Water-soluble unit dose articles

Abstract

The utility model relates to a water-soluble unit dose product. A water-soluble unit dose article comprising a water-soluble film shaped such that the water-soluble unit dose article comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, and wherein the first compartment comprises a first substrate treatment composition and the second compartment comprises a second substrate treatment composition, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are arranged in a juxtaposed manner on a sealing plane, and wherein the first compartment has a first depth and the second compartment has a second depth, and wherein a ratio of the first depth to the second depth is at least 1.5.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a water-soluble unit-dose product. Background Art

[0002] Water-soluble unit dose products are popular with consumers for their convenience and ease of use. Consumers also like the fact that they do not need to measure the detergent dose, thus eliminating accidental spillage during dosing operations. Accidental doses can be messy and inconvenient. Water-soluble unit dose products include a water-soluble film that is shaped so that the unit dose product includes at least one internal compartment surrounded by the water-soluble film. Preferred film materials are preferably polymeric materials. As is known in the art, the film material can be obtained by, for example, casting, blow molding, extruding, or blow extrusion of the polymeric material.

[0003] Water-soluble unit dose products may include one or more compartments for containing the same or different substrate treatment compositions (e.g., laundry detergent compositions). The compartments may be made into various shapes. The choice of shape generally depends on aesthetic preferences. A typical method for preparing unit dose products comprises the following steps: film feeding, juice filling, film sealing, and packaging. In the packaging step, the unit dose products are conveyed to a packaging line that may include a ramp module. In the ramp module, the unit dose products typically roll or slide down the ramp into a package or container due to gravity. However, sometimes a "traffic jam" phenomenon occurs because some unit dose products fail to roll or slide down, and sometimes two or more unit dose products will stick to each other on the ramp. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the shape of the unit dose products in order to reduce this type of "traffic jam" phenomenon.

[0004] The present inventors have surprisingly found that water-soluble unit dose products with optimized compartment shapes can provide reduced "traffic jams". Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates in one aspect to a water-soluble unit dose article for treating a substrate, wherein the water-soluble unit dose article comprises a water-soluble film, the water-soluble film being formed such that the water-soluble unit dose article comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, and wherein the first compartment contains a first substrate treatment composition and the second compartment contains a second substrate treatment composition, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are arranged in a side-by-side manner on a sealing plane, and wherein the first compartment has a first depth and the second compartment has a second depth, and wherein the ratio of the first depth to the second depth is at least 1.5. The water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention can provide a reduced occurrence of "traffic jams".

[0006] In particular, the ratio of the first depth to the second depth is 1.5 to 10, preferably 1.8 to 7, more preferably 2.0 to 5, and most preferably 2.2 to 3.5, for example 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or any range therebetween. In particular, the first depth is 5 to 60 mm, preferably 8 to 45 mm, more preferably 10 to 35 mm, and most preferably 12 to 28 mm, for example 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 28 mm or any range therebetween; and / or the second depth is 3 to 45 mm, preferably 5 to 30 mm, more preferably 7 to 20 mm, and most preferably 8 to 12 mm, for example 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 mm or any range therebetween.

[0007] In some preferred embodiments, the first compartment has a top to bottom depth ratio (TBR) of 0.60 to 1, preferably greater than or equal to 0.60 and less than 1, more preferably 0.65 to 0.95, still more preferably 0.70 to 0.92, most preferably 0.75 to 0.90, such as 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9 or any range therebetween. Preferably, the first compartment is asymmetric up and down, and in other words, the TBR of the first compartment is less than 1.

[0008] An advantage of the water-soluble unit dose preparation according to the present application may be that it provides an improved manufacturing process.

[0009] Another advantage of the water-soluble unit dose preparations according to the present application may be to provide reduced occurrence of "traffic jams".

[0010] Another advantage of the water-soluble unit dose articles according to the present application may be that they provide a reduced occurrence of unit dose articles sticking together on conveyor belts (both on flat belts and on ramps). Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the unit dose articles according to the present application are in a continuous shaking motion relative to each other, thereby correspondingly leading to the avoidance of sticking.

[0011] These and other aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 An exemplary unit dose article 1 before optimization is shown. The unit dose article 1 comprises a first compartment 11 arranged in the center of the unit dose article 1 and a second compartment 12 arranged at the periphery of the unit dose article 1 .

[0013] Figure 2An exemplary unit dose article 2 according to the present disclosure is shown in which the compartment shape is optimized. The unit dose article 2 includes a first compartment 21 arranged in the center of the unit dose article 2 and a second compartment 22 arranged at the periphery of the unit dose article 2.

[0014] FIG3 shows a schematic diagram of shape parameter testing for unit dose articles. Figure 3A and Figure 3B A perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a unit dose article 2 are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] definition

[0016] As used herein, articles including "a" and "an" when used in a claim should be understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

[0017] As used herein, the terms "comprise", "include", and "contain" are non-limiting, i.e., other steps and other ingredients that do not affect the results can be added. The above terms encompass the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of".

[0018] As used herein, when a composition is "substantially free" of a particular ingredient, it means that the composition comprises less than trace amounts, alternatively less than 0.1%, alternatively less than 0.01%, alternatively less than 0.001% of the particular ingredient by weight of the composition.

[0019] As used herein, the term "substrate" refers to a material that requires treatment (e.g., cleaning). Such substrates may include hard surfaces and fabrics.

[0020] As used herein, the term "substrate treatment composition" refers to a composition for treating a substrate. Such compositions can be in any form suitable for treating a substrate, including granules, pourable liquids, gels, creams, and combinations thereof. The substrate treatment compositions contained in different compartments of a unit-dose article can be the same or different.

[0021] As used herein, the term "laundry detergent composition" refers to a composition for cleaning contaminated materials, including fabrics. Such compositions can be used as laundry pre-treaters, laundry post-treaters, or can be added during the rinse cycle or wash cycle of a laundry operation. The term "liquid laundry detergent composition" refers herein to a composition in the form of a pourable liquid, a gel, a cream, and a combination thereof. The term "unit dose laundry detergent composition" refers herein to a water-soluble pouch containing a volume of liquid that is wrapped in a water-soluble film.

[0022] As used herein, the term "side-by-side" means that the first compartment, the second compartment and optionally the third or subsequent compartment are arranged adjacent to each other on a sealing plane.

[0023] As used herein, the term "stacked" refers to a second compartment and optionally a third or subsequent compartment being stacked on a first compartment. In one embodiment, the third compartment may be stacked on a second compartment, which in turn is stacked on the first compartment in a sandwich configuration. Alternatively, the second compartment and the third compartment and optionally subsequent compartments may all be stacked on the first compartment.

[0024] As used herein, the term "alkyl" refers to a branched or unbranched, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon moiety. Included within the term "alkyl" is the alkyl portion of an acyl group.

[0025] As used herein, the term "wash solution" refers to a typical amount of aqueous solution used for one laundry wash cycle, preferably 1 L to 50 L, alternatively 1 L to 20 L for hand wash, and 10 L to 50 L for machine wash.

[0026] As used herein, the term "stained fabric" is used non-specifically and may refer to any type of fabric made of natural or man-made fibers, including natural fibers, man-made fibers, and synthetic fibers, such as, but not limited to, cotton, linen, wool, polyester, nylon, silk, acrylic, etc., and various blends and combinations.

[0027] Water-soluble unit dose products

[0028] The utility model discloses a water-soluble unit dose product, which includes a water-soluble film and a substrate treatment composition. In particular, the substrate treatment composition is wrapped with the water-soluble film. The water-soluble film and the substrate treatment composition are described in more detail below.

[0029] The water-soluble unit dose product comprises a water-soluble film that is shaped so that the unit dose product comprises at least one inner compartment surrounded by the water-soluble film. The unit dose product may comprise a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film that are sealed to define the inner compartment. The water-soluble unit dose product is configured so that the substrate treatment composition does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, when the water-soluble unit dose product is added to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and releases the contents in the inner compartment into the wash liquid.

[0030] Compartment should be understood to refer to the enclosed interior space within the unit dose article, which holds the detergent composition. During manufacture, the first water-soluble film can be shaped to include an open compartment, in which the detergent composition is added. The second water-soluble film is then covered over the first film in an orientation close to the opening of the compartment. The first and second films are then sealed together along the sealing area.

[0031] The water-soluble unit dose article may comprise a water-soluble film formed such that the water-soluble unit dose article comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, and wherein the first compartment comprises a first substrate treatment composition and the second compartment comprises a second substrate treatment composition, wherein the first compartment has a first depth and the second compartment has a second depth, and wherein the ratio of the first depth to the second depth is at least 1.5.

[0032] Specifically, the ratio of the first depth to the second depth is 1.5 to 10, preferably 1.8 to 7, more preferably 2.0 to 5, and most preferably 2.2 to 3.5.

[0033] Specifically, the first depth is 5mm to 40mm, preferably 8mm to 35mm, more preferably 10mm to 30mm, and most preferably 12mm to 28mm; and / or the second depth is 3mm to 25mm, preferably 5mm to 21mm, more preferably 7mm to 16mm, and most preferably 8mm to 12mm.

[0034] In some preferred embodiments, the first compartment has a top to bottom depth ratio (TBR) of 0.60 to 1, preferably greater than or equal to 0.60 and less than 1, more preferably 0.65 to 0.95, still more preferably 0.70 to 0.92, most preferably 0.75 to 0.90, such as 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9 or any range therebetween. Preferably, the first compartment is asymmetric up and down, and in other words, the TBR of the first compartment is less than 1. As used herein, the term "top to bottom depth ratio" is intended to refer to the ratio of the depth of the upper half of the compartment to the depth of the lower half of the compartment. Specifically, the compartment can be divided into two halves (i.e., the upper half and the lower half) at the sealing plane. The upper half refers to the lower one of the two halves, and the lower half refers to the higher one.

[0035] In some preferred embodiments, the second compartment has a second top to bottom depth ratio (TBR) of 0.60 to 1, preferably greater than or equal to 0.60 and less than 1, more preferably 0.65 to 0.95, still more preferably 0.70 to 0.92, most preferably 0.75 to 0.90, such as 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9 or any range therebetween. Preferably, the second compartment is asymmetric up and down, and in other words, the second TBR of the second compartment is less than 1.

[0036] In some preferred embodiments, the first compartment of the unit dose article according to the present disclosure has a first top depth, and the second compartment of the unit dose article according to the present disclosure has a second top depth, wherein the unit dose article according to the present disclosure is characterized in that the ratio of the first top depth to the second top depth is 1.5 to 10, preferably 1.8 to 7, more preferably 2.0 to 5, and most preferably 2.2 to 3.5.

[0037] In some preferred embodiments, the first compartment of the unit dose article according to the present disclosure has a first bottom depth, and the second compartment of the unit dose article according to the present disclosure has a second bottom depth, wherein the unit dose article according to the present disclosure is characterized in that the ratio of the first bottom depth to the second bottom depth is 1.5 to 10, preferably 1.8 to 7, more preferably 2.0 to 5, and most preferably 2.2 to 3.5.

[0038] In some preferred embodiments, the first substrate treatment composition has a first volume and the second substrate treatment composition has a second volume, wherein the ratio of the first volume to the second volume is 1.2 to 10, preferably 1.5 to 8, more preferably 1.8 to 6, and most preferably 2 to 5, and; wherein the first volume is between 6 ml and 60 ml, preferably between 7 ml and 40 ml, more preferably between 8 ml and 20 ml; and / or wherein the second volume is between 1.5 ml and 30 ml, preferably between 2 ml and 15 ml, more preferably between 2.5 ml and 8 ml.

[0039] In some preferred embodiments, the first compartment has a first volume and the second compartment has a second volume, wherein the ratio of the first volume to the second volume is 1.2 to 10, preferably 1.5 to 8, more preferably 1.8 to 6, and most preferably 2 to 5, and wherein the first volume is between 6 ml and 80 ml, preferably between 7 ml and 60 ml, more preferably between 8 ml and 30 ml; and / or wherein the second volume is between 1.5 ml and 40 ml, preferably between 2 ml and 20 ml, more preferably between 2.5 ml and 10 ml. Preferably, the filling level of the substrate treatment composition in the compartment is at least 50%, preferably at least 60% or even at least 70% or even at least 80%, preferably at least 90%.

[0040] In some preferred embodiments, the first compartment has a first aspect ratio of 0.60 to 1, preferably 0.65 to 0.95, more preferably 0.70 to 0.92, most preferably 0.75 to 0.90.

[0041] In some preferred embodiments, the second compartment has a second aspect ratio of 0.60 to 1, preferably 0.65 to 0.95, more preferably 0.70 to 0.92, most preferably 0.75 to 0.90.

[0042] In some preferred embodiments, the first compartment and the second compartment are arranged in a side-by-side manner on a sealing plane, and wherein the second compartment substantially surrounds the first compartment.

[0043] In some preferred embodiments, the water-soluble unit dose article further comprises one or more additional compartments, wherein each of the one or more additional compartments comprises an additional substrate treatment composition, and preferably wherein the one or more additional compartments has an additional depth that is substantially the same as the second depth, and the additional substrate treatment composition contained in each of the one or more additional compartments has an additional volume that is substantially the same as the second volume, wherein the first compartment, the second compartment, and the one or more additional compartments are arranged side by side on the sealing plane, and wherein the second compartment and the one or more additional compartments substantially surround the first compartment. More preferably, the second compartment and the one or more additional compartments are arranged symmetrically around a central rotational vertical axis perpendicular to the sealing plane.

[0044] In some preferred embodiments, the one or more additional compartments have an additional volume that is substantially the same as the second volume of the second compartment; and / or the one or more additional compartments have an additional TBR that is substantially the same as the second TBR of the second compartment; and / or the one or more additional compartments have an additional top depth that is substantially the same as the second top depth of the second compartment; and / or the one or more additional compartments have an additional bottom depth that is substantially the same as the second bottom depth of the second compartment; and / or the one or more additional compartments have an additional aspect ratio that is substantially the same as the second aspect ratio of the second compartment.

[0045] In some preferred embodiments, the first compartment has a footprint on the sealing plane, wherein the footprint is circular, square, oval, triangular, rectangular or drop-shaped. Preferably, the first compartment has a footprint on the sealing plane, wherein the footprint is circular.

[0046] In some preferred embodiments, the second compartment has an occupation area on the sealing plane, wherein the occupation area is annular, annular sector, elliptical, crescent, leaf or drop-shaped. Preferably, the second compartment has an occupation area on the sealing plane, wherein the occupation area is annular sector or crescent.

[0047] In some preferred embodiments, the one or more additional compartments each have an occupied area on the sealing plane, wherein the occupied area is annular, annular sector, elliptical, crescent, leaf or drop-shaped. Preferably, the one or more additional compartments each have an occupied area on the sealing plane, wherein the occupied area is annular sector or crescent.

[0048] In some preferred embodiments, the first compartment has a 2 Up to 20cm 2 , preferably 3cm 2 Up to 15cm 2 , more preferably 5cm 2 Up to 12cm 2 , most preferably 7cm 2 Up to 10cm 2 The occupied area.

[0049] In some preferred embodiments, the second compartment has a 2 Up to 10cm 2 , preferably 2cm 2 Up to 8cm 2 , more preferably 3cm 2 Up to 7cm 2 , most preferably 3.5cm 2 Up to 6cm 2 The occupied area.

[0050] In some preferred embodiments, the additional compartment has a 1 cm 2 Up to 10cm 2 , preferably 2cm 2 Up to 8cm 2 , more preferably 3cm 2 Up to 7cm 2 , most preferably 3.5cm 2 Up to 6cm 2 The occupied area.

[0051] In some preferred embodiments, the second compartment and the one or more additional compartments substantially surround the first compartment.

[0052] In some preferred embodiments, each of the second substrate treatment composition and the additional substrate treatment composition has substantially the same volume.

[0053] In some preferred embodiments, the second compartment and the one or more additional compartments have substantially the same footprint in the sealing plane.

[0054] In some preferred embodiments, the second compartment and the one or more additional compartments have substantially the same shape.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first compartment and the second compartment are arranged in a side-by-side manner on the sealing plane and individually comprise a substrate treatment composition. Preferably, the water-soluble unit dose product includes a plurality of compartments, wherein the number of the plurality of compartments is 2 to 10, preferably 2 to 7, more preferably 2 to 5, such as 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 and any range therebetween, and the plurality of compartments are arranged in a side-by-side manner on the sealing plane and individually comprise a substrate treatment composition. In such a side-by-side manner, the unit dose product is formed by two water-soluble films, and the two films are sealed together to form a sealing web positioned on the sealing plane. Preferably, the water-soluble unit dose product is composed of compartments arranged in a side-by-side configuration in the sealing plane, for example, the water-soluble unit dose product does not include any compartment in a relatively superimposed position. Therefore, the water-soluble unit dose product is preferably made up of 2 different different water-soluble films.

[0056] The outer contour sealing area comprises or preferably consists of a flange area. The flange area is arranged around the periphery of the water-soluble multi-compartment unit dose article, and the flange comprises a sealing membrane formed by two, three or more water-soluble films. Most preferably, the flange comprises a sealing membrane formed by two water-soluble films. In other words, the flange area protrudes from the water-soluble unit dose article and comprises a sealing membrane.

[0057] Preferably, the water-soluble multi-compartment unit dose article excluding the flange has a maximum length and a maximum width measured perpendicular to the maximum length, wherein the maximum length and the maximum width are each independently less than 50 mm. The water-soluble unit dose article preferably comprises a flange, wherein the flange has a width of between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm.

[0058] In some embodiments, the average seal width between compartments in the water-soluble dosage article is in the range of 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm, preferably between 1.2 mm and 2.2 mm, more preferably between 1.4 mm and 2.0 mm, for example, 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, or any range therebetween. The term "seal width" as used herein refers to the width of the inter-compartment seal area between compartments for separating the compartments from each other.

[0059] Each compartment may contain the same or different compositions. The different compositions may all be in the same form, or they may be in different forms. Preferably all compositions are liquid detergent compositions.

[0060] Equipment for producing water-soluble unit dose products

[0061] The utility model relates to a device for preparing a water-soluble unit-dose product according to the present disclosure, wherein the device comprises a thermoforming mold, and the thermoforming mold is configured to form the shape of the water-soluble unit-dose product according to the present disclosure.

[0062] The utility model relates to an apparatus for producing a water-soluble unit-dose product, which comprises: a thermoforming die having a forming surface; a plurality of spaced-apart recesses in the forming surface, wherein each of the recesses comprises a vacuum orifice and each vacuum orifice maintains fluid communication with a vacuum source; and a continuous landing area surrounding the recesses.

[0063] An apparatus for forming a water-soluble unit dose product may include a first film unwind roller and a thermoforming die. The thermoforming die may be movable in a machine direction (MD). The first film unwind roller may be located upstream of the thermoforming die. A heater may be located downstream of the first film unwind roller. The heater may be located between the first film unwind roller and a merging location. The heater may be located between the first film unwind roller and a dosing device. The heater may be a non-contact heater. The heater may be an infrared heater. Optionally, the heater may be a heated roller. The dosing device may be located above the forming surface of the thermoforming die at a location where vacuum ports in the thermoforming die are in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The thermoforming die may be slidably engaged with a vacuum manifold, which is in fluid communication with each vacuum port. The vacuum manifold may transmit vacuum from the vacuum source to one or more recesses of the thermoforming die. A second film unwind roller may be operably positioned above the forming surface downstream of the dosing device and supply a continuous web of a second water-soluble film at the merging location, where the vacuum ports are in fluid communication with the vacuum source.

[0064] The apparatus may further include a cutting system downstream of the merging location. The cutting system may include one or more longitudinal cutters downstream of the merging location. The longitudinal cutters may have a longitudinal cutting direction aligned with the machine direction (MD). The one or more longitudinal cutters may be configured to cut the joined first and second water-soluble films in the machine direction between adjacent recesses in a cross direction orthogonal to the machine direction (MD). The one or more longitudinal cutters may be rotary cutters.

[0065] The cutting system may include a plurality of transverse cutters downstream of the merging location. The transverse cutters may have a transverse cutting direction in a cross direction orthogonal to the machine direction MD. The one or more transverse cutters may be configured to cut the joined first and second water-soluble films along the cross direction between adjacent recesses in the machine direction MD.

[0066] A continuous web of a first water-soluble film may be positioned on a first film unwind roller. The first water-soluble film may extend downstream of the merging location and may be positioned in facing relation with a landing area of ​​a thermoforming die downstream of the first film unwind roller. Similarly, a continuous web of a second water-soluble film may be positioned on a second film unwind roller. The second water-soluble film may extend downstream of the merging location and be positioned above the first water-soluble film downstream of the merging location.

[0067] The thermoforming dies can be mounted on a rotatable drum or on a flat conveyor. The flat conveyor can be a continuous belt or a series of linear motor vehicles that transport the dies through the process of manufacturing the water-soluble unit dose sachets in a straight or horizontal line in the machine direction MD. The flat conveyor can be a series of individual dies that can be positioned adjacent to each other to form a flat conveyor. The individual dies can be joined to each other to provide a continuous belt of dies. A flat conveyor can be formed by making the forming surfaces of the individual dies adjacent to each other. As the dies traverse a curve, for example, when the dies are recycled upstream, the forming surfaces of the dies can become spaced apart from each other. Optionally, if the dies are provided with structures that allow adjacent forming surfaces to be hingedly moved relative to each other, the forming surfaces of the dies can remain adjacent to each other when the dies are recycled upstream.

[0068] In some preferred embodiments, the thermoforming mold comprises a first recess and a second recess corresponding to the first compartment and the second compartment of the unit dose article according to the present disclosure, respectively, wherein the first recess has a width of 1 cm 2 Up to 20cm 2 , preferably 3cm 2 Up to 15cm 2 , more preferably 5cm 2 Up to 12cm 2 , most preferably 7cm 2 Up to 10cm 2 The occupied area of ​​the second recess has a 1cm 2 Up to 10cm 2 , preferably 2cm 2 Up to 8cm 2 , more preferably 3cm 2 Up to 7cm 2 , most preferably 3.5cm 2 Up to 6cm 2 Optionally, the thermoforming mold further comprises an additional recess corresponding to the additional compartment, wherein the additional recess has a 1 cm 2 Up to 10cm 2 , preferably 2cm 2 Up to 8cm 2 , more preferably 3cm 2 Up to 7cm 2, most preferably 3.5cm 2 Up to 6cm 2 The occupied area.

[0069] The thermoforming die may have a forming surface. The forming surface is the surface that contacts the first water-soluble film. The forming surface may include a plurality of spaced-apart recesses. Furthermore, the forming surface may include a continuous landing area surrounding the recesses. Each recess may include one or more vacuum ports. Each vacuum port may be in fluid communication with a vacuum source.

[0070] In some embodiments, portions of the landing areas between the recesses have an average roughness Ra of 2.2 μm to 10 μm, preferably 2.2 μm to 5 μm, more preferably 2.5 μm to 3.5 μm. In some embodiments, portions of each recess may have a roughness Sa of 2.2 μm to 10 μm, preferably 2.2 μm to 5 μm, more preferably 2.5 μm to 3.5 μm. Preferably, about 50% to about 100% of each recess by area may have a roughness Sa of 2.2 μm to 10 μm, preferably 2.2 μm to 5 μm, more preferably 2.5 μm to 3.5 μm. As used herein, with respect to characterizing the landing areas, the average roughness Ra is defined and measured in accordance with ISO 21920-1:2021. As used herein, with respect to characterizing the recesses, the roughness Sa is defined and measured in accordance with ISO 21920-1:2021.

[0071] When a heater is utilized in the methods of the present disclosure, the heater can be an infrared emitter, such as a lamp, a hot plate, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the heater can be an infrared lamp having a temperature of about 200°C to about 1000°C. As the first film web passes beneath the heater, the first film web can be heated to a desired temperature. The distance between the heater and the first film web can be adjustable to control the temperature of the first film web. Similarly, the temperature of the heater can be adjustable to control the temperature of the first film web.

[0072] Regarding the vacuum applied to the first film web, recall that heat from the heater can be applied simultaneously with the vacuum, but this is not required. Furthermore, as previously described, heating of the first film web can occur upstream of the vacuum applied to the first film web. The first vacuum system can be used to apply a first negative gauge pressure to the first porous surface of one or more recesses. When the first negative gauge pressure is applied to the first porous surface of the one or more recesses, the first web can be at a first maximum temperature. When the first web is heated, the temperature of the first web may be uneven in the MD and CD directions. This can occur because, when the web is carried by the multiple first dies, portions of the web rest on the landing areas of the multiple first dies, while portions of the web cover one or more recesses. Differences in boundary conditions across the thickness of the first film web can result in uneven heating of the first film web. For example, the portion of the web covering the center of a recess may be at a temperature of 107°C, while the portion of the web covering the landing area may be at a temperature of approximately 25°C. For another example, the portion of the web covering the center of the recess may be at a temperature of 103° C., and the portion of the web covering the landing area may have a temperature of approximately 26° C. For another example, the portion of the web covering the center of the cavity may be at a temperature of 108° C., and the portion of the web covering the landing area may have a temperature of approximately 24° C. The first maximum temperature may be from about 5° C. to about 100° C., from about 10° C. to about 100° C., from about 20° C. to about 100° C., or from about 60° C. to about 100° C. The first maximum temperature may allow deformation of the first film web to be achieved by thermoforming.

[0073] The first film web may be subjected to a first negative gauge pressure for a duration of about 1 second to about 10 seconds, about 2 seconds to about 5 seconds, or more preferably about 1 second to about 3 seconds. The first negative gauge pressure may be about 10 millibars to about 40 millibars below atmospheric pressure. The first negative gauge pressure may be about 10 millibars to about 90 millibars below atmospheric pressure, or about 25 millibars to about 35 millibars below atmospheric pressure. When the first negative gauge pressure is applied to the first film web, the first film web may have a temperature of about 5°C to about 100°C, or even about 10°C to about 100°C, or even about 20°C to about 100°C. The lower the first negative gauge pressure, the faster the first film web will deform. Slower deformation can reduce the amount of microcracks in the formed first fiber web. The lower the deformation temperature, the greater the first negative gauge pressure can be, i.e., the less vacuum, resulting in slower deformation of the first film web, which can reduce microcracks in the formed first web. As the first film web is further conveyed in the machine direction (MD), while the first film web is at the second maximum temperature, a second negative gauge pressure can be applied to the first porous surface of the one or more recesses. The second negative gauge pressure can be applied via a second vacuum system. The second maximum temperature can be greater than the first maximum temperature. For clarity, gauge pressure is zero relative to atmospheric pressure. Therefore, if the first negative gauge pressure is 50 mbar below atmospheric pressure and the second negative gauge pressure is 100 mbar below atmospheric pressure, the second negative gauge pressure can be said to be less than the first negative gauge pressure. Furthermore, a gauge pressure 50 mbar below atmospheric pressure can be considered a negative gauge pressure because it is a pressure below atmospheric pressure. Because a negative gauge pressure 50 mbar below atmospheric pressure is below atmospheric pressure, it is a vacuum. Therefore, when the second negative gauge pressure is less than or equal to the first negative gauge pressure, the first negative gauge pressure can be considered a first vacuum level and the second negative gauge pressure a second vacuum level, with the second vacuum level being stronger than the first vacuum level. The second maximum temperature can be between approximately 90°C and approximately 150°C. The second negative gauge pressure can be about 150 mbar to about 400 mbar below atmospheric pressure, about 180 mbar to about 260 mbar below atmospheric pressure, about 180 mbar to about 230 mbar below atmospheric pressure, or about 210 mbar to about 230 mbar below atmospheric pressure. That is, the second negative gauge pressure pulls the first film web more forcefully than the first negative gauge pressure. The first negative gauge pressure, the second negative gauge pressure, the first maximum temperature, and the second maximum temperature can be selected so that the compartments are well formed, the first web is not pulled into the openings in the first porous surface to an unacceptable degree, and the amount of microcracks that occur during deformation of the first web is limited to an acceptable level. Generally, the higher the second temperature, the greater the second negative gauge pressure can be, because deformation of the first web can be more easily achieved at higher temperatures. It is also worth noting that a combination of vacuum and / or other pressure differential sources can be used to deform the membrane webs disclosed herein. For example, by way of non-limiting example, the first pressure differential across the first film web can be provided by fluid pressure from above the mold. The fluid can be heated. The fluid pressure that may act on the water-soluble first film web may be provided by a gas such as air or a liquid.For example, the nozzle may dispense a fluid (which is a gas by way of non-limiting example) under pressure in a direction toward the first film web to conform the first film web to the first porous face of the one or more cavities.

[0074] The second web may be at a temperature of about ambient temperature to about 120° C. The second web may be at a temperature of about 10° C. to about 120° C. The second web may be at a temperature of about 20° C. to about 120° C.

[0075] Water-soluble film

[0076] The water-soluble film of the present invention is soluble or dispersible in water. The water-soluble film preferably has a thickness of 20 to 150 microns, preferably 35 to 125 microns, even more preferably 50 to 110 microns, and most preferably about 76 microns.

[0077] Preferably, the membrane has a water solubility of at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, or even at least 95%, as measured by the method described herein after using a glass filter with a maximum pore size of 20 microns: 5 grams ± 0.1 grams of membrane material are added to a pre-weighed 3L beaker, and 2L ± 5ml of distilled water are added. It is vigorously stirred at 30°C for 30 minutes on a magnetic stirrer Labline (model 1250) or equivalent and a 5cm magnetic stirrer (set to 600rpm). The mixture is then filtered through a folded qualitative porous glass filter with the above-mentioned specified pore size (maximum 20 microns). The moisture in the collected filtrate is dried by any conventional method, and the weight of the remaining material (the portion dissolved or dispersed) is determined. The percentage of solubility or dispersion can then be calculated.

[0078] As is known in the art, the water-soluble film material can be obtained by casting, blowing, extrusion or blown extrusion of the polymer material.

[0079] The water-soluble film comprises polyvinyl alcohol. There may be between 50% and 95%, preferably between 55% and 90%, more preferably between 60% and 80% polyvinyl alcohol by weight of the water-soluble film. The polyvinyl alcohol preferably comprises a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and / or an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, preferably wherein the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer is selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, particularly carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, most preferably the water-soluble film comprises a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers. Alternatively, the polyvinyl alcohol comprises an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, most preferably the polyvinyl alcohol comprises a carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. When the polyvinyl alcohol in the water-soluble film is a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, the homopolymer and the anionic copolymer are present in a relative weight ratio of 90 / 10 to 10 / 90, preferably 80 / 20 to 20 / 80, more preferably 70 / 30 to 50 / 50. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the term "homopolymer" generally includes polymers having a single type of monomer repeating unit (e.g., a polymer chain comprising or consisting of a single monomer repeating unit). In the specific case of polyvinyl alcohol, the term "homopolymer" also includes copolymers having a distribution of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units (depending on the degree of hydrolysis) (e.g., a polymer chain comprising or consisting of vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate monomer units). In the example of 100% hydrolysis, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer may contain only vinyl alcohol units. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the term "copolymer" generally includes polymers having two or more types of monomer repeating units (e.g., a polymer chain comprising or consisting of two or more different monomer repeating units, whether they are random copolymers, block copolymers, etc.). In the specific case of polyvinyl alcohol, the term "copolymer" (or "polyvinyl alcohol copolymer") also includes copolymers having a distribution of vinyl alcohol monomer units and vinyl acetate monomer units (depending on the degree of hydrolysis), and at least one other type of monomer repeating unit (e.g., a ternary (or longer) polymer chain comprising or consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units, vinyl acetate monomer units, and one or more other monomer units (e.g., anionic monomer units)). In the example of 100% hydrolysis, the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer may include a copolymer having vinyl alcohol units and one or more other monomer units, but no vinyl acetate units. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the term "anionic copolymer" includes copolymers having anionic monomer units that contain anionic moieties. General types of anionic monomer units that can be used in anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers include vinyl polymerized units corresponding to monocarboxylic acid vinyl monomers, their esters and anhydrides, dicarboxylic acid monomers having polymerizable double bonds, their esters and anhydrides, vinyl sulfonic acid monomers, and alkali metal salts of any of the foregoing.Examples of suitable anionic monomer units include vinyl polymerized units corresponding to vinyl anionic monomers including vinyl acetic acid, maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, monomethyl maleate, dimethyl maleate, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, monoalkyl fumarate, dialkyl fumarate, monomethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, fumaric anhydride, itaconic acid, monomethyl itaconate, dimethyl itaconate, itaconic anhydride, vinyl sulfonic acid, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, vinyl ether, The anionic monomers may be selected from the group consisting of propylsulfonic acid, ethylenesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-1-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-sulfoethyl acrylate, alkali metal salts thereof (e.g., sodium, potassium, or other alkali metal salts), esters thereof (e.g., methyl, ethyl, or other C1-C4 or C6 alkyl esters), and combinations thereof (e.g., multiple types of anionic monomers or equivalent forms of the same anionic monomer). The anionic monomers may be one or more acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acids (e.g., 2-acrylamido-1-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid), alkali metal salts thereof (e.g., sodium salts), and combinations thereof. Preferably, the anionic portion of the first anionic monomer unit is selected from sulfonates, carboxylates, or mixtures thereof, more preferably carboxylates, and most preferably acrylates, methacrylates, maleates, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the anionic monomer units are present in the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer in an average amount ranging from 1 mol % to 10 mol %, preferably from 2 mol % to 5 mol %. Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol, and / or in the case of a polyvinyl alcohol blend, the individual polyvinyl alcohol polymers, have an average viscosity (μ 1) between 4 mPa.s and 30 mPa.s, preferably between 10 mPa.s and 25 mPa.s, measured at 20°C as a softened aqueous solution of a 4% polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. The viscosity of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer is determined by measuring a fresh solution using a Brookfield LV viscometer with a UL adapter as described in the British Standard EN ISO 15023-2:2006 Annex E Brookfield test method. It is international practice to describe the viscosity of a 4% aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol at 20°C. It is well known in the art that the viscosity of an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer (polyvinyl alcohol or other polymer) is associated with the weight-average molecular weight of the same polymer, and viscosity is generally used as a proxy for the weight-average molecular weight. Thus, the weight average molecular weight of the polyvinyl alcohol may be in the range of 30,000 to 175,000, or 30,000 to 100,000, or 55,000 to 80,000.Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol, and / or in the case of a polyvinyl alcohol blend, the individual polyvinyl alcohol polymers, have an average degree of hydrolysis in the range of between 75% and 99%, preferably between 80% and 95%, most preferably between 85% and 95%. A suitable test method for measuring the degree of hydrolysis is according to standard method JIS K6726.

[0080] Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a non-aqueous plasticizer. Preferably, the non-aqueous plasticizer is selected from polyols, sugar alcohols and their mixtures. Suitable polyols include the polyols selected from the group consisting of glycerol, diglycerol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol of up to 400 molecular weight, neopentyl glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane and polyether polyols or their mixtures. Suitable sugar alcohols include the sugar alcohols selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, ribitol, galactitol, pentaerythritol and mannitol, or their mixtures. More preferably, the non-aqueous plasticizer is selected from glycerol, 1,2-propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, or mixtures thereof, and most preferably selected from glycerol, sorbitol, trimethylolpropane, dipropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. A particularly suitable plasticizer system comprises a blend of glycerol, sorbitol, and trimethylolpropane. Another particularly suitable plasticizer system comprises a blend of glycerol, dipropylene glycol, and sorbitol. Preferably, the film comprises between 5% and 50%, preferably between 10% and 40%, and more preferably between 20% and 30%, of the non-aqueous plasticizer by weight of the film.

[0081] Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a surfactant. Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a surfactant in an amount of between 0.1% and 2.5%, preferably between 1% and 2%, by weight of the water-soluble film. Suitable surfactants can include nonionic, cationic, anionic and zwitterionic categories. Suitable surfactants include, but are not limited to, polyoxyethylene polypropylene glycol, alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, tertiary acetylenic glycols and alkanolamides (nonionic), polyoxyethylene amines, quaternary ammonium salts and polyoxyethylene quaternary amines (cationic), and amine oxides, N-alkyl betaines and sulfobetaines (zwitterionic). Other suitable surfactants include sodium sulfosuccinate, acylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol, the lactams of fatty acids, sodium alkyl sulfates, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 65, polysorbate 80, lecithin, acetylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol, acetylated fatty acid esters, and combinations thereof.

[0082] Preferably, the water-soluble film according to the present invention contains a lubricant / stripping agent. Suitable lubricants / stripping agents may include, but are not limited to, fatty acids and their salts, fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters, fatty amines, fatty amine acetates, and fatty amides. Preferred lubricants / stripping agents are fatty acids, fatty acid salts, and fatty amine acetates. The amount of lubricant / stripping agent in the water-soluble film is in the range of 0.02% to 1.5%, preferably 0.1% to 1%, by weight of the water-soluble film.

[0083] Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises filler, extender, antiblocking agent, release agent or their mixture. Suitable filler, extender, antiblocking agent, release agent or their mixture include but are not limited to starch, modified starch, cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cross-linked cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, metal oxide, calcium carbonate, talc and mica. Preferred material is starch, modified starch and silicon dioxide. Preferably, the amount of filler, extender, antiblocking agent, release agent or their mixture in the water-soluble film is 0.1% to 25% by the weight of the water-soluble film, preferably 1% to 10%, more preferably 2% to 8%, most preferably in the scope of 3% to 5%. In the absence of starch, a preferred range of suitable filler, extender, antiblocking agent, release agent or their mixture is 0.1% to 1% by the weight of the water-soluble film, preferably 4%, more preferably 6%, even more preferably 1% to 4%, most preferably 1% to 2.5%.

[0084] Preferably, the water-soluble film according to the present invention has a residual moisture content of at least 4%, more preferably in the range of 4% to 15%, even more preferably 5% to 10% by weight of the water-soluble film, as measured by Karl Fischer titration.

[0085] Preferred membranes exhibit good solubility in cold water (which means unheated distilled water). Preferably, such membranes exhibit good solubility at a temperature of 24° C., even more preferably at 10° C. By good solubility, it is meant that the membrane exhibits a water solubility of at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, or even at least 95%, as measured by the method described herein after using a glass filter with a maximum pore size of 20 microns, as described above.

[0086] Preferred membranes include those supplied by Monosol under trade references M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310.

[0087] The film can be opaque, transparent or translucent. The film can include a printing area. The printing area can be realized using standard techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing. Preferably, the ink used in the printing area comprises between 0ppm and 20ppm, preferably between 0ppm and 15ppm, more preferably between 0ppm and 10ppm, even more preferably between 0ppm and 5ppm, even more preferably between 0ppm and 1ppm, even more preferably between 0ppb and 100ppb, most preferably 0ppb of dioxane. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the known methods and techniques for measuring the dioxane levels in the ink formulation.

[0088] The film may contain an aversive agent, such as a bittering agent. Suitable bittering agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof. Any suitable amount of the aversive agent may be used in the film. Suitable amounts include, but are not limited to, 1 ppm to 5000 ppm, or even 100 ppm to 2500 ppm, or even 250 rpm to 2000 rpm.

[0089] Preferably, the water-soluble film or the water-soluble unit dose article or both are coated with a lubricant, preferably, wherein the lubricant is selected from talc, zinc oxide, silicon dioxide, silicone, zeolite, silicic acid, aluminum oxide, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium citrate, potassium tripolyphosphate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, starch, modified starch, clay, kaolin, gypsum, cyclodextrin or mixtures thereof.

[0090] Preferably, the water-soluble film and its individual components independently contain between 0 ppm and 20 ppm, preferably between 0 ppm and 15 ppm, more preferably between 0 ppm and 10 ppm, even more preferably between 0 ppm and 5 ppm, even more preferably between 0 ppm and 1 ppm, even more preferably between 0 ppb and 100 ppb, most preferably 0 ppb of dioxane. Those skilled in the art will be aware of known methods and techniques for determining the dioxane content in water-soluble films and their components.

[0091] Substrate treatment composition

[0092] The water-soluble unit dose article comprises a substrate treatment composition. In particular, the substrate treatment composition can be a liquid laundry detergent composition, which refers to any laundry detergent composition comprising a liquid capable of wetting and treating fabrics, and includes but is not limited to liquids, gels, pastes, dispersions, etc. The liquid detergent composition can be used in a hand-washing operation for fabrics or can be used in an automatic machine fabric washing operation.

[0093] The substrate treatment composition may comprise 1% to 40%, preferably 5% to 35%, more preferably 10% to 30%, for example 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% or any range therebetween of a non-aqueous solvent by weight of the composition.

[0094] The substrate treatment composition (e.g., each of the first substrate treatment composition, the second substrate treatment composition, and the additional substrate treatment composition) may comprise from 1% to 60%, preferably from 3% to 45%, more preferably from 5% to 40%, and most preferably from 7% to 35%, by weight of the composition, of a surfactant. Preferably, the surfactant comprises a non-soap anionic surfactant and / or a nonionic surfactant.

[0095] Preferably, the surfactant comprises a non-soap anionic surfactant and / or a non-ionic surfactant, wherein the non-soap anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: C6-C 20 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), C6-C 20 Alkyl sulfate (AS), C6-C 20 Alkyl alkoxy sulfate (AAS), C6-C 20 Methyl ester sulfonate (MES), C6-C 20 Alkyl ether carboxylates (AECs), and any combination thereof, and the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl alkoxylated alcohols, alkyl alkoxylated phenols, alkyl polysaccharides, alkyl polyglycosides, methyl ester ethoxylates, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, alkoxylated fatty acid esters, sucrose esters, sorbitan esters and alkoxylated derivatives of sorbitan esters, and any combination thereof;

[0096] More preferably, the surfactant comprises a non-soap anionic surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises a C6-C 20 LAS and optional C6-C 20 AS and / or C6-C 20 AAS, and the nonionic surfactant comprises a C6-C8 surfactant having an average degree of alkoxylation (e.g., number average degree) in the range of 1 to 20, preferably 5 to 15, more preferably 7 to 10. 20 Alkoxylated alcohols.

[0097] Preferably, the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: C6-C 20 Alkyl dimethyl amine oxide, C 6-20 Amidoalkyl dimethyl amine oxide, C6-C 20 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), C6-C 20 Alkyl sulfate (AS), C6-C20 Alkyl alkoxy sulfate (AAS), C6-C 20 Methyl ester sulfonate (MES), C6-C 20 Alkyl ether carboxylates (AEC), fatty acids, alkyl alkoxylated alcohols, alkyl alkoxylated phenols, alkyl polysaccharides, alkyl polyglycosides, methyl ester ethoxylates, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, alkoxylated fatty acid esters, sucrose esters, sorbitan esters and alkoxylated derivatives of sorbitan esters, and any combination thereof, and the non-aqueous solvent is selected from the group consisting of monoalcohols, diols, polyols, glycol ethers, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the surfactant comprises C6-C 20 Alkyl dimethyl amine oxide, C6-C 20 LAS, an average degree of alkoxylation (e.g., number average degree) in the range of 1 to 20, preferably an average degree of ethoxylation in the range of 1 to 20, C6-C 20 Alkoxylated alcohols, C6-C 20 Alkyl alkoxy sulfate (AAS), preferably C6-C8 20 Alkyl ethoxylated sulfate, fatty acid, and any combination thereof, and the non-aqueous solvent is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, terpineol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerol, butanetriol, pentaerythritol, dipropylene glycol (DPG), tripropylene glycol (TPG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), n-butoxypropoxypropanol (nBPP), diethylene glycol, 2-ethoxyethanol, 2-butoxyethanol, polyethylene glycol, and any combination thereof.

[0098] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises 7 to 18%, preferably 8 to 15%, for example 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15% or any range therebetween, by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition, water.

[0099] Liquid laundry detergent compositions may contain a cleaning or care polymer, preferably wherein the cleaning or care polymer is selected from ethoxylated or mixed ethoxylated / propoxylated polyethyleneimines, alkoxylated polyalkylphenols, amphiphilic graft copolymers, optionally anionically modified polyester terephthalates, optionally cationically modified hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, or mixtures thereof.

[0100] The water-soluble unit dose preparation may contain adjunct ingredients selected from the group consisting of hueing dyes, polymers, builders, dye transfer inhibiting agents, dispersants, enzymes, enzyme stabilizers, catalytic materials, bleaching agents, bleach activators, polymeric dispersants, anti-redeposition agents, suds suppressors, aesthetic dyes, sunscreens, perfumes, perfume delivery systems, structurants, hydrotropes, processing aids, pigments, and mixtures thereof.

[0101] Preferably, the laundry detergent composition has a pH between 6 and 10, between 6.5 and 8.9, or between 7 and 8, wherein the pH of the laundry detergent composition is measured at a product concentration of 10% in deionized water at 20°C.

[0102] In some embodiments, the liquid laundry detergent composition is Newtonian.

[0103] In some other embodiments, the liquid laundry detergent composition is non-Newtonian. Without being bound by theory, non-Newtonian liquids have different properties from Newtonian liquids, more specifically, the viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids depends on the shear rate, while Newtonian liquids have a constant viscosity that is independent of the applied shear rate. The liquid laundry detergent composition may have a viscosity of at least 2 Pa.s at a shear rate of 0.5 s-1, as measured at 25 ° C using a TA Rheometer AR2000, preferably wherein the liquid detergent composition has a viscosity at a shear rate of 0.5 s-1 between 2 Pa.s and 35 Pa.s, preferably between 2.5 Pa.s and 30 Pa.s, more preferably between 3 Pa.s and 25 Pa.s, even more preferably between 5 Pa.s and 20 Pa.s, most preferably between 10 Pa.s and 16 Pa.s, as measured at 25 ° C using a TA Rheometer AR2000. The liquid laundry detergent composition may be characterized by a high shear viscosity in the range of from about 100 mPa·s to about 900 mPa·s, preferably from about 150 mPa·s to about 800 mPa·s, more preferably from about 200 mPa·s to about 600 mPa·s, measured at a shear rate of about 1000 s-1 and a temperature of about 20°C. -1 The fluid preferably has a high shear viscosity in the range of about 100 mPa·s to about 900 mPa·s, preferably about 150 mPa·s to about 800 mPa·s, more preferably about 200 mPa·s to about 600 mPa·s, measured at a shear rate of about 100 mPa·s and a temperature of about 20°C. The fluid may preferably be a non-Newtonian fluid having shear-thinning properties, and is therefore further characterized by a high shear viscosity when heated to about 0.5 s. -1The low shear viscosity is in the range of about 1000 mPa.s to about 10000 mPa.s, preferably about 1500 mPa.s to about 7500 mPa.s, more preferably about 2000 mPa.s to about 5000 mPa.s when measured at a shear rate of 1000 mPa.s.

[0104] Washing method

[0105] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for washing fabrics, comprising the steps of: diluting the water-soluble unit-dose product according to the present invention by 200 to 3000 times, preferably 300 to 2000 times with water to prepare a washing liquid, and contacting the fabrics to be treated with the washing liquid.

[0106] Preferably, the wash liquor contains between 5 L and 75 L of water, preferably between 7 L and 40 L, more preferably between 10 L and 20 L. Alternatively, the wash liquor may contain between 35 L and 65 L of water. Preferably, the temperature of the wash liquor is between 5° C. and 90° C., preferably between 10° C. and 60° C., more preferably between 12° C. and 45° C., and most preferably between 15° C. and 40° C. Preferably, washing the fabrics in the wash liquor takes between 5 minutes and 60 minutes, preferably between 5 minutes and 40 minutes, more preferably between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, even more preferably between 5 minutes and 20 minutes, and most preferably between 6 minutes and 18 minutes to complete. Alternatively, washing the fabrics in the wash liquor may take between 30 minutes and 60 minutes. Preferably, the wash liquor contains between 1 kg and 20 kg of fabric, preferably between 3 kg and 15 kg, and most preferably between 5 kg and 10 kg of fabric. The wash liquor may comprise water of any hardness varying preferably between 0 gpg and 40 gpg.

[0107] Packaging products

[0108] Another aspect of the present invention is a packaged product comprising a reclosable container and at least one water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention contained in the container.

[0109] Those skilled in the art will be aware of relevant storage containers. Preferably, the storage container is a flexible, preferably resealable bag, a rigid, preferably reclosable bucket, or a mixture thereof, preferably wherein the storage container includes a child-resistant closure. Those skilled in the art will be aware of suitable child-resistant closures.

[0110] The packaging can be made of any suitable material. The container can be made of metal material, aluminum, plastic material, cardboard material, laminate, cellulose pulp material or their mixture. The packaging can be made of plastic material, preferably polyolefin material. The packaging can be made of polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, PVC or their mixture or more durable engineering plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polyamide etc. The material for preparing the container can include other ingredients, such as colorant, preservative, plasticizer, UV stabilizer, oxygen, fragrance and moisture-proof recycling material etc.

[0111] Figure 1 An exemplary unit dose article 1 before optimization is shown. The unit dose article 1 includes a first compartment 11 arranged in the center of the unit dose article 1 and a second compartment 12 arranged at the periphery of the unit dose article 1. In addition, the unit dose article 1 also includes two additional compartments having substantially the same shape as the second compartment 12. The second compartment 12 and the two additional compartments together surround the first compartment 11.

[0112] Figure 2 An exemplary unit dose article 2 according to the present disclosure is shown, in which the compartment shape is optimized. The unit dose article 2 includes a first compartment 21 arranged in the center of the unit dose article 2 and a second compartment 22 arranged at the periphery of the unit dose article 2. In addition, the unit dose article 2 also includes two additional compartments having substantially the same shape as the second compartment 22. The second compartment 22 and the two additional compartments together surround the first compartment 21. Compared to the shape of the unit dose article 1, the shape of the unit dose article 2 has a relatively high ratio of the first depth to the second depth and a relatively large central compartment.

[0113] FIG3 shows a schematic diagram of shape parameter testing for unit dose articles. Figure 3A and Figure 3B A perspective view and a side view of a unit dose article 2 are shown, respectively. Specifically, the unit dose article 2 includes a sealing plane 20, which is a plane formed by sealing a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film to form a closed compartment. The first depth (FD) 211, the second depth (SD) 221, the top depth (TD) 212 of the first compartment, the bottom depth (BD) 213 of the first compartment, and the first length (FL) 214 are measured according to Test 1: Shape Parameter Test. Then, the ratio of the first depth to the second depth (FD / SD ratio), the first aspect ratio (FAR), and the top to bottom depth ratio (TBD ratio) are calculated according to Test 1: Shape Parameter Test.

[0114] Test Method

[0115] Test 1: Shape parameter test

[0116] To characterize the shape of the unit dose article, the following parameters are measured in this test:

[0117] Depths including a first depth (FD), a second depth (SD), and an additional depth (AD), a ratio of the first depth to the second depth (FD / SD ratio), a ratio of the first depth to the additional depth (FD / AD ratio), a first length (FL), a second length (SL), an additional length (AL), aspect ratios including a first aspect ratio (FAR), a second aspect ratio (SAR), and an additional aspect ratio (AAR), a top depth (TD), a bottom depth (BD), and a top to bottom depth ratio (TBD ratio).

[0118] 1. After the pods are produced, the unit dose product is kept at room temperature for 24 hours. The unit dose product is then kept horizontally with the lower half facing downwards (as used herein, the term

[0119] The term "upper half" refers to the lower depth of the two halves, while the term "lower half" refers to the higher depth of the two halves.

[0120] 2. Use a vernier caliper to measure the longest distance between the two membranes of the first compartment (i.e., the compartment with the highest depth), the second compartment, and the additional compartment (if any). The distance of the first compartment is defined as FD, the distance of the second compartment is defined as SD, and the distance of the additional compartment is defined as AD (each compartment is not squeezed during measurement to avoid deformation).

[0121] 3. Divide FD by SD to calculate the FD / SD ratio, and similarly for the FD / AD ratio.

[0122] 4. Place the unit dose article on a horizontal surface, measure the longest line in the occupied area of ​​the first compartment from a vertical top view using a ruler and define it as FL, similarly for SL and AL.

[0123] 5. Divide FD by FL to calculate FAR, similarly for SAR and AAR.

[0124] 6. Hold the pod upright and use a vernier caliper to measure the distance between the sealing plane and the top membrane (as used herein, the term "top membrane") in the first compartment (or second compartment or additional compartment).

[0125] refers to the longest length between the membranes located on one side of the upper half) and is defined as TD.

[0126] 7. Hold the pod upright and use a vernier caliper to measure the distance between the sealing plane and the bottom membrane (as used herein, the term "bottom membrane") in the first compartment (or second compartment or additional compartment).

[0127] refers to the longest length between the membranes located on one side of the lower half) and is defined as BD.

[0128] 8. Divide TD by BD to calculate the TBD ratio.

[0129] Test 2: Sliding trend test

[0130] The sliding tendency of the unit dose product is indicated by the static friction of the unit dose product on slopes of different degrees. The static friction measurement test method is as follows:

[0131] 1. Place the metal plate horizontally on the table surface.

[0132] 2. Lift the board from one side to achieve the target angle to the table surface (20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees or even higher if needed).

[0133] 3. Fix the tensiometer on the board parallel to the board. Return the value on the tensiometer to zero.

[0134] 4. Clamp the unit dose article at the end of the tensiometer and place it in contact with the surface.

[0135] 5. Release the unit dose product and record the value on the tensiometer.

[0136] Example

[0137] Example 1: Optimal depth ratio between compartments in a unit dose article

[0138] The following liquid detergent formulation (Formulation 1) as shown in Table 1 was prepared using standard mixing techniques and equipment known to those skilled in the art. The liquid detergent formulation was then encapsulated into compartments of unit dose products (Samples 1 and 2) having two different shapes (i.e., Products A and B) using polyvinyl alcohol-based films as shown in Table 2. The shapes of Products A and B are shown in Table 2, respectively. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Among them Figure 1 The shape has a relatively low first depth to second depth ratio and a relatively small central compartment, while Figure 2 The shape of the product has a relatively high ratio of the first depth to the second depth and a relatively large central compartment. The main characteristics of the products A and B are shown in Table 3.

[0139] Table 1

[0140]

[0141] 1: Nonionic surfactant: C containing EO7 12 -C 14 Ethoxylated alcohols

[0142] 2: Anionic surfactant A: C 11 -C 13 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate

[0143] 3: Anionic surfactant B: C containing EO3 12 -C 14 Alkyl ethoxylated sulfates

[0144] 4: Dye transfer inhibiting polymer A: Poly(2-hydroxypropyldimethylammonium chloride) available from Clariant.

[0145] Table 2

[0146] Sample 1 Sample 2 preparation Preparation 1 Preparation 1 Products Product A Product B

[0147] Table 3

[0148]

[0149] The overall shape of the multi-compartment unit dose products constructed in parallel on the market generally has a "plate" configuration. In other words, the different compartments in the unit dose product have similar depths (i.e., the ratio of the depth of one compartment to the depth of another compartment is about 1). In order to reduce the "traffic jam" phenomenon during the preparation process of the unit dose product, the inventors tried multi-compartment unit dose products of different shapes. Unexpectedly, it was found that when the multi-compartment unit dose product has a "planetary" configuration, the "traffic jam" phenomenon will be significantly reduced compared to the "plate" configuration. Specifically, when the ratio of the first depth to the second depth as determined in Test 1: Shape Parameter Test increases (2.50 for Sample 2, compared to 1.35 for Sample 1), the sliding tendency increases significantly, which indicates that the "traffic jam" phenomenon is significantly reduced, as tested in Test 2: Sliding Tendency Test and as shown in Tables 4 and 5. Specifically, Sample 2 exhibited significantly higher static friction, indicating a higher tendency to slip, than Sample 1 (0.05 N versus 0 N at 40 degrees and 0.1 N versus 0.05 N at 50 degrees).

[0150] Table 4: Ratio of first depth to second depth

[0151]

[0152] Table 5: Sliding trend test results

[0153]

[0154] Example 2: Optimized top to bottom depth ratio in a compartment in a unit dose article

[0155] In order to further reduce the "traffic jam" phenomenon, the present inventors further optimized other shape parameters of the compartments in the unit dose article by using different substrate compositions contained in the unit dose article. Specifically, the central compartment of the multi-compartment unit dose article was optimized to have a more symmetrical "top and bottom" configuration, that is, the top to bottom depth ratio (TBD ratio) was close to 1.

[0156] The following liquid detergent formulations (Formulations 1 and 2) were prepared using standard mixing techniques and equipment known to those skilled in the art as shown in Table 6. The liquid detergent compositions were then encapsulated into compartments of unit dose articles (Samples 1 to 3) having two different shapes (i.e., Articles A and B) using polyvinyl alcohol-based films as shown in Table 7.

[0157] Table 6

[0158] Ingredients (wt% - as 100% active substance) Preparation 1 Preparation 2 <![CDATA[Non-ionic surfactant 1 > 9.1 13.5 <![CDATA[Anionic surfactant A 2 > 7.8 19.9 <![CDATA[Anionic surfactant B 3 > 5.7 9.4 C12-14 Dimethylamine Oxide 4.0 - 1,2-Propanediol 25.3 3.5 glycerin 12.0 5.3 Dipropylene glycol 6.0 - PEG200 - 14.6 TPK fatty acids 1.7 6.4 MEA 0.8 6.7 <![CDATA[DTI Polymer A 4 > 0.7 - <![CDATA[DTI Polymer B 5 > - 7.0 Tinosan HP100 0.8 - water 10.3 10.3 Miscellaneous margin margin Total solvent weight % 43.3 23.4

[0159] 1: Nonionic surfactant: C containing 7EO 12 -C 14 Ethoxylated alcohols

[0160] 2: Anionic surfactant A: C 11 -C 13 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate

[0161] 3: Anionic surfactant B: C containing 3EO 12 -C 14 Alkyl ethoxylated sulfates

[0162] 4: DTI polymer A: poly(2-hydroxypropyldimethylammonium chloride) available from Clariant.

[0163] 5: DTI polymer B: ethoxylated polyethyleneimine available from BASF

[0164] Table 7

[0165] Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 preparation Preparation 1 Preparation 1 Preparation 2 Products Product A Product B Product B

[0166] It was also unexpectedly found that when the central compartment of the multi-compartment unit dose article has a more symmetrical "top and bottom" configuration, that is, when the top to bottom depth ratio (TBD ratio) is close to 1, the "traffic jam" phenomenon will be further reduced. Specifically, when the TBD ratio as determined in Test 1: Shape Parameter Test increases from 0.62 (Sample 2) to 0.80 (Sample 3), the sliding tendency increases further, which shows that the "traffic jam" phenomenon is significantly reduced, as tested in Test 2: Sliding Tendency Test and as shown in Tables 8 and 9. Specifically, Sample 3 shows significantly higher static friction, which shows that the sliding tendency is higher than Sample 2 (0.07N to 0N at 20 degrees, 0.11N to 0N at 30 degrees, 0.15N to 0.05N at 40 degrees, and 0.16N to 0.1N at 50 degrees).

[0167] Be not bound by theory, it is believed that the TBD ratio of optimization is realized by the matrix composition contained in the optimization compartment.Particularly, in this embodiment, total solvent weight % is reduced to 23.4% (sample 3) from 43.3% (sample 2), so that the TBD ratio is increased to 0.80 (sample 3) from 0.62 (sample 2).Then, static friction significantly increases.

[0168] Table 8: Shape parameters

[0169]

[0170] Table 9: Sliding trend test results

[0171]

[0172] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

[0173] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any of the present inventions disclosed or claimed herein, or an admission that it, by itself or in combination with any one or more references, proposes, suggests, or discloses any such invention. In addition, when any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this invention shall govern.

[0174] Although the specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is therefore intended that all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention be included in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water-soluble unit dose product for treating a substrate, characterized in that The water-soluble unit dose article comprises a water-soluble film formed such that the water-soluble unit dose article comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, and wherein the first compartment comprises a first substrate treatment composition and the second compartment comprises a second substrate treatment composition, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are arranged in a side-by-side manner on a sealing plane, and wherein the first compartment has a first depth and the second compartment has a second depth, and wherein a ratio of the first depth to the second depth is at least 1.

5.

2. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 1, characterized in that The ratio of the first depth to the second depth is 1.5 to 10, and wherein the first depth is 5 mm to 60 mm; and / or The second depth is 3 mm to 45 mm.

3. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first compartment has a top to bottom depth ratio (TBR) greater than or equal to 0.60 and less than 1.

4. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first substrate treatment composition has a first volume and the second substrate treatment composition has a second volume, wherein a ratio of the first volume to the second volume is 1.2 to 10, and; wherein the first volume is between 6 ml and 60 ml; and / or The second volume is between 1.5 ml and 30 ml.

5. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first compartment has a first aspect ratio of 0.60 to 1.

6. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The second compartment substantially surrounds the first compartment.

7. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 6, characterized in that The water-soluble unit dose article further comprises one or more additional compartments, wherein each of the one or more additional compartments comprises an additional substrate treatment composition, wherein the first compartment, the second compartment and the one or more additional compartments are arranged in a side-by-side manner on a sealing plane, and wherein the second compartment and the one or more additional compartments substantially surround the first compartment.

8. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 7, characterized in that The one or more additional compartments have an additional depth, which is substantially the same as the second depth; and / or the additional substrate treatment composition contained in each of the one or more additional compartments has an additional volume, which is substantially the same as the second volume; and / or wherein the one or more additional compartments have substantially the same shape as the second compartment.

9. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The first compartment has a footprint on the sealing plane, wherein the footprint is circular, square, oval, triangular, rectangular or drop-shaped, and / or wherein the second compartment has an occupied area on the sealing plane, wherein the occupied area is in the shape of a ring, a sector of a ring, an ellipse, a crescent, a leaf or a drop, and / or The one or more additional compartments each have an occupied area on the sealing plane, wherein the occupied area is in the shape of a ring, a sector, an ellipse, a crescent, a leaf or a drop.

10. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 9, characterized in that The first compartment has a footprint on the sealing plane, wherein the footprint is circular, wherein the second compartment has an occupied area on the sealing plane, wherein the occupied area is in the shape of a ring sector or a crescent, wherein the one or more additional compartments respectively have an occupation area on the sealing plane, wherein the occupation area is annular sector or crescent shape, and wherein the second compartment and the one or more additional compartments substantially surround the first compartment, and wherein each of the second substrate treatment composition and the additional substrate treatment compositions have substantially the same volume.

11. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The total number of compartments in the water-soluble unit dose product is 3 to 10.

12. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that Each of the first substrate treatment composition, the second substrate treatment composition, and the additional substrate treatment composition is a laundry detergent composition.

13. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 12, characterized in that The laundry detergent composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition.

14. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The unit dose article consists of compartments arranged side by side on the sealing plane.

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