Composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a concentrated laundry composition premix that is dilutable in water to form a laundry liquid composition, the premix comprising at least 10 wt% of water, 5 to 70 wt% of a surfactant, 2 to 15 wt% of a hydrotrope, 2 to 15 wt% of phenoxyethanol, and wherein the hydrotrope and phenoxyethanol sum to at least 10 wt% based on the premix.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to improved dilutable compositions. Background Art

[0002] WO 2017 / 075681 (Oxiteno) discloses novel thickener compositions comprising a mixture of one or more alkoxylated polyol esters, one or more ethoxylated sorbitan esters and glycerol for increasing the viscosity of cosmetic skin and hair cleansing products and the viscosity of surface and fabric cleaners, and for making these products easier to formulate. The thickener compositions described are compatible with a wide variety of formulations of cosmetic skin and hair cleansing products and surface and fabric cleaners, said formulations comprising one or more surfactants, cosurfactants, solvents, fragrances, emulsifiers, preservatives, salts, pigments and / or colorants, in addition to other inert compounds relevant to the final properties, and are able to increase their viscosity in a stable and measurable manner.

[0003] EP-A-1 367 118 (Unilever) discloses a process for making a water-soluble container comprising: a) thermoforming a first poly(vinyl alcohol) film having a water content of less than 5 wt% to produce a bag; b) filling the bag with a composition; c) placing a second film on top of the filled bag; and d) sealing the first and second films together.

[0004] WO 2013 / 043841 (Sun) discloses liquid cleaning compositions that can be used in cold water and hard water laundry applications, and methods for making and using such compositions. The composition of the present invention uses a surfactant or a surfactant blend, such as an α-sulfo fatty acid ester or a mixture thereof (optionally with one or more additional components), and the composition has increased solubility / stability at cold temperatures, at concentrations higher than usual, and / or in hard water, wherein the composition remains as a clear liquid. In a particular embodiment, the composition of the present invention can be provided in the form of a unit dose (e.g., in a water-soluble package or bag). In use, the composition of the present invention has enhanced detergency, and reduced amounts of residues remaining in the machine, on washed clothes or on cleaned tableware or hard surfaces, and on the body in personal care scenarios, and shows a longer shelf life, particularly when stored or used at colder temperatures.

[0005] WO 2016 / 061439 (Encapsys) discloses high strength, high integrity microcapsules containing a hydrophobic core material, wherein the microcapsule wall is formed from a copolymer of selected monomers by a multi-step oil-in-water emulsion polymerization process.

[0006] WO 96 / 21721 (Jeyes) discloses an aqueous composition for aftertreatment of washed laundry containing 0.1 to 30 wt % of a water-insoluble quaternary ammonium compound, 0.1 to 50 wt % of a water-soluble quaternary ammonium compound, 0 to 5 wt % of a terpene compound, 0.1 to 20 wt % of a water-soluble acid, and 0.1 to 20 wt % of an emulsifier.

[0007] Despite the prior art, there remains a need for improved products that can be diluted by the user to form a working composition. Typically, such compositions or premixes are purchased by consumers and diluted in a home environment. This means that the composition needs to be suitable for a range of water qualities, particularly water hardness. Diluting such products at home means that the consumer may introduce hardness ions into the laundry product, which has a substantial impact on the integrity of the diluted product, as any introduced calcium ions may interact with the neutralized fatty acids to form compounds that, under certain conditions, may precipitate out to give a hazy / opaque visual appearance and may risk making the product unstable. Summary of the invention

[0008] Being able to provide a premix product that is dilutable and acceptable to consumer behavior is also a challenge. The premix must be stable, visually clear, flavorful, storable, and have appropriate rheological properties so that it behaves in the expected manner (particularly in terms of proper foaming in use, without excessive foaming during dilution by the consumer). It is also important that it dissolves easily in water. Although opaque formulations are used, visually clear formulations are highly desirable, and therefore it is particularly desirable to have a premix that is clear both before and after dilution by the consumer.

[0009] It is also highly important that the diluted product is also visually attractive and functionally adequate.

[0010] It is therefore an important challenge to obtain a product for at-home dilution that is acceptable both in pre-diluted form and in diluted form, is easily diluted by the consumer, and performs as a cleaning product. "Easy to dilute" means that the consumer does not need to excessively stir the mixture in water. "Excessive stirring" means that too much foam is generated during dilution, and this reduces the effectiveness of the mixture when used as a diluted product. Products that dissolve in water without much stirring are particularly sought.

[0011] Thus, in a first aspect there is provided a concentrated laundry composition premix which is dilutable in water to form a laundry liquid composition, the premix comprising water, 5 to 70 wt% surfactant, 2 to 15 wt% hydrotrope, 2 to 15 wt% phenoxyethanol, and wherein the hydrotrope and phenoxyethanol together constitute at least 10 wt% of the premix. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The concept of “diluting the product at home” has become more popular among more environmentally conscious consumers. The challenge for formulators is to create products with the right physical and performance characteristics during the additional stages of the product life cycle. Whereas previously formulators needed to pay attention to the product being sold and the product being used, now they must also consider the performance of the product being diluted by the consumer. This becomes even more difficult when considering the role of surfactants in such detergent formulations and how they are used after dilution in a home environment. High levels of surfactant are reduced without proper foam control and the product foams too easily in washing and cleaning in a horizontal axis washing machine; there is not enough surfactant and the product will produce appropriate foam in use, but will not clean well. In addition, viscosity also needs to be carefully managed because adding water can mean a significant change in the rheological properties of the product. Therefore, managing these new physical property requirements becomes critical to providing the right product. This desired performance behavior includes easy dissolution in the household water supply, thereby reducing the need for vigorous shaking by the consumer and therefore reducing the chance of excessive foaming. Typically, these are areas that are not given attention when formulating conventional liquid products.

[0013] There is an additional challenge in that the water used to dilute the premix is ​​not controlled. Therefore, the premix must be designed so that its performance is not affected by water quality, especially water hardness.

[0014] We have surprisingly discovered that lower levels of surfactant can be used to form a product that is dilutable by the consumer in a domestic setting and that is stable when in concentrated form, stable when in diluted form, and that also has acceptable performance when used as a liquid detergent in a washing machine or in the hand washing of fabrics.

[0015] "Stable" means that the product is rheologically acceptable and does not change rheologically or in terms of phase retention when the product is diluted by the consumer.

[0016] Preferably, the premix has a pressure of 150 to 600 mPa·s, more preferably 250 to 500 mPa·s at 25°C and at 106 s -1 The viscosity is measured below.

[0017] Preferably, the mixture is formed by diluting five parts of water to one part of the premix and is heated at 25°C and 106s -1 The viscosity of the stable laundry liquid composition measured at 370°C is from 200 to 800 mPa.s, more preferably from 250 to 500 mPa.s.

[0018] The pH of the composition is carefully controlled so that the pH is not changed during dilution by the consumer and to provide proper phase control during dilution. The pH of the premix composition is between 5 and 9, preferably between 6.0 and 7.0.

[0019] Preferably, the premix composition comprises at least 10 wt% water.

[0020] Preferably, the premix composition comprises 5 to 13 wt% phenoxyethanol.

[0021] Hydrotropes

[0022] The premix composition of the present invention comprises a hydrotrope. Such materials are typically low molecular weight, water-soluble or water-miscible organic liquids, such as C1 to C5 monohydric alcohols (e.g., ethanol and n-propanol or isopropanol); C2 to C6 dihydric alcohols (e.g., monopropylene glycol and dipropylene glycol); C3 to C9 trihydric alcohols (e.g., glycerol); having a weight average molecular weight (M) of about 200 to 600. w ) polyethylene glycol; C1 to C3 alkanolamines, such as mono-, di- and triethanolamines; and alkylaryl sulfonates having up to 3 carbon atoms in the lower alkyl group (e.g., sodium and potassium xylene, toluene, ethylbenzene and cumene (cumene) sulfonates).

[0023] Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

[0024] A preferred hydrotrope is monopropylene glycol.

[0025] Preferably, the premix composition comprises 5 to 13 wt% of the hydrotrope.

[0026] Preferably, the hydrotrope and phenoxyethanol together comprise 13 to 17 wt % of the premix.

[0027] We have surprisingly found that the level of hydrotrope can be reduced, with the balance being phenoxyethanol. This can be done without any detrimental effect on the properties of the premix.

[0028] The pH can be controlled by a combination of TEA and / or fatty acids, although other buffers with appropriate pKas are also suitable.

[0029] The polyol compound of the embodiment of the present invention may be a natural polyol or a synthetic polyol having at least three hydroxyl groups, and examples thereof are shown as (but not limited to) the following types of compounds:

[0030] Sugar alcohols, also called polyhydric alcohols or polyalcohols, have at least three hydroxyl groups and have the general formula HOCH2(CHOH)x CH2OH.

[0031] Examples include, but are not limited to, mannitol, sorbitol, galactitol, fucitol, iditol, inositol, volemitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, maltotriose, maltotetraose, and polyglycitol, disaccharides formed by dehydration of two monosaccharides through a glycosidic bond. Examples include, but are not limited to, trehalose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, etc.

[0032] Those containing six or more hydroxyl groups,

[0033] With (C6H 10 O5) n The chemical structure of dextrin, wherein n is 2 to 20,

[0034] Pentaerythritol and dipentaerythritol,

[0035] Dendritic polyols. For example, Bolton (R) H2004, H2003, and H20, which have 6, 12, and 16 terminal hydroxyl groups, respectively.

[0036] polyglycerol having 3 to 10 glycerol units, polyglycerol having six or more hydroxyl groups, and

[0037] glycerin.

[0038] Preferably, the polyol is selected from polyols having 3 to 6 hydroxyl groups, more preferably selected from sorbitol, pentaerythritol and glycerol.

[0039] Preferably, the ethoxylated polyol esters contain an average of at least two ester units per molecule.

[0040] Ethoxylated polyol esters provide improved rheological properties in the case of products diluted by the consumer in a domestic environment. It should be noted that this is independent of any rheological behavior affected by pouring or otherwise using the diluted product. Concentrated premixes will be diluted by the user and therefore the premix must behave appropriately rheologically.

[0041] More preferably, the ethoxylated polyol ester comprises 50 to 1000 ethoxylation units, more preferably 200 to 700, most preferably 300 to 550 ethoxylation units.

[0042] More preferably, the ethoxylated groups contain 30 to 150 EO groups, more preferably 30 to 80 EO groups, on an average basis per polyol.

[0043] Preferably, the ester comprises a fatty acid having 10 to 22 carbons, more preferably 14 to 20 carbons, most preferably 18 carbons. The fatty acid may be straight chain or branched, saturated or unsaturated. The most preferred fatty acid group is a stearic acid group, unless the polyol is sorbitol, in which case the ester is oleic acid.

[0044] When the polyol is sorbitol, it is preferred that at least 20 wt% of all fatty acid components in the ethoxylated sorbitan ester are C14-20. More preferably, at least 60% of all fatty acid components in the ethoxylated sorbitan ester are C14-20, and most preferably, at least 90% of all fatty acid components in the ethoxylated sorbitan ester are C14-20.

[0045] Preferably, at least 60 wt% of all fatty acid components in the ethoxylated sorbitan ester are C16-18. More preferably, at least 75% of all fatty acid components in the ethoxylated sorbitan ester are C16-18, and most preferably, at least 75% of all fatty acid components in the ethoxylated sorbitan ester are C18.

[0046] Preferably, at least 50 wt% of the ethoxylated sorbitan esters are tetra- or hexa-esters. More preferably, at least 80 wt% of the ethoxylated sorbitan esters are tetra- or hexa-esters.

[0047] Preferably, at least 50 wt% of the ethoxylated sorbitan ester is tetra-oleate or hexa-oleate. More preferably, at least 80 wt% of the ethoxylated sorbitan ester is tetra-oleate or hexa-oleate.

[0048] Preferably, less than 20 wt% of the ethoxylated sorbitan esters are mono- to triesters. More preferably, less than 10 wt% of the ethoxylated sorbitan esters are mono- or triesters.

[0049] Preferably, less than 20 wt% of the ethoxylated sorbitan ester is tristearate. More preferably, less than 10 wt% of the ethoxylated sorbitan ester is tristearate.

[0050] The most preferred ethoxylated sorbitan esters are sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan hexaoleate or sorbitan tetraoleate. Sorbitan 450 tristearate is a particularly preferred compound.

[0051] When the polyol is pentaerythritol, it is preferred that at least 20 wt% of all fatty acid components in the ethoxylated pentaerythritol esters are C14-20. More preferably, at least 60% of all fatty acid components in the ethoxylated pentaerythritol esters are C14-20, and most preferably, at least 90% of all fatty acid ester components in the ethoxylated pentaerythritol esters are C14-20.

[0052] Preferably, at least 60 wt% of all fatty acid components in the ethoxylated pentaerythritol ester are C16-18. More preferably, at least 75% of all fatty acid components in the ethoxylated pentaerythritol ester are C16-18, and most preferably, at least 75% of all fatty acid components in the ethoxylated pentaerythritol ester are C18.

[0053] Preferably, at least 50 wt% of the ethoxylated pentaerythritol ester is the tetraester. More preferably, at least 80 wt% of the ethoxylated pentaerythritol ester is the tetraester.

[0054] Preferably, at least 50 wt% of the ethoxylated pentaerythritol ester is tetrastearate. More preferably, at least 80 wt% of the ethoxylated pentaerythritol ester is tetrastearate.

[0055] Preferably, less than 20 wt% of the ethoxylated pentaerythritol ester is a monoester or a diester. More preferably, less than 10 wt% of the ethoxylated pentaerythritol ester is a monoester or a diester.

[0056] Preferably, less than 20 wt% of the ethoxylated pentaerythritol ester is monostearate or distearate. More preferably, less than 10 wt% of the ethoxylated pentaerythritol ester is monostearate or distearate.

[0057] The most preferred ethoxylated pentaerythritol ester is pentaerythritol tetrastearate.

[0058] When the polyol is glycerol, it is preferred that at least 20 wt% of all fatty acid components in the ethoxylated glycerides are C14-20. More preferably, at least 60% of all fatty acid components in the ethoxylated glycerides are C14-20, and most preferably, at least 90% of all fatty acid ester components in the ethoxylated glycerides are C14-20.

[0059] Preferably, at least 50 wt% of the ethoxylated glycerides are triesters or tetraesters. More preferably, at least 80 wt% of the ethoxylated glycerides are triesters or tetraesters.

[0060] Preferably, at least 50 wt% of the ethoxylated glycerides are trioleate or tetraoleate. More preferably, at least 80 wt% of the ethoxylated glycerides are trioleate or tetraoleate.

[0061] Preferably, less than 20 wt% of the ethoxylated glycerides are monoesters. More preferably, less than 10 wt% of the ethoxylated glycerides are monoesters.

[0062] The most preferred ethoxylated glycerides are triolein or tetraolein.

[0063] Preferably, the ethoxylated polyol ester is present at 0.01-8.0% based on the premix composition. More preferably, the ethoxylated polyol ester is present at 1.5 to 5.0% based on the premix composition.

[0064] Preferred ethoxylated polyol esters include 40-50% PEG / PPG-120 / 10 trimethylolpropane trioleate; lauroyl polyoxyl-6 glycerides / hydrogenated palm / palm kernel oil PEG-6 esters; PEG-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, PEG-150 pentaerithrityltetrastearate; PEG-20 glyceryl tristearate, PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate, PEG-10 glyceryl trioleate, PEG-40 glyceryl trioleate, PEG-60 glyceryl trioleate; sorbitan polyether-230 tetraoleate; and PEG-120 methyl glucose trioleate, PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate.

[0065] Commercially available ethoxylated polyol esters include the Oxiflow series such as F1700 and S6800 (from Oxiteno), SorbiThix L-100 (from Applechem), Versathis MBAL-LQ (from Croda), Labrafil M2130 CS (from Gattefosse), Sorbax PTO-20 (from PCC), Atlas G1096 (from Croda), Arylpon TT (from BASF), SP Crothix MBAL LQ (from Croda), Examlex GWS 320, GWIS 320, GWO 320, GWO 340, GWO 360 (all from Nihon Emulsions), and Novethix HC220 (from Lubrizol).

[0066] Preferably, the concentrated laundry composition premix comprises from 0.1 to 6 wt% salt, more preferably from 1 to 4 wt% salt.The salt is preferably sodium chloride.

[0067] The level of salt is selected to provide appropriate viscosity characteristics on dilution and therefore depends on the amount of water used in the dilution step.Preferred levels of salt in the final diluted stable laundry liquid composition are from 0.2 to 2 wt% of the composition.

[0068] Liquid laundry detergent

[0069] The term "laundry detergent" in the context of the present invention means a formulated composition intended for and capable of wetting and cleaning household laundry such as clothes, linens and other household textiles. It is an object of the present invention to provide a premix which upon dilution is capable of forming a liquid laundry detergent composition in the manner now described.

[0070] The term "linen" is often used to describe specific types of laundry items, including sheets, pillowcases, towels, tablecloths, napkins, and uniforms. Textiles may include woven, nonwoven, and knitted fabrics; and may include natural or synthetic fibers, such as silk, flax, cotton, polyester, polyamide fibers such as nylon, acrylic, acetate, and blends thereof, including cotton and polyester blends.

[0071] Examples of liquid laundry detergents include heavy-duty liquid laundry detergents for use in the wash cycle of an automatic washing machine, as well as liquid delicate detergents and liquid color care detergents, such as those suitable for washing delicate garments (e.g., those made of silk or wool) by hand or in the wash cycle of an automatic washing machine.

[0072] The term "liquid" in the context of the present invention means that the continuous phase or major part of the composition is liquid and the composition is flowable at 15°C and above. Thus, the term "liquid" may include emulsions, suspensions, and compositions with a flowable but stiffer consistency known as gels or pastes. -1 The viscosity of the composition may suitably be in the range of about 200 to about 10,000 mPa.s at a shear rate of 1.5 to 2.0. This shear rate is the shear rate normally applied to the liquid when it is poured from the bottle. Pourable liquid detergent compositions typically have a viscosity of 200 to 1,500 mPa.s, preferably 200 to 700 mPa.s. Preferably, the viscosity of the premix is ​​100 to 300 cps, and the viscosity of the diluted composition is 400-600 cps.

[0073] Composition premixes and dilution compositions according to the invention may suitably have an aqueous continuous phase. "Aqueous continuous phase" means a continuous phase having water as its basis.

[0074] The premix compositions of the present invention suitably comprise from 5 to 70%, preferably from 15 to 60%, more preferably from 25 to 50% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition) of one or more detersive surfactants selected from: non-soap anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof.

[0075] The term "detersive surfactant" in the context of the present invention means a surfactant which provides a detersive (ie cleaning) benefit to laundry treated as part of a domestic laundry process.

[0076] The non-soap anionic surfactants used in the present invention are typically organic sulfates and sulfonates having an alkyl group containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term "alkyl" being used to include the alkyl portion of the higher acyl group. Examples of such materials include alkyl sulfate ester salts, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl aryl sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, and mixtures thereof. The alkyl group preferably contains 10 to 18 carbon atoms and may be unsaturated. The alkyl ether sulfates may contain 1 to 10 ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units per molecule, preferably 1 to 3 ethylene oxide units per molecule. The counter ions of the anionic surfactants are typically alkali metals, such as sodium or potassium; or ammonia counter ions such as monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA). Mixtures of such counter ions may also be used.

[0077] The non-soap anionic surfactant of the preferred type used in the present invention comprises alkylbenzene sulfonates, particularly linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) with an alkyl chain length of 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Commercial LAS is a mixture of closely related isomers and homologues alkyl chain homologues, each containing an aromatic ring sulfonated in the "p" position, and connected to a linear alkyl chain at any position except the terminal carbon. This linear alkyl chain typically has a chain length of 11 to 15 carbon atoms, wherein the primary material has a chain length of about C12. Every kind of alkyl chain homologue is made up of a mixture of all possible sulfophenyl isomers except the 1-phenyl isomer. LAS is usually formulated as the composition of the acid (i.e. HLAS) form, then at least partially in situ neutralization.

[0078] Some alkyl sulfate surfactants (PAS) may be used, such as non-ethoxylated primary and secondary alkyl sulfates having an alkyl chain length of 10 to 18.

[0079] Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

[0080] In the composition of the present invention, the total level of anionic surfactants may preferably be in the range of 20 to 50 wt % based on the total weight of the surfactants. However, it is preferred that the level of anionic surfactants is lower than the level of nonionic surfactants. The preferred ratio between anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants is from 1:1 to 1000:1, more preferably from 1:1.5 to 1:20 (anionic to nonionic).

[0081] Also commonly used in laundry liquid compositions are alkyl ether sulfates having a linear or branched alkyl group having from 10 to 18, more preferably from 12 to 14 carbon atoms, and containing an average of 1 to 3 EO units per molecule. A preferred example is sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) in which the predominantly C12 lauryl alkyl group has been ethoxylated, with an average of 3 EO units per molecule. However, we have found that alkyl ether sulfates have a detrimental effect on the performance of such compositions used as premixes as described herein, and in such cases it is preferred that the level of any alkyl ether sulfate is from 0 to 10 wt%, more preferably from 0 to 1 wt%, most preferably zero, based on the total level of surfactant.

[0082] Preferably, based on the total weight of the surfactant, the composition comprises 20 to 95wt% of a nonionic surfactant. The nonionic surfactant used in the present invention is typically a polyoxyalkylene compound, i.e., an alkylene oxide (e.g., ethylene oxide or propylene oxide or a mixture thereof) and a reaction product of a starting molecule having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom that reacts with the alkylene oxide. Such starting molecules include alcohols, acids, amides, or alkylphenols. When the starting molecule is an alcohol, the reaction product is known as an alcohol alkoxylate. The polyoxyalkylene compound can have various block and irregular (heteric) (random) structures. For example, they can include a single alkylene oxide block, or they can be a diblock alkoxylate or a triblock alkoxylate. In the block structure, the block can be all ethylene oxide or all propylene oxide, or the block can contain an irregular mixture of epoxides. Examples of such materials include C8 to C 22 Alkylphenol ethoxylates containing an average of 5 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alkylphenol; and aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates, such as C8 to C 18 Primary or secondary linear or branched alcohol ethoxylates containing an average of 2 to 40 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

[0083] Preferred types of nonionic surfactants for use in the present invention include aliphatic C8 to C 18 , more preferably C 12 To C 15 Primary linear alcohol ethoxylates containing an average of 3 to 20 moles, more preferably 5 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

[0084] Additional types of nonionic surfactants include alkyl polyglycosides and rhamnolipids.

[0085] Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

[0086] Preferably, the choice and amount of surfactant is such that the premix and the diluted mixture are isotropic in nature.

[0087] Defoaming agent

[0088] The concentrated product may also contain an anti-foaming agent. Anti-foaming materials are well known in the art and include silicones and fatty acids.

[0089] Preferably, where present, the fatty acid antifoam agent is present at 1.3 to 3.0 wt%, more preferably 1.4 to 2.0 wt%, most preferably 1.6 to 1.65 wt% of the premix.

[0090] In the context of the present invention, suitable fatty acids include aliphatic carboxylic acids of the formula RCOOH, wherein R is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl chain containing 6 to 24, more preferably 10 to 22, most preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and 0 or 1 double bonds. Preferred examples of such materials include: saturated C12-18 fatty acids, such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid or stearic acid; and fatty acid mixtures, wherein 50 to 100% (by weight based on the total weight of the mixture) consists of saturated C12-18 fatty acids. Such mixtures can typically be derived from natural fats and / or optionally hydrogenated natural oils (e.g. coconut oil, palm kernel oil or tallow).

[0091] The fatty acids may be present in the form of their sodium, potassium or ammonium salts and / or in the form of soluble salts of organic bases (eg monoethanolamine, diethanolamine or triethanolamine).

[0092] Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

[0093] For formulation calculation purposes, fatty acids and / or their salts (as defined above) are not included in the level of surfactant or in the level of builder in the formulation.

[0094] Co-surfactant

[0095] In addition to the non-soap anionic and / or nonionic detersive surfactants described above, the compositions of the present invention may also contain one or more co-surfactants (eg, amphoteric (zwitterionic) and / or cationic surfactants).

[0096] Specific cationic surfactants include: C8 to C18 alkyl dimethyl ammonium halides; and their derivatives, wherein one or two hydroxyethyl groups replace one or two methyl groups; and mixtures thereof. When included, the cationic surfactant may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5% (by weight based on the total weight of the premix composition).

[0097] Specific amphoteric (zwitterionic) surfactants include alkylamine oxides, alkyl betaines, alkyl amidopropyl betaines, alkyl sulfobetaines (sulfobetaines), alkyl glycinates, alkyl carboxyglycinates, alkyl amphoacetates, alkyl amphopropionates, alkyl amphoglycinates, alkyl amidopropyl hydroxysulfobetaines, acyl taurates and acyl glutamates, which have an alkyl group containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term "alkyl" being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl groups. When included, the amphoteric (zwitterionic) surfactant can be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5% (by weight based on the total weight of the composition).

[0098] Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

[0099] Preferably, the composition comprises PEG ester fatty acids. PEG fatty acid esters are included to modify the rheological properties of the composition, particularly during dilution. Preferred PEG ester fatty acids include PEG 9 cocoate, PEG 32 and PEG 175.

[0100] Preferably, the PEG ester fatty acid is present at 0.01-5.0% of the premix composition.

[0101] Detergent

[0102] Preferably, the composition comprises a builder, more preferably, the builder is MGDA. We have surprisingly found that MGDA provides a wider formulation window for this unusual product form and allows more defoamer to be provided before dilution by the consumer without reducing the visual appeal of the product, particularly clarity. This is particularly the case when the composition also comprises a fatty acid defoamer.

[0103] Where present, MGDA is present at 0.1 to 3 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 2 wt%, more preferably 0.2 to 1.0 wt% of the premix composition. Preferably, the premix composition comprises less than 1 wt% HEDP chelating agent, more preferably less than 0.1 wt% HEDP chelating agent.

[0104] Although the compositions of the invention may contain MGDA, it is preferred that no other builders are present.Thus, the compositions of the invention may contain 0 to 1 wt%, more preferably 0 to 0.1 wt%, of one or more additional builders based on the premix.

[0105] Polymer cleaning accelerator

[0106] To further improve the environmental profile of liquid laundry detergents, it may be preferred in some cases to reduce the volume of laundry detergent delivered per wash load and to add various weight efficient ingredients to the composition to boost cleaning performance. In addition to the soil release polymers of the present invention described above, the compositions of the present invention will preferably contain one or more additional polymeric cleaning boosters, such as anti-redeposition polymers.

[0107] Anti-redeposition polymers stabilize soil in the wash solution, thereby preventing the soil from redeposition. Soil release polymers suitable for use in the present invention include alkoxylated polyethyleneimines. Polyethyleneimines are materials composed of ethyleneimine units -CH2CH2NH-, in the case of branches, the hydrogen on the nitrogen is replaced by a chain of another ethyleneimine unit. Preferred alkoxylated polyethyleneimines for use in the present invention have a weight average molecular weight (MW) of about 300 to about 10,000. w ). The polyethyleneimine backbone can be linear or branched. It can be branched to the extent that it is a dendrimer. Alkoxylation can typically be ethoxylation or propoxylation, or a mixture of the two. When the nitrogen atoms are alkoxylated, the preferred average degree of alkoxylation is 10 to 30, preferably 15 to 25 alkoxy groups per modification. The preferred material is ethoxylated polyethyleneimine, wherein the average degree of ethoxylation is 10 to 30, preferably 15 to 25 ethoxy groups per ethoxylated nitrogen atom in the polyethyleneimine backbone.

[0108] Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

[0109] When included, the premix compositions of the present invention will preferably contain from 0.025 to 8 wt% of such materials based on the premix, depending on the number of portions of the premix that are intended to be mixed with water.Anti-redeposition polymers (e.g., the alkoxylated polyethyleneimines described above) are provided in an amount of from 0.5 to 6% (by weight based on the total weight of the dilute composition).

[0110] Dirt release polymers

[0111] Soil release polymers help improve soil removal from fabrics by modifying the fabric surface during washing. The adsorption of SRPs on the fabric surface is facilitated by the affinity between the chemical structure of the SRP and the target fibers.

[0112] The SRPs used in the present invention may include various charged (e.g., anionic) and uncharged monomer units, and the structure may be linear, branched, or star-shaped. The SRP structure may also include end-capping groups to control molecular weight or to alter polymer properties, such as surface activity. The weight average molecular weight (M) of the SRP may be w ) may suitably be in the range of about 1000 to about 20,000, preferably in the range of about 1500 to about 10,000.

[0113] The SRP used in the present invention can be suitably selected from copolyesters of dicarboxylic acids (e.g. adipic acid, phthalic acid or terephthalic acid), diols (e.g. ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) and polyglycols (e.g. polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol). The copolyesters can also include monomer units substituted with anionic groups, such as sulfonated isophthaloyl units. Examples of such materials include: oligoesters prepared by transesterification / oligomerization of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether, dimethyl terephthalate ("DMT"), propylene glycol ("PG"), and poly(ethylene glycol) ("PEG"); partially- and fully-anionically terminated oligoesters, such as oligomers from ethylene glycol ("EG"), PG, DMT, and Na-3,6-dioxa-8-hydroxyoctane sulfonate; nonionically terminated block polyester oligomeric compounds, such as those prepared from a combination of DMT, Me-terminated PEG, and EG and / or PG, or DMT, EG and / or PG, Me-terminated PEG, and Na-dimethyl-5-sulfoisophthalate; and copolymeric blocks of ethylene terephthalate or propylene terephthalate with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide terephthalate.

[0114] Other types of SRPs useful in the present invention include cellulose derivatives such as hydroxyether cellulose polymers, C1-C4 alkyl celluloses and C4 hydroxyalkyl celluloses; polymers having poly(vinyl ester) hydrophobic segments, such as graft copolymers of poly(vinyl esters), such as C1-C6 vinyl esters (e.g., poly(vinyl acetate)) grafted onto a polyoxyalkylene backbone; poly(vinyl caprolactam), and related copolymers with monomers such as vinyl pyrrolidone and / or dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate; and polyester-polyamide polymers prepared by condensing adipic acid, caprolactam and polyethylene glycol.

[0115] Preferred SRPs for use in the present invention include copolyesters formed from the condensation of terephthalate and a diol, preferably 1,2-propylene glycol, and further include endcaps formed from repeating units of alkylene oxides endcapped with alkyl groups. Examples of such materials have structures corresponding to general formula (I):

[0116]

[0117] Where R 1 and R 2 Independently of each other, X-(OC2H4) n -(OC3H6) m ;

[0118] Where X is C 1-4 Alkyl, preferably methyl;

[0119] n is a value from 12 to 120, preferably from 40 to 50;

[0120] m is a value from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 7; and

[0121] a is a value from 4 to 9.

[0122] Because they are average values, m, n and a are not necessarily integers for the polymer as a whole.

[0123] Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

[0124] When included, the total level of SRP may range from 0.1 to 10%, depending on the level of polymer intended for use in the final let-down composition, and desirably is 0.3 to 7%, more preferably 0.5 to 5% (by weight based on the total weight of the let-down composition).

[0125] Suitable soil release polymers are described in more detail in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,574,179; 4,956,447; 4,861,512; 4,702,857, WO 2007 / 079850 and WO 2016 / 005271. If used, soil release polymers will typically be added to the liquid laundry detergent premix compositions herein at a concentration of 0.01% to 10%, more preferably 0.1% to 5%, by weight of the premix composition.

[0126] Polymer thickener

[0127] The compositions of the present invention may include one or more polymeric thickeners. Suitable polymeric thickeners for use in the present invention include hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) copolymers. Exemplary HASE copolymers for use in the present invention include linear or crosslinked copolymers prepared by addition polymerization of a monomer mixture comprising at least one acidic vinyl monomer, such as (meth)acrylic acid (i.e., methacrylic acid and / or acrylic acid); and at least one associative monomer. The term "associative monomer" in the context of the present invention refers to a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated portion (for addition polymerization with other monomers in the mixture) and a hydrophobic portion. A preferred type of associative monomer includes a polyoxyalkylene portion between the ethylenically unsaturated portion and the hydrophobic portion. Preferred HASE copolymers for use in the present invention include linear or crosslinked copolymers prepared by addition polymerization of (meth)acrylic acid with: (i) at least one associative monomer selected from a linear or branched C8-C 40 Alkyl (preferably linear C 12 -C 22 The associative monomer (i) is preferably a polyethoxylated (meth)acrylate (e.g., C1-C4 alkyl) polyethoxylated (meth)acrylate; and (ii) at least one additional monomer selected from C1-C4 alkyl (meth)acrylates, polyacid vinyl monomers (e.g., maleic acid, maleic anhydride and / or their salts), and mixtures thereof. The polyethoxylated portion of the associative monomer (i) typically comprises from about 5 to about 100, preferably from about 10 to about 80, more preferably from about 15 to about 60 oxyethylene repeating units.

[0128] Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

[0129] When included, the compositions of the present invention will preferably contain 0.01 to 5 wt% polymeric thickener based on the total weight of the dilution composition, but depending on the amount intended for use in the final dilution product, the amount of polymeric thickener is desirably 0.1 to 3 wt% by weight based on the total weight of the dilution composition.

[0130] Fluorescent agent

[0131] It may be advantageous to include a fluorescent agent in the composition. Typically, these fluorescent agents are supplied and used in the form of their alkali metal salts, such as sodium salts. The total amount of one or more fluorescent agents used in the composition is typically 0.005 to 2 wt%, more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 wt%, based on the premix.

[0132] Preferred classes of fluorescent agents are: distyrylbiphenyl compounds, such as Tinopal (trademark) CBS-X; diaminestilbene disulfonic acid compounds, such as Tinopal DMS pure Xtra, Tinopal 5BMGX, and Blankophor (trademark) HRH; and pyrazoline compounds, such as Blankophor SN.

[0133] Preferred fluorescent agents are: sodium 2(4-phenylvinyl-3-sulfophenyl)-2H-naphtho[1,2-d]triazole, disodium 4,4'-bis{[(4-anilino-6-(N-methyl-N-2-hydroxyethyl)amino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)]amino}stilbene-2-2'disulfonate, disodium 4,4'-bis{[(4-phenylamino-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino}stilbene-2-2'disulfonate, and disodium 4,4'-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl.

[0134] Color dye

[0135] A hueing dye may be used to improve the properties of the composition. Preferred dyes are violet or blue. Preferably, the dye is present in 0.000001 to 1 wt%, more preferably 0.00001 to 0.0010 wt% based on the premix.

[0136] Preferably, the dye is selected from direct dyes, acid dyes, hydrophobic dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes, dye conjugates and mixtures thereof.

[0137] External structurants

[0138] The compositions of the present invention can further modify their rheology by using one or more external structurants that form a structural network within the composition. Examples of such materials include hydrogenated castor oil, microfiber cellulose, and citrus pulp fibers. The presence of an external structurant can provide shear-thinning rheology and can also enable materials such as encapsulates and visual cues to be stably suspended in the liquid.

[0139] Enzymes

[0140] The composition of the present invention may comprise an effective amount of one or more enzymes selected from the group consisting of pectin lyase, protease, amylase, cellulase, lipase, mannanase and mixtures thereof. These enzymes are preferably present together with corresponding enzyme stabilizers.

[0141] spices

[0142] Preferably, the premix comprises fragrance.

[0143] Preferably, the fragrance comprises a component selected from the group consisting of: ethyl-2-methylvalerate (2-methylvalerate ethyl ester (manzanate)); limonene; (4Z)-cyclopentadeca-4-en-1-one; dihydromyrcenol; dimethylbenzyl carbonate acetate; benzyl acetate; spiro[1,3-dioxolane-2,5'-(4',4',8',8'-tetramethyl-hexahydro-3',9'-methylenenaphthalene)]; benzyl acetate; rose oxide; geraniol; methylnonyl acetaldehyde; cyclacet (verdyl acetate) acetate); cyclamal; β-ionone; hexyl salicylate; tonalid; [2-(cyclohexyloxy)ethyl]benzene (phenafleur); octahydrotetramethylacetophenone (OTNE); benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX) raw materials, such as 2-phenylethanol, γ-methylphenylpentyl alcohol (phenoxanol) and mixtures thereof; cyclododecanone raw materials, such as habolonolide; phenolic plastic raw materials, such as hexyl salicylate; esters; raw materials containing a C5 block or oxygen heterocyclic moiety (moiety), such as gamma-decanoic acid, methyl dihydrojasmonate, and mixtures thereof; terpene raw materials, such as dihydromyrcenol, linalool, terpinene, camphor, citronellol, and mixtures thereof; alkyl alcohol raw materials, such as ethyl-2-methylbutyrate; diacid raw materials, such as ethylene glycol brazic acid ester; and mixtures of these components.

[0144] Preferably, the fragrance comprises 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the fragrance ethyl-2-methylvalerate (2-methylvalerate ethyl ester manzanate).

[0145] Preferably, the fragrance comprises 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the fragrance (4Z)-cyclopentadeca-4-en-1-one.

[0146] Preferably, the fragrance contains 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of fragrance dimethyl benzyl carbonate acetate.

[0147] Preferably, the fragrance comprises 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the fragrance dihydromyrcenol.

[0148] Preferably, the fragrance comprises 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the fragrance oxidized rose.

[0149] Preferably, the fragrance contains 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the fragrance verdyl acetate.

[0150] Preferably, the fragrance contains 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the fragrance benzyl acetate.

[0151] Preferably, the fragrance contains 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the fragrance spiro[1,3-dioxolane-2,5'-(4',4',8',8'-tetramethyl-hexahydro-3',9'-methylenenaphthalene)].

[0152] Preferably, the fragrance comprises 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the fragrance geraniol.

[0153] Preferably, the fragrance contains 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the fragrance methylnonyl acetaldehyde.

[0154] Preferably, the fragrance contains 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the fragrance cyclacet (verdyl acetate).

[0155] Preferably, the fragrance contains 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the fragrance cyclamal.

[0156] Preferably, the fragrance contains 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the fragrance β-ionone.

[0157] Preferably, the perfume comprises 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the perfume hexyl salicylate.

[0158] Preferably, the fragrance contains 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the fragrance Musk Tonalite.

[0159] Preferably, the fragrance contains 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the fragrance [2-(cyclohexyloxy)ethyl]phenafleur.

[0160] Preferably, the fragrance comprises a component selected from the class of benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX) raw materials. More preferably, the fragrance component is selected from 2-phenylethanol, gamma-methylphenylpentyl alcohol (phenoxanol) and mixtures thereof.

[0161] Preferably, the perfume comprises a component selected from the class of cyclododecanone raw materials. More preferably, the perfume component is habolonolide.

[0162] Preferably, the fragrance comprises a component selected from the class of phenolic plastic raw materials. More preferably, the fragrance component is hexyl salicylate.

[0163] Preferably, the perfume comprises a component selected from the class of raw materials containing a heterocyclic moiety containing a C5 block or oxygen. More preferably, the perfume component is selected from gamma-decalactone, methyl dihydrojasmonate and mixtures thereof.

[0164] Preferably, the fragrance comprises a component selected from the class of terpene raw materials. More preferably, the fragrance component is selected from linalool, terpinene, camphor, citronellol and mixtures thereof.

[0165] Preferably, the fragrance comprises a component selected from the class of alkyl alcohol raw materials. More preferably, the fragrance component is ethyl-2-methylbutyrate.

[0166] Preferably, the fragrance comprises a component selected from the class of diacid raw materials. More preferably, the fragrance component is ethylene glycol brazyl.

[0167] Preferably, the perfume contains 0.5 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 15 wt%, particularly preferably 6 to 10 wt% of the perfume octahydrotetramethylacetophenone (OTNE). OTNE is the abbreviation of the perfume material, having CAS numbers 68155-66-8, 54464-57-2 and 68155-67-9, and EC inventory number 915-730-3. Preferably, OTNE is present in the form of a multi-component isomer mixture comprising the following:

[0168] ·1-(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthyl)ethan-1-one (CAS 54464-57-2)

[0169] ·1-(1,2,3,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthyl)ethan-1-one (CAS 68155-66-8)

[0170] ·1-(1,2,3,4,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthyl)ethan-1-one (CAS 68155-67-9)

[0171] Such OTNE and its method of manufacture are fully described in US Pat. No. 3,907,321 (IFF).

[0172] Fragrance molecule 01 is a specific isomer of OTNE, commercially available from IFF. Another commercially available fragrance, Escentric 01, contains OTNE but also contains ambroxan, pink pepper, lime, with balsamic notes such as benzoin frankincense and incense.

[0173] Typically, commercially available fragrance raw materials comprise 1 to 8 wt % of the fragrance raw material OTNE.

[0174] Preferably, the above perfume components are present in the finished detergent composition at 0.0001 to 1 wt % of the composition.

[0175] Microcapsules

[0176] A type of microparticle suitable for use in the present invention is a microcapsule. Microencapsulation can be defined as a process in which a substance is surrounded or wrapped in another substance on a very small scale, producing capsules ranging in size from less than one micron to hundreds of microns. Encapsulated material can be referred to as core, active ingredient or reagent, filler, effective load, core or internal phase. The material encapsulating the core can be referred to as coating, film, shell or wall material.

[0177] Microcapsules typically have at least one generally spherical continuous shell surrounding a core. Depending on the material and encapsulation technique employed, the shell may contain holes, vacancies or interstitial openings. Multiple shells may be made of the same or different encapsulating materials and may be arranged in layers of varying thickness around the core. Alternatively, the microcapsules may be asymmetrically and variably shaped, wherein a certain amount of smaller core material droplets are embedded in the entire microcapsule.

[0178] The shell may have a barrier function to protect the core material from the environment outside the microcapsule, but it may also serve as a means of regulating the release of the core material, such as a fragrance. Thus, the shell may be water-soluble or water-swellable and may initiate fragrance release in response to exposure of the microcapsule to a humid environment. Similarly, if the shell is temperature-sensitive, the microcapsule may release fragrance in response to elevated temperatures. The microcapsule may also release fragrance in response to shear forces applied to the surface of the microcapsule.

[0179] A preferred type of polymer microparticle suitable for use in the present invention is a polymer core-shell microcapsule in which at least one generally spherical continuous shell of polymer material surrounds a core containing a fragrance formulation (f2). The shell will typically account for up to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the microcapsule. The fragrance formulation (f2) will typically account for about 10 to about 60% by weight, preferably about 20% to about 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the microcapsule. The amount of fragrance (f2) can be measured by taking a slurry of the microcapsule, extracting it into ethanol and measuring it by liquid chromatography.

[0180] The polymer core-shell microcapsules used in the present invention can be prepared using methods known to those skilled in the art (eg, coacervation, interfacial polymerization, and polycondensation).

[0181] The process of coacervation typically involves encapsulating a core material, which is usually insoluble in water, by precipitation of one or more colloidal materials onto the surface of a droplet of the core material. Coacervation can be simple, for example using a single colloid such as gelatin, or complex, where two or possibly more colloids of opposite charge are used under carefully controlled conditions of pH, temperature and concentration, for example gelatin and gum arabic or gelatin and carboxymethylcellulose.

[0182] Interfacial polymerization is typically carried out with the formation of a fine dispersion of oil droplets (containing the core material) in an aqueous continuous phase. The dispersed droplets form the core of the future microcapsules, and the size of the dispersed droplets directly determines the size of the subsequent microcapsules. The materials (monomers or oligomers) that form the microcapsule shells are contained in both the dispersed phase (oil droplets) and the aqueous continuous phase, and they react together at the phase interface to form a polymer wall around the oil droplets, thereby encapsulating the oil droplets and forming core-shell microcapsules. An example of a core-shell microcapsule prepared by this method is a polyurea microcapsule with a shell formed by the reaction of diisocyanates or polyisocyanates with diamines or polyamines.

[0183] The polycondensation involves forming a dispersion or emulsion of the core material in an aqueous solution of a precondensate of the polymer material under appropriate stirring conditions to prepare capsules of the desired size, and adjusting the reaction conditions to cause condensation of the precondensate by acid catalysis, resulting in the condensate separating from the solution and surrounding the dispersed core material to prepare an adherent film and the desired microcapsules. Examples of core-shell microcapsules prepared by this method are aminoplast microcapsules having a shell formed from the polycondensation product of melamine (2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine) or urea with formaldehyde. Suitable crosslinking agents (e.g. toluene diisocyanate, divinylbenzene, butanediol diacrylate) may also be used, and secondary wall polymers such as anhydrides and their derivatives, especially polymers and copolymers of maleic anhydride, may also be used as appropriate.

[0184] An example of a preferred polymer core-shell microcapsule for use in the present invention is an aminoplast microcapsule having an aminoplast shell surrounding a core containing the fragrance formulation (f2). More preferably, this aminoplast shell is formed from a polycondensation product of melamine and formaldehyde.

[0185] The polymer microparticles suitable for use in the present invention will generally have an average particle size of 100 nanometers to 50 microns. Particles greater than this value are entering the visible range. Examples of particles in the submicron range include latex and mini-emulsions with a typical size range of 100 to 600 nanometers. The preferred particle size range is in the micrometer range. Examples of particles in the micrometer range include polymer core-shell microcapsules (such as those further described above) with a typical size range of 1 to 50 microns, preferably 5 to 30 microns. The average particle size can be determined by light scattering using a Malvern Mastersizer, where the average particle size is taken as the median particle size D (0.5) value. The particle size distribution can be narrow, wide or multimodal. If necessary, the initially prepared microcapsules can be filtered or screened to prepare a more uniformly sized product.

[0186] Polymer particles suitable for use in the present invention may be provided with a deposition aid on the outer surface of the particle. Deposition aids are used to modify the properties of the exterior of the particle, for example to make the particle more substantial to a desired substrate. Desired substrates include cellulosics (including cotton) and polyesters (including those used in the manufacture of polyester fabrics).

[0187] The deposition aid may be suitably provided on the outer surface of the microparticle by covalent bonding, entanglement or strong adsorption. Examples include polymer core-shell microcapsules (such as those described further above) in which the deposition aid is bound to the exterior of the shell, preferably by covalent bonding. Although it is preferred that the deposition aid is directly bound to the exterior of the shell, it may also be bound via a linking substance.

[0188] The deposition aid for use in the present invention may be suitably selected from polysaccharides having an affinity for cellulose. Such polysaccharides may be naturally occurring or synthetic and may have an intrinsic affinity for cellulose or may have been derivatized or otherwise modified to have an affinity for cellulose. Suitable polysaccharides have a 1-4 linked beta glycan (universal carbohydrate) backbone structure, having at least 4, preferably at least 10 β1-4 linked backbone residues, such as a glucan backbone (consisting of β1-4 linked glucose residues), a mannan backbone (consisting of β1-4 linked mannose residues) or a xylan backbone (consisting of β1-4 linked xylose residues). Examples of such β1-4 linked polysaccharides include xyloglucans, glucomannans, mannans, galactomannans, β(1-3), (1-4) glucans, and the xylan family including glucuronoxylans, arabinoxylans and glucuronylarabinoxylans. Preferred β1-4 linked polysaccharides for use in the present invention can be selected from plant-derived xyloglucans, such as pea xyloglucan and tamarind seed xyloglucan (TXG) (which have a β1-4 linked glucan backbone with side chains of α-D xylopyranose and β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-2)-α-D-xylo-pyranose, both linked 1-6 to the backbone); and plant-derived galactomannans, such as locust bean gum (LBG) (which have a mannan backbone of β1-4 linked mannose residues with single unit galactose side chains α1-6 linked to the backbone).

[0189] Also suitable are polysaccharides which, after hydrolysis, acquire an affinity for cellulose, such as cellulose monoacetate, or modified polysaccharides having an affinity for cellulose, such as hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylguar, hydroxyethylethylcellulose and methylcellulose.

[0190] The deposition aid for use in the present invention may also be selected from phthalate-containing polymers having an affinity for polyesters. Such phthalate-containing polymers may have one or more nonionic hydrophilic segments containing oxyalkylene groups (e.g., ethylene oxide, polyethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or polypropylene oxide groups), and one or more hydrophobic segments containing terephthalate groups. Typically, the oxyalkylene groups will have a degree of polymerization of 1 to about 400, preferably 100 to about 350, more preferably 200 to about 300. Suitable examples of phthalate-containing polymers of this type are copolymers having random blocks of ethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0191] Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be suitable.

[0192] The deposition aids used in the present invention will generally have a weight average molecular weight (M) in the range of from about 5 kDa to about 500 kDa, preferably from about 10 kDa to about 500 kDa, more preferably from about 20 kDa to about 300 kDa. w ).

[0193] An example of a particularly preferred polymer core-shell microcapsule for use in the present invention is an aminoplast microcapsule having a shell formed by the polycondensation of melamine and formaldehyde; surrounding a core (f2) containing a fragrance formulation; wherein a deposition aid is covalently bound to the exterior of the shell. Preferred deposition aids are selected from β1-4 linked polysaccharides, in particular xyloglucans of plant origin, as further described above.

[0194] The inventors have surprisingly observed that the total level of perfume contained in the compositions of the present invention can be reduced without sacrificing the overall fragrance experience delivered to the consumer at a critical stage in the laundry process. Reducing the total level of perfume is advantageous for cost and environmental reasons.

[0195] Thus, the total amount of fragrance formulation (f1) and fragrance formulation (f2) in the premix of the present invention is suitably in the range of 0.5 to 1.4%, preferably 0.5 to 1.2%, more preferably 0.5 to 1%, most preferably 0.6 to 0.9% (by weight based on the total weight of the premix).

[0196] The weight ratio of fragrance formulation (f1) to fragrance formulation (f2) in the composition of the present invention is preferably in the range of 60:40 to 45:55. Particularly good results have been obtained at a weight ratio of fragrance formulation (f1) to fragrance formulation (f2) of about 50:50.

[0197] Fragrance (f1) and fragrance (f2) are typically added at different stages of the formulation of the composition of the invention. Typically, discrete polymer microparticles (e.g. microcapsules) encapsulating the fragrance formulation (f2) are added in the form of a slurry to a warm base formulation containing the other components of the composition (e.g. surfactants and solvents). Fragrance (f1) is typically post-added after the base formulation has cooled.

[0198] Other optional ingredients

[0199] The composition of the present invention may include additional optional ingredients to enhance performance and / or consumer acceptability. Examples of such ingredients include foam enhancers, preservatives (e.g., bactericides), polyelectrolytes, anti-shrinkage agents, anti-wrinkle agents, antioxidants, sunscreens, anti-corrosives, drape imparting agents, antistatic agents, ironing aids, colorants, pearlescent agents and / or sunscreens and tinting dyes. Each of these ingredients will be present in an amount that effectively achieves its purpose. Typically, these optional ingredients are each included in an amount of up to 5% (based on the gross weight of the diluted composition by weight), and are therefore adjusted according to the dilution ratio with water.

[0200] Many of the ingredients used in embodiments of the present invention can be obtained from so-called "black carbon sources" or more sustainable green sources. Provided below is a list of alternative sources for some of these ingredients and how they can be made into the raw materials described herein.

[0201] SLES and PAS

[0202] SLES and other such alkali metal alkyl ether sulfate anionic surfactants are generally obtainable by sulfating alcohol ethoxylates. These alcohol ethoxylates are generally obtainable by ethoxylating linear alcohols. Similarly, primary alkyl sulfate surfactants (PAS) can be obtained directly from linear alcohols by sulfating the linear alcohols. Therefore, forming the linear alcohol is a central step in obtaining both PAS and alkali metal alkyl ether sulfate surfactants.

[0203] Linear alcohols suitable as an intermediate step in the manufacture of alcohol ethoxylates and hence anionic surfactants such as sodium lauryl ether sulfate can be obtained from a number of different sustainable sources. These include:

[0204] Primary sugar

[0205] Primary sugars are obtained from cane sugar or sugar beets, etc., and can be fermented to form bioethanol. The bioethanol is then dehydrated to form bioethylene, which then undergoes olefin metathesis to form alkene. These alkene are then processed into linear alcohols by hydroformylation or oxidation.

[0206] An alternative method can be used which also utilizes primary sugars to form linear alcohols and in which the primary sugars are microbially converted by algae to form triglycerides. These triglycerides are then hydrolyzed into linear fatty acids which are then reduced to form linear alcohols.

[0207] Biomass

[0208] Biomass, such as forest products, rice husks and straw (to name a few), can be processed into synthesis gas by gasification. These are processed into alkanes by the Fischer-Tropsch reaction, which are in turn dehydrogenated to form olefins. These olefins can be processed in the same manner as described for olefins above [primary sugars]. An alternative method converts the same biomass into polysaccharides by steam explosion, which can be enzymatically degraded into secondary sugars. These secondary sugars are then fermented to form bioethanol, which is in turn dehydrated to form bioethylene. The bioethylene is then processed into linear alcohols as described above [primary sugars].

[0209] Waste plastics

[0210] Waste plastics are pyrolyzed to form pyrolysis oil. The pyrolysis oil is then fractionated to form linear alkanes, which are dehydrogenated to form olefins. These olefins are processed as described above [primary sugars].

[0211] Alternatively, the pyrolysis oil is cracked to form ethylene which is then processed by olefin metathesis to form the desired olefins. These are then processed into linear alcohols as described above [primary sugars].

[0212] Municipal Solid Waste

[0213] MSW is converted to syngas by gasification. From the syngas, it can be processed to ethylene as described above [primary sugars] or it can be converted to ethanol by enzymatic methods and then dehydrogenated to ethylene. The ethylene can then be converted to linear alcohols by the Ziegler process.

[0214] MSW can also be converted into pyrolysis oil by gasification and then fractionated to form alkanes. These alkanes are then dehydrogenated to form olefins and then linear alcohols.

[0215] Ocean Carbon

[0216] There are various carbon sources from marine communities such as seaweed and kelp. From these marine communities, triglycerides can be isolated from the source and then the triglycerides are hydrolyzed to form fatty acids which are reduced to linear alcohols in the usual manner.

[0217] Alternatively, the feedstock can be separated into polysaccharides which are enzymatically degraded to form secondary sugars. These can be fermented to form bioethanol and then processed as described above [primary sugars].

[0218] Waste oil

[0219] Waste oils, such as used cooking oils, can be physically separated into triglycerides, which are split to form linear fatty acids and then to form linear alcohols as described above.

[0220] Alternatively, the used cooking oil may be subjected to the Neste process, whereby the oil is catalytically cracked to form bio-ethylene. The bio-ethylene is then processed as described above.

[0221] Methane capture

[0222] Methane capture processes capture methane from landfills or from fossil fuel production. The methane can be formed into synthesis gas by gasification. The synthesis gas can be processed as described above, whereby the synthesis gas is converted into methanol (Fischer-Tropsch reaction), then into olefins, and then into linear alcohols by hydroformylation oxidation.

[0223] Alternatively, the synthesis gas may be converted to alkanes and then to olefins by Fischer-Tropsch and subsequent dehydrogenation.

[0224] Carbon capture

[0225] Carbon dioxide can be captured by any of a variety of well-known methods. The carbon dioxide can be converted to carbon monoxide by the reverse water-gas shift reaction, and the carbon monoxide can be converted to synthesis gas using hydrogen in an electrolysis reaction. The synthesis gas is then processed as described above and converted to methanol and / or alkanes, which are then reacted to form olefins.

[0226] Alternatively, the captured carbon dioxide is mixed with hydrogen and then enzymatically treated to form ethanol. This is a process that has been developed by Lanzatech. Thus, the ethanol is converted to ethylene, then processed to olefins, and then processed to linear alcohols as described above.

[0227] LAS

[0228] One of the other major surfactants commonly used in cleaning compositions, especially laundry compositions, is LAS (linear alkylbenzene sulfonate).

[0229] The key intermediate compounds in LAS production are the related olefins. These alkene (olefin) can be prepared by any of the above methods and can be formed from primary sugars, biomass, waste plastics, MSW, carbon capture, methane capture, ocean carbon (for example).

[0230] However, instead of the olefin being processed by hydroformylation and oxidation to form a linear alcohol in the above process, the olefin is reacted with benzene and then with a sulfonate to form LAS.

[0231] Packaging and Dosage

[0232] The composition of the present invention can be packaged in a polymer film soluble in wash water as a unit dose. Alternatively, the composition of the present invention can be supplied in a multi-dose plastic package with a top or bottom closure. The dosage measurement can be provided with the package as part of the cover or as an integrated system.

[0233] The process of washing fabrics using the compositions of the present invention will generally involve diluting a dose of the detergent composition with water to obtain a wash liquor and washing fabrics with the wash liquor so formed.

[0234] In a second aspect, there is provided a method of forming a laundry detergent composition by diluting a premix as described above in water.

[0235] The consumer can add water to the concentrated premix, or alternatively, add the concentrated premix to water according to the preferred consumer behavior in any particular market. In the case of adding the premix to water, the premix will be provided to the consumer in conventional packaging that conforms to the volume of the purchased premix. In this case, it is preferred that the packaged premix has a dilution container of appropriate size, to which water from the household supply is added, and to which the premix is ​​added to form a functional liquid detergent composition.

[0236] Preferably, the premix is ​​prepared by diluting the premix in water at a ratio of 0.8 to 1 to 10 to 1 (ratio of water to premix). The degree of dilution also depends on market choice. In some markets, a more concentrated product is desired, while in other markets a more diluted product is preferred. Therefore, the amount of water indicated for use is variable, but preferably the dilution is at least 1:1, preferably no more than 5 to 1 (ratio of water to concentrated premix).

[0237] In a third aspect, a container is provided, which contains the premix as described in the first aspect. The container includes bottles, tottles, sealable bags, and doy-packs, etc. Preferably, the container has an orifice that can provide a device for adding water from a domestic supply to the container containing the concentrated premix. It is also preferred that the container includes a device for adding water to the container and a separate device for allowing the dilution content to be dispensed. In this embodiment, when in an upright position, the device for adding water is preferably near the top of the container, and the device for allowing the dilution content to be dispensed is arranged near the bottom of the container in the same position.

[0238] The container may also be of the expandable type, wherein the container purchased by the consumer is expanded prior to dilution with water from a household supply.

[0239] For example, a consumer purchases a folded container so that it contains a first volume of concentrated premix, and is optionally packaged in a secondary package so that the consumer only sees an ordinary box or carton. Within this secondary package is a bag or other such container, and it contains the premix. Water is added from a household supply, and the concentrate is thus diluted to form a liquid laundry treatment composition that can be used by the consumer in a conventional manner. For example, it can be added to a shuttle device and placed in a washing machine drum, or it can be dispensed into a washing machine drawer.

[0240] The water supply may also be filtered prior to use. This is determined by the consumer, but it is expected that the concentrated premixes described herein are suitable for use with a wide range of water hardnesses.

[0241] Preferably, the container displaces an appropriate volume to allow dilution of the premix to form a liquid detergent composition at an appropriate dilution. For example, the container may have an internal volume (V), and the premix supplied in the container may have a volume of V / 3. In this embodiment, the consumer would be instructed to add two parts of water to one part of the premix so that the volume of the diluted premix is ​​substantially equal to V.

[0242] In an alternative embodiment, the premix is ​​sold in a container of appropriate size to match the volume sold, along with a "holding" container that can be filled with diluted product or empty, depending on consumer preference. The premix container and holding container are held together by a secondary wrap (e.g., shrink wrap).

[0243] The retention container may have markings that assist the user in achieving the correct dilution level.

[0244] Example

[0245] Example 1

[0246] Below are two formulations (1 and 2) according to the invention and were prepared using the standard protocol. These are premix formulations and are intended to be diluted by the consumer at 1 part premix to 5 parts water.

[0247] 1 2 3 4 Element wt% wt% wt% wt% water Up to 100 Up to 100 Up to 100 Up to 100 Salt 4 4 4 4 Propylene glycol 8 10 14 8 Sodium hydroxide 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 Fluorescent agent 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 TEA Buffer 2 2 2 2 LAS acid 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.8 Sodium hydroxide 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.21 CABP 3 3 3 3 Nonionic surfactants 31.2 31.2 31.2 31.2 Ethoxylated polyol esters 5 5 5 5 Dirt release polymers 0 0.6 0.6 0.6 EPEI 0 2.25 2.25 2.25 dye 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 Phenoxyethanol 7 5 0 0 preservative 0.0095 0.0095 0.0095 0.0095 Enzymes 0.045 0.045 0.045 0.045 Enzymes 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 spices 2.28 2.28 2.28 2.28

[0248] Example 2

[0249] The following is the implementation process.

[0250] Prepare a premix of optical brightener, water and dye. Separately, prepare a batch of saline, water, MPG, glycerol, TEA, NaOH (60% of total formulation).

[0251] LAS acid was then added and allowed to react for 5 minutes.

[0252] The remaining (about 40%) NaOH is added to adjust the pH to 6.5-7.5 (preferably 6.5 to 7.0).

[0253] Add betaine (55° C.) before adding nonionic surfactant and maintain the temperature of the batch at 45-55° C. Stir for 5 minutes.

[0254] The preheated ethoxylated polyol ester was added and the batch temperature was maintained at 45-55°C.

[0255] Cool to 30°C at a rate not exceeding 1°C per minute.

[0256] Add preservatives at 40°C.

[0257] Add a premix of optical brightener and dye.

[0258] Enzyme was added at 30°C.

[0259] Example 3

[0260] The stability of Formulations 1 to 4 was tested. Formulations 1 and 2 were stable, while Formulations 3 and 4 were unstable. This suggests that the level of MPG can be reduced as long as the level of POE is increased.

Claims

1. A concentrated laundry composition premix, said premix being dilutable in water to form a laundry liquid composition, said premix comprising water, 5 to 70 wt% of a surfactant, 2 to 15 wt% of a hydrotrope, 2 to 15 wt% of phenoxyethanol, and wherein the hydrotrope and phenoxyethanol together represent 13 to 17 wt% of the premix, and wherein said premix has a viscosity of 100 to 800 mPa.s at 25°C and at 106 s -1 The viscosity is measured at 25°C and at 106 s -1 The viscosity of the stable laundry liquid composition measured at 370°C is from 200 to 800 mPa.s.

2. A concentrated premix according to claim 1 comprising 6.5 to 8.5 wt% of a hydrotrope.

3. A concentrated premix according to any preceding claim comprising 6.5 to 8.5 wt% phenoxyethanol.

4. A concentrated laundry composition according to any preceding claim comprising an ethoxylated polyol ester.

5. The premix according to claim 4, wherein the polyol is selected from sorbitol, pentaerythritol and glycerol.

6. A concentrated laundry composition according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the ester is C14 to C20, preferably a stearate or oleate.

7. A concentrated laundry composition according to any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the ethoxylated polyol ester comprises [on average] at least two ester units per molecule.

8. A concentrated laundry composition according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the polyol is sorbitol and the ester is oleate.

9. A concentrated laundry composition premix according to any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein the premix comprises 0 to 5 wt% alkyl ether sulphate.

10. A concentrated laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surfactant comprises anionic surfactant and nonionic surfactant in a weight ratio of 50:50 to 1 :99, and wherein the composition comprises 0 to 5 wt% alkyl ether sulphate.

11. A method of forming a laundry detergent composition by diluting one part of a concentrated laundry composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 in 1 to 10 parts of water.

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