Water-soluble unit dose article comprising a water-soluble film comprising a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol polymer

Abstract

Multi-compartment water-soluble unit dose article and method of making same.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Multi-compartment water-soluble unit dose article and method of making same. [Background technology]

[0002] Water-soluble unit dose articles are preferred by consumers. Such articles include a water-soluble film defining an internal compartment, and a treatment composition, such as a detergent composition, is contained within the compartment. Most preferred are "stacked" water-soluble unit dose articles, in which at least a first compartment is disposed on top of another compartment. Such stacked unit dose articles are preferred by consumers due to their compressed shape.

[0003] It is possible to make a stacked unit dose article using three or four water-soluble films. Without being bound by theory, a unit dose article with three stacked films is arranged so that the first and second films define at least a first internal compartment. At least a second compartment is then defined between the second and third films. In such an implementation, all three films are sealed together in at least one region of the unit dose article. In the case of a unit dose article with four stacked films, at least a first compartment is formed between the first and second films, and a second compartment is formed between the third and fourth films. The second and third films are then typically sealed together at least partially in a flange region (the flange region is composed of excess sealing film material and is located on the outside of the unit dose article), and the resulting unit dose article comprises one compartment stacked on top of another compartment (the compartments are separated by at least two films), and has at least one region, where all four films are sealed together, for example, typically located in the flange region. Such a water-soluble unit dose article has been previously described in WO2013190517.

[0004] Such four-film unit dose articles have certain advantages that make them desirable. These advantages include the fact that precise alignment between the top and bottom compartments is ensured so that both are sealed before being joined. In three-film unit dose articles, precise alignment of the top and bottom compartments is essential because the central film securely closes both compartments. Any misalignment would result in leakage from one or more compartments. Such precise alignment introduces additional complexity during manufacturing. Additionally, certain internal compartments are separated by at least two layers of water-soluble film. This provides an additional barrier to migration of incompatible ingredients through the film from one compartment to another.

[0005] Additionally, four film water-soluble unit dose articles can be made that are "double laminated layers," creating more internal compartments and allowing for more formulation flexibility in terms of separating incompatible materials. Without being bound by theory, such water-soluble unit dose articles include at least one bottom compartment enclosed between a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film, at least one middle compartment enclosed between a second water-soluble film and a third water-soluble film, and at least one top compartment enclosed between a third water-soluble film and a fourth water-soluble film.

[0006] However, a problem encountered with four film unit dose articles is the fact that the areas of the unit dose article require all four films to be sealed together. Such four film seal areas are particularly sensitive to humidity fluctuations (three or more film seal areas), as experienced during the manufacturing, shipping, and storage of the unit dose article. This sensitivity can result in seal failure, which can adversely affect the structural integrity of such unit dose articles.

[0007] The same is true for water-soluble pouches comprising four or more water-soluble films sealed together in at least one region of the water-soluble unit dose article, for example, a pouch comprising three or more superimposed layers, each layer separated by one water-soluble film, or a pouch comprising at least two superimposed layers separated by two water-soluble films, or a mixture of layers separated by one and two water-soluble films. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013190517 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Thus, there is a need in the art for a water-soluble unit dose article comprising at least four water-soluble films, where there is at least one area where all four films are sealed together, exhibiting reduced sensitivity to humidity fluctuations.

[0010] Surprisingly, it has been discovered that a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a water-soluble film comprising a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol polymer, where the water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol polymer is a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, provided such benefits. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A multi-compartment water-soluble unit dose article comprising at least a first water-soluble film, a second water-soluble film, a third water-soluble film, and a fourth water-soluble film, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, the fourth water-soluble film, or a mixture thereof, comprises a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol polymer, the water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol polymer being a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer comprising vinyl alcohol monomer units and, optionally, vinyl acetate monomer units; Preferably, the multi-compartment water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least one sealed area where the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, and the fourth water-soluble film are sealed together; The water-soluble film defines at least two interior compartments in the superimposed position, the two interior compartments being separated from one another by at least two water-soluble films.

[0012] 1. A process for manufacturing a water-soluble unit dose article, comprising: a. deforming a first water-soluble film into a cavity to create at least one open compartment; b. filling at least one open compartment from step a with a treatment composition; c. closing at least one open compartment from step b with a second water-soluble film; d. sealing the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film together to form at least a first closed intermediate article; e. deforming a fourth water-soluble film into the cavity to create at least one open compartment; f. filling at least one open compartment from step e with a treatment composition; g. closing at least one open compartment from step f with a third water-soluble film; h. sealing the third water-soluble film and the fourth water-soluble film together to form at least a second closed intermediate article; i. contacting the first closure intermediate article and the second closure intermediate article with each other so that the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film are in contact with each other; j. creating at least a partial seal between the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film to create a water-soluble unit dose article. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] A water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a unit dose article according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of yet another water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Multi-compartment water-soluble unit dose article The present invention relates to a multi-compartment water-soluble unit dose article. Without being bound by theory, the water-soluble unit dose article is designed to contain a single-use dose of a treatment composition encapsulated in a water-soluble film. Upon addition of water, the film disintegrates and / or dissolves, releasing the internal treatment composition into the surrounding water. The treatment composition is described in more detail below.

[0015] The multi-compartment water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least a first water-soluble film, a second water-soluble film, a third water-soluble film, and a fourth water-soluble film. In the case, water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol polymers, which are polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers, which contain vinyl alcohol monomer units and, optionally, but preferably, contain vinyl acetate monomer units. Without being bound by theory, water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol polymers should also be understood to include mixtures of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers, each containing vinyl alcohol monomer units and, optionally, but preferably, containing vinyl acetate monomer units.

[0016] The multi-compartment water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least one sealed area where the first, second, third, and fourth water-soluble films are sealed together, and the term "sealed area" should be understood to mean the area where at least the first and second films are sealed together. The sealed area comprises at least one area where at least the first, second, third, and fourth water-soluble films are sealed together, in other words, all four films are sealed together. The sealed area may comprise a flange area. The flange area is composed of excess sealed film material and is present on the outside of the unit dose article. Preferably, the sealed area comprises a flange area, and the first, second, third, and fourth water-soluble films are at least partially sealed together within the flange area. In other words, the flange area may comprise an area where all four films are sealed together and an area where fewer than four films are sealed together. Alternatively, the entire flange region may include at least a first water-soluble film, a second water-soluble film, a third water-soluble film, and a fourth water-soluble film sealed together.

[0017] Preferably, the water-soluble films are sealed together via solvent sealing, heat sealing, or a mixture thereof. More preferably, the water-soluble films are sealed together using solvent sealing, and most preferably, each water-soluble film is sealed to one or more of the other water-soluble films using solvent sealing. Preferably, when solvent sealing, the solvent comprises water, and more preferably, the solvent consists of >99% water by weight of the solvent.

[0018] The water-soluble film defines at least two internal compartments, one above the other, in a stacked arrangement, i.e., one compartment above the other, as opposed to side-by-side. In this orientation, the two internal compartments are separated from each other by two water-soluble films. Alternatively, at least one internal compartment is formed between the first and second water-soluble films, at least one internal compartment is formed between the third and fourth water-soluble films, and at least one internal compartment is formed between the second and third water-soluble films. This results in a "double-layered" stacked water-soluble unit dose article.

[0019] Preferably, the first and second water-soluble films are configured to form at least one internal compartment, and the third and fourth water-soluble films are configured to form at least one internal compartment. Preferably, the at least one internal compartment formed by the third and fourth water-soluble films is superimposed on the at least one compartment formed by the first and second water-soluble films so that the second and third water-soluble films are in direct contact with each other. In other words, one internal compartment is placed on top of another internal compartment, and the two internal compartments are separated by two films. Thus, the second and third water-soluble films are contacted so that a seal is formed between the first, second, third, and fourth water-soluble films, most preferably within the flange region.

[0020] The water-soluble unit dose article may contain at least three compartments, or preferably at least four compartments.

[0021] Preferably, the third and fourth water-soluble films are configured to form at least two interior compartments arranged in a side-by-side configuration, and more preferably, the third and fourth water-soluble films are configured to form at least three interior compartments arranged in a side-by-side configuration.

[0022] The first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film may be configured to form at least two interior compartments arranged in a side-by-side configuration.

[0023] Preferably, the third and fourth water-soluble films are configured to form at least two internal compartments or at least three internal compartments arranged in a parallel configuration, and the first and second water-soluble films are configured to form one internal compartment, with the two, preferably three, internal compartments formed by the third and fourth water-soluble films superimposed on the one internal compartment formed by the first and second water-soluble films so that the second and third water-soluble films are in direct contact with each other. The second and third water-soluble films are contacted so that a sealed region between the first, second, third, and fourth water-soluble films occurs, most preferably within the flange region.

[0024] The water-soluble unit dose article may include a fifth water-soluble film and a sixth water-soluble film. The fifth water-soluble film and the sixth water-soluble film may be configured to form at least one internal compartment. Preferably, the fourth water-soluble film and the fifth water-soluble film are at least partially sealed together to create a bilayer water-soluble unit dose article. The fourth water-soluble film and the fifth water-soluble film may be partially sealed within the flange region. The first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, the fourth water-soluble film, the fifth water-soluble film, and the sixth water-soluble film may all be sealed together within the seal region. The first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, the fourth water-soluble film, the fifth water-soluble film, and the sixth water-soluble film may all be sealed together within the flange region.

[0025] Alternatively, the double-layer water-soluble unit dose article may be constructed with only four water-soluble films, i.e., with only one separate film layer between each compartment layer, and the four water-soluble films may be sealed together in a sealing region, preferably a flange region. In other words, at least one inner compartment is formed between the first and second water-soluble films, at least one inner compartment is formed between the third and fourth water-soluble films, and at least one inner compartment is formed between the second and third water-soluble films.

[0026] Figure 1 discloses a water-soluble unit dose article (1) according to the present invention. The water-soluble unit dose article (1) comprises a fourth water-soluble film (2) and a first water-soluble film (3), which are sealed together at a sealing area (4). The second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film are not shown here. A treatment composition (5) is contained within the water-soluble unit dose article (1).

[0027] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a water-soluble unit dose article (1) according to the present invention. The first water-soluble film (3) and the second water-soluble film (7) define a first interior compartment (9). The third water-soluble film (6) and the fourth water-soluble film (2) define a second interior compartment (8). The second interior compartment (8) is superimposed on the first interior compartment (9). The first water-soluble film (3), the second water-soluble film (7), the third water-soluble film (6), and the fourth water-soluble film (2) are all sealed to the flange region (4).

[0028] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the water-soluble unit dose article (1) according to Figure 2, except that the water-soluble unit dose article (1) comprises a fifth water-soluble film (10) and a sixth water-soluble film (11). The fifth water-soluble film (10) and the sixth water-soluble film (11) may be configured to form at least one internal compartment (12). The first water-soluble film (3), the second water-soluble film 7, the third water-soluble film (6), the fourth water-soluble film (2), the fifth water-soluble film (10), and the sixth water-soluble film 11 are all sealed together at the flange region (4).

[0029] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the water-soluble unit dose article (1) according to Figure 2. However, a further internal compartment (13) is disposed between the third water-soluble film (6) and the second water-soluble film (7).

[0030] Water-soluble film The water-soluble films of the present invention are water-soluble or water-dispersible and each independently preferably has a thickness of 20 micrometers to 150 micrometers, preferably 35 micrometers to 125 micrometers, even more preferably 50 micrometers to 110 micrometers, and most preferably about 76 micrometers.

[0031] Preferably, each water-soluble film has a water solubility of at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, or even at least 95%, as measured by the methods described herein after using a glass filter having a maximum pore size of 20 micrometers.

[0032] Add 5 grams ± 0.1 grams of film material to a pre-weighed 3 L beaker and add 2 L ± 5 mL of distilled water. Stir vigorously for 30 minutes at 30 °C with a magnetic stirrer (Labline Model No. 1250 or equivalent and a 5 cm magnetic stirrer) set at 600 rpm. The mixture is then filtered through a folded qualitative sintered glass filter with the pore size defined above (maximum 20 micrometers). The water is dried from the collected filtrate by any conventional method, and the weight of the remaining material is determined (this is the dissolved or dispersed fraction). The solubility or dispersion rate can then be calculated.

[0033] Without being bound by theory, the term "homopolymer" generally includes polymers having one type of monomer repeat unit (e.g., a polymer chain consisting of, or consisting essentially of, a single monomer repeat unit). In the case of polyvinyl alcohol in particular, the term "homopolymer" also encompasses copolymers having a distribution of vinyl alcohol and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units (e.g., a polymer chain consisting of, or consisting essentially of, vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate monomer units), depending on the degree of hydrolysis. In the limiting case of 100% hydrolysis, polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer may include a pure homopolymer having only vinyl alcohol units.

[0034] Without being bound by theory, the term "copolymer" generally includes polymers having two or more types of monomer repeat units (e.g., polymer chains consisting of, or essentially consisting of, two or more different monomer repeat units, whether random copolymers, block copolymers, etc.). In the case of polyvinyl alcohol in particular, the term "copolymer" (or "polyvinyl alcohol copolymer") further encompasses copolymers having a distribution of vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate monomer units, as well as at least one other type of monomer repeat unit, depending on the degree of hydrolysis (e.g., ter(or more) polymer chains consisting of, or essentially consisting of, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, and one or more other monomer units, such as anionic, cationic, or nonionic monomer units). In the limiting case of 100% hydrolysis, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers may include copolymers having vinyl alcohol units and one or more other monomer units, but no vinyl acetate units. These polyvinyl alcohol copolymers are excluded from the present invention.

[0035] A first water-soluble film, a second water-soluble film, a third water-soluble film, a fourth water-soluble film, or a mixture thereof In the case , water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol polymers, which consist of polyvinyl alcohol polymers, which are polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers, which contain vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally, but preferably, vinyl acetate monomer units.

[0036] Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity (μl) in the range of 4 mPa·s to 30 mPa·s, preferably 10 mPa·s to 25 mPa·s, measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in demineralized water at 20°C. The viscosity of the polymer is determined by measuring the freshly prepared solution using a Brookfield LV viscometer equipped with a UL adapter, as described in British Standard EN ISO15023-2:2006 Annex E Brookfield Test method. It is international practice to specify the viscosity of a 4% aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol at 20°C.

[0037] It is well known in the art that the viscosity of an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer (PVOH or otherwise) correlates with the weight average molecular weight of the same polymer, and viscosity is often used as a proxy for weight average molecular weight. Thus, the weight average molecular weight of the first polyvinyl alcohol polymer can range from 30,000 to 175,000, or from 30,000 to 100,000, or from 55,000 to 80,000.

[0038] Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or mixtures thereof have an average degree of hydrolysis in the range of 75% to 99%, preferably 80% to 95%, most preferably 85% to 95%.

[0039] Preferably, the total amount of any polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer present in any individual film is 30% to 95% by weight of that individual film, preferably 40% to 80% by weight, and more preferably 60% to 70% by weight. By "polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer," we mean the total amount of any polyvinyl alcohol polymer present in a film comprising a polyvinyl alcohol polymer blend. Preferably, any individual water-soluble film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer blend of two different polymers in a weight ratio of preferably 90 / 10 to 10 / 90, preferably 80 / 20 to 20 / 80, and most preferably 70 / 30 to 30 / 70, by weight of the total polyvinyl alcohol polymer present in each individual film.

[0040] Suitable water-soluble films comprising polyvinyl alcohol selected from polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers are available, for example, from MonoSol, Nippon Gohsei or Aicello.

[0041] Preferably, all of the water-soluble films of the water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention each comprise the same polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer. In other words, all at least four films may have the same polyvinyl alcohol polymer chemistry. The at least four films may vary slightly throughout the film due to material migration from the treatment composition to the film, or from the film to the treatment composition, or toward the ambient atmosphere, but the underlying polyvinyl alcohol polymer chemistry remains the same. Most preferably, all of the water-soluble films each comprise polyvinyl alcohol consisting of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or a mixture thereof, and the polyvinyl alcohol polymer is the same throughout all of the films. The polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer comprises vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally, but preferably, vinyl acetate monomer units.

[0042] The water-soluble films may contain auxiliary and processing agents, such as, but not limited to, plasticizers, plasticizer compatibilizers, surfactants, lubricants, release agents, fillers, extenders, crosslinkers, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, detackifying agents, antifoaming agents, nanoparticles such as layered silicate-type nanoclays (e.g., sodium montmorillonite), bleaching agents (e.g., sodium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, etc.), aversive agents such as bittering agents (e.g., denatonium salts such as denatonium benzoate, denatonium saccharide, and denatonium chloride; octaacetylsucrose; quinine; flavonoids such as quercetin and naringen; and quassinoids such as quassin and brucine), and pungents (e.g., capsaicin, piperine, allyl isothiocyanate, and resinferatoxin), as well as other functional ingredients in amounts suitable for the intended purpose.

[0043] Preferably, the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, the fourth water-soluble film, or a mixture thereof. In the caseThe film contains one or more plasticizers in an amount ranging from 5% to 50% by weight, preferably from 10% to 40% by weight, and most preferably from 20% to 30% by weight of the individual film. Suitable plasticizers include those selected from polyols, sugar alcohols, or mixtures thereof. Suitable polyols include those selected from the group consisting of glycerol, diglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols of 400 MW or less, neopentyl glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane, and polyether polyols, or mixtures thereof. Suitable sugar alcohols include those selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, adonitol, dulcitol, pentaerythritol, and mannitol, or mixtures thereof. Preferred plasticizers are glycerin, sorbitol, triethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane, or combinations thereof. One particularly suitable plasticizer system comprises a blend of glycerol, sorbitol, and trimethylolpropane. Another particularly suitable plasticizer system comprises a blend of glycerin, dipropylene glycol, and sorbitol.

[0044] Preferably, the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, the fourth water-soluble film, or a mixture thereof. In the case, surfactants. Suitable surfactants can include nonionic, cationic, anionic, and zwitterionic classes. Suitable surfactants include, but are not limited to, polyoxyethylenated polyoxypropylene glycols, alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, tertiary acetylenic glycols and alkanolamides (nonionics), polyoxyethylenated amines, quaternary ammonium salts, and quaternized polyoxyethylenated amines (cations), and amine oxides, N-alkyl betaines, and sulfobetaines (zwitterionic). Other suitable surfactants include dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol, lactylic esters of fatty acids, sodium alkyl sulfate, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 65, polysorbate 80, lecithin, acetylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol, and acetylated esters of fatty acids, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the amount of surfactant in any individual water-soluble film ranges from 0.1% to 2.5% by weight of the individual water-soluble film, preferably from 1% to 2% by weight.

[0045] Preferably, the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, the fourth water-soluble film, or a mixture thereof. In the case , lubricant / release agents. Suitable lubricant / release agents include, but are not limited to, fatty acids and their salts, fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters, fatty amines, fatty amine acetates, and fatty acid amides. Preferred lubricant / release agents are fatty acids, fatty acid salts, and fatty amine acetates, and the amount of each lubricant / release agent in each individual water-soluble film ranges from 0.02% to 1.5% by weight, preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight, of the individual water-soluble film.

[0046] Preferably, the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, the fourth water-soluble film, or a mixture thereof. In the caseThe water-soluble film may contain a filler, bulking agent, antiblocking agent, detackifying agent, or mixture thereof. Suitable fillers, bulking agents, antiblocking agents, detackifying agents, or mixtures thereof include, but are not limited to, starch, modified starch, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinked cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, metal oxides, calcium carbonate, talc, and mica. Preferred materials are starch, modified starch, and silica. Preferably, the amount of filler, bulking agent, antiblocking agent, detackifying agent, or mixtures thereof in any individual water-soluble film ranges from 0.1% to 25% by weight of the individual water-soluble film, preferably from 1% to 10% by weight, more preferably from 2% to 8% by weight, and most preferably from 3% to 5% by weight. In the absence of starch, one preferred range of suitable fillers, extenders, antiblocking agents, detackifying agents, or mixtures thereof is 0.1% to 1%, preferably 4%, more preferably 6%, even more preferably 1% to 4%, and most preferably 1% to 2.5% by weight of the individual film.

[0047] Preferably, the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, the fourth water-soluble film, or a mixture thereof. In the case , having a residual moisture content of at least 4% by weight of the individual film, more preferably in the range of 4% to 15% by weight, and even more preferably in the range of 5% to 10% by weight, as measured by Karl Fischer titration.

[0048] Preferably, the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, the fourth water-soluble film, or a mixture thereof. In the case The film may contain an aversive agent, preferably a bittering agent. Suitable bittering agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof. Any suitable concentration of the aversive agent may be used in the film. Suitable concentrations include, but are not limited to, 1 ppm to 5000 ppm, or even 100 ppm to 2500 ppm, or even 250 ppm to 2000 ppm.

[0049] A first water-soluble film, a second water-soluble film, a third water-soluble film, a fourth water-soluble film, or a mixture thereof In the case The first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, the fourth water-soluble film, or a mixture thereof may be opaque, transparent, or translucent. In the case , may contain printed areas, which may be obtained using standard techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

[0050] Film manufacturing method One contemplated class of embodiments is characterized by forming a water-soluble film by, for example, mixing, co-casting, or welding a first polyvinyl alcohol polymer according to the types and amounts described herein with the preferred and optional secondary additives described herein. If the polymers are mixed first, the water-soluble film is preferably formed by casting the resulting mixture (e.g., with other plasticizers and other additives) to form a film. If the polymers are welded, the water-soluble film may be formed, for example, by solvent or heat welding. Another contemplated class of embodiments is characterized by a water-soluble film formed by extrusion, for example, blown extrusion. Most preferably, the water-soluble film according to the present invention is prepared by solvent casting.

[0051] If desired, the water-soluble film can be a self-supporting film consisting of one or more similar layers.

[0052] Treatment Composition The water-soluble unit dose article includes a treatment composition. The treatment composition may be contained in one or more internal compartments. Each internal compartment may include a treatment composition. The treatment composition in each compartment may be the same as or different from another internal compartment.

[0053] The treatment composition may be selected from a laundry treatment composition, a dishwashing composition, a hard surface treatment composition, or a mixture thereof, preferably a laundry treatment composition, more preferably a laundry treatment composition, preferably a laundry detergent composition, selected from a laundry detergent composition, a laundry softening composition, a laundry freshness composition, or a mixture thereof. Preferred laundry detergent and automatic dishwashing detergent compositions are described in more detail below.

[0054] Automatic dishwashing detergent composition The composition may be an automatic dishwashing composition comprising ingredients selected from surfactants, builders, sulfonated / carboxylated polymers, silicone suds suppressors, silicates, metal and / or glass care agents, enzymes, bleaches, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, alkalinity sources, fragrances, dyes, solvents, fillers, and mixtures thereof.

[0055] Preferred surfactants for use in automatic dishwashing detergents are low sudsing by themselves or in combination with other components (e.g., suds suppressors). Preferred for use herein are low and high cloud point nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof, including nonionic alkoxylated surfactants (especially C6-C8). 18 ethoxylates derived from primary alcohols), ethoxylated-propoxylated alcohols (e.g., POLY-TERGENT® SLF18 from Olin Corporation), epoxy-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohols (e.g., POLY-TERGENT® SLF18B from Olin Corporation, ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants, and block polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene polymer compounds such as the PLURONIC®, REVERSED PLURONIC®, and TETRONIC® series from BASF-Wyandotte Corp. (Wyandotte, Michigan), C 12 ~C 20Included are amphoteric surfactants such as alkylamine oxides (preferred amine oxides for use herein include lauryl dimethylamine oxide and hexadecyl dimethylamine oxide), and alkylamphocarboxylic acid surfactants such as MIRANOL™ C2M, zwitterionic surfactants such as betaines and sultaines, and mixtures thereof. The surfactants may be present at a level of from 0.2% to 30%, more preferably from 0.5% to 10%, and most preferably from 1% to 5% by weight of the detergent composition.

[0056] Suitable builders for use in the detergent compositions described herein include water-soluble builders such as citrates, carbonates, silicates, and polyphosphates, e.g., sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium tripolyphosphate hexahydrate, potassium tripolyphosphate, and mixed salts of sodium and potassium tripolyphosphate.

[0057] Suitable enzymes for use in the detergent compositions described herein include Carezyme® and CELLUZYME® (Novo Nordisk A / S); peroxidases; lipases, including Amano P® (AMANO Pharmaceutical Co.), M1 Lipase® and LIPOMAX® (Gist-Brocades), and Lipolase® and Lipolase ULTRA® (Novo); cutinases; proteases, including Esperase®, ALCALASE®, DURAZYM®, and SAVINASE® (Novo), and MAXATASE®, MAXACAL®, PROPERASE®, and MAXAPEM® (Gist-Brocades), alpha and beta PURAFECT® OX Enzymes include amylases, pectinases, and mixtures thereof, including AM (Genencor) and TERMAMYL®, BAN®, FUNGAMYL®, DURAMYL®, and NATALASE® (Novo). Enzymes may be added herein as prills, granules, or co-granules, typically at a concentration of 0.0001% to 2% of the pure enzyme by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0058] The foam suppressor suitable for use in the detergent compositions described herein includes nonionic surfactants with low cloud points. As used herein, "cloud point" is a well-known property of nonionic surfactants that results in the solubility of the surfactant decreasing with increasing temperature, and the temperature at which the appearance of a second phase can be observed is referred to as the "cloud point." As used herein, a "low cloud point" nonionic surfactant is defined as a nonionic surfactant system component having a cloud point of less than 30°C, preferably less than about 20°C, even more preferably less than about 10°C, and most preferably less than about 7.5°C. Low cloud point nonionic surfactants can include nonionic alkoxylated surfactants, particularly ethoxylates derived from primary alcohols, and polyoxypropylene / polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene (PO / EO / PO) reverse block polymers. Such low cloud point nonionic surfactants can also include, for example, ethoxylated-propoxylated alcohols (e.g., BASF's POLY-TERGENT® SLF18) and epoxy-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohols (e.g., the nonionic BASF POLY-TERGENT® SLF18B series).

[0059] Other suitable components for use in the detergent compositions described herein include cleaning polymers with anti-redeposition, soil release, or other cleaning properties. Anti-redeposition polymers used herein include acrylic acid-containing polymers such as SOKALAN® PA30, PA20, PA15, PA10, and acrylic acid / maleic acid copolymers, such as SOKALAN® CP10 (BASF GmbH), ACUSOL® 45N, 480N, 460N (Rohm and Haas), and SOKALAN® CP5, and acrylic / methacrylic copolymers. Other suitable polymers include amine-based polymers such as alkoxylated polyalkyleneimines (e.g., PEI600 EO20 and / or ethoxysulfated hexamethylenediamine dimethyl quaternary), which may be optionally quaternized. Preferred soil release polymers for use herein include nonionic and anionic polymers based on alkyl and hydroxyalkyl celluloses, polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene and copolymers thereof, and terephthalate esters of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and mixtures thereof.

[0060] Heavy metal ion sequestrants and crystal growth inhibitors, such as diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonate), ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonate), hexamethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonate), ethylenediphosphonate, hydroxy-ethylene-1,1-diphosphonate, nitrilotriacetate, ethylenediaminotetraacetate, ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinate, in salt and free acid form, are also suitable for use in detergents.

[0061] Also suitable for use in the detergent compositions described herein are corrosion inhibitors such as, for example, organic silver coatings (particularly paraffins such as WINOG® 70 sold by Wintershall, Salzbergen, Germany), nitrogen-containing corrosion inhibitor compounds (e.g., benzotriazoles and benzimidazoles), and Mn(II) compounds, particularly Mn(II) salts of organic ligands.

[0062] Other suitable components for use in the detergent compositions herein include enzyme stabilizers such as, for example, calcium ions, boric acid, and propylene glycol.

[0063] Suitable rinse additives are known in the art.Typically, commercially available dishwashing rinse aids are a mixture of low-foaming aliphatic alcohol polyethylene / polypropylene glycol ether, solubilizer (e.g., cumene sulfonate), organic acid (e.g., citric acid) and solvent (e.g., ethanol).The function of such rinse aids is to affect the interfacial tension of water in such a way that they can be discharged from the rinsed surface in the form of a thin, coherent film, so that no water droplets, streaks or films remain after the subsequent drying process.

[0064] Laundry detergent composition The laundry detergent composition may be a powder, a liquid, or a mixture thereof, preferably a liquid.

[0065] The term "liquid laundry detergent composition" refers to any laundry detergent composition comprising a liquid capable of wetting and treating fabrics, including, but not limited to, liquids, gels, pastes, dispersions, etc. A liquid composition may include solids or gases in any suitable finely divided form, but liquid compositions exclude generally non-flowable forms such as tablets or granules.

[0066] As used herein, powder means that the laundry detergent composition may comprise solid particles or may be a single homogeneous solid. Preferably, the powder laundry detergent composition comprises particles. This means that the powder laundry detergent composition comprises individual solid particles, as opposed to the solid being a single homogeneous solid. The particles may be free-flowing or compacted, preferably free-flowing.

[0067] The laundry detergent composition may be used in hand washing fabric operations or in fabric washing operations in an automatic washing machine.

[0068] The laundry detergent composition preferably comprises a non-soap surfactant. Preferably, the non-soap surfactant is selected from a non-soap anionic surfactant, a non-ionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises from 10% to 60% by weight of the laundry detergent composition, more preferably from 20% to 55% by weight of the laundry detergent composition.

[0069] Preferably, the anionic non-soap surfactant comprises a linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, an alkyl sulfate, an alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the alkoxylated alkyl sulfate is an ethoxylated alkyl sulfate.

[0070] Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises from 5% to 60%, preferably from 15% to 55%, more preferably from 25% to 50%, and most preferably from 30% to 45% by weight of the detergent composition of non-soap anionic surfactant.

[0071] Preferably, the non-soap anionic surfactant comprises a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and an alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, and the weight ratio of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to the alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, preferably the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to the ethoxylated alkyl sulfate, is 1:10 to 10:1, preferably 6:1 to 1:6, more preferably 4:1 to 1:4, and even more preferably 3:1 to 1:1. Alternatively, the weight ratio of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to the ethoxylated alkyl sulfate is 1:2 to 1:4. The alkoxylated alkyl sulfate can be derived from synthetic or natural alcohols, or blends thereof, retaining the desired average alkyl carbon chain length and average branching degree. Preferably, the synthetic alcohol is produced by the Ziegler process, the OXO process, the modified OXO process, the Fischer-Tropsch process, the Guerbet process, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the naturally occurring alcohol is derived from a natural oil, preferably coconut oil, palm kernel oil, or a mixture thereof.

[0072] Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises from 0% to 15%, preferably from 0.01% to 12%, more preferably from 0.1% to 10%, and most preferably from 0.15% to 7% by weight of the laundry detergent composition of a nonionic surfactant. The nonionic surfactant is preferably selected from alcohol alkoxylates, Ziegler synthesis alcohol alkoxylates, oxo synthesis alcohol alkoxylates, Guerbet alcohol alkoxylates, alkylphenol alcohol alkoxylates, or mixtures thereof.

[0073] Preferably, the laundry composition, preferably a liquid laundry detergent composition, comprises from 1.5% to 20%, more preferably from 2% to 15%, even more preferably from 3% to 10%, and most preferably from 4% to 8% by weight of the laundry detergent composition of a soap, preferably a fatty acid salt, more preferably an amine-neutralized fatty acid salt, preferably wherein the amine is an alkanolamine, more preferably selected from monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, or mixtures thereof, more preferably monoethanolamine.

[0074] Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises a non-aqueous solvent, preferably selected from 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, polypropylene glycol, or a mixture thereof, preferably the polypropylene glycol having a molecular weight of 400. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises 10% to 40%, preferably 15% to 30%, by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of the non-aqueous solvent. Without being bound by theory, the non-aqueous solvent ensures an appropriate level of film plasticization so that the film is not too brittle or "soft." Without being bound by theory, having the correct degree of plasticization facilitates dissolution of the film upon exposure to water during the washing process.

[0075] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises from 0.5% to 15%, preferably from 5% to 13% water by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition. The laundry detergent composition preferably comprises an ingredient selected from the list comprising a cationic polymer, a polyester terephthalate, an amphiphilic graft copolymer, a carboxymethyl cellulose, an enzyme, a perfume, an encapsulated perfume, a bleach, or a mixture thereof.

[0076] The laundry detergent composition may include an adjunct ingredient selected from ethanol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, hueing dyes, aesthetic dyes, enzymes, builders, preferably citric acid, chelating agents, cleaning polymers, dispersants, dye transfer inhibitor polymers, optical brighteners, opacifiers, defoamers, preservatives, antioxidants, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the chelating agent is selected from an aminocarboxylate chelating agent, an aminophosphonate chelating agent, or mixtures thereof.

[0077] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition has a pH of from 6 to 10, more preferably from 6.5 to 8.9, most preferably from 7 to 8, the pH of the liquid laundry detergent composition being measured as a 10% dilution in demineralised water at 20°C.

[0078] Liquid laundry detergent compositions may be Newtonian or non-Newtonian. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition is non-Newtonian. Without wishing to be bound by theory, non-Newtonian liquids have different properties than Newtonian liquids. More specifically, the viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids is independent of shear rate, while Newtonian liquids have a constant viscosity regardless of the applied shear rate. It is believed that the decrease in viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids upon application of shear further facilitates dissolution of the liquid detergent. The laundry detergent compositions described herein may have any suitable viscosity, depending on factors such as the formulated ingredients and the purpose of the composition. If Newtonian, the composition may have a viscosity value of 100 to 3,000 cP, alternatively 200 to 2,000 cP, or alternatively 300 to 1,000 cP, at a shear rate of 20 s-1 and a temperature of 20°C, according to the method described herein. If non-Newtonian, the composition may have a high shear viscosity of 100 to 3,000 cP, alternatively 300 to 2,000 cP, alternatively 500 to 1,000 cP at a shear rate of 20 s-1 and a temperature of 20°C, and a low shear viscosity of 500 to 100,000 cP, alternatively 1,000 to 10,000 cP, alternatively 1,300 to 5,000 cP at a shear rate of 1 s-1 and a temperature of 20°C. Methods for measuring viscosity are known in the art. According to the present disclosure, viscosity measurements are performed using a rotational rheometer, such as a TA Instrument AR550. This instrument includes a 40 mm 2° or 1° cone fixture with a gap of approximately 50 to 60 μm for isotropic liquids, or a 40 mm flat steel plate with a gap of 1,000 μm for liquid-containing particles. The measurements are performed using a flow procedure that includes a conditioning step, peak hold, and continuous ramp step. The conditioning step involves a 10-second preshear at a shear rate of 10 s, with the measurement temperature set at 20°C, followed by a 60-second equilibration at the selected temperature. The peak hold involves applying a shear rate of 0.05 s at 20°C for 3 minutes, with sampling every 10 seconds. The continuous ramp step is performed at shear rates from 0.1 to 1200 s at 20°C for 3 minutes to obtain the full flow profile.

[0079] Manufacturing Process A further aspect of the present invention is a process for manufacturing a water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention, comprising: a. deforming a first water-soluble film into a cavity to create at least one open compartment; b. filling at least one open compartment from step a with a treatment composition; c. closing at least one open compartment from step b with a second water-soluble film; d. sealing the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film together to form at least a first closed intermediate article; e. deforming a fourth water-soluble film into the cavity to create at least one open compartment; f. filling at least one open compartment from step e with a treatment composition; g. closing at least one open compartment from step f with a third water-soluble film; h. sealing the third water-soluble film and the fourth water-soluble film together to form at least a second closed intermediate article; i. contacting the first closure intermediate article and the second closure intermediate article with each other so that the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film are in contact with each other; j. forming at least a partial seal between the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film to create a water-soluble unit dose article.

[0080] Preferably, in step j, at least the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, and the fourth water-soluble film are sealed together, in other words, all four films are sealed together.

[0081] Preferably, the process includes making a water-soluble unit dose article with a flange region in which the first, second, third, and fourth water-soluble films are at least partially sealed together at the flange region. The flange region may be the entire first, second, third, and fourth water-soluble films sealed together.

[0082] Steps a-d may be performed on a belt or a rotating drum. Steps e-h may be performed on a belt or a rotating drum. Suitable apparatus may include an apparatus having a horizontal belt with a rotating drum positioned above or beside the belt, preferably above the belt. Alternatively, suitable apparatus may include an apparatus having a rotating drum positioned above or beside, preferably above, a second rotating drum. Alternatively, suitable apparatus may include an apparatus having a belt positioned above or beside, preferably above, another belt.

[0083] The above process may further include the steps of deforming the fifth water-soluble film to form an open compartment, filling the open compartment with a treatment composition, closing the open compartment with a sixth water-soluble film, and sealing the fifth water-soluble film and the sixth water-soluble film to create an intermediate closed article that seals the fifth water-soluble film and the fourth water-soluble film together.

[0084] An alternative process is a. deforming a third water-soluble film into a cavity to create a first open compartment; b. filling the first open compartment from step a with a treatment composition; c. closing the first open compartment with the fourth water-soluble film from step b; d. sealing the third water-soluble film and the fourth water-soluble film together to form at least a first closed intermediate article; e. deforming the first water-soluble film into the cavity to create a second open compartment; f. filling the second open compartment from step e with a treatment composition; g. deforming the second water-soluble film into the cavity to create a third open compartment; h. filling the third open compartment from step g with a treatment composition; i. closing the third open compartment from step h with the first closed intermediate article from step d by sealing the second and fourth water-soluble films together to create an intermediate overlapping article; j. closing the second open compartment from step f with the intermediate overlapped article from step i by sealing the first water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film together to produce a final overlapped four film water-soluble unit dose article.

[0085] Suitable apparatus may include apparatus having two rotating drums positioned above or beside, preferably above, the belt. Alternatively, suitable apparatus may include apparatus having two rotating drums positioned above or beside, preferably above, a third rotating drum. Alternatively, suitable apparatus may include apparatus having two belts positioned above, or preferably beside, another belt.

[0086] Usage Process A further aspect of the present invention is a method of washing, comprising the steps of adding a water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention to sufficient water to dilute the laundry detergent composition by a factor of at least 200, preferably 250-3000, more preferably 250-1500, and most preferably 500-1500 to form a wash liquor, and contacting an item to be washed with the wash liquor.

[0087] Without being bound by theory, when the water-soluble unit dose article is added to water, the water-soluble film dissolves, releasing the inner treatment composition into the water, which disperses in the water to create a cleaning solution.

[0088] Preferably, the cleaning liquid may contain 10 L to 75 L, preferably 20 L to 70 L, more preferably 30 L to 65 L of water.

[0089] Preferably, the cleaning solution is at a temperature of from 5°C to 90°C, preferably from 10°C to 60°C, more preferably from 12°C to 45°C, most preferably from 15°C to 40°C.

[0090] Preferably, washing of the fabrics in the wash liquor takes from 5 to 50 minutes to complete, preferably from 5 to 40 minutes, more preferably from 5 to 30 minutes, even more preferably from 5 to 20 minutes, and most preferably from 6 to 18 minutes.

[0091] When used as a laundry detergent, the wash liquor preferably contains from about 1 kg to about 20 kg of fabrics, preferably from about 5 kg to about 20 kg, and most preferably from about 10 kg to about 20 kg.

[0092] The cleaning solution may contain water of any hardness, preferably varying from 0 gpg to 40 gpg. [Example]

[0093] The sensitivity profiles of three different polyvinyl alcohol-based water-soluble films to humidity changes have been determined according to the Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) test method described herein.

[0094] Film Material: Three different film samples (each 76 micrometers thick) were obtained from Monosol. Film A: M8630 film containing polyvinyl alcohol / monocarboxylate copolymer resin (outside the scope of the present invention) Film B: A film comprising a 60 / 40 to 70 / 30 blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (13-23 cps, dH: 85-87%) / polyvinyl alcohol-maleate copolymer (15-20 cps, dH: 89-91%, 4% maleate by weight of copolymer) - total resin present: 64% to 66% by weight of the water-soluble film (outside the scope of this invention). Film 1: A film containing a 50 / 50 blend of two polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers (13 cps & 23 cps respectively, dH: 85-88%, total resin present: 66% by weight of the water-soluble film) (within the scope of this invention)

[0095] All films contained approximately 22-24% plasticizer system and approximately 6-7% water, with the remainder balanced to 100% with commonly used water-soluble film additives. Four film samples of each test film were each sealed together by solvent sealing using an anilox roller with room temperature demineralized water as the sealing solvent to produce a four-layer thick film that mimicked the sealed area of ​​the four films of the water-soluble unit dose article.

[0096] Test Method: Dynamic Vapor Sorption The robustness of the films to humidity fluctuations was measured using a dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) instrument. The instrument used was a ProUmid SPS-DVS (Model SPSx-1μ-High Load with Permeability Kit). The DVS uses gravimetric measurements to determine moisture adsorption / desorption and is fully automated. The system's accuracy is ±0.6% over a RH (relative humidity) range of 0-98% and ±0.3°C at 25°C. The temperature can range from +5 to +60°C. The instrument's microbalance can resolve mass changes of 0.1 μg. For the specific test conditions, a 24-pan carousel was used, allowing 23 films to be tested simultaneously (one pan was used as a reference for the microbalance and should be left empty). The temperature was fixed at 20°C throughout the experiment. The relative humidity (RH) was set to 20% for 1 hour and then gradually increased above 50% for 5 minutes. The RH remained at 50% for 24 hours, then gradually increased to 80% for 5 minutes and maintained at 80% for 48 hours. The total measurement time was approximately 73 hours. The cycle time (= the time between measurements of each pan) was set to 10 minutes. The DVS then recorded each weight result versus time and automatically calculated the %Dm (relative mass change versus the starting weight of the film, i.e., 10% reflects a 10% film weight increase versus the starting film weight). The delta %Dm obtained for 50% RH / 80% RH and 20% RH, respectively, was calculated by the difference between the %Dm values ​​at 50% RH / 80% RH (the final value measured at 50% / 80% RH conditions) and the %Dm at 20% RH (the last value measured at 20% RH before reaching a maximum of 50% RH). Three replicates of each film were measured, and the average relative mass variation is reported.

[0097] Test results: The following table summarizes the relative film feed weight gains for different test films as the relative humidity increases from 20% to 50%-80%: From this data, it can be clearly seen that the water-soluble film according to the present invention (Film 1), in which the polyvinyl alcohol polymer simply comprises a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and therefore does not comprise a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer containing anionic monomer units, is superior in terms of, for example, lower water absorption with increasing humidity and durability against humidity fluctuations, compared to water-soluble films outside the scope of the present invention that comprise a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer containing anionic monomer units.

[0098] [Table 1]

[0099] 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 "approximately 40 mm."

Claims

1. A multi-compartment water-soluble unit dose article comprising at least a first water-soluble film, a second water-soluble film, a third water-soluble film, and a fourth water-soluble film, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, and the fourth water-soluble film comprise a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol polymer, the water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol polymer being a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer comprising vinyl alcohol monomer units and vinyl acetate monomer units; the water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol polymer does not include a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer; The multi-compartment water-soluble unit dose article includes at least one sealed area where the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, and the fourth water-soluble film are sealed together, the water-soluble films defining at least two internal compartments in a superimposed position, the two internal compartments being separated from one another by at least two water-soluble films.

2. 10. The water soluble unit dose article of claim 1, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol polymer has an average viscosity (μ1) in the range of 4 mPa·s to 30 mPa·s, measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in demineralized water at 20°C.

3. 3. The water-soluble unit dose article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol polymer has an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from 75% to 99%.

4. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the total amount of any polyvinyl alcohol polymer present in any individual film is from 30% to 95% by weight of said individual film.

5. 5. The water-soluble unit dose article of claim 1, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, and the fourth water-soluble film each comprise the same polyvinyl alcohol polymer as each other.

6. 6. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and second water-soluble films are configured to form at least one internal compartment, the third and fourth water-soluble films are configured to form at least one internal compartment, the at least one internal compartment formed by the third and fourth water-soluble films is superimposed on the at least one compartment formed by the first and second water-soluble films, and the second and third water-soluble films are in direct contact with each other.

7. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the water soluble unit dose article comprises at least three internal compartments.

8. 8. The water-soluble unit dose article of claim 6 or 7, wherein the third water-soluble film and the fourth water-soluble film are configured to form at least two internal compartments arranged in a side-by-side configuration.

9. 9. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are configured to form at least two internal compartments arranged in a side-by-side configuration.

10. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the films are sealed together via solvent sealing or heat sealing.

11. 11. The water soluble unit dose article of claim 10, wherein the films are sealed together via a solvent seal, the solvent seal employing a solvent, the solvent comprising water.

12. 12. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the sealed area comprises a flange area, and the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, and the fourth water-soluble film are at least partially sealed together within the flange area.

13. 13. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, or the fourth water-soluble film comprises an aversive agent.

14. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one internal compartment comprises a treatment composition selected from a laundry treatment composition or a dishwashing composition.

15. A process for manufacturing the water-soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising: a. deforming the first water-soluble film into a cavity to create at least one open compartment; b. filling the at least one open compartment from step a with a treatment composition; c. closing the at least one open compartment from step b with the second water-soluble film; d. sealing the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film together to form at least a first closed intermediate article; e. deforming the fourth water-soluble film into a cavity to create at least one open compartment; f. filling the at least one open compartment from step e with a treatment composition; g. closing the at least one open compartment from step f with the third water-soluble film; h. sealing said third water-soluble film and said fourth water-soluble film together to form at least a second closed intermediate article; i. contacting the first closure intermediate article and the second closure intermediate article with each other so that the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film are in contact with each other; j) creating at least a partial seal between said second water-soluble film and said third water-soluble film to create said water-soluble unit dose article.

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