Packaging for a water-soluble unit, method for manufacturing and using such packaging

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 941,901 filed on 29 November 2019.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention refers to a packaging comprising at least one agricultural material as defined in claim 1, a method for forming said packaging as defined in claim 5, and the use of said packaging as defined in claim 7.BACKGROUND

[0003] FR 2747995 discloses a method for packaging a product (58), under vacuum, in a flexible, waterproof envelope (18), comprising placing the open envelope (18) in an open cavity (12), filling the envelope (18) with the product (58), evacuating the envelope (18) and closing the latter tightly. FR 2747995 further discloses that the envelope (18) is made of a material chosen from a group comprising polyethylene and polyethylene-polyamide-polyester complex, having a thickness higher than 100 µm.

[0004] WO 2008 / 022815 discloses a method and assembly for evacuating a package, such as a vacuum package filled with a product such as nuts. The package is at least partially made of packaging film and the method employs a suction device and the package is provided with a substantially plate-shaped, rigid element.

[0005] Agrochemical compositions, liquids and solids are well known as being packaged in bottles and bags.

[0006] The composition either in bags and / or bottles requires a manual measuring of the composition, followed by dilution and / or dissolving in water. Often the dilution and / or dissolving is in a large volume using hard and / or cold water.

[0007] Measuring the composition before dilution and / or dissolving is often not conducted in a precise manner which may lead to overdosing or insufficient amount of the active ingredient. In addition, imprecise dosage increases resistance development of plant, fungus and / or insect toward pesticides and may lead to reduction in their efficacy.

[0008] In the art, different hands-free, measured packages comprising primary and external package are known as described in WO 2018 / 116117.

[0009] Soluble packaging of agricultural material has several disadvantages. One is the lack of stability of the unit caused by environmental conditions and / or the agrochemical itself.

[0010] There is a need to develop a method for stabilizing soluble package units comprising agrochemicals and to develop a stable water-soluble unit comprising at least one agricultural material.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to its first embodiment, which is set out in claim 1,the present invention relates to a packaging comprising in combination at least one chamber prepared from a water-soluble film and comprising at least one agricultural material, and an external sealing bag, wherein the at least one chamber is packaged in the external sealing bag; and the sealing bag is substantially free of air and the air amount in said sealing bag is less than 5% by volume based on the total volume of the sealing bag, wherein: (i) the time needed for full dissolution of the chamber at 5°C water temperature is less than 20 minutes in field / tank sprayer simulation; (ii) there is no more than 10% of change in the dissolution time of the water soluble film after 8 weeks of storage at a temperature of 40 ± 2 °C; and (iii) the thickness of the film is between 30 -100 microns.

[0012] Preferred embodiments are set out in dependent claims.

[0013] According to its second embodiment, the present invention provides a method for forming a packaging according to the first embodiment, the method comprising (1) placing at least one chamber comprising at least one agricultural material in a sealing bag and (2) sealing the bag at vacuum, wherein: (i) the vacuum is equal to or less than 79.993 Pa (600 mmHg); and (ii) the sealing is achieved by pumping the air in the sealing bag after placing the at least one chamber, which comprises the at least one agricultural material, inside the sealing bag.

[0014] A preferred embodiment is set out in a dependent claim.

[0015] According to its third embodiment, the present invention provides the use of the packaging of the first embodiment for preparing a diluted agricultural composition for controlling pests, and wherein the chamber is wetted after removing the sealing bag for full dissolution.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1. A and B refer to water-soluble unit (example 2) which was kept in sealing bag, where the sealing bag was not sealed under vacuum but under ambient pressure. Figure 2. A and B refer to water-soluble unit (example 1) which was kept in a sealing bag, where the sealing bag was sealed under vacuum. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIONDefinitions

[0017] Prior to setting forth the present subject matter in detail, it may be helpful to provide definitions of certain terms to be used herein. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this subject matter pertains. The following definitions are provided for clarity.

[0018] The term "a" or "an" as used herein includes the singular and the plural, unless specifically stated otherwise. Therefore, the terms "a," "an," or "at least one" can be used interchangeably in this application.

[0019] As used herein, the term "about" when used in connection with a numerical value includes ±10% from the indicated value. In addition, all ranges directed to the same component or property herein are inclusive of the endpoints, are independently combinable, and include all intermediate points and ranges. It is understood that where a parameter range is provided, all integers within that range, and tenths thereof, are also provided by the invention. For example, "0.1-80%" includes 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, etc. up to 80%.

[0020] As used herein, the term "agricultural material" means an ingredient used in the practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops. However, the use of agricultural materials is not limited to application to crops. Agricultural materials are also used in the practice of non-crop uses, it may be applied to any surface, e.g., for the purpose of cleaning or aiding or inhibiting growth of a living organism. Other non-crop applications include, but are not limited to, application to an animal, e.g. livestock, application to turf and ornamentals, and application to railroad weed. Agricultural material can be used in connection with material which is used as additive such as adjuvants (e.g. rainfastness agent) and safeners.

[0021] Examples of agricultural materials, agrochemicals, pesticides, hormones, bio-stimulants, adjuvant, safener and plant growth agents.

[0022] As used herein, the term "agrochemical" is a chemical active ingredient used in the practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops. However, the use of agrochemicals is not limited to application to crops. Agrochemicals may be applied to any surface, e.g., for the purpose of cleaning or aiding or inhibiting growth of a living organism. Examples of agrochemical, pesticides, hormones, bio-stimulants, and plant growth agents.

[0023] As used herein, the term "pesticide", "pesticide compound" or "pesticidal compound" means a compound capable of killing or inhibiting growth or proliferation of a pest, whether for plant protection or for non-crop application. As used herein, all terms "pesticide", "pesticide compound" or "pesticidal compound" fall within "agricultural material". The term "pesticide", "pesticide compound" or "pesticidal compound" includes, but is not limited to, insecticide, nematicide, herbicide, fungicide, algicides, animal repellents, and acaricides.

[0024] As used herein, the term "pest" includes, but is not limited to, insect, nematode, weed, fungi, algae, mite, tick, and animal. As used herein, the term "weed" refers to any unwanted vegetation.

[0025] As used herein, the term "water-soluble unit" refers to at least one chamber prepared from a water-soluble film.

[0026] In particular, the term "water-soluble unit" refers to at least one chamber prepared from a water-soluble polymer.

[0027] As used herein, the term "chamber film" refers to the chamber wall.

[0028] As used herein, the term "stable / stability / stabilization" when used in connection with the chamber film properties refers to no significant changes of the chamber film properties after at least 1 year of storage at temperature up to 30°C or after any standard accelerated storage stability test (e.g. after 8 weeks of storage at a temperature of 40 ± 2 °C, after 12 weeks of storage at a temperature of 35 ± 2 °C, or after 18 weeks of storage at a temperature of 30 ± 2 °C).

[0029] As used herein, the term "changes" when used in connection with the chamber film properties refers to change in the dissolution time of the water soluble unit, change in the sieve residual of the water-soluble unit, change in the solubility of the water-soluble unit, change in the elasticity of the chamber film of the water-soluble unit, change in the volume of the water-soluble unit and / or sinking level and / or sinking speed of water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material in the tank sprayer. Dissolution time refers to time to initiate the dissolution of the chamber film and / or time for complete dissolution of the chamber film.

[0030] Significant change in dissolution time is more than 10% of change in the time.

[0031] Significant change in sieve residual is more than 1% of change in the sieve residual amount.

[0032] Significant change in the volume of the water-soluble unit is more than 5% of increasing in the volume of the water-soluble unit.

[0033] Dissolution time of the water-soluble unit refers to time to initiate the dissolution of the chamber film and / or time for complete dissolution of the chamber film.

[0034] In particular, when the term "stable / stability" is used in connection with lab conditions, stability is tested based on standards set forth by the Collaborative International Pesticides Analytical Council (CIPAC).(e.g. MT176). The CIPAC is an international, organization that promotes international agreements on methods for the analysis of pesticides and physico-chemical test methods for formulations. Methods adopted by the CIPAC are published in the CIPAC Handbooks, available online at www(dot)cipac(dot)org / index(dot)php / methods-publications, the entire content of each method is hereby incorporated by reference into the subject application.

[0035] In particular, when the term "stable / stability" is used in connection with field / tank sprayer simulation conditions, stability is tested for changes in non-vacuumed water-soluble unit compared to vacuumed water-soluble unit. Testing for stability is done in identical conditions (e.g same water-soluble unit comprising at least one agricultural material, water temperature, water hardness, water stream).

[0036] As used herein, the term "vacuumed water-soluble unit" refers to a water-soluble unit which is placed in a sealing bag and the sealing bag is sealed and stored under vacuum. The sealing bag is substantially free of air.

[0037] As used herein, the term "non-vacuumed water-soluble unit" refers to a water-soluble unit which is not stored under vacuum.

[0038] Storage not under vacuum is (1) storage the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material without external sealing bag or (2) storage the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material in a sealing bag without vacuum in the sealing bag. (e.g. ambient pressure).

[0039] As used herein "substantially free" means that the sealing bag contains an amount of air that does not significantly affect the stability of the unit. In some embodiments, the air amount in the sealing bag is less than 5% by volume based on the total volume of the sealing bag. In preferred embodiments, the air amount in the sealing bag is less than 0.3% by volume based on the total volume of the sealing bag.STABILIZATION OF A WATER-SOLUBLE UNIT.

[0040] Stabilization of soluble units which comprises at least one agricultural material is critical for efficient use thereof.

[0041] Many parameters affect the short term and / or the long term stability of a water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material in terms of delivery and shelf life.

[0042] It was found that the stability of water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material is improved by packaging and sealing the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material under vacuum.

[0043] Vacuum refers but is not limited to controlling the moisture transfer between the agricultural material and the chamber film of the water-soluble unit. The moisture transfer effects may affect the elongation and / or elasticity of the chamber film.

[0044] In some embodiments, agricultural material is an agricultural composition.

[0045] The present disclosure teaches a method for increasing stability of a water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, the method comprising (1) placing the water-soluble unit comprising at least one agricultural material in a sealing bag and (2) sealing the bag under vacuum.

[0046] The present disclosure teaches a method for increasing shelf life of a water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, the method comprising (1) placing the water-soluble unit comprising at least one agricultural material in a sealing bag and (2) sealing the bag under vacuum.

[0047] The present disclosure teaches a method for increasing stability of a water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, the method comprising (1) placing the water-soluble unit comprising at least one agricultural material in a sealing bag and (2) sealing the bag so that the sealing bag is substantially free of air.

[0048] The present disclosure teaches a method for increasing shelf life of a water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, the method comprising (1) placing the water-soluble unit comprising at least one agricultural material in a sealing bag and (2) sealing the bag so that the sealing bag is substantially free of air.

[0049] In some embodiments, vacuum is equal to or less than 79.993 Pa (600 mmHg).

[0050] In some embodiments, the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material is placed in the sealing bag with additional components.PACKAGING FOR WATER-SOLUBLE UNIT

[0051] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a packaging comprising in combination at least one chamber prepared from a water-soluble film and comprising at least one agricultural material, and an external sealing bag, wherein the at least one chamber is packaged in the external sealing bag; and the sealing bag is substantially free of air and the air amount in said sealing bag is less than 5% by volume based on the total volume of the sealing bag, wherein: (i) the time needed for full dissolution of the chamber at 5°C water temperature is less than 20 minutes in filed / tank sprayer simulation; (ii) there is no more than 10% of change in the dissolution time of the water soluble film after 8 weeks of storage at a temperature of 40 ± 2 °C; and (iii) the thickness of the film is between 30 -100 microns.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the sealing bag comprised within the packaging of the invention is prepared from: (i) a poly ethylene based polymer, (ii) multi-layer based material, (iii) aluminum foil based material, or (iv) a Laminated 3 layers foil PE / AL / PE.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the at least one chamber comprised within the packaging of the invention according to any one of the embodiments above is prepared from: (i) polyvinyl alcohol based polymer, or (ii) Aicello PT 40.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the agricultural material comprised within the at least one chamber composing, in combination with the sealing bag, the packaging of the present invention according to any one of the embodiments above is a composition of captan.

[0055] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for forming a packaging according to any one of the embodiments above, the method comprising (1) placing at least one chamber comprising at least one agricultural material in a sealing bag and (2) sealing the bag at vacuum, wherein: (i) the vacuum is equal to or less than 79.993 Pa (600 mmHg); and (ii) the sealing is achieved by pumping the air in the sealing bag after placing the at least one chamber, which comprises the at least one agricultural material, inside the sealing bag.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the pumping utilized by the method of the invention is made at potency / strength of 0.25 to - 0.7 x 100 kPa (0.25 to - 0.7 bar) for a duration of 1 to 90 seconds.

[0057] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to use of the packaging according to any one of the embodiments above for preparing a diluted agricultural composition for controlling pests and wherein the chamber is wetted after removing the sealing bag for full dissolution.

[0058] The present disclosure teaches a sealing bag comprising at least one water-soluble unit, wherein the water-soluble unit comprises at least one agricultural material and wherein the sealing bag is sealed at vacuum.

[0059] The present disclosure teaches a water-soluble unit comprising at least one agricultural material, wherein the unit is packaged in an external sealing bag and the sealing bag is sealed at vacuum.

[0060] The present disclosure teaches a sealing bag comprising at least one water-soluble unit, wherein the water-soluble unit comprises at least one agricultural material and wherein the sealing bag is substantially free of air.

[0061] The present disclosure teaches a water-soluble unit comprising at least one agricultural material, wherein the unit is packaged in an external sealing bag and the sealing bag is substantially free of air.

[0062] The present disclosure teaches a packaging for at least one water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, comprising a sealing bag wherein the sealing bag is sealed under vacuum.

[0063] The present disclosure teaches a packaging for delivery of at least one water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, comprising a sealing bag wherein the sealing bag is sealed at vacuum.

[0064] The present disclosure teaches a packaging for increasing shelf life of at least one water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, comprising a sealing bag wherein the sealing bag is sealed at vacuum.

[0065] The present disclosure teaches a packaging for at least one water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, comprising a sealing bag wherein the sealing bag is substantially free of air.

[0066] The present disclosure teaches a packaging for delivery of at least one water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, comprising a sealing bag wherein the sealing bag is substantially free of air.

[0067] The present disclosure teaches a packaging for increasing shelf life of at least one water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, comprising a sealing bag wherein the sealing bag is substantially free of air.

[0068] The present disclosure teaches the use of vacuumed packaging for stabilization of a water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material.

[0069] The present disclosure teaches the use of vacuum for stabilizing a water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material.

[0070] According to the invention, the packaging comprises a sealing bag.

[0071] According to the invention, the sealing bag comprises a water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material.

[0072] In some embodiments, vacuum is equal to or less than 79.993 Pa (600 mmHg).STABILITY PARAMETERS

[0073] Stabilizing a water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, refers but is not limited to increasing shelf life of unit.

[0074] Increasing of stability may be measured by, but not limited to, changes of the dissolution time of the soluble unit, change of sieve residual of the soluble unit, change of elasticity of the chamber film of the water-soluble unit, change in the volume of the water-soluble unit and / or sinking level and / or sinking speed of water-soluble unit in the tank sprayer.

[0075] Dissolution time refers to time to initiate the dissolution of the chamber film and / or time for complete dissolution of the chamber film. Shelf life refers to the period where the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, maintains its properties in term of the dissolution time of the chamber film, of sieve residual of the chamber film, elasticity of the chamber film of the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material,, the volume of the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, and / or the sinking level of water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, in a tank sprayer.

[0076] Increasing shelf life of water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material refers but is not limited to at least 1 month, 6 months, or 12 months longer than shelf life of a non-vacuumed water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material.

[0077] The packaging disclosed in the present invention, increases the shelf life of the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material by at least 1 month, 6 months, 12 months.

[0078] In some embodiments, stability is measured by dissolution time. In some embodiments, dissolution time of non-vacuumed water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, is increased by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% compared to vacuumed water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material.

[0079] In some embodiments, the elasticity of the chamber film is measured.

[0080] In some embodiments, elasticity refers but is not limited to brittle level.

[0081] In some embodiments, the brittle level is tested by a tensile test device according to ISO 527, ASTM D638.

[0082] In some embodiments, brittle level is measured by testing the physical properties of the chamber film, such as weight comparison.

[0083] In some embodiments, the brittle level is tested by drop-test according to the UN demands for specific specimens of products from the "Orange Book".

[0084] UN demands for specific specimens of products from the "Orange Book" such as UN recommendation on the transport of dangerous goods, part 6 (edition 17, 2011) (orange book), ICAO Technical Instructions for the safe transport of Dangerous goods by air, edition 2011-2012, IMO IMDG CODE, 2010, amendment 35-10.

[0085] In some embodiments, stability is measured by brittle level of the chamber film. In some embodiments, brittle level of non-vacuumed water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material is higher by at least 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% compared to the vacuumed water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material.

[0086] In some embodiments, stability is measured by bulging level. In some embodiments, bulging level of vacuumed water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material is at least, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% less compared to the non-vacuumed water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material.

[0087] In some embodiments, bulging level refers to but is not limited to the change in the volume of the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material.

[0088] In some embodiments, the bulging level of the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, is measured in change in the volume of the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material.

[0089] The invention packaging decreases the change in the volume of the vacuumed water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material by at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% less compared to the change in volume of the non-vacuumed water-soluble unit, which comprises at least one agricultural material.

[0090] In some embodiments, stability is measured by shelf life. In some embodiments, shelf life of vacuumed water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material is increased by at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% compared to the non-vacuumed water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural metrical.

[0091] In some embodiments, the at least one agricultural material is folpet and / or captan. In some embodiments, the at least one agricultural material is tau fluvalinate. In some embodiments, the water-soluble unit comprises a pesticide composition.

[0092] In some embodiments, the pesticide is fungicide, insecticide.

[0093] In some embodiments, fungicide is folpet and / or captan.

[0094] In some embodiments, the agricultural material is composition of captan.VACUUM PROPERTIES

[0095] The disclosure teaches packaging for water soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material at vacuum.

[0096] Packaging at vacuum refers to the pressure in the sealing bag.

[0097] The vacuum in the sealing bag is critical for stability of the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material.

[0098] The vacuum in the sealing bag is equal to or less than 79.993 Pa (600 mmHg).

[0099] In some embodiments, the vacuum in the sealing bag is equal to or less than 79.993 Pa (600 mmHg), 66.661 Pa (500 mmHg), 53.329 (400 mmHg), 39.996 (300 mmHg) or 26.664 (200 mmHg).

[0100] In some embodiments, the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material is placed in a sealing bag prepared by a known method for preparation.

[0101] Known method refers but is not limited to Vertical Form Fill and Seal (VFFS).PACKAGING- SEALING BAG PREPARATION AND MATERIAL

[0102] The material which is used for packaging the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material under vacuum includes any material which preserves the vacuum for at least 6 months.

[0103] In some embodiments, the vacuum is preserved for at least 12 months, 18 months, or 24 months.

[0104] In some embodiments, the sealing bag is prepared from a non-biodegradable material. In some embodiments, the sealing bag is prepared from a biodegradable material. In some embodiments, the sealing bag is prepared from a recycled material.

[0105] In some embodiments, the sealing bag is prepared from a poly ethylene based polymer.

[0106] In some embodiments, the poly ethylene based polymer is a cross linked poly ethylene based polymer.

[0107] In some embodiments, the sealing bag is prepared from a cross linked poly ethylene based polymer

[0108] In some embodiments, the sealing bag is based on aluminium foil.

[0109] In some embodiments, the sealing bag is based on paper foil.

[0110] In some embodiments the sealing bag is a water-soluble paper.

[0111] In some embodiments, the sealing bag is prepared from a multi-layer based material.

[0112] In some embodiments, the sealing bag is single layer, double layer, triple layer and / or ternary layers.

[0113] In some embodiments, the sealing bag is prepared from an aluminum foil based material. In some embodiments, the sealing bag is a Laminated 3 layers foil PE / AL / PET.

[0114] In some embodiments, the sealing bag is a Laminated double layer foil PE / PET.

[0115] In some embodiments, a Bio-degradable sealing bag is corn starch based.

[0116] In some embodiments, the sealing bag is prepared by a known method for preparation. Known method refers but is not limited to Vertical Form Fill and Seal (VFFS).WATER-SOLUBLE UNIT WHICH COMPRISES AT LEAST ONE AGRICULTURAL MATERIAL - CHAMBER FILM

[0117] In some embodiments, the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material is prepared from a water-soluble film.

[0118] In some embodiments, the water-soluble film is prepared using a water-soluble polymer.

[0119] In some embodiments, the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material is prepared from water-soluble polymer.

[0120] In some embodiments, the water-soluble film is polyvinyl alcohol based polymer.

[0121] In some embodiments, the water-soluble film is polyvinyl alcohol.

[0122] In some embodiments, the water-soluble polymer is polyvinyl alcohol based polymer.

[0123] In some embodiments, the water-soluble polymer is polyvinyl alcohol.

[0124] In some embodiments, the chamber film is polyvinyl alcohol based polymer.

[0125] In some embodiments, the chamber film is polyvinyl alcohol.

[0126] In some embodiments, poly vinyl alcohol based polymer is a modified polymer.

[0127] In some embodiments, the poly vinyl alcohol based polymer is manufactured by Aicello.

[0128] In some embodiments the polyvinyl alcohol polymer is Aicello PT 40, Aicello PT 80 (manufactured by Aicello).

[0129] In some embodiments the sealing bag is prepared from Aicello PT 40.

[0130] In some embodiments, the water-soluble unit can be prepared by methods such as vacuum forming, Vertical Form Fill & Seal (VFFS), Horizontal Form Fill & Seal (HFFS) or any other type of FFS, or Flow Pack.

[0131] In some embodiments, the water-soluble unit can be prepared by methods such as impulse welding, ultrasonic welding, water sealing.WATER-SOLUBLE UNIT CHARACTERIZATION / PROPERTIES

[0132] The water-soluble unit which comprises at least one chamber and at least one agricultural material wherein the unit is prepared from a soluble film and an agricultural material is enclosed within the chamber that unit has critical parameters for efficiency in the field.

[0133] Critical parameters such as thickness of the chamber, elasticity of the chamber, and chamber film dissolution time.

[0134] In some embodiments, dissolution time refers to the time needed for full dissolution of the chamber film at 5°C water temperature which is about 10 minutes in field / tank sprayer simulation conditions.

[0135] In some embodiments, dissolution time refers to the time needed for full dissolution of the chamber film at 5°C water temperature which is less than 20, less than 10 minutes in field / tank sprayer simulation conditions.

[0136] In some embodiments, dissolution time refers to time for initiating the dissolution of the chamber film at 10°C water temperature which is less than 1 minutes, less than 40 seconds, less than 30 seconds, less than 15 seconds in field / tank sprayer simulation conditions.

[0137] In some embodiments, dissolution time refers to time for initiating the dissolution of the chamber film at 5°C water temperature which is less than 60 seconds, less than 30 seconds, less than 15 seconds field / tank sprayer simulation conditions.

[0138] According to the invention, the thickness of the chamber film comprising an agricultural composition is between 30-100 microns.

[0139] In some embodiments, the volume of the water-soluble unit is between 1 ml to 10 liters.

[0140] In some embodiments, the weight of the pesticide composition is between 15 gr to 5000 grams.

[0141] In some embodiments, the weight of the water -soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material is between 15 gr to 5000 grams.AGRICULTURAL MATERIAL

[0142] Agriculture material may refer to agricultural composition.

[0143] In some embodiments, agriculture material may refer to agrichemical composition. In some embodiments, the agriculture composition is solid composition and / or liquid composition. In some embodiments, the agrichemical composition is solid composition and / or liquid composition. In some embodiments, the agricultural composition is a concentrated composition. In some embodiments, concentrated composition refers to the composition in the water -soluble unit before wetting the water -soluble unit with water.

[0144] Solid composition refers but is not limited to soluble granules, water dispersible granules and powder.

[0145] Liquid composition refers but is not limited to oil dispersion (OD) composition and emulsifiable concentrate (EC).

[0146] In some embodiments, the agriculture composition comprises at least one agrochemical.

[0147] In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least two agrochemicals. In some embodiments, the agricultural composition comprises at least one disintegration agent.

[0148] In some embodiments, the disintegration agent is a blooming agent, an effervescence system or a combination thereof.

[0149] In some embodiments, the effervescent system comprises a mixture of an acid and a base, preferably a weak acid and a weak base. However, the effervescent system that may be used with the composition is not limited to the combination of an acid and a base.

[0150] Chemical reaction between an acid and a base can result in a rapid spontaneous evolution of CO 2 gas when the effervescent system is combined with and wetted by water. In-situ formation of gas enhances solid disintegration and / or particles dispersion.

[0151] Acids may include, but are not limited to, organic and inorganic acids. The inorganic acid may be a weak acid. Organic acids may include but are not limited to carboxylic acids such as citric acid, fumaric acid, phthalic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, adipic acid, glutaric acid, 2-methyl glutaric acid, succinic acid and tartaric acid or any combination thereof.

[0152] Bases may include, but are not limited to, organic and inorganic bases. The inorganic base may be a weak base. Inorganic base may include but are not limited to an alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate such as lithium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate or any combination thereof.

[0153] Agriculture material refers but is not limited to agrochemical, biological material, natural material, adjuvants and safener.

[0154] Agrochemical refers but is not limited to pesticide, bio stimulant, growth regulator, fertilizer / nutrients.

[0155] In some embodiments, the agrochemical is a pesticide.

[0156] In some embodiments, the pesticide is an insecticide. In some embodiments, the pesticide is a fungicide. In some embodiments, the pesticide is an acaricide. In some embodiments, the pesticide is a nematicide. In some embodiments, the pesticide is an herbicide.

[0157] Examples of insecticides and acaricides may include, but are not limited to, chlorantraniliprole, abamectin, pyriproxyfen, acetamiprid, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, pymetrozine, novaluron, ethiprole, fipronil, tau fluvalinate and lambda-cyhalothrin acetamiprid, imidacloprid and any combinations thereof.

[0158] Examples of fungicides may include, but are not limited to, sterol biosynthesis inhibitors such as prothioconazole, epoxiconazole, cyproconazole, myclobutanil, prochloraz, metconazole, difenoconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, fenbuconazole, propiconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, fenpropimorph, fenpropidin, ipconazole, triticonazole, spiroxamine, fenhexamid, and fenpyrazamine, succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors such as benzovindiflupyr, penthiopyrad, isopyrazam, fluxapyroxad, boscalid, fluopyram, bixafen, and penflufen, strobilurin fungicides such as azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, picoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, trifloxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl, dimoxystrobin, and orysastrobin, multisite inhibitors such as mancozeb, chlorothalonil, folpet, captan, metiram, maneb, propineb, copper hydroxide, copper octanoate, copper oxychloride, copper sulfate, copper sulfate (tribasic), mancopper, oxine-copper, copper bis(3-phenlsalicylate), copper zinc chromate, cuprous oxide, cupric hydrazinium sulfate, cuprobam and any combinations thereof.

[0159] Examples of nematicide may include but are not limited to fluensulfone.

[0160] Examples of herbicides may include but are not limited to clethodim, 2,4 D, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, atrazine, pinoxaden, mesosulfuron, mefenpyr, clomazone, penoxsulam, DCPA, nicosulfuronflurochloridone, pyrioxasulfone, pretilachlor, metamitron, triflusulfuron, lenacil, pinoxaden, glyphosate, glufosinate, dicamba, chloroacetamide and any combination thereof.

[0161] In some embodiments, the agriculture material is agrochemical composition comprising captan.

[0162] In some embodiments, the agriculture material is agrochemical composition comprising folpet.

[0163] In some embodiments, the agriculture material is agrochemical composition comprising tau fluvalinate.

[0164] In some embodiments, the agrochemical composition is a composition comprising a pesticide selected from a group consisting of captan, folpet, acephate, acetamiprid, bifenthrin, imidaclopride, chlorothalonil and prothioconazole.

[0165] In some embodiments, the agrochemical is captan. In some embodiments, the agrochemical is folpet.

[0166] In some embodiments, the pesticide is captan. In some embodiments, the pesticide is folpet.PROCESS FOR PREPARING THE INVENTION

[0167] According to its second embodiment, the present invention provides a method for forming a packaging according to the first embodiment, the method comprising (1) placing at least one chamber comprising at least one agricultural material in a sealing bag and (2) sealing the bag at vacuum, wherein: (i) the vacuum is equal to or less than 79.993 Pa (600 mmHg); and (ii) the sealing is achieved by pumping the air in the sealing bag after placing the at least one chamber, which comprises the at least one agricultural material, inside the sealing bag.

[0168] The present disclosure teaches a method for packaging a water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, the method comprising (1) placing at least one water-soluble unit comprising at least one agricultural material in a sealing bag and (2) sealing the bag at vacuum.

[0169] The present disclosure teaches a method for packaging a water-soluble unit, the method comprising (1) preparing at least one water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material (2) placing the water-soluble unit of step (1) in a sealing bag and (3) sealing the bag under vacuum.

[0170] The present disclosure teaches a method for packaging a water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, the method comprising (1) placing at least one water-soluble unit comprising at least one agricultural material in a sealing bag and (2) sealing the bag so that the sealing bag is substantially free of air.

[0171] The present disclosure teaches a method for packaging a water-soluble unit, the method comprising (1) preparing at least one water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material (2) placing the water-soluble unit of step (1) in a sealing bag and (3) sealing the bag so that the sealing bag is substantially free of air.

[0172] Method for sealing the sealing bag maybe, but is not limited to, hot bar welding, impulse welding, ultrasonic welding and water sealing.

[0173] In some embodiments the sealing of the sealing bag in the method for packaging the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material is achieved by pumping the air in the sealing bag after placing the water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, inside the sealing bag. Pumping at potency / strength of 0.25 to -0.7 x 100kPa (0.25 to - 0.7 bar) for a duration of 1 to 90 seconds.COMPOSITION

[0174] The present invention provides a water diluted agricultural composition comprising any one of the water-soluble unit described herein and water. In some embodiments, the water -soluble unit is wetted after removing the sealing bag. In some embodiments, the sealing bag is removed prior to the wetting of the water-soluble unit with water.METHOD OF USE

[0175] According to its third embodiment, the instant invention provides the use of the packaging of the first embodiment for preparing a diluted agricultural composition for controlling pests and wherein the chamber is wetted after removing the sealing bag for full dissolution.

[0176] The present disclosure also teaches a method of controlling and preventing pest comprising: (1) preparing a water diluted agricultural composition from any one of the - packaging, sealing bag and / or water-soluble unit described herein and (2) applying the water diluted agricultural composition to a locus where the pest is to be controlled and prevented.

[0177] The present disclosure also teaches a method of controlling and preventing pest comprising: (1) preparing a water diluted agricultural composition from any one of the packaging, sealing bag and / or water-soluble unit described herein and (2) applying the water diluted agricultural composition to at least one of a plant, an area adjacent to a plant, soil adapted to support growth of a plant, a root of a plant, foliage of a plant, and / or a seed adapted to produce a plant.

[0178] The present disclosure also teaches a method of controlling and preventing pest comprising: (1) preparing a water diluted agricultural composition from any one of the packaging, sealing bag and / or water-soluble unit described herein and (2) applying the water diluted agricultural composition of any one of the packaging, sealing bag and / or water-soluble unit described herein to an area infested with the unwanted pest so as to thereby control the unwanted pest.

[0179] The present disclosure also teaches a method of controlling and preventing pest comprising: (1) preparing a water diluted agricultural composition from any one of the packaging, sealing bag and / or water-soluble unit described herein and (2) contacting a plant, a locus thereof or propagation material thereof with water diluted agricultural composition of any one of the packaging, sealing bag and / or water-soluble unit described herein so as to thereby control the plant disease.

[0180] In some embodiments, the water diluted agricultural composition prepared from any one of the packaging, sealing bag and / or water-soluble unit described herein is prepared by wetting the water-soluble unit with water.

[0181] Wetting is after removing the sealing bag.

[0182] In some embodiments, wetting is by adding to water, the water-soluble unit after removing the sealing bag.

[0183] In some embodiments, wetting is by placing the water-soluble unit after removing the sealing bag, on the spray tank top sieve and adding water on over the unit.

[0184] In some embodiments, the water diluted agricultural composition prepared from any one of the packaging, sealing bag and / or water-soluble unit described herein is prepared by adding to water the water-soluble unit after removing the sealing bag.

[0185] In some embodiments, the water diluted agricultural composition prepared from any one of the packaging, sealing bag and / or water-soluble unit described herein is prepared by placing the water-soluble unit after removing the sealing bag, on the spray tank top sieve and adding water on over the unit.

[0186] The present disclosure teaches the use of the packaging, sealing bag and / or water-soluble unit described herein for preparing a diluted agricultural composition for controlling pests.

[0187] In some embodiments, diluted agricultural composition is water diluted agricultural composition.

[0188] In one embodiment, the pest is insect. In one embodiment, the pest is fungi. In one embodiment, the pest is nematode. In one embodiment, the pest is weed.

[0189] In one embodiment, the locus is a plant, an area adjacent to a plant, soil adapted to support growth of a plant, a root of a plant, foliage of a plant, and / or a seed adapted to produce a plant.

[0190] In one embodiment, the locus is a wall, a floor, or a surface of a furniture or fixture. In one embodiment, the locus is a kitchen surface or bathroom surface.

[0191] In one embodiment, the locus is skin of an animal or surrounding of an animal. In one embodiment, the locus is a railway or an area surrounding a railway.

[0192] The water diluted agricultural composition prepared from any one of the packaging, sealing bag and / or water-soluble unit described herein may be applied to healthy or diseased plant. In some embodiments, the water diluted agricultural composition prepared from any one of the packaging, sealing bag and / or water-soluble unit described herein is applied to various plants including but not limited to crops, seeds, bulbs, propagation material, turf, or ornamental species.

[0193] The invention is illustrated by the following examples without limiting it thereby.EXPERIMENTS SECTIONPreparation of the water-soluble unit which comprise captan (unit A)

[0194] Water-soluble units comprise a chamber that encloses captan composition (captan 80 WDG, Merpan) within, were prepared by using a vertical FFS machine that forms the PVA sachet (Aicello PT 40) and fills a measured quantity of the captan (Merpan). The water-soluble unit which comprising captan was sealed at vacuum using heat bar welding or Impulse welding.EXAMPLE 1, Water-soluble unit packaged in a sealing bag under vacuum.

[0195] Unit A was placed in a sealing bag, (Laminated 3 layers foil PE / AL / PET (PlastoSac)). The sealing bag was sealed at vacuum for 30 seconds, using Impulse welding. The vacuum in the sealing bag is less than 79.993 Pa (600 mmHg).EXAMPLE 2- Water-soluble unit packaged in a sealing bag, the sealing bag is sealed in ambient pressure.

[0196] Unit A was placed in a cross linked PE ziploc bag. The bag was sealed using the ziploc. The pressure is ambient pressure. No vacuum in the sealing bag.Stability tests:

[0197] Examples 1 and 2 which were stored at 40°C temperature for 8 weeks and parameters such as (1) dissolution rate (initiate and full dissolution), (2) sieves residual (filter nozzle and top sieve filter) and bulging were checked.Test 1, Dissolution time test under lab condition, based on CIPAC MT 176

[0198] A 10cm2 PVA film strip (taken from example 1 and 2, as well as from a fresh PVA film that didn't undergo storage) were hung on a metal hook attached to a plastic cover. 2. The strips were then lowered into a beaker containing 100ml of standard hard water (500ppm hardness, pH 7.0-8.0, Ca++:Mg++ = 4:1) in which the captan 80 WDG, was dispersed. The water temperature was kept at 20°C or lower. 3. The film strips were kept inside the dispersion of captan for 10 minutes without agitation, followed by 10 minutes with stirring with a magnetic bar at a speed of 1500 RPM. 4. The dispersion was poured onto a 150 µm sieve and any residuals were noted. 5. The time until the film strip initial dissolution was measured. EXAMPLE 1 - sealed under vacuumEXAMPLE 2 - sealed in ambient pressureFresh PVA filmDissolution time - time for initiating the chamber film dissolution30 seconds4 minutes30 secondsResiduals at end of testSome <1mm pieces of filmMany 2-3mm pieces of filmNo residuals

[0199] Results showed that the unit which was stored under vacuum (EXAMPLE 1) was more stable than the unit which was not kept under vacuum (EXAMPLE 2). The time for initiating the dissolution of the chamber wall film for the example 1, was same as for a fresh PVA strip that was tested in the same conditions, in addition the amount of the sieve residual is of example 1 compared to example 2 was lower, which shows that the dissolution time in general for example 1 is lower than example 2.Test 2, Field Simulation test:Material:

[0200] 1000 liter commercial tank sprayer contains (50% volume) water at cold temperature 5°C and commercial fertilizer, Calcium Chloride (180 gr) and Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate (80 gram), hardness of water at least 342 ppm, molar ratio of Ca to Mg is 4:1. (PH of 7.9)The test:

[0201] Step 1. Units of Example 1 and 2 were put on the spray tank top sieve.

[0202] Step 2. Cold stream water (5°C) at 4x100kPa (4 bar) pressure, was applied over the water-soluble units which were placed on top sieve.

[0203] Throughout step 2, time in seconds and water volume in liters were measured for each dissolving unit

[0204] In addition, the internal mixing jets and filters were in operation mode and the jet agitation was kept for 10 minutes.

[0205] Step 3. The obtained spray solution of step 2, was applied using boom sprayer with T-jet ceramic spray nozzle with nozzle filter with 50 and 80 mesh.

[0206] After step 3 was completed, sieves residual in the nozzles, nozzle filters and head pump filter as well as the top sieve filter were checked by a visual inspection. Results are shown in table 2. EXAMPLE 1 - sealed under vacuumEXAMPLE 2 - sealed in ambient pressureDissolution time - time for initiating the chamber film dissolution7 seconds15 secondsFull dissolution2 minutes5 minutesSieve on top of the sprayerCleanResidualObservation of main filterCleanCleanObservation of nozzles filterCleanClean

[0207] Results showed that the unit which was stored under vacuum (EXAMPLE 1) was more stable than the unit which was not kept under vacuum (EXAMPLE 2). Test 3, Volume of the water-soluble unit comprising captan (bulging) after storage for 8 weeks at 40° C.

[0208] Chamber bulging is an additional test which reflects the stability of the water-soluble unit.

[0209] Chamber bulging was recorded as a visual observation.

[0210] Results are shown in figures 1 and 2.

[0211] Results showed that the volume of the water-soluble unit which was not kept under vacuum (example 2) (figure 1), increased by at least 30%.Conclusion:

[0212] The invention packaging for a water-soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, wherein the water soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material is kept in a sealing bag at vacuum showed less changes in dissolution time of the chamber film, sieve residual and chamber bulging compared to the water soluble unit which comprises at least one agricultural material, which was kept in sealing bag in ambient pressure. (not at vacuum).

Claims

1. A packaging comprising in combination at least one chamber prepared from a water-soluble film and comprising at least one agricultural material, and an external sealing bag, wherein the at least one chamber is packaged in the external sealing bag; and the sealing bag is substantially free of air and the air amount in said sealing bag is less than 5% by volume based on the total volume of the sealing bag, wherein: (i) the time needed for full dissolution of the chamber at 5°C water temperature is less than 20 minutes in field / tank sprayer simulation; (ii) there is no more than 10% of change in the dissolution time of the water soluble film after 8 weeks of storage at a temperature of 40 ± 2 °C; and (iii) the thickness of the film is between 30 -100 microns.

2. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the sealing bag is prepared from: (i) a poly ethylene based polymer, (ii) multi-layer based material, (iii) aluminum foil based material, or (iv) a laminated 3 layers foil PE / AL / PE.

3. The packaging of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one chamber is prepared from: (i) polyvinyl alcohol based polymer, or (ii) Aicello PT 40.

4. The packaging of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the agricultural material is a composition of captan.

5. A method for forming a packaging according to any one of claims 1-4, the method comprising (1) placing at least one chamber comprising at least one agricultural material in a sealing bag and (2) sealing the bag at vacuum, wherein: (i) the vacuum is equal to or less than 79.993 Pa (600 mmHg); and (ii) the sealing is achieved by pumping the air in the sealing bag after placing the at least one chamber, which comprises the at least one agricultural material, inside the sealing bag.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the pumping is made at potency / strength of 0.25 to - 0.7 x 100 kPa (0.25 to - 0.7 bar) for a duration of 1 to 90 seconds.

7. Use of the packaging of any one of claims 1-4 for preparing a diluted agricultural composition for controlling pests and wherein the chamber is wetted after removing the sealing bag for full dissolution.