Method for making perfume-containing particles

Abstract

A method of making perfume-containing particles is provided, each of such particles comprising a perfume ingredient, a first carrier and a second carrier, the first carrier comprising a water-soluble and heat-fusible material, the second carrier comprising a water-soluble or water-dispersible particle, 80%-100% by weight of the second carrier being characterized by a particle size in the range of 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers, each of the perfume-containing particles having a mass of 0.1 mg to 5 g and a maximum dimension of 3 mm to 10 mm, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing intermediate particles comprising at least a second carrier and a binder, the intermediate particles being characterized by a maximum dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, the intermediate particles comprising at least a second carrier and a binder, b) mixing the intermediate particles, the perfume ingredient, the first carrier in a molten state, and optionally one or more other ingredients to form a slurry, and c) forming the perfume-containing particles from the slurry.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to perfume-containing particles and methods for making same. [Background technology]

[0002] Scent is perceived to provide pleasure to consumers when they do their laundry. Consumers can associate a particular scent with the performance of a laundry product and as an indicator of the quality of the laundry product. Laundry products that provide consumers with a pleasant or enhanced scent experience when they dispense the laundry product, transfer wet laundry from the washer to the dryer or onto a drying rack or line, or wear the garments, fulfill this consumer need.

[0003] Correspondingly, scent particles have become increasingly popular as laundry scent additives and can be used to impart new scents or enhance existing scents to washed items.

[0004] Most of such fragrance particles contain one or more perfume ingredient mixed carrier materials. The perfume ingredient may be selected from the group consisting of free perfume, encapsulated perfume, and combinations thereof. The carrier material may be selected from the group consisting of polymers (e.g., polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof), proteins (e.g., gelatin, albumin, casein, etc.), sugars (e.g., dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, isoglucose, sucrose, etc.), polysaccharides (e.g., starch, cellulose, or derivatives thereof), water-soluble or water-dispersible fillers (e.g., sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate / bicarbonate, zeolite, silica, clay, etc.), and combinations thereof. Some fragrance particles contain only one type of carrier material, while others may contain a mixture of two or more different carrier materials.

[0005] US Patent Application Publication No. 20190218480(A) discloses fragrance particles containing a mixture of a polymer (e.g., polyethylene glycol) and a water-soluble or water-dispersible filler having a specific range of particle size, which obtains significantly reduced compositional variation, thus providing better product quality control, consistent user experience, and consumer satisfaction. However, there are challenges during manufacturing to handle fine powders of filler particles. First of all, due to dustiness, fine powders of filler particles require very careful operating procedures to handle them. Secondly, some fine powders of filler particles are prone to absorbing moisture and becoming clogged, which requires special careful conditions for storage and transportation. If discrete particles with a specific particle size are required, special capital investments may be required, which may result in complex processing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20190218480(A) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved process for making perfume particles containing filler carriers with small particle size with better operation flexibility.It is further desired to provide filler carrier particles that are less likely to agglomerate under humidity or long transportation in order to reduce capital investment, save operation costs, and / or simplify processing complexity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The applicants have surprisingly found an improved method for making perfume-containing particles, in which water-soluble or water-dispersible carriers (fillers) can be distributed into particles with a specific range of particle size by an easier operation method. Such a method introduces preformed intermediate particles, which are produced by granulating water-soluble or water-dispersible carriers with a heat-meltable binder. Granulation results in more homogeneous particles with better flow properties. Granules are easier to store and transport compared to powders. The granulation process can modify or improve the filler release profile during the subsequent process of making perfume-containing particles. Surprisingly, the filler released from the intermediate particles is remelted into perfume-containing particles by maintaining a specific range of particle size.

[0009] In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of making a perfume-containing particle, the perfume-containing particle comprising a perfume ingredient, a first carrier and a second carrier, the first carrier comprising a water-soluble and heat-fusible material, the second carrier comprising a water-soluble or water-dispersible particle, 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier being characterized by a particle size in the range of 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers, each of the perfume-containing particles having a mass of 0.1 mg to 5 g and a maximum dimension of 3 mm to 10 mm, the method comprising: a) providing intermediate particles characterized by a maximum dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, the intermediate particles comprising at least a second carrier and a binder; b) mixing the intermediate particles, the flavor ingredient, the molten first carrier, and optionally one or more other ingredients to form a slurry; and c) forming perfume-containing particles from the slurry.

[0010] Preferably, the intermediate particles are provided by granulation of the second carrier and the binder. The intermediate particles can be provided, for example, by high shear wet granulation, low shear wet granulation, fluidized bed wet granulation, dry granulation, spray drying granulation, rotor granulation, extrusion, hot melt granulation, etc. The intermediate particles can be of any suitable shape. For example, the intermediate particles can be of any regular shape, such as cubes, spheres, hemispheres, cylinders, noodles, etc., or can be irregular. Preferably, the intermediate particles are characterized by a maximum dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, preferably 0.6 mm to 9 mm, more preferably 0.8 mm to 8 mm.

[0011] The first carrier in the perfume-containing particle may comprise a water-soluble and heat-meltable material, preferably having a melting point of 35°C to 70°C. The first carrier may be a material selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymer, non-ionic surfactants, and combinations thereof. For example, the first carrier may be a polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 2,000 to 30,000 Daltons, preferably 3,000 to 20,000 Daltons, more preferably 4,000 to 15,000 Daltons. Preferably, the first carrier may be present in each of the perfume-containing particles in an amount ranging from 5% to 90%, preferably 10% to 70%, more preferably 20% to 60%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

[0012] The second carrier in the perfume-containing particle may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, zeolite, silica, clay, and combinations thereof, preferably a material selected from sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, or combinations thereof. Preferably, 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier present in the perfume-containing particle is characterized by a particle size ranging from 10 micrometers to 125 micrometers, preferably from 10 micrometers to 105 micrometers, more preferably from 10 micrometers to 90 micrometers. Preferably, the second carrier may be present in each perfume-containing particle in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 90%, preferably from about 5% to about 50%, more preferably from about 8% to about 40%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

[0013] Preferably, the binder in the intermediate particles comprises a material selected from polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof; gelatin, albumin, casein, dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, isoglucose, sucrose; polysaccharides, cellulose, starch, or derivatives thereof; nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0014] In some preferred examples, the weight ratio of the second carrier to the binder in the intermediate particle is about 50 to 99: 1 to 50. For example, the weight ratio of the second carrier to the binder in the intermediate particle can be 50: 50, or 55: 45, or 60: 40, or 65: 35, or 70: 30, or 75: 25, or 80: 20, or 85: 15, or 90: 10, or 95: 5, and any combination between the above ranges.

[0015] Each of the above-mentioned perfume-containing particles may contain one or more perfume ingredients selected from the group consisting of free perfume, encapsulated perfume, and combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, the perfume-containing particles contain one or more free perfumes, which are preferably present in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 25%, alternatively from about 0.2% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 15%, more preferably from about 1% to about 10%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle. Additionally, the perfume-containing particles may contain encapsulated perfumes, either alone or in combination with the free perfumes. Preferably, the encapsulated perfumes are present in crushable perfume microcapsules, while the crushable perfume microcapsules are preferably present in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 25%, alternatively from about 0.2% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 10%, more preferably from about 1% to about 5%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

[0016] Optionally, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention may further comprise one or more other ingredients selected from the group consisting of colorants, solvents, softening actives, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the one or more ingredients are present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 10%, preferably from 0.02% to 8%, and more preferably from 0.1% to 5%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

[0017] These and other aspects of the invention will become further apparent from a reading of the following detailed description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Features and advantages of various embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following specification, including examples of specific embodiments intended to give a broad expression of the invention. Various modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the specification and practice of the invention. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, and the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0019] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, 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."

[0020] As used herein, terms such as "a" and "an" used in a claim are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described. The terms "comprise," "comprises," "comprising," "contain," "contains," "containing," "include," "includes," and "including" are all meant to be open-ended.

[0021] The term "perfume-containing particle" refers to a particle that contains one or more perfume ingredients, such as free perfume, pro-perfume, encapsulated perfume (including perfume microcapsules), etc. Preferably, such perfume-containing particles contain perfume encapsulated in perfume microcapsules, particularly crushable perfume microcapsules.

[0022] The term "aspect ratio" refers to the ratio of the longest dimension to the shortest dimension of a perfume-containing particle. For example, if such a perfume-containing particle has a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape, the aspect ratio is the ratio of the base diameter to the height of the perfume-containing particle.

[0023] The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition contains less than about 1%, and preferably less than about 0.5%, of components other than the recited components.

[0024] Additionally, the terms "substantially free of" or "substantially free from" mean that the specified material is present in an amount of 0% to about 1% by weight, preferably 0% to about 0.5% by weight, and more preferably 0% to about 0.2% by weight. The term "essentially free" means that the specified material is present in an amount of 0% to about 0.1% by weight, preferably 0% to about 0.01% by weight, and more preferably is not present at analytically detectable concentrations.

[0025] As used herein, all concentrations and ratios are by weight unless otherwise specified. All temperatures herein are in degrees Celsius (°C) unless otherwise specified. All conditions herein are at 20°C and atmospheric pressure unless otherwise specified. All molecular weights of polymers are determined by weight average number molecular weight unless otherwise specified.

[0026] Method for making perfume-containing particles The present invention relates to a perfume-containing particle and a method for making the same. The perfume-containing particle comprises a perfume component, a first carrier, and a second carrier, the first carrier comprising a water-soluble and heat-fusible material, and the second carrier comprising a water-soluble or water-dispersible particle. The method for making the perfume-containing particle includes the steps of: a) providing intermediate particles characterized by a maximum dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, the intermediate particles comprising at least a second carrier and a binder; b) mixing the intermediate particles, the perfume component, and the first carrier in a molten state to form a slurry; and c) forming the perfume-containing particle from the slurry.

[0027] The introduction of the step of providing intermediate particles comprising at least a second carrier and a binder results in homogeneous perfume-containing particles, with the second carrier retaining its specific particle size characteristics throughout the manufacturing process. In particular, for perfume-containing particles, 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier is characterized by a particle size ranging from 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers, and each of the perfume-containing particles contains about 1% to about 90% by weight, preferably about 5% to about 50% by weight, more preferably about 8% to about 40% by weight of the second carrier. The second carrier comprises a water-soluble or water-dispersible particle selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, zeolite, silica, clay, and combinations thereof, preferably a water-soluble or water-dispersible particle selected from sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, or combinations thereof.

[0028] The intermediate particles are provided by granulation of the second carrier and the binder. The intermediate particles can be provided, for example, by high shear wet granulation, low shear wet granulation, fluidized bed wet granulation, dry granulation, spray drying granulation, rotor granulation, extrusion, hot melt granulation, etc. The intermediate particles can be of any suitable shape. For example, the intermediate particles can be of any regular shape, such as cubes, spheres, hemispheres, cylinders, noodles, etc., or can be irregular. Preferably, the intermediate particles are characterized by a maximum dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, preferably 0.6 mm to 9 mm, more preferably 0.8 mm to 8 mm. Preferably, the intermediate particles can have an aspect ratio (longest dimension to shortest dimension) of about 20:1 to about 1:1, or about 15:1 to about 1:1, or about 10:1 to about 1:1. For example, the intermediate particles may have a noodle or cylindrical shape with an aspect ratio of about 20:1 to about 3:1, or may have a hemispherical shape and a maximum dimension with an aspect ratio of about 1.5:1 to about 1:1.

[0029] The binder used in the intermediate particles may include a material selected from polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof; gelatin, albumin, casein, dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, isoglucose, sucrose; polysaccharides, cellulose, starch, or derivatives thereof; nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the binder in the intermediate particles may be compatible with the first carrier. In particular, the binder may include the same material as the first carrier. Alternatively, the binder may include a different material from the first carrier, but the binder material may be at least compatible with the material of the first carrier.

[0030] The intermediate particles may optionally contain any other suitable or compatible ingredients, as described in the Optional / Adjunct Ingredients section below. In preferred, but not required, examples, the intermediate particles may further contain an adjunct ingredient selected from a pH adjuster, a colorant, a solvent, a softening active, a germicidal agent, an anti-mite agent, a dye transfer inhibitor, a silicone, a polymer, and combinations thereof. For example, the adjunct ingredient in the intermediate particles may be present in a range of about 0.01% to about 40%, preferably about 0.1% to about 30%.

[0031] The method of making the flavor-containing particles of the present invention can be done in either batch mode or continuous mode. In either mode, first, intermediate particles containing at least a water-soluble or water-dispersible second carrier and a binder are provided using a suitable granulation method described herein. The second carrier can be a material selected from the list consisting of sodium chloride particles, sodium sulfate particles, sodium carbonate particles, etc. The binder used in the intermediate particles can be selected from polymers (e.g., polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof), proteins (e.g., gelatin, albumin, casein, etc.), sugars (e.g., dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, isoglucose, sucrose, etc.), polysaccharides (e.g., starch, cellulose, or derivatives thereof). In batch mode, the first carrier (such as molten PEG) is charged into a mixing vessel with temperature control. Then, the perfume ingredients (e.g., free perfume and / or PMC), intermediate particles, and optional ingredients (dyes, pigments, solvents, etc.) are added and mixed with the molten PEG until homogeneous. In the continuous mode, the molten PEG is mixed with the perfume ingredients, intermediate particles, and optional ingredients described above in an in-line mixer, such as a static mixer or a high shear mixer, and the resulting homogeneous mixture is then used for forming. The perfume ingredients, intermediate particles, and optional ingredients can be added to the molten PEG in any order or simultaneously in a step prior to pastille formation.

[0032] The flavor-containing particles may be manufactured by a pastry tablet forming process. The desired formulation containing the above-mentioned molten PEG, flavor component, intermediate particles, and optional components is provided as a viscous slurry. The viscous slurry may be provided at a processing temperature that is less than about 20 degrees Celsius above the onset of the solidification temperature of the PEG material as determined by differential scanning calorimetry. In one embodiment, the PMC can be added to the molten PEG and free flavor as a slurry to form a viscous slurry. The PMC can also be added to the molten PEG and free flavor as a powder to form a viscous slurry.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a gas or gas generating component may be added to the viscous slurry to form an aerated viscous slurry.

[0034] The aerated or non-aerated viscous slurry can then be formed into perfume-containing particles (particularly in the form of pastilles) by a ROTOFORMER available from Sandvik Materials Technology. Specifically, the viscous slurry can be dispensed into a stator through a feed tube. A cylinder is provided for rotating around the stator along a longitudinal axis L of such cylinder, the cylinder having a periphery with a plurality of openings arranged around the periphery. The viscous slurry is then passed through the openings of the cylinder onto a moving conveyor below the cylinder to form droplets of such viscous slurry. Such droplets of viscous slurry are cooled below the glass transition temperature of the PEG material on the moving conveyor, thereby forming a plurality of pastilles having a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape (depending on the viscosity of the slurry). This method may be carried out using any of the devices disclosed herein.

[0035] In the present invention, the second carrier (particularly inorganic water-soluble particles) is added to the first carrier and perfume ingredient, and granulated with a binder to form intermediate particles before forming perfume-containing particles. Such a process provides perfume-containing particles containing the second carrier with a specific desired particle size distribution as described above. The intermediate particles can be manufactured before use to make perfume-containing particles. It is provided to the molten first carrier without on-site pretreatment, and can withstand long-term storage or transportation. In contrast, the previous manufacturing method of perfume-containing particles may involve an additional process of grinding and sieving the second carrier particles immediately before adding them to the molten PEG, which requires more capital investment costs and process complexity.

[0036] fragrance-containing particles The perfume-containing particles produced by the method of the present invention may each have a particular shape and size. Each of the perfume-containing particles has a mass between 0.1 mg and 5 g and a maximum dimension between 3 mm and 10 mm.

[0037] Preferably, the mass of each flavor-containing particle may be from about 1 mg to about 3 g, preferably from about 2 mg to about 2 g, more preferably from about 5 mg to about 1 g, even more preferably from about 10 mg to about 500 mg, even more preferably from about 15 mg to about 300 mg, even more preferably from about 20 mg to about 125 mg, and alternative combinations thereof and any integer or range of integers in mg within the aforementioned ranges.

[0038] The perfume-containing particles of the present invention may have any shape selected from the group consisting of a sphere, a hemisphere, a compressed hemisphere, a cylinder, a disk, a circle, a lentil shape, an ellipse, a cube, a rectangle, a star shape, a flower shape, and any combination thereof. Lentil shape refers to the shape of a lentil bean. Preferably, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention have a hemisphere or a compressed hemisphere. Compressed hemisphere refers to a shape that corresponds to a hemisphere that is at least partially flattened so that the curvature of the curved surface is on average less than the curvature of a hemisphere with the same radius.

[0039] The flavor-containing particles of the present invention may have a maximum dimension of about 3 mm to about 10 mm, preferably about 4 mm to about 9 mm, and more preferably about 5 mm to about 8 mm, respectively. The compressed hemispherical particles may have an aspect ratio (i.e., the ratio of the base diameter to the height perpendicular to the base) of about 2.0 to about 5, alternatively about 2.1 to about 4.5, alternatively about 2.2 to about 4. An ellipsoidal particle refers to a particle having a maximum dimension and a secondary dimension perpendicular to the maximum dimension, the ratio of the maximum dimension to the secondary dimension being greater than about 1.2, preferably greater than about 1.5, and more preferably greater than about 2.

[0040] Each individual fragrance-containing particle is approximately 0.003 cm 3 ~about 0.15cm 3 , preferably about 0.005 cm 3 ~about 0.12cm3 may have a volume of

[0041] In a preferred, but not required, embodiment of the present invention, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention have a density less than that of water so that they can float on water. For example, such perfume-containing particles have a density less than about 0.5 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.98g / cm 3 , preferably about 0.7 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.95g / cm 3 , more preferably about 0.8 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.9g / cm 3 The density may range from 0.01 to 0.01.

[0042] The plurality of perfume-containing particles of the present invention can have different shapes, sizes, masses, and / or densities.

[0043] The perfume-containing particles produced by the method of the present invention may comprise a perfume ingredient, polyethylene glycol, water-soluble or water-dispersible second carrier particles characterized by a particular particle size distribution, and, optionally, one or more auxiliary ingredients as described in detail below.

[0044] Fragrance ingredients The fragrance-containing particles of the present invention may contain about 0.1% by weight to about 20% by weight, preferably about 0.5% by weight to about 15% by weight, and more preferably about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight of one or more fragrance components, such as free fragrance, professional fragrance, encapsulated fragrance (including fragrance microcapsules), etc.

[0045] In one embodiment, the perfume-containing particles comprise free perfume and are substantially or essentially free of encapsulated perfume. In such an embodiment, each perfume-containing particle may comprise about 25% or less of free perfume by weight of such particle, preferably about 20% or less (e.g., about 0.1% to about 20% by weight), more preferably about 0.5% to about 15% by weight, most preferably about 1% to about 10% by weight, alternatively about 9% to about 20% by weight, alternatively about 10% to about 18% by weight, alternatively about 11% to about 13% by weight, or alternatively a combination thereof.

[0046] In another embodiment, each of the perfume-containing particles comprises an encapsulated perfume (i.e., perfume carried by a carrier material such as starch, cyclodextrin, silica, zeolite, or clay, or perfume in the form of perfume microcapsules), but is substantially or essentially free of perfume. Preferably, the perfume-containing particles comprise perfume encapsulated in perfume microcapsules (PMCs), which are preferably friable (e.g., verses moisture-activated PMCs), but may be moisture-activated. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "perfume microcapsule" or "PMC" describes both perfume microcapsules and perfume nanocapsules. In such embodiments, each perfume-containing particle may each comprise from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the particle, preferably from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, more preferably from about 1% to about 5% by weight, alternatively from about 4% to about 7% by weight, alternatively from about 5% to about 7% by weight, alternatively combinations thereof, of perfume microcapsules (preferably, crushable perfume microcapsules).

[0047] In yet another embodiment, each of the perfume-containing particles contains both free perfume and encapsulated perfume (preferably in the form of perfume microcapsules, more preferably in the form of crushable perfume microcapsules), for example, in a weight ratio ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1, alternatively from about 1:4 to about 4:1, and further alternatively from about 1:3 to about 3:1. In another embodiment, the perfume-containing particles may contain PMC in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight of the particle, alternatively from about 2% to about 12% by weight, alternatively from about 2% to about 8% by weight, alternatively from about 3% to about 8% by weight, alternatively from about 4% to about 7% by weight, alternatively from about 5% to about 7% by weight, or alternatively a combination thereof. In this embodiment, the perfume encapsulated by the PMC may comprise about 0.6% to about 4% by weight of the particle of perfume.

[0048] In one embodiment, the PMC comprises a melamine / formaldehyde shell commercially available from Appleton, Quest International, International Flavor & Fragrances, or other suitable source. In a preferred embodiment, the shell of the PMC is coated with a polymer to enhance the ability of the PMC to adhere to fabrics.

[0049] In yet another embodiment, the perfume-containing particles may include a formaldehyde scavenger. In yet another embodiment, the scent of the perfume-containing particles is matched with the scent of other fabric care products (e.g., laundry detergent, fabric softener). In this way, consumers who like the scent of APRIL FRESH can use a packaged composition containing a plurality of perfume-containing particles with APRIL FRESH scent, thereby matching the scent experience of washing laundry with the scent experience obtained by using APRIL FRESH. The perfume-containing particles of the present invention may be sold as a product array (with laundry detergent and / or fabric softener) with a matched scent.

[0050] First Carrier The perfume-containing particle of the present invention includes a first carrier. The first carrier in the perfume-containing particle may include a water-soluble and heat-meltable material, preferably having a melting point of 35°C to 70°C. The first carrier may be a material selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymer, non-ionic surfactant, and combinations thereof. For example, the first carrier may be polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG is relatively low cost, can be formed into many different shapes and sizes, minimizes the diffusion of free perfume, and can dissolve well in water. As used herein, the term "polyethylene glycol" or "PEG" includes homopolymers containing repeat units of ethylene oxide, random copolymers containing repeat units of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, block copolymers containing blocks of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide, and combinations thereof.

[0051] Preferably, each of the perfume-containing particles comprises about 5% to about 90% by weight, preferably about 10% to about 70% by weight, more preferably about 20% to about 60% by weight of PEG, more preferably such PEG is characterized by a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of about 2,000 to about 30,000 daltons, preferably about 3,000 to about 20,000 daltons, more preferably about 4,000 to about 15,000 daltons. Suitable PEGs include homopolymers commercially available under the trade name Pluriol® E 8000 from BASF.

[0052] Particularly preferred PEGs in the sense of the present invention are ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx1POyEOx2) triblock copolymers, preferably having an average ethylene oxide chain length of about 2 to about 90, preferably about 3 to about 50, more preferably about 4 to about 20 ethylene oxide units, and an average propylene oxide chain length of 20 to 70, preferably 30 to 60, more preferably 45 to 55 propylene oxide units. More preferably, the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx1POyEOx2) triblock copolymers have a molecular weight of about 2000 to about 30,000 daltons, preferably about 3000 to about 20,000 daltons, more preferably about 4000 to about 15,000 daltons.

[0053] Preferably, the copolymer comprises 10% to 90%, preferably 15% to 50%, most preferably 15% to 25% by weight of the copolymer of multiple ethylene oxide blocks. Most preferably, the total ethylene oxide content is divided equally between the two ethylene oxide blocks. By divided equally in this specification, it is meant that each ethylene oxide block contains on average 40% to 60%, preferably 45% to 55%, even more preferably 48% to 52%, most preferably 50% of the total number of ethylene oxide units, with the % of both ethylene oxide blocks adding up to 100%. Some ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx1POyEOx2) triblock copolymers improve cleaning.

[0054] Suitable ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide triblock copolymers are commercially available from BASF in their Pluronic series or from Dow Chemical in their Tergitol L series. A particularly suitable material is Pluronic® PE 9200. Other suitable materials include Pluronic® F38, F68 and F108.

[0055] Second Carrier In addition to the perfume ingredients and PEG described above, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention further comprise a second carrier in the form of a microparticle.

[0056] The second carrier may be or may include a water-soluble material selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble inorganic alkali metal salt, a water-soluble alkaline earth metal salt, a water-soluble organic alkali metal salt, a water-soluble organic alkaline earth metal salt, a water-soluble carbohydrate, a water-soluble silicate, a water-soluble urea, and any combination thereof.

[0057] The alkali metal salt may be selected from the group consisting of, for example, lithium salts, sodium salts, and potassium salts, and any combination thereof. Useful alkali metal salts may be selected from the group consisting of, for example, alkali metal fluorides, alkali metal chlorides, alkali metal bromides, alkali metal iodides, alkali metal sulfates, alkali metal bisulfates, alkali metal phosphates, alkali metal monohydrogen phosphates, alkali metal dihydrogen phosphates, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal monohydrogen carbonates, alkali metal acetates, alkali metal citrates, alkali metal lactates, alkali metal pyruvates, alkali metal silicates, alkali metal ascorbates, and combinations thereof. Preferred alkali metal salts may be selected from the group consisting of sodium fluoride, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, sodium phosphate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, sodium tartrate, sodium silicate, sodium ascorbate, potassium fluoride, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, potassium iodide, potassium sulfate, potassium bisulfate, potassium phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium carbonate, potassium monohydrogen carbonate, potassium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium lactate, potassium tartrate, potassium silicate, potassium, ascorbate, and combinations thereof.

[0058] The alkaline earth metal salt may be selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metal fluorides, alkaline earth metal chlorides, alkaline earth metal bromides, alkaline earth metal iodides, alkaline earth metal sulfates, alkaline earth metal bisulfates, alkaline earth metal phosphates, alkaline earth metal monohydrogen phosphates, alkaline earth metal carbonates, alkaline earth metal monohydrogen carbonates, alkaline earth metal acetates, alkaline earth metal citrates, alkaline earth metal lactates, alkaline earth metal pyruvates, alkaline earth metal silicates, alkaline earth metal ascorbates, and combinations thereof. Preferred alkaline earth metal salts may be selected from the group consisting of magnesium salts, calcium salts, and the like, including, for example, magnesium fluoride, magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide, magnesium iodide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium monohydrogen phosphate, magnesium dihydrogen phosphate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium monohydrogen carbonate, magnesium acetate, magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium silicate, magnesium ascorbate, calcium fluoride, calcium chloride, calcium bromide, calcium iodide, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate, calcium monohydrogen phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium monohydrogen carbonate, calcium acetate, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, calcium tartrate, calcium silicate, calcium ascorbate, and combinations thereof.

[0059] The second support can also be a water-dispersible material selected from the group consisting of zeolites, silicas, clays, and combinations thereof.

[0060] Particularly preferred second supports for the practice of the present invention include, but are not limited to, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, zeolites, silicas, clays, and combinations thereof.

[0061] Preferably, 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier present in the flavor-containing particle is characterized by a particle size in the range of 10 micrometers to 125 micrometers, preferably 10 micrometers to 105 micrometers, more preferably 10 micrometers to 90 micrometers. Preferably, the second carrier may be present in each flavor-containing particle in an amount in the range of about 1% to about 90%, preferably about 5% to about 50%, more preferably about 8% to about 40%, based on the total weight of each flavor-containing particle.

[0062] The water-soluble or water-dispersible second carrier is present in the perfume-containing particles in particulate form, i.e., as discrete particles with a specific particle size distribution. Such a specific particle size distribution is particularly effective in reducing the compositional variation of the perfume-containing particles between batches. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the second carrier particles, when used separately, may not dissolve in the molten polymer blend during the perfume particle preparation process, so that such particles settle to the bottom of the mixing tank, thereby causing compositional variation in the perfume particles thus formed. One way to alleviate this problem is to provide constant and increased agitation in the mixing tank to reduce settling, but this approach leads to a significant increase in capital investment, operational cost, and processing complexity. The inventors of the present invention have discovered that by preparing intermediate particles comprising second carrier particles and binder with a specific particle size (e.g., 150 micrometers or less), the compositional variation of the perfume particles thus formed can be significantly reduced without the need for constant and increased agitation in the mixing tank. Thus, the present invention effectively solves or reduces settling problems with little or no increase in capital investment, operational costs, and / or processing complexity.

[0063] Specifically, about 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier in the flavor-containing particle, preferably about 85% to 100% by weight, more preferably about 90% to 100% by weight, even more preferably about 95% to 100% by weight, even more preferably about 98% to 100% by weight, and most preferably about 99% to 100% by weight, has a particle size of 150 micrometers or less. Preferably, about 80% to 100% by weight of the discrete particles of the second carrier in the flavor-containing particle has a particle size of about 5 micrometers to about 150 micrometers, preferably about 10 micrometers to about 125 micrometers, more preferably about 10 micrometers to about 105 micrometers, and most preferably about 10 micrometers to about 90 micrometers. The particle size of the second carrier in the flavor-containing particle can be easily determined by a micro-CT test described in Test Method 1 below.

[0064] Preferably, each of the flavor-containing particles contains from about 5% to about 90% by weight, preferably from about 10% to about 70% by weight, more preferably from about 20% to about 60% by weight of water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles.

[0065] Preferably, the binder in the intermediate particle comprises a material that can be compatible with the first carrier. In particular, the binder can comprise the same or different material as the first carrier. For example, the binder used in the intermediate particle can comprise a material selected from polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof; gelatin, albumin, casein, dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, isoglucose, sucrose; polysaccharides, cellulose, starch, or derivatives thereof; nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0066] In some preferred examples, the weight ratio of the second carrier to the binder in the intermediate particle is about 50 to 99: 1 to 50. For example, the weight ratio of the second carrier to the binder in the intermediate particle can be 50: 50, or 55: 45, or 60: 40, or 65: 35, or 70: 30, or 75: 25, or 80: 20, or 85: 15, or 90: 10, or 95: 5, and any combination between the above ranges.

[0067] Optional / auxiliary ingredients The perfume-containing particles of the present invention may optionally contain one or more optional / auxiliary ingredients, including colorants, solvents, softening actives, germicidal substances, anti-mite substances, dye transfer inhibitors, silicones, polymers, and combinations thereof, in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 30% by weight, preferably from about 0.02% to about 25% by weight, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 15% by weight. Such optional / auxiliary ingredients can be added to the step of mixing with the first carrier, intermediate particles, and perfume, or can be added to the intermediate particles with the second carrier and binder, as long as the materials are compatible. Alternatively, some of the optional / auxiliary ingredients can be added to the intermediate particles, while some of the optional / auxiliary ingredients can be added directly to the mixing step.

[0068] The colorant can impart a color to the perfume-containing particles selected from the group consisting of blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, gray, and the like. The colorant may be selected from the group consisting of dyes, pigments, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the colorant comprises at least one dye selected from those typically used in laundry detergents or fabric softeners. Examples of suitable dyes include, but are not limited to, LIQUITINT BLUE BL, LIQUITINT PINK AM, AQUA AS CYAN 15, and VIOLET FL (Milliken Chemical). When dyes are used, the perfume-containing particles may comprise less than about 0.1% by weight of the particle, alternatively from about 0.001% to about 0.1%, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 0.02%, or combinations thereof.

[0069] The perfume-containing particles of the present invention may be substantially free of laundry actives and / or fabric softener actives. To reduce costs and avoid formulation capacity issues, an aspect of the present invention may include perfume-containing particles that are essentially free or completely free of laundry actives and / or fabric softener actives. In one embodiment, each of the perfume-containing particles contains less than about 3% by weight of the perfume-containing particle, alternatively less than about 2% by weight, alternatively less than about 1% by weight, alternatively less than about 0.1% by weight of laundry actives and / or fabric softener actives (or combinations thereof). Laundry actives may include detergent surfactants, detergent builders, bleaches, enzymes, mixtures thereof, and the like. It is particularly preferred that the perfume particles of the present invention are substantially free or essentially free of surfactants, since the presence of such surfactants may accelerate the dissolution of the perfume particles in water, which is undesirable in the context of the present invention. It is understood that non-detergent levels of surfactants may be used to help solubilize the perfume contained in the composition. More preferably, the perfume particles of the present invention are substantially free or essentially free of any cleaning actives.

[0070] Depending on the application, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention may contain a solvent selected from the group consisting of glycerin, polypropylene glycol, isopropyl myristate, dipropylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, and PEG having a weight average molecular weight of less than 2000, and mixtures thereof.

[0071] The perfume-containing particles may further include an antioxidant. The antioxidant may help to increase the color or odor stability of the particles over a period from manufacture to use. The perfume-containing particles may include about 0.001% to about 2% by weight of such an antioxidant, preferably 0.01% to about 1% by weight, more preferably about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight. The antioxidant may be butylated hydroxytoluene.

[0072] Packaged Composition A unit dose or a plurality of such unit doses of the perfume-containing particles made by the method of the present invention may be contained in a package to form a packaged composition. The package may be a bottle, a bag, or other container. In one embodiment, the package is a bottle, preferably a PET bottle that includes a translucent portion to show the perfume-containing particles to a viewing consumer. In one embodiment, the package contains a single unit dose (e.g., a trial size sachet), or a plurality of unit doses (e.g., about 15 unit doses to about 30 unit doses).

[0073] Administration The plurality of perfume-containing particles may collectively comprise a unit dose for dispensing into a washing machine or laundry basin. A single unit dose of the perfume tablet may comprise from about 13 g to about 27 g, alternatively from about 14 g to about 20 g, alternatively from about 15 g to about 19 g, alternatively from about 16 g to about 18 g, or a combination thereof.

[0074] The aforementioned package may include a dosing means for dispensing the perfume-containing particles from the package into a washing machine (or a laundry tub for hand-washing applications). A user may use the dosing means to measure out a recommended unit dose, or may simply use the dosing means to measure out the perfume-containing particles according to the user's own scent preferences. Examples of dosing means may be a dispensing cap, dome, etc. operatively attached to the package. The dosing means may be removable so as to be releasable from the package and reattachable to the package, such as a cup that can be attached to the package. The dosing means may be tethered (e.g., by a hinge or string) to the remaining (or alternatively unattached) portion of the package. The dosing means may have one or more boundaries (e.g., a fill line) to indicate a recommended unit dose. The packaging may include instructions informing the user to open a removable opening of the package and dispense (e.g., pour) the perfume-containing particles contained within the package into the dosing means. The user may then be instructed to dosing the perfume-containing particles in the dosing means into the washing machine or laundry tub. The perfume-containing particles of the present invention can be used to add a feeling of freshness to laundry.The package containing the dosing means may be made of plastic.

[0075] In one embodiment, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention can be administered to a laundry machine used during the "wash cycle" of the washing machine (although a "rinse cycle" may also be used). In another embodiment, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention are administered to the laundry basin during washing and / or rinsing of the laundry. For laundry hand rinse applications, the perfume-containing particles may further comprise an "antifoaming agent" such as those available from Wacker.

[0076] Test Method Test method 1: Micro-CT test for measuring the particle size of the second carrier in the fragrance-containing particles X-ray micro-CT is used to capture and analyze images of the second carrier (water-soluble or water-dispersible particles) in the sample for particle size measurement according to the present invention.

[0077] A 10 mm punch (diameter) is used to physically extract a representative area of ​​the sample. The punch sample (approximately 10 mm diameter) is then mounted on a sample holder. The sample holder is then placed in an X-ray scanner, such as a GE Phoenix v|tome|xm (GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH, Niels-Bohr-Str. 7 31515 Wunstorf, Germany). The scanning parameters used are: microtube, voltage: 180 kV, current: 120 μA, tube mode: 1, timing: 1000 ms, averaging: 2, skip frames: 1, number of images: 1500. The resulting data set is 2014 x 2014 x 2014 voxels with attenuation values ​​expressed as 16-bit integers. Each voxel has a diameter of 7 micrometers.

[0078] To measure the particle size distribution in a sample, the following steps can be performed. 1. An automatic thresholding algorithm (Otsu's method, which is a well-known thresholding method implemented in Matlab, see "A Threshold Selection Method from Gray-Level Histograms", Nobuyuki Otsu, 2EEE Transactions On Systems Man,and Cybernetics, VOL. SMC-9, NO.1, January 1979) is applied to each of the datasets, resulting in labeled images representing particles (gray level 2), matrix (gray level 1), and voids (gray level 0). 2. The labelled image dataset is imported into Fiji (v1.51u) followed by a further thresholding step where particles are set to grey level 255 and the rest are set to grey level 0. 3. We then use a Fiji embedded plugin called "3D watershed segmentation" to separate particles adjacent to each other and give each particle a unique ID in three-dimensional space (see J. Ollion, J. Cochennec, F. Loll, C. Escude, T. Boudier. (2013) TANGO: A Generic Tool for High-throughput 3D Image Analysis for Studying Nuclear Organization, Bioinformatics 2013 Jul 15;29(14):1840-1). 4. The calculated "3D watershed segmentation" data set is imported into the Fiji plugin "3D Manager" to measure the minimum distance from the center to the surface (DCmin). Distances from the center to the surface (DCmin) of less than 1 voxel are removed as noise. The minimum diameter (Dmin) is Dmin = DCmin * 2 and recorded as the size of each particle. EXAMPLES

[0079] Example 1: Perfumed beads of the present invention First, intermediate particles are prepared by extrusion or hot melt granulation of PEG9000, sodium sulfate particles with fine particle size distribution (<120 um), and optionally other ingredients. Intermediate particles A and B have a noodle-like shape with maximum dimensions of 6 mm and 5 mm, respectively.

[0080] [Table 1] * Particle size<120um

[0081] Second, the PEG 9000 raw material is heated in a 75° C. oven overnight to form a molten PEG slurry.

[0082] Suitable amounts of the molten PEG slurry, intermediate particles, perfume microcapsules, and free perfume are measured and mixed to form each perfume-containing composition with the specific compositional breakdown shown below in Table 1. The mixture is mixed by hand for about 10 minutes to form a viscous and homogenous slurry (this can also be done with a motor-driven stirrer) while the beaker is placed on a heater to maintain the mixture at a temperature of about 75°C.

[0083] The viscous slurry is then poured into a mold containing bead-shaped cavities about 30 seconds after the mixing process is completed. The viscous slurry cools to ambient temperature within the mold, thereby forming solidified bead-shaped perfume-containing particles.

[0084] [Table 2]

[0085] The particle size of the second carrier (sodium sulfate in the embodiment of Table 1) in the perfume-containing particles can be readily determined by micro-CT testing as described in Test Method 1. It is characterized in that 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier is characterized by a particle size in the range of 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers.

[0086] All documents cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patents or patent applications, and any patent applications or patents to which this application claims priority or benefit, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, unless expressly stated to the contrary. The citation of any document shall not be deemed to be prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or to teach, suggest, or disclose any such invention, either alone or in combination with any other reference or references. Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to that term in this document shall govern.

[0087] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. 1. A method of making a perfume-containing particle, the perfume-containing particle comprising a perfume ingredient, a first carrier and a second carrier, the first carrier comprising a water-soluble and heat-fusible material, the second carrier comprising a water-soluble or water-dispersible particle, 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier characterized by a particle size in the range of 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers, each of the perfume-containing particles having a mass of 0.1 mg to 5 g and a maximum dimension of 3 mm to 10 mm, the method comprising: a) providing intermediate particles characterized by a maximum dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, said intermediate particles comprising at least said second carrier and a binder; b) mixing the intermediate particles, the flavor ingredient, the first carrier in a molten state, and optionally one or more other ingredients to form a slurry; and c) forming said perfume-containing particles from said slurry.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said intermediate particles are provided by granulation, preferably said granulation is selected from the group consisting of high shear wet granulation, low shear wet granulation, fluid bed wet granulation, dry granulation, spray drying granulation, rotor granulation, extrusion and hot melt granulation, preferably said intermediate particles are characterized by a maximum dimension in the range of 0.6 mm to 9 mm, more preferably 0.8 mm to 8 mm.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first carrier comprises a water-soluble and heat-meltable material having a melting point between 35°C and 70°C, preferably the water-soluble and heat-meltable material is selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, non-ionic surfactants, and combinations thereof, more preferably selected from polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 2,000 to 30,000 Daltons, preferably 3,000 to 20,000 Daltons, more preferably 4,000 to 15,000 Daltons.

4. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier present in the perfume-containing particles is characterized by a particle size in the range of 10 micrometers to 125 micrometers, preferably 10 micrometers to 105 micrometers, more preferably 10 micrometers to 90 micrometers.

5. 5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second carrier comprises a material selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, zeolites, silica, clays, and combinations thereof, preferably a material selected from sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, or combinations thereof.

6. 6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the binder in the intermediate particles comprises a material selected from polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate and derivatives thereof, gelatin, albumin, casein, dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, isoglucose, sucrose, polysaccharides, cellulose, starch or derivatives thereof, non-ionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and combinations thereof.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the weight ratio of the second carrier to the binder in the intermediate particles is 50-99:1-50.

8. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second carrier in each of the perfume-containing particles is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 90%, preferably from 5% to 50%, more preferably from 8% to 40%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

9. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of said perfume-containing particles comprises one or more free perfumes, preferably said free perfumes being present in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 20%, preferably from 0.5% to 15%, more preferably from 1% to 10%, relative to the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

10. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of said perfume-containing particles comprises an encapsulated perfume, preferably said encapsulated perfume is present in a crushable perfume microcapsule, more preferably said crushable perfume microcapsule is present in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 20%, preferably from 0.5% to 10%, more preferably from 1% to 5%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

11. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first carrier is present in each of the perfume-containing particles in an amount ranging from 5% to 90%, preferably from 10% to 70%, more preferably from 20% to 60%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

12. 12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each of the perfume-containing particles comprises one or more other ingredients selected from the group consisting of colorants, solvents, softening actives, and combinations thereof, said one or more ingredients being present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 10%, preferably from 0.02% to 8%, more preferably from 0.1% to 5%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each of the perfume-containing particles has a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape.

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