, according to the above method.

[0070] The following non-limiting examples are provided to illustrate embodiments of the present invention and to facilitate understanding of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

[0071] Experimental part:

[0072] Biopolymers derived from inulin are used as new ingredients in innovative PVOH formulations to partially replace glycerol and provide potential additional benefits. Specifically, three inulins or their derivatives from Cosun were selected as representatives of neutral uncharged, positively charged cationic or negatively charged anionic inulins or their derivatives for testing, namely (natural) neutral inulin (CBP), cationic inulin modified with hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium (Quatin) and anionic carboxymethyl inulin (Carboxyline).

[0073] A variety of PVOH formulations were designed and films were prepared by solution casting using a film coating equipment COATMASTER 510 Basic-G. Key parameters of capsule film materials were tested, including water solubility, tensile strength, sealing strength, and film formation evaluation.

[0074] experiment:

[0075] Seven water-soluble films containing polyvinyl alcohol were prepared, analyzed, and their properties were compared:

[0076] 1) Comparative film, based on a water-soluble film containing polyvinyl alcohol; without inulin and / or its derivatives;

[0077] 2-3) Water-soluble films containing low and high levels of a cationic inulin derivative (Quatin 350 from Cosun), respectively.

[0078] 4-5) Water-soluble films containing low and high levels of neutral inulin (CBP, from Cosun), respectively.

[0079] 6-7) Water-soluble films containing low and high levels of anionic inulin derivative (Carboxyline 15-40D from Cosun), respectively.

[0080] Low levels of inulin or its derivatives were determined to be the minimum to provide benefits to the glass material. High levels ensure that there is no cumulative effect of inulin or its derivatives in the ADW and that there is enough plasticizer in the PVOH to ensure its properties.

[0081] The degree of hydrolysis (DH) of JP-05 is 87.0 mol% to 89.0 mol%, and the viscosity of a 4 wt% aqueous solution at 20°C is 4.0 mPa·s to 6.0 mPa·s. The degree of hydrolysis of JP-15 is 87.0 mol% to 89.0 mol%, and the viscosity of a 4 wt% aqueous solution at 20°C is 15.0 mPa·s to 19.0 mPa·s. Both are PVOH resins produced by Shin-Etsu International Europe BV.

[0082] Membrane preparation:

[0083] The membrane was prepared as follows:

[0084] 1) Shin-Etsu's JP-05, JP-15 PVOH resin and processing aids were homogenized according to the formula ratio to form a granular mixture. The mixture was dissolved in water, stirred and heated to 60°C to prepare 1L of 20 wt% stock solution;

[0085] 2) Weigh inulin or its derivatives, add to the stock solution, stir and heat to 60°C to obtain a uniform casting solution;

[0086] 3) The solution is then cast using a film coating device COATMASTER 510 Basic-G and a thickness-adjustable film coater. The wet film thickness is typically set to 400 μm to 800 μm to achieve a dry thickness of 75 μm to 90 μm;

[0087] 4) Dry the cast film at room temperature overnight or in an oven at 50°C to 60°C for at least 3 hours.

[0088] Formulations 1 to 6 produced compatible casting solutions and thus uniform homogenous films. Formulation 7 produced a sol-gel mixture that could not be cast into a film.

[0089] The weight average molecular weight of JP-05 is 40,000 g / mol, while the weight average molecular weight of JP-15 is 100,000 g / mol.

[0090]

[0091] Table 1: Comparative formulation and formulation of the present invention

[0092] Membrane evaluation:

[0093] Films with a thickness of 90 μm were produced according to the above recipe and procedure and the following tests were performed to evaluate the film as a thermoforming foil for single-dose products: i) frame dissolution; ii) film mechanical properties; iii) forming evaluation.

[0094] i) Frame dissolution

[0095] The dissolution of the film was tested according to the following method, and the results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0096] Fill a 1L beaker with 800mL of deionized water at about 20°C. Stir the water so that the bottom of the vortex is flush with the 600mL mark on the beaker. Place a 45x37mm membrane sample in a frame and immerse it in water so that its cross section is perpendicular to the direction of water flow. Record the time when the first hole appears and the time point when the entire membrane is completely dissolved.

[0097]

[0098]

[0099] Table 2: Dissolution of PVOH films containing inulin or its derivatives

[0100] There is no data for Film 7, as no representative film could be prepared according to Formulation 7. The experiments in Table 2 show that Films 1 to 6 according to the invention exhibited faster complete dissolution than a baseline film without inulin or its derivatives.

[0101] ii) Membrane mechanical properties

[0102] Then the tensile and sealing properties were tested on a Zwicki-Line test machine Z1.0 according to ISO 527-3 and ASTM F88. The results are shown in Tables 3 and 4 below, respectively.

[0103]

[0104] Table 3: Tensile properties of PVOH films containing inulin or its derivatives

[0105] There is no data for Film 7 because no representative film could be prepared according to Formulation 7. The experiments in Table 3 show that Films 2, 3, 5, 6 of the present invention exhibit enhanced tensile strength compared to a baseline film without inulin or its derivatives, especially Films 2 and 3 containing hydroxypropyltrimonium inulin.

[0106]

[0107] Table 4: Sealing properties of PVOH films containing inulin or its derivatives

[0108] There is no data for Film 7 because no representative film could be prepared according to Formulation 7. The experiments in Table 4 show that Films 3 and 5 of the present invention exhibited enhanced seal strength compared to a baseline film containing no inulin or its derivatives.

[0109] iii) Molding evaluation

[0110] The film formation evaluation was tested according to the following method:

[0111] The water-soluble film was placed on a Wektor thermoforming kit with a mold having three separate cavities. Heat (120°C) and vacuum (930 mbar) were applied to the film to help form the cavities. Each individual cavity was visually evaluated, where 0 = best forming behavior and 8 = worst forming behavior. The results are shown in Table 5 below.

[0112]

[0113] Table 5: Film Formation Evaluation

[0114] There is no data for Film 7 because no representative film could be prepared from Formulation 7. The experiments in Table 5 show that Films 2 to 6 of the present invention exhibit acceptable thermoforming processability.

[0115] Overall, it has to be emphasized that the water-soluble films according to the invention comprising at least one inulin or a derivative thereof show improved solubility and improved mechanical properties compared to comparative reference films, while their thermoforming processability is only slightly reduced.

[0116] Therefore, it is possible to provide a water-soluble film with a higher bio-based content by inulin or its derivatives. Thus, active functional molecules can be added to the film without negatively affecting the processing properties of the film, while the water-soluble film obtains active sustainable ingredients by inulin or its derivatives.

[0117] iv) Forming of water-soluble containers

[0118] A dishwashing water-soluble container, preferably an automatic dishwashing water-soluble container, is made from the water-soluble film of the present invention; wherein the water-soluble container is at least partially filled with a dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition, by the following method:

[0119] The first layer of water-soluble film is placed on a Wektor thermoforming kit with a mold having at least one single cavity. Preferably there are two, and particularly preferably three separate cavities. Heat (120° C.) and vacuum (930 mbar) are applied to the first layer of water-soluble film to help form the cavity.

[0120] The heat and vacuum are applied in order to deform the first layer of water-soluble film so as to produce a corresponding number of compartments expected for the final water-soluble container. Subsequently, at least one compartment produced by at least one cavity is at least partially filled with a dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition.

[0121] Subsequently, a second water-soluble film is placed on top of the first water-soluble film to close at least one compartment. Thus, the two water-soluble films are sealed by heat to ultimately produce a water-soluble container at least partially filled with a dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition, as a single-dose product.

[0122] Alternatively, a laundry water-soluble container is made from the water-soluble film of the present invention; wherein the water-soluble container is at least partially filled with a laundry detergent composition, preferably an automatic laundry detergent composition.

[0123] Such laundry detergent compositions contain a mixture of surfactants, pH adjusters, chelating agents, enzymes, perfumes and / or dyes.

[0124] A preferred laundry detergent composition contains glycerol, C 12-14 Alcohol ethoxylate, sodium laureth sulfate, triethanolamine cocoate, propylene glycol, water, fragrance, triethanolamine, citric acid, sodium diethylenetriamine, pentamethylenephosphonate, sodium sulfite, BHT, cellulase, hydrolyzed keratin, benzisothiazolinone, benzyl ammonium benzoate and dye.

[0125] Another preferred laundry detergent composition is provided by the following powder mixture:

[0126]

[0127] The enzyme concentration is the concentration when the enzyme is received, that is, the concentration of the enzyme preparation.

[0128] For the protease preparation, it contains about 12 wt% protease based on the total weight of the protease preparation; this means that for a formulation with a powder containing 6 wt% protease preparation, it contains about 0.72 wt% protease based on the total weight of the powder.

[0129] For the mannanase preparation, it contains about 4 wt% of protease based on the total weight of the mannanase preparation.

[0130] For the lipase preparation, it contains about 7 wt% of lipase based on the total weight of the lipase preparation.

[0131] For the amylase preparation, it contains about 7 wt% amylase based on the total weight of the amylase preparation.

[0132] Oxygen transfer agent = 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazole-1,1-dioxide

[0133] PVP-VI: A copolymer of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and 1-vinylimidazole, with a molecular weight of about 70,000 g / mol.

[0134] Alternatively, a hard surface cleaning water-soluble container is formed from such a water-soluble film of the present invention; wherein the water-soluble container is at least partially filled with a hard surface detergent composition.

[0135] Preferred hard surface cleaning detergent compositions contain a mixture of surfactants, water-soluble organic solvents, pH adjusting agents, perfumes and dyes such as those disclosed in WO 2004 / 020560 to Reckitt Benckiser, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0136] Another preferred hard surface cleaning detergent composition is provided by the following liquid mixture:

[0137]

[0138] *Bardac 208M = mixture of N,N-dialkyl(C8-10)N,N-dimethylammonium chloride and N-alkyl(C12-16)N,N-methyl-N-benzylammonium chloride (80% active, Lonza)

[0139] **BTC8358 = N-Alkyl (50% C14, 40% C12, 10% C16) dimethylbenzylammonium chloride (80% active, Stepan)

[0140] ***Barquat MS100 = N-alkyl (C12-16)-N,N-dimethyl-N-benzylammonium chloride (Lonza)

[0141] The present invention therefore addresses the problem of providing a sustainable, active, water-soluble biopolymer-based film containing polyvinyl alcohol while reducing the amount of plasticizer (eg glycerol) by replacing it with inulin or its derivatives.

[0142] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art may make many changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. All of these changes and modifications, including the changes and modifications discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water-soluble film containing at least one polyvinyl alcohol, wherein: The water-soluble film further contains at least one inulin and / or its derivatives; wherein the inulin and / or its derivatives are neutral uncharged molecules, positively charged cationic molecules or negatively charged anionic molecules.

2. The water-soluble film according to claim 1, wherein The water-soluble film also contains at least one plasticizer, preferably glycerol.

3. The water-soluble film according to claim 2, wherein The water-soluble film contains less than 25 wt. %, preferably less than 22 wt. %, more preferably less than 15 wt. % of the at least one plasticizer.

4. The water-soluble film according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The water-soluble film contains all plasticizers in an amount of less than 25% by weight, preferably less than 22% by weight, and more preferably less than 15% by weight.

5. A water-soluble film according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The inulin and / or its derivatives are neutral uncharged molecules or positively charged cationic molecules; preferably positively charged cationic molecules.

6. A water-soluble film according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The water-soluble film contains 0.15 to 20 wt %, preferably 3 to 15 wt %, more preferably 3.5 to 13 wt % of the at least one inulin and / or at least one derivative thereof.

7. A water-soluble film according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The water-soluble film contains all inulin and its derivatives in a total amount of 2 to 20 wt %, preferably 3 to 15 wt %, more preferably 3.5 to 13 wt %.

8. A water-soluble film according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The water-soluble film contains at least two different polyvinyl alcohols.

9. The water-soluble film according to claim 8, wherein One of the at least two different polyvinyl alcohols has a weight average molecular weight of at least 50,000 g / mol, while another of the at least two different polyvinyl alcohols has a weight average molecular weight of less than 50,000 g / mol.

10. A water-soluble film according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The water-soluble film contains all polyvinyl alcohols in an amount of 50 to 90% by weight, preferably 65 to 80% by weight, and more preferably 70 to 75% by weight.

11. A method for producing a water-soluble film as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: i) providing at least one polyvinyl alcohol, at least one inulin and / or one of its derivatives, and at least water as solvent; wherein the inulin and / or its derivative is a neutral uncharged molecule, a positively charged cationic molecule or a negatively charged anionic molecule; ii) mixing all the components by stirring and heating the mixture to a temperature of at least 40° C., preferably at least 50° C., more preferably at least 60° C. to form a homogeneous casting solution; iii) casting a water-soluble film having a wet film thickness of 200 to 1000 microns, preferably 300 to 900 microns, more preferably 400 to 800 microns; and iv) drying the cast wet water-soluble film; in particular drying at room temperature for at least 8 hours; or in particular drying at an elevated temperature of at least 40° C., preferably at least 50° C., more preferably at least 60° C. for at least 1 hour, preferably at least 2 hours, more preferably at least 3 hours; to achieve a dry film thickness of 50 μm to 150 μm, preferably 70 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 75 μm to 90 μm.

12. A water-soluble container for dishwashing, preferably a water-soluble container for automatic dishwashing, wherein: The water-soluble container is made of the water-soluble film of any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10; and wherein the water-soluble container is at least partially filled with a dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition.

13. The dishwashing water-soluble container, preferably an automatic dishwashing water-soluble container, according to claim 12, wherein: The water-soluble container includes at least a first compartment and at least a second compartment separated from the first compartment; wherein the at least first compartment is at least partially filled with dishwashing gel; and wherein the at least second compartment is at least partially filled with dishwashing powder.

14. The dishwashing water-soluble container, preferably an automatic dishwashing water-soluble container, according to claim 13, wherein: The water soluble container further comprises at least a third compartment separated from the first compartment and the second compartment; wherein the at least third compartment is at least partially filled with dishwashing liquid.

15. Use of the water-soluble film according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10 for producing a water-soluble container for dishwashing, preferably a water-soluble container for automatic dishwashing, by the process according to claim 11.

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