composition

Abstract

A composition is disclosed comprising from 0.1 to 60% by weight of a polyoxyethylene fatty acid represented by formula (I) wherein R is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C5 to C15 alkyl or alkenyl group; n is a number from 3 to 30; and from 0.00001 to 1% by weight of an enzyme.

Description

[0001] COMPOSITION

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a composition. In particular, a detergent composition comprising a polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester and an enzyme.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Enzymes are widely used in detergent industry, offering stain removal and fabric care that is both effective and environmentally friendly. Commonly used enzymes are amylases (carbohydrate-containing stains), lipases (fat and edible oil stains), proteases (protein stains) and cellulases (removal of fuzz and pills from cotton fabrics). However, a significant challenge in the application of enzymes in detergents, particularly liquid detergents, is the loss of enzyme activity over time.

[0006] The denaturation of enzymes in detergents can be attributed to several factors, with one of the primary causes being interactions with other detergent components, such as surfactants. Surfactants can adversely affect the enzyme stability through mechanisms such as enzyme unfolding, aggregation, or changes in the enzyme’s tertiary or quaternary structure. The interaction can lead to a decrease in the enzyme activity, reducing the overall cleaning efficacy of the detergents.

[0007] Furthermore, consumers are becoming more conscious of the environment impact of the products they use and they prefer products that are made from natural ingredients with a good environmental profile. Bio-based compounds have gained significant interest due to an increasing demand of sustainable alternatives to petroleum based raw materials. For the purposes of environmental sustainability, greener choices of surfactants may be used, especially those derived from raw materials with plant origin.

[0008] CN108395940A discloses a composite cleaning agent for dedusting and degreasing down feather, and relates to the technical field of down feather product processing.

[0009] WO00 / 37600A1 discloses a stabilized aqueous enzyme composition comprising water, from about 0.1% to about 75% by weight of a detergent surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants or anionic surfactants and one or more non-anionic detergent actives, from about 0.001% to about 10% by weight proteolytic enzyme, and an effective amount of an enzyme stabilizer having the formula: X-O-(CnH2nO)a-H wherein “X” is an organic radical having from 14 to 22 carbon atoms, “a” is an integer from 10 to 16, and “n” is an integer from 2 to 4, and provided that “X” has a hydrophobicity similar to a linear alkyl group having from 14 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0010] CN108867018B discloses a clothes washing process without scrubbing, relating to the technical field of clothes washing.

[0011] CA1012476A discloses detergent compositions having improved cleaning performance which comprise (a) water-soluble or water-dispersible organic substituted or unsubstituted peracid or precursors which, in situ will form the corresponding peracid; (b) nonionic surface-active agents having ether linkages in the molecule; and (c) enzymes having an iso-electric point of 9.5 or higher.

[0012] The present invention has been devised in the light of the above considerations. It has been found unexpectedly that a composition comprising a polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester and an enzyme provides improved enzyme stability and activity.

[0013] Summary of the Invention

[0014] In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a composition comprising: a) from 0.1 to 60% by weight of a polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester represented by formula (I): wherein R is a linear or branched C5 to C15 alkyl or alkenyl group; n is a number from 3 to 30; and b) from 0.00001 to 1% by weight of an enzyme.

[0015] In a second aspect, a method of laundering fabrics comprising the step of adding the composition according to any embodiment of the first aspect during the washing stage of a laundry process. All other aspects of the present invention will more readily become apparent upon considering the detailed description and examples which follow.

[0016] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0017] Except in the examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and / or use may optionally be understood as modified by the word “about”.

[0018] All amounts are by weight of the final composition, unless otherwise specified. It should be noted that in specifying any ranges of values, any particular upper value can be associated with any particular lower value.

[0019] For the avoidance of doubt, the word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of’ or “composed of”. In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive.

[0020] The disclosure of the invention as found herein is to be considered to cover all embodiments as found in the claims as being multiply dependent upon each other irrespective of the fact that claims may be found without multiple dependency or redundancy.

[0021] Where a feature is disclosed with respect to a particular aspect of the invention (for example a composition of the invention), such disclosure is also to be considered to apply to any other aspect of the invention (for example a method of the invention) mutatis mutandis.

[0022] Unless specified otherwise, amounts as used herein are expressed in percentage by weight based on the total weight of the composition and is abbreviated as “wt.%” or “weight %”.

[0023] The composition may find use in a variety of cleaning applications. Preferably the composition is a detergent composition. The composition of the present invention may be in any suitable form, for example, a solid such as a powder, a granulated particle and a shaped solid or a liquid. Preferably the composition is a liquid detergent composition. The term “liquid” in the context of this invention denotes that a continuous phase or predominant part of the composition is liquid and that the composition is flowable at 15°C and above. Accordingly, the term “liquid” may encompass emulsions, suspensions, and compositions having flowable yet stiffer consistency, known as gels or pastes. The viscosity of the composition may suitably range from about 200 to about 10,000 mPa s at 25°C at a shear rate of 21 sec1. This shear rate is the shear rate that is usually exerted on the liquid when poured from a bottle. Pourable liquid detergent compositions generally have a viscosity of from 200 to 1 ,500 mPa s, measured at 25°C at a shear rate of 21 s-1by a HAAKE Viscometer.

[0024] In some embodiments the composition is a laundry detergent composition. The term “laundry detergent” in the context of this invention denotes formulated compositions intended for and capable of wetting and cleaning domestic laundry such as clothing, linens and other household textiles. Examples of liquid laundry detergents include heavy-duty liquid laundry detergents for use in the wash cycle of automatic washing machines, as well as liquid fine wash and liquid colour care detergents such as those suitable for washing delicate garments (e.g. those made of silk or wool) either by hand or in the wash cycle of automatic washing machines. In some embodiments the composition is handwash detergents which involve the consumer using their hands to wash substrates. Fields of use principally involve laundry use (i.e. the hand washing of clothes) and hand dishwash (i.e. the hand washing of dishes and the like). Handwash detergents involve intimate contact of the detergent liquor with the hands during the washing process, whether in laundry or hand dishwash. Laundry detergent composition is particularly preferred.

[0025] The composition may be concentrated or dilute. A “concentrated” composition refers to a composition comprising up to 50% by weight of water, for example up to 40%, up to 30% or up to 20%, based on total weight of the composition. Preferably the composition of the present invention is a “dilute” composition. A “dilute” composition refers to a composition comprising greater than 50% by weight of water, for example greater than 60%, greater than 70% or greater than 80%.

[0026] Polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester

[0027] The composition of the present invention comprises a polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester. The polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester is represented by formula (I): wherein R is a linear or branched C5 to C15 alkyl or alkenyl group; n is a number from 3 to 30. Preferably R is a linear C7 to C15 alkyl or alkenyl group, more preferably a linear C9 to C13 alkyl or alkenyl group, even more preferably a linear C11 to C13 alkyl or alkenyl group, most preferably a linear C11 to C13 alkyl or alkenyl group having 0 to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds.

[0028] It is especially preferred that R is a linear C11 to C13 alkyl group.

[0029] RCO-O is a fatty acid moiety. Suitable fatty acid moiety may be derived from caproic acid, octanoic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, lauric acid, coconut oil, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, or mixtures thereof, preferably lauric acid, coconut oil, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid or mixtures thereof, more preferably lauric acid, coconut oil, myristic acid, palmitic acid or mixtures thereof.

[0030] The number n is the mole average number of ethoxylates. Preferably, n is a number from 3 to 20, more preferably from 5 to 15.

[0031] The polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester of the present invention may be produced by the reaction of fatty acid with ethylene oxide. An alternative route to preparation is esterification of a fatty acid with a polyethylene glycol.

[0032] Examples of suitable polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester include, but are not limited to, polyoxyethylene caproate, polyoxyethylene octanoate, polyoxyethylene cocoate, polyoxyethylene laurate, polyoxyethylene myristate, polyoxyethylene palmitate, or mixtures thereof, preferably polyoxyethylene cocoate, polyoxyethylene laurate, polyoxyethylene myristate, polyoxyethylene palmitate or mixtures thereof. Most preferred are polyoxyethylene cocoate, polyoxyethylene laurate or mixtures thereof.

[0033] It is especially preferred that the polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester is polyoxyethylene cocoate. Coconut oil is primarily composed of saturated fatty acids (around 90wt.%) and of the total fatty acid content lauric acid is the most common (45wt.%-53wt.%). Myristic acid (16 wt.%-21wt.%) and palmitic acid (7wt.%-10wt.%) are the next most common. The exact weight percent of these fatty acids in coconut oil may vary slightly depending on factors such as the source of the coconut oil and the processing method used. Suitable polyoxyethylene cocoate is commercially available from Zhejiang Huangma Technology Co., Ltd or Liaoning Kelong Fine Chemical Co., LTd. The composition of the present invention comprises from 0.1 to 60% by weight of the polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, preferably from 1 to 30% and more preferably from 2 to 20%, based on total weight of the composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0034] Enzymes

[0035] A composition of the invention comprises an enzyme. Examples of enzymes suitable for use in the composition include protease, lipase, amylase, mannanase, pectate lyase, cellulase, phospholipase, cutinase, peroxidase, oxidase or mixtures thereof. Most preferred are protease, amylase, cellulase or mixtures thereof. It is particularly preferred that the composition of the present invention comprises a cellulase.

[0036] Detergent enzymes are discussed in W02020 / 186028(Procter and Gamble), W02020 / 200600 (Henkel), W02020 / 070249 (Novozymes), W02021 / 001244 (BASF) and WO2020 / 259949 (Unilever).

[0037] Preferably the composition comprises a cellulase. Suitable cellulase include those of bacterial, fungal, insect and / or mammalian origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. More preferred are cellulases from the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Humicola, Fusarium, Thielavia, Acremonium, e.g. the fungal cellulases produced from Humicola insolens, Thielavia terrestris, Myceliophthora thermophila, and Fusarium oxysporum disclosed in US 4,435,307, US 5,648,263, US 5,691,178, US 5,776,757, WO 89 / 09259, WO 96 / 029397, and WO 98 / 012307. Even more preferred (commercially available) cellulases are Celluzyme®, Carezyme®, Endolase™, Renozyme®, Celluclean® (Novozymes A / S), Clazinase™ and Puradax HA™ (Genencor International Inc.), and KAC-500(B)™ (Kao Corporation). Celluclean® and / or Carezyme® are preferred.

[0038] Preferably the composition comprises a protease. Protease enzymes hydrolyze bonds within peptides and proteins, in the detergent context this leads to enhanced removal of protein or peptide containing stains. Examples of suitable proteases families include aspartic proteases; cysteine proteases; glutamic proteases; asparagine peptide lyase; serine proteases and threonine proteases. Such protease families are described in the MEROPS peptidase database (htp: / / merops.sanger.ac.uk / ). Serine proteases are preferred. Subtilase type serine proteases are more preferred. The term "subtilases" refers to a sub-group of serine protease according to Siezen et al., Protein Engng. 4 (1991) 719-737 and Siezen et al. Protein Science 6 (1997) 501 -523. Serine proteases are a subgroup of proteases characterized by having a serine in the active site, which forms a covalent adduct with the substrate. The subtilases may be divided into 6 sub-divisions, i.e. the Subtilisin family, the Thermitase family, the Proteinase K family, the Lantibiotic peptidase family, the Kexin family and the Pyrolysin family.

[0039] Examples of subtilases are those derived from Bacillus such as Bacillus lentus, B. alkalophilus, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus gibsonii described in;

[0040] US7262042 and W009 / 021867, and subtilisin lentus, subtilisin Novo, subtilisin Carlsberg, Bacillus licheniformis, subtilisin BPN', subtilisin 309, subtilisin 147 and subtilisin 168 described in WO89 / 06279 and protease PD138 described in (WO93 / 18140). Preferably the subsilisin is derived from Bacillus, preferably Bacillus lentus, B. alkalophilus, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus gibsonii as described in US 6,312,936 B I, US 5,679,630, US 4,760,025, US7,262,042 and W009 / 021867. Most preferably the subtilisin is derived from Bacillus gibsonii or Bacillus Lentus.

[0041] Suitable commercially available protease enzymes include those sold under the trade names Alcalase®, Blaze®; Duralase™, Durazym™, Relase®, Relase® Ultra, Savinase®, Savinase® Ultra, Primase®, Polarzyme®, Kannase®, Liquanase®, Liquanase® Ultra, Ovozyme®, Coronase®, Coronase® Ultra, Neutrase®, Everlase®, Esperase® and Carnival™ all could be sold as Ultra® or Evity® (Novozymes A / S). Carnival™ Evity® is particularly preferred.

[0042] Those sold under the tradename Maxatase®, Maxacai®, Maxapem®, Properase®, Purafect®, Purafect Prime®, Purafect Ox®, FN3®, FN4®, Excellase® and Purafect OXP® by Genencor International.

[0043] Those sold under the tradename Maxatase®, Maxacai®, Maxapem®, Purafect®, Purafect Prime®, PreferenzTm, Purafect MA®, Purafect Ox®, Purafect OxP®, Puramax®, Properase®, EffectenzTm, FN2®, FN3®, FN4®, Excellase®, Opticlean® and Optimase® (Danisco / DuPont), Axapem™ (Gist-Brocases N.V.).

[0044] Those available from Henkel / Kemira, namely BLAP (sequence shown in Figure 29 of US 5,352,604 with the following mutations S99D + SIOI R + S103A + V104I + G159S, hereinafter referred to as BLAP), BLAP R (BLAP with S3T + V4I + V199M + V205I + L217D), BLAP X (BLAP with S3T + V4I + V205I) and BLAP F49 (BLAP with S3T + V4I + A194P + V199M + V205I + L217D) - all from Henkel / Kemira; and KAP (Bacillus alkalophilus subtilisin with mutations A230V + S256G + S259N) from Kao.

[0045] Preferably the composition comprises an amylase. Amylases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars, in the detergent context this leads to enhanced removal of starch containing stains. Suitable amylases (alpha and / or beta) include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. More preferred amylases include, for example, alpha-amylases obtained from Bacillus, e.g. a special strain of B. licheniformis, described in more detail in GB 1,296,839, or the Bacillus sp. strains disclosed in WO 95 / 026397 or WO 00 / 060060. Even more preferred (commercially available) amylases are sold under the tradenames Duramyl®, Termamyl®, Fungamyl®, Stainzyme®, Stainzyme® Plus, Natalase®, Amplify Prime® and BAN® (from Novozymes A / S), and Rapidase®, Purastar® / Effectenz™, Powerase™, Preferenz S1000™ Preferenz S1 10™ and Preferenz S100™ (from Genencor International Inc. / DuPont).

[0046] Lipase can be any known lipase used in the art of detergent compositions. Preferred are lipases from Humicola (synonym Thermomyces), e.g. from other H. lanuginosa (T. lanuginosus) strains or from H. insolens, a Pseudomonas lipase, e.g. from P. alcaligenes or P. pseudoalcaligenes, P. cepacia, P. stutzeri, P. fluorescens, Pseudomonas sp. strain SD 705 (WO 95 / 06720 and WO 96 / 27002), P. wisconsinensis, a Bacillus lipase, e.g. from B. subtilis (Dartois et al. (1993), Biochemica et Biophysica Acta, 1131 , 253-360), B. stearothermophilus (JP 64 / 744992) or B. pumilus (WO 91 / 16422). Even more preferred (commercially available) lipases are sold under the tradenames Lipex®, Lipolase® and Lipolase Ultra®, Lipoprime® and Lipoclean® (from Novozymes A / S), and the Bacterial enzyme, Lipomax® ex Genecor. This is a bacterially derived Lipase, of variant M21 L of the lipase of Pseudomonas alcaligenes as described in WO 94 / 25578 to Gist-Brocades (M.M.M.J. Cox, H.B.M. Lenting, L.J.S.M. Mulleners and J.M. van der Laan).

[0047] Suitable mannanases include mannanases of bacterial and fungal origin. More preferred are mannases derived from filamentous fungus genus Aspergillus, preferably Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus aculeatus (WO 94 / 25576); Trichoderma reseei (as disclosed in WO 93 / 24622); Bacillus organisms (e.g. as described in Talbot et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol. Vol.56, No. 11 , pp. 3505-3510 (1990), which describes a beta-mannanase derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus, Mendoza et al., World J. Microbiol. Biotech., Vol. 10, No. 5, pp. 551-555 (1994), which describes a beta-mannanase derived from Bacillus subtilis, JP-A-03047076 which describes a beta-mannanase derived from Bacillus sp., JP-A-63056289 which describes the production of an alkaline, thermostable beta-mannanase, JP-A-63036775 which describes Bacillus microorganism FERM P-8856 which produces beta-mannanase and beta- mannosidase, JP-A-08051975 which describes a alkaline beta-mannanases from alkalophilic Bacillus sp. AM-001 , WO97 / 11164 which described a purified mannanase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, WO 91 / 18974 which describes a hemicellulase such as a glucanase, xylanase or mannanase active). Also preferred are the alkaline family 5 and 26 mannanases derived from Bacillus agaradhaerens, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus halodurans, Bacillus clausii, Bacillus sp., and Humicola insolens (as disclosed in WO 99 / 64619). More preferred bacterial mannases are those described in WO 99 / 64619. Even more preferred (commercially available) mannanase is Mannaway® available from Novozymes A / S Denmark.

[0048] Pectate lyases are also called polygalacturonate lyases. Preferred are pectate lyases that have been derived from bacterial genera such as Erwinia, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Xanthomonas, Bacillus. More preferred are pectate lyases obtained from Bacillus subtilis (Nasser et al. (1993) FEBS Letts. 335:319-326), Bacillus sp. YA-14 (Kim et al. (1994) Biosci. Biotech. Biochem. 58:947-949); Bacillus pumilus (Dave and Vaughn (1971) J. Bacteriol. 108:166-174), B. polymyxa (Nagel and Vaughn (1961) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 93:344-352), B. stearothermophilus (Karbassi and Vaughn (1980) Can. J. Microbiol. 26:377-384), Bacillus sp. (Hasegawa and Nagel (1966) J. Food Sci. 31 :838-845), Bacillus sp. RK9 (Kelly and Fogarty (1978) Can. J. Microbiol. 24:1164-1172), as disclosed in Heffron et al., (1995) Mol. Plant- Microbe Interact. 8: 331-334, Henrissat et al., (1995) Plant Physiol. 107: 963-976, as disclosed in WO 99 / 27083, WO 99 / 27084, US6,284,524 (which document is hereby incorporated by reference), WO 02 / 006442 (in particular as disclosed in the Examples, which document is hereby incorporated by reference). Even more preferred are (commercially available) pectate lyases are BioPrep®, Scourzyme® L, and XPec® from Novozymes A / S, Denmark.

[0049] Phospholipase are classified as EC 3.1.1.4 and / or EC 3.1.1.32. As used herein, the term phospholipase is an enzyme, which has activity towards phospholipids. Phospholipids, such as lecithin or phosphatidylcholine, consist of glycerol esterified with two fatty acids in an outer (sn-1) and the middle (sn-2) positions and esterified with phosphoric acid in the third position; the phosphoric acid, in turn, may be esterified to an amino-alcohol. Phospholipases are enzymes which participate in the hydrolysis of phospholipids. Several types of phospholipase activity can be distinguished, including phospholipases A1 and A2 which hydrolyze one fatty acyl group (in the sn-1 and sn-2 position, respectively) to form lysophospholipid; and lysophospholipase (or phospholipase B) which can hydrolyze the remaining fatty acyl group in lysophospholipid. Phospholipase C and phospholipase D (phosphodiesterases) release diacyl glycerol or phosphatidic acid respectively.

[0050] Cutinases are classified in EC 3.1.1.74. The cutinase used according to the invention may be of any origin. Preferably the cutinases are of microbial origin and more preferably of bacterial, of fungal or of yeast origin. Suitable peroxidases / oxidases are of bacterial, fungal or mammalian origin and more preferably of bacterial origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Preferably the peroxidases / oxidases are derived from Aeromonas sp.

[0051] The composition of the present invention comprises from 0.00001 to 1 % by weight of the enzyme, preferably from 0.0001 to 0.5%, more preferably from 0.0005 to 0.4%, even more preferably from 0.001 to 0.3% and most preferably from 0.001 to 0.2%, based on total weight of the composition and including all ranges subsumed therein. Amounts of wt.% enzymes in the composition refer to wt.% of active protein levels.

[0052] Enzymes may be added in liquid, granular or in encapsulated form to the composition, but preferably are not encapsulated. The composition may also comprise enzyme stabilizers e.g., a polyol such as propylene glycol or glycerol, a sugar or sugar alcohol, lactic acid, boric acid, or a boric acid derivative, e.g., an aromatic borate ester, or a phenyl boronic acid derivative such as 4-formylphenyl boronic acid, and the composition may be formulated as described in e.g.

[0053] WO 92 / 19709 and WO 92 / 19708.

[0054] Surfactant

[0055] The composition of the present invention may comprise further surfactants. Suitable surfactants comprise anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactant or mixtures thereof, preferably the surfactants comprise anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants or mixtures thereof.

[0056] Preferably the composition of the present invention comprises from 0.01 to 60%, more preferably from 1 to 50%, more preferably still from 5 to 30% and most preferably from 8 to 20% by weight of total surfactants, based on total weight of the composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0057] A preferred class of anionic surfactant may be used in the invention includes alkylbenzene sulfonates, particularly linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) with an alkyl chain length of from 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Commercial LAS is a mixture of closely related isomers and homologues alkyl chain homologues, each containing an aromatic ring sulfonated at the “para" position and attached to a linear alkyl chain at any position except the terminal carbons. The linear alkyl chain typically has a chain length of from 11 to 15 carbon atoms, with the predominant materials having a chain length of about C12. Each alkyl chain homologue consists of a mixture of all the possible sulfophenyl isomers except for the 1 -phenyl isomer. LAS is normally formulated into compositions in acid (i.e. HLAS) form and then at least partially neutralized in-situ. Examples of alkylbenzene sulfonates include sodium salt of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, alkyl toluene sulphonate, alkyl xylene sulphonate, alkyl phenol sulphonate, alkyl naphthalene-sulphonate, ammonium diamylnaphthalene-sulphonate and sodium dinonylnaphthalene-sulphonate and mixtures with olefin sulphonates.

[0058] Some alkyl sulfate surfactant (PAS) may be used, such as non-ethoxylated primary and secondary alkyl sulphates with an alkyl chain length of from 10 to 18.

[0059] Another anionic surfactant commonly used in compositions are alkyl ether sulfates having a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 10 to 18, more preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms and containing an average of 1 to 3EO units per molecule. A preferred example is sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) in which the predominantly C12 lauryl alkyl group has been ethoxylated with an average of 2EO units per molecule.

[0060] The composition of the present invention preferably comprises from 0.01 to 30%, more preferably from 0.1 to 20%, more preferably still from 1 to 15% and most preferably from 5 to 12% by weight of anionic surfactants, based on total weight of the composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0061] The composition may further comprise non-ionic surfactants in addition to the polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters.

[0062] A preferred class of non-ionic surfactant for use in the present invention includes Cs to C18 alkyl alcohol ethoxylates, more preferably C12 to C15 primary linear alcohol ethoxylates with an average of from 3 to 20, more preferably from 3 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Particularly preferred are lauryl alcohol condensed with 3, 5, 7 and 9 moles of EO (AEO-3, AEO-5, AEO-7 and AEO-9).

[0063] A further preferred non-ionic surfactant are the C16 / 18 Alcohol ethoxylates.

[0064] Another preferred class of non-ionic surfactant is alkoxylated glycerol esters. The alkoxylated glycerol ester is represented by the formula (II):

[0065] Wherein each of R1 to Re is independently a hydrogen or a methyl group; each of R7 to R9 is independently a linear or branched, alkyl or alkenyl group having 5 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 22 carbon atoms7more preferably from 10 to 18 carbon atoms; m, n, p, x, y, or z is independently a number of from 1 to 30, preferably from 5 to 25 and more preferably from 12 to 21. The sum of m, n, p, x, y, z being in the range of 3 to 90.

[0066] Preferably, the alkoxylated glycerol ester comprises coconut fatty acid esters, palm oil fatty acid esters or mixtures thereof. The most preferred alkoxylated glycerol ester is palm kernel oil ethoxylates. An example is commercially available under the trade name SOE-N-60 from Sinolight Surfactant Technology Co., Ltd. Other suitable alkoxylated glyceryl esters are commercially available from Kao under the Levenol brand name. Variants such as Levenol F-200 which has an average EO of 6 and a molar ratio between glycerol and coco fatty acid of 0.55, Levenol V501 / 2 which has an average EO of 17 and a molar ratio between glycerol and coco fatty acid of 1.5 and Levenol C201 which is also known as glycereth-17 cocoate.

[0067] Another preferred class of non-ionic surfactant is methyl ester ethoxylates (MEE). Methyl ester ethoxylate surfactant is of the form:

[0068] R3(-C=O)-O-(CH2CH2-O)n-CH3

[0069] Where R3COO is a fatty acid moiety, such as oleic, stearic, palmitic. Fatty acid nomenclature is to describe the fatty acid by 2 numbers A:B where A is the number of carbons in the fatty acid and B is the number of double bonds it contains. For example oleic is 18:1 , stearic is 18:0 and palmitic 16:0. The position of the double bond on the chain may be given in brackets, 18:1(9) for oleic, 18:2 (9,12) for linoleic where 9 if the number of carbons from the COOH end.

[0070] The integer n is the mole average number of ethoxylates. Methyl ester ethoxylates (MEE) are described in chapter 8 of Biobased Surfactants (Second Edition) Synthesis, Properties, and Applications Pages 287-301 (AOCS press 2019) by G.A. Smith; J. Am. Oil. Chem.Soc. vol 74 (1997) page 847-859 by Cox M.E. and Weerasooriva II; Tenside Surf.Det. vol 28 (2001) page by 72-80 by Hreczuch et al; by C. Kolano. Household and Personal Care Today (2012) page 52-55; J. Am. Oil. Chem.Soc. vol 72 (1995) page 781- 784 by A. Hama et al. MEE may be produced the reaction of methyl ester with ethylene oxide, using catalysts based on calcium or magnesium. The catalyst may be removed or left in the MEE.

[0071] The methyl ester ethoxylate preferably has a mole average of from 8 to 13 ethoxylate groups (EO). The most preferred ethoxylate has a mol average of from 9 to 11EO, even more preferably 10EO. When the MEE has a mole average of 10EO then at least 10 wt.% of the MEE should consist of ethoxylate with 9, 10 and 11 ethoxylate groups.

[0072] In the context of the wider MEE contribution, it is preferred that at least 40 wt.% of the total MEE in the composition is C18:1.

[0073] In addition, it is preferred that the MEE component also comprises some C16 MEE. Accordingly, it is preferred that the total MEE component comprises from 5 to 50wt.% total MEE, C16 MEE. Preferably the C16 MEE is greater than 90wt.%, more preferably greater than 95wt.% C16:0.

[0074] Further, it is preferred that the total MEE component comprises less than 15 wt.%, more preferably less than 10 wt.%, most preferably less than 5 wt.% total MEE of polyunsaturated C18, i.e. C18:2 and C18:3. Preferably C18:3 is present at less than 1 wt.%, more preferably less than 0.5 wt.%, most preferably essentially absent. The levels of polyunsaturation may be controlled by distillation, fractionation or partial hydrogenation of the raw materials (triglyceride or methyl ester) or of the MEE.

[0075] Further, it is preferred that the C18:0 component is less than 10wt.% by weight of the total MEE present.

[0076] Further, it is preferred that the components with carbon chains of 15 or shorter comprise less than 4wt% by weight of the total MEE present. A particularly preferred MEE has 2 to 26 wt.% of the MEE C16:0 chains, 1 to 10 wt.% C18:0 chains, 50 to 85 wt.% C18:1 chains and 1 to 12 wt.% C18:2 chains.

[0077] Preferred sources for the alkyl groups for the MEE include methyl ester derived from distilled palm oil and distilled high oleic methyl ester derived from palm kernel oil, partially hydrogenated methyl ester of low euric rapeseed oil, methyl ester of high oleic sunflower oil, methyl ester of high oleic safflower oil and methyl ester of high oleic soybean oil.

[0078] High Oleic oils are available from DuPont (Plenish high oleice soybean oil), Monsanto (Visitive Gold Soybean oil), Dow (Omega-9 Canola oil, Omega-9 sunflower oil), the National Sunflower Association and Oilseeds International.

[0079] Preferably the double bonds in the MEE are greater than 80 wt.% in the cis configuration.

[0080] Preferably the 18:1 component is oleic. Preferably the 18:2 component is linoleic.

[0081] The methyl group of the methyl ester may be replaced by an ethyl or propyl group. Methyl is most preferred.

[0082] A further class of non-ionic surfactants include fatty acid amides, alky poly glycosides, and rhamnolipids.

[0083] Mixtures of any of the above described materials may also be used.

[0084] Where the composition comprises further non-ionic surfactant in addition to the polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, the additional non-ionic surfactant is preferably present in an amount of 0.01 to 30%, more preferably from 0.1 to 20% and most preferably from 1 to 10%, based on total weight of the composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0085] The composition may also comprise one or more types of cationic surfactant. Many cationic surfactants are known in the art, and almost any cationic surfactant having at least one long chain alkyl group of about 10 to 24 carbon atoms may be present as an auxiliary component of the surfactant system. Such compounds are described in "Cationic Surfactants", Jungermann, 1970, incorporated by reference. Specific cationic surfactants include C8 to C18 alkyl dimethyl ammonium halides and derivatives thereof in which one or two hydroxyethyl groups replace one or two of the methyl groups, and mixtures thereof. More cationic surfactants which can be used as surfactants are described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,497,718, hereby incorporated by reference. As with the non-ionic and anionic surfactants, the compositions of the invention may use cationic surfactants alone or in combination with any of the other surfactants known in the art. Cationic surfactant, when included, may be present in an amount ranging from 0 to 5% based on total weight of the composition. It is preferred that the composition does not comprise any cationic surfactants.

[0086] The composition may also comprise one or more types of amphoteric surfactant. Specific amphoteric (zwitterionic) surfactants include alkyl amine oxides, alkyl betaines, alkyl amidopropyl betaines, alkyl sulfobetaines (sultaines), alkyl glycinates, alkyl carboxyglyci nates, alkyl amphoacetates, alkyl amphopropionates, alkylamphoglycinates, alkyl amidopropyl hydroxysultaines, acyl taurates and acyl glutamates, having alkyl radicals containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term “alkyl” being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals. Amphoteric (zwitterionic) surfactant, when included, may be present in an amount ranging from 0 to 5% based on total weight of the composition. It is preferred that the composition does not comprise any amphoteric surfactants.

[0087] Source of alkyl chains

[0088] The alkyl chains of the surfactant are preferably obtained from a renewable source, preferably from a triglyceride. A renewable source is one where the material is produced by natural ecological cycle of a living species, preferably by a plant, algae, fungi, yeast or bacteria, more preferably plants, algae or yeasts.

[0089] Preferred plant sources of oils are rapeseed, sunflower, maze, soy, cottonseed, olive oil and trees. The oil from trees is called tall oil. Most preferably Palm Kernel and Coconut oils are the source. The required ratio of C12:C14 may be obtained by fractionation / distillation and mixing of components.

[0090] Algal oils are discussed in Energies 2019, 12, 1920 Algal Biofuels: Current Status and Key Challenges by Saad M.G. et al. A process for the production of triglycerides from biomass using yeasts is described in Energy Environ. Sci., 2019,12, 2717 A sustainable, high-performance process for the economic production of waste-free microbial oils that can replace plant-based equivalents by Masri M.A. et al. Non edible plant oils may be used and are preferably selected from the fruit and seeds of Jatropha curcas, Calophyllum inophyllum, Sterculia feotida, Madhuca indica (mahua), Pongamia glabra (koroch seed), Linseed, Pongamia pinnata (karanja), Hevea brasiliensis (Rubber seed), Azadirachta indica (neem), Camelina sativa, Lesquerella fendleri, Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco), Deccan hemp, Ricinus communis L. (castor), Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba), Eruca sativa. L., Cerbera odollam (Sea mango), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), Croton megalocarpus, Pilu, Crambe, syringa, Scheleichera triguga (kusum), Stillingia, Shorea robusta (sal), Terminalia belerica roxb, Cuphea, Camellia, Champaca, Simarouba glauca, Garcinia indica, Rice bran, Hingan (balanites), Desert date, Cardoon, Asclepias syriaca (Milkweed), Guizotia abyssinica, Radish Ethiopian mustard, Syagrus, Tung, Idesia polycarpa var. vestita, Alagae, Argemone mexicana L. (Mexican prickly poppy, Putranjiva roxburghii (Lucky bean tree), Sapindus mukorossi (Soapnut), M. azedarach (syringe), Thevettia peruviana (yellow oleander), Copaiba, Milk bush, Laurel, Cumaru, Andiroba, Piqui, B. napus, Zanthoxylum bungeanum.

[0091] The C12 C14 linear alcohols which are suitable as an intermediate step in the manufacture of C12 C14 ether sulphate ca be obtained from many different sustainable sources. These include:

[0092] Primary sugars

[0093] Primary sugars are obtained from cane sugar or sugar beet, etc., and may be fermented to form bioethanol. The bioethanol is then dehydrated to form bio-ethylene which then undergoes olefin methathesis to form alkenes. These alkenes are then processed into linear alcohols either by hydroformylation or oxidation.

[0094] An alternative process also using primary sugars to form linear alcohols can be used and where the primary sugar undergoes microbial conversion by algae to form triglycerides. These triglycerides are then hydrolysed to linear fatty acids and which are then reduced to form the linear alcohols.

[0095] Biomass

[0096] Biomass, for example forestry products, rice husks and straw to name a few may be processed into syngas by gasification. Through a Fischer Tropsch reaction these are processed into alkanes, which in turn are dehydrogenated to form olefins. These olefins may be processed in the same manner as the alkenes described above [primary sugars]. An alternative process turns the same biomass into polysaccharides by steam explosion which may be enzymatically degraded into secondary sugars. These secondary sugars are then fermented to form bioethanol which in turn is dehydrated to form bio-ethylene. This bio-ethylene is then processed into linear alcohols as described above [primary sugars].

[0097] Waste Plastics

[0098] Waste plastic is pyrolyzed to form pyrolysed oils. This is then fractioned to form linear alkanes which are dehydrogenated to form alkenes. These alkenes are processed as described above [primary sugars].

[0099] Alternatively, the pyrolyzed oils are cracked to form ethylene which is then processed to form the required alkenes by olefin metathesis. These are then processed into linear alcohols as described above [primary sugars].

[0100] Municipal Solid Waste

[0101] MSW is turned into syngas by gasification. From syngas it may be processed as described above [primary sugars] or it may be turned into ethanol by enzymatic processes before being dehydrogenated into ethylene. The ethylene may then be turned into linear alcohols by the Ziegler Process.

[0102] The MSW may also be turned into pyrolysis oil by gasification and then fractioned to form alkanes. These alkanes are then dehydrogenated to form olefins and then linear alcohols.

[0103] Marine Carbon

[0104] There are various carbon sources from marine flora such as seaweed and kelp. From such marine flora the triglycerides can be separated from the source and which is then hydrolysed to form the fatty acids which are reduced to linear alcohols in the usual manner.

[0105] Alternatively, the raw material can be separated into polysaccharides which are enzymatically degraded to form secondary sugars. These may be fermented to form bio-ethanol and then processed as described above [Primary Sugars],

[0106] Waste Oils

[0107] Waste oils such as used cooking oil can be physically separated into the triglycerides which are split to form linear fatty acids and then linear alcohols as described above. Alternatively, the used cooking oil may be subjected to the Neste Process whereby the oil is catalytically cracked to form bio-ethylene. This is then processed as described above.

[0108] Methane Capture

[0109] Methane capture methods capture methane from landfill sites or from fossil fuel production. The methane may be formed into syngas by gasification. The syngas may be processed as described above whereby the syngas is turned into methanol (Fischer Tropsch reaction) and then olefins before being turned into linear alcohols by hydroformylation oxidation.

[0110] Alternatively, the syngas may be turned into alkanes and then olefins by Fischer Tropsch and then dehydrogenation.

[0111] Carbon Capture

[0112] Carbon dioxide may be captured by any of a variety of processes which are all well known. The carbon dioxide may be turned into carbon monoxide by a reverse water gas shift reaction and which in turn may be turned into syngas using hydrogen gas in an electrolytic reaction. The syngas is then processed as described above and is either turned into methanol and / or alkanes before being reacted to form olefins.

[0113] Alternatively, the captured carbon dioxide is mixed with hydrogen gas before being enzymatically processed to form ethanol. This is a process which has been developed by Lanzatech. From here the ethanol is turned into ethylene and then processed into olefins and then linear alcohols as described above.

[0114] The above processes may also be used to obtain the C12 / 14 chains of the C12 / 14 ether sulfates.

[0115] Perfume

[0116] Preferably, the compositon of the present invention comprises perfume materials. The terms “perfume” and “fragrance” as used herein are used interchangeable to refer to the same material.

[0117] Preferably the perfume materials are present at a level from 0.01 to 5%, more preferably from 0.05 to 3%, even more preferably 0.1 to 1% by weight of the composition. The composition may comprise a combination of both free perfume and perfume microcapsules. Free perfume

[0118] The composition of the present invention preferably comprises from 0.01 to 5%, more preferably from 0.05 to 3%, even more preferably 0.1 to 1% by weight of free perfume. Useful perfume components may include materials of both natural and synthetic origin. They include single compounds and mixtures. Specific examples of such components may be found in the current literature, e.g., in Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, 1975, CRC Press; Synthetic Food Adjuncts, 1947 by M. B. Jacobs, edited by Van Nostrand; or Perfume and Flavor Chemicals by S. Arctander 1969, Montclair, N.J. (USA). These substances are well known to the person skilled in the art of perfuming, flavouring, and / or aromatizing consumer products.

[0119] Particularly preferred perfume components are blooming perfume components and substantive perfume components. Blooming perfume components are defined by a boiling point less than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Substantive perfume components are defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Preferably a perfume composition will comprise a mixture of blooming and substantive perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume components.

[0120] It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a perfume composition. In the compositions for use in the present invention it is envisaged that there will be three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components. An upper limit of 300 perfume ingredients may be applied. Preferably, the perfume comprises a component selected from the group consisting of ethyl-2- methyl valerate (manzanate), limonene, (4Z)-cyclopentadec-4-en-1-one, dihyro myrcenol, dimethyl benzyl carbonate acetate, benzyl acetate, spiro[1,3-dioxolane-2,5'-(4',4',8',8'- tetramethyl-hexahydro-3',9'-methanonaphthalene)], benzyl acetate, Rose Oxide, geraniol, methyl nonyl acetaldehyde, decanal, octanal, undecanal, verdyl acetate, tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, cyclamal, beta ionone, hexyl salicylate, tonalid, phenafleur, octahydrotetramethyl acetophenone (OTNE), the benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX) feedstock class such as 2-phenyl ethanol, phenoxanol and mixtures thereof, the cyclododecanone feedstock class, such as habolonolide, the phenolics feedstock class such as hexyl salicylate, the C5 blocks or oxygen containing heterocycle moiety feedstock class such as gamma decalactone, methyl dihydrojasmonate and mixtures thereof, the terpenes feedstock class such as dihydromycernol, linalool, terpinolene, camphor, citronellol and mixtures thereof, the alkyl alcohols feedstock class such as ethyl-2-methylbutyrate, the diacids feedstock class such as ethylene brassylate, and mixtures of these components. Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component ethyl-2-methyl valerate (manzanate).

[0121] Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component limonene.

[0122] Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component (4Z)-cyclopentadec-4-en-1- one.

[0123] Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component dimethyl benzyl carbonate acetate.

[0124] Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component dihyromyrcenol.

[0125] Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component rose oxide.

[0126] Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15% and especially preferably from 6 to 10wt.% of the perfume component tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate.

[0127] Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component verdyl acetate.

[0128] Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component benzyl acetate.

[0129] Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component spiro[1 ,3-dioxolane-2,5'- (4',4',8',8'-tetramethyl-hexahydro-3',9'-methanonaphthalene)].

[0130] Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component geraniol. Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component methyl nonyl acetaldehyde.

[0131] Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component cyclamal.

[0132] Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component beta ionone.

[0133] Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component hexyl salicylate.

[0134] Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component tonalid.

[0135] Preferably, the perfume comprises from 0.5 to 30 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10 wt.% of the perfume component phenafleur.

[0136] Preferably, the perfume comprises a component selected from the benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX) feedstock class. More preferably, the perfume component is selected from 2-phenyl ethanol, phenoxanol and mixtures thereof.

[0137] Preferably, the perfume comprises a component selected from the cyclododecanone feedstock class. More preferably, the perfume component is habolonolide.

[0138] Preferably, the perfume comprises a component selected from the phenolics feedstock class. More preferably, the perfume component is hexyl salicylate.

[0139] Preferably, the perfume comprises a component selected from the C5 blocks or oxygen containing heterocycle moiety feedstock class. More preferably, the perfume component is selected from gamma decalactone, methyl dihydrojasmonate and mixtures thereof.

[0140] Preferably, the perfume comprises a component selected from the terpenes feedstock class. More preferably, the perfume component is selected from, linalool, terpinolene, camphor, citronellol and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the perfume comprises a component selected from the alkyl alcohols feedstock class. More preferably, the perfume component is ethyl-2-methylbutyrate.

[0141] Preferably, the perfume comprises a component selected from the diacids feedstock class. More preferably, the perfume component is ethylene brassylate.

[0142] Preferably, the perfume component listed above is present in the final composition at from 0.0001 to 1% by weight of the composition.

[0143] Microcapsules

[0144] The composition of the present invention may comprise microcapsules. The microcapsules may be provided simply as microcapsules but preferably are provided in a microcapsule composition. By microcapsule composition it is herein understood to mean the composition comprising microcapsules which is added to a liquid composition. The microcapsule composition may comprise only microcapsules or may be in the form of a slurry comprising microcapsules. By microcapsule it is herein understood to mean the microcapsule (shell and core) i.e. , without a solvent or slurry.

[0145] The composition of the present invention preferably comprises 0.01 to 5%, more preferably from 0.05 to 3%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 1% by weight of microcapsules. The weight of the microcapsules is of the material as supplied, which may be in the form of a slurry comprising microcapsules.

[0146] The microcapsule shell materials, preferably comprise, but are not limited to; aminoplasts, proteins, polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polysaccharides, polyamides, polyolefins, gums, silicones, lipids, modified cellulose, polyphosphate, polystyrene, polyesters or combinations thereof. More preferably the shell materials comprise aminoplast, such as melamine formaldehyde or urea formaldehyde microcapsules, proteins and / or polysaccharides. The microcapsule core comprises active material and optionally further comprises solvents, crosslinking agents as described above or combinations thereof. The core is preferably nonaqueous. Preferably the active material comprises perfume. It is particularly preferred that the perfume comprises perfume components as described above.

[0147] Preferably the encapsulated active material (e.g. perfume) is present at a level from 5 to 99%, preferably 10 to 99%, more preferably 15 to 95%, and most preferably 20 to 93% by weight of the microcapsule. One example of a preferred microcapsule suitable for use in the present invention is a microcapsule with an aminoplast shell formed from the polycondensation product of melamine or urea with formaldehyde and a core comprising perfume.

[0148] Another example of a preferred microcapsule suitable for use in the present invention is a microcapsule with a shell formed from protein and / or polysaccharide and a core comprising perfume.

[0149] The microcapsules of the present invention preferably have a D50 particle size from 0.1 to 1000 microns, more preferably 0.5 to 500 microns, even more preferably from 1 to 200 microns, and most preferably from 1 to 100 microns. The particle size can be determined by dynamic light scattering using a Malvern Mastersizer, for example, Mastersizer 3000.

[0150] The microcapsules may be prepared by any suitable process such as coacervation, interfacial polymerization, polycondensation and 3D printing.

[0151] Hydrotropes

[0152] A composition of the invention may comprise non-aqueous carriers such as hydrotropes, cosolvents and phase stabilizers. Such materials are typically low molecular weight, water-soluble or water-miscible organic liquids such as C1 to C5 monohydric alcohols (such as ethanol and n- or i-propanol); C2 to C6 diols (such as monopropylene glycol and dipropylene glycol); C3 to C9 triols (such as glycerol); polyethylene glycols having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from about 200 to 600; C1 to C3 alkanolamines such as mono-, di- and triethanolamines; and alkyl aryl sulfonates having up to 3 carbon atoms in the lower alkyl group (such as the sodium and potassium xylene, toluene, ethylbenzene and isopropyl benzene (cumene) sulfonates).

[0153] Mixtures of any of the above described materials may also be used.

[0154] Non-aqueous carriers, when included, may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 3%, preferably from 0.5 to 1%, based on total weight of the composition and including all ranges subsumed therein. The level of hydrotrope used is linked to the level of surfactant and it is desirable to use hydrotrope level to manage the viscosity in such compositions. The preferred hydrotropes are monopropylene glycol, glycerol, triethanolamine, cyclic carbonates such as propylene carbonate or mixtures thereof. Builders

[0155] A composition of the invention may contain one or more builders. Builders enhance or maintain the cleaning efficiency of the surfactant, primarily by reducing water hardness. This is done either by sequestration or chelation (holding hardness minerals in solution), by precipitation (forming an insoluble substance), or by ion exchange (trading electrically charged particles).

[0156] Builders for use in the invention can be of the organic or inorganic type, or a mixture thereof.

[0157] Suitable inorganic builders include chlorides, hydroxides, carbonates, sesquicarbonates, bicarbonates, silicates, zeolites, and mixtures thereof. Specific examples of such materials include sodium and potassium chloride, sodium and potassium hydroxide, sodium and potassium carbonate, sodium and potassium bicarbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, sodium silicate and mixtures thereof.

[0158] Suitable organic builders include the alkali metal (e.g. sodium and potassium) citrates, succinates, malonates, carboxymethyl succinates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates and polyacetyl carboxylates. Specific examples include sodium, potassium and lithium salts of oxydisuccinic acid, mellitic acid, benzene polycarboxylic acids, and citric acid.

[0159] Aminopolycarboxylates are preferred. Suitable examples of aminopolycarboxylates include, but not limited to, glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), iminodimalic acid (IDM), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), hydroxyethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (HEDTA), iminodiacetic acid (IDA), hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HEIDA), aspartic acid diethoxysuccinic acid (AES), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), hydroxyethylethylene-diaminetriacetic acid (HEEDTA), iminodifumaric (IDF), iminoditartaric acid (IDT), iminodimaleic acid (IDMAL), ethylenediaminedifumaric acid (EDDF), ethylenediaminedimalic acid (EDDM), ethylenediamineditartaric acid (EDDT), ethylenediaminedimaleic acid (EDDMAL) or mixtures thereof.

[0160] Other examples are DEQUEST™, organic phosphonate type sequestering agents sold by Monsanto and alkanehydroxy phosphonates. Examples of phosphate sequestrants include, but not limited to, 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphnic acid (HEDP), diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid) (DTPMP), hexamethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) (HDTMP), aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP), ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) (EDTMP), tetramethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) (TDTMP), phosphonobutanetricarboxylic acid (PBTC) or mixtures thereof.

[0161] Other suitable organic builders include the higher molecular weight polymers and copolymers known to have builder properties. For example, such materials include appropriate polyacrylic acid, polymaleic acid, and polyacrylic / polymaleic acid copolymers and their salts, for example those sold by BASF under the name SOKALAN™. If utilized, the organic builder materials may comprise from about 0.5 to 20 wt.%, preferably from 1 to 10 wt.% of the composition. The preferred builder level is less than 10 wt.% and preferably less than 5 wt.% of the composition.

[0162] More preferably the liquid composition is a non-phosphate built formulation, i.e., contains less than 1 wt.% of phosphate. It is preferred that the composition comprises less than 0.5 wt.% phosphonate based sequestrant and more preferably less than 0.1 wt.% phosphonate based sequestrant. Most preferably, the composition is free from phosphonate based sequestrant.

[0163] The composition of the present invention preferably comprises the builders in an amount of from 0.01 to 10%, more preferably from 0.1 to 5%, even more preferably from 0.25 to 4% and most preferably from 0.5 to 2.5%, based on total weight of the composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0164] Soil Release Polymers

[0165] Soil release polymers (SRP) help to improve the detachment of soils from fabric by modifying the fabric surface during washing. The adsorption of a SRP over the fabric surface is promoted by an affinity between the chemical structure of the SRP and the target fibre.

[0166] The composition of the invention may comprise SRPs. SRPs for use in the invention may include a variety of charged (e.g. anionic) as well as non-charged monomer units and structures may be linear, branched or star-shaped. The SRP structure may also include capping groups to control molecular weight or to alter polymer properties such as surface activity. The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the SRP may suitably range from about 1000 to about 20,000 and preferably ranges from about 1500 to about 10,000.

[0167] SRPs for use in the invention may suitably be selected from copolyesters of dicarboxylic acids (for example adipic acid, phthalic acid or terephthalic acid), diols (for example ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) and polydiols (for example polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol). The copolyester may also include monomeric units substituted with anionic groups, such as for example sulfonated isophthaloyl units. Examples of such materials include oligomeric esters produced by transesterification / oligomerization of poly(ethyleneglycol) methyl ether, dimethyl terephthalate (“DMT”), propylene glycol (“PG”) and poly(ethyleneglycol) (“PEG”); partly- and fully-anionic-end-capped oligomeric esters such as oligomers from ethylene glycol (“EG”), PG, DMT and Na-3,6-dioxa-8-hydroxyoctanesulfonate; nonionic-capped block polyester oligomeric compounds such as those produced from DMT, Me-capped PEG and EG and / or PG, or a combination of DMT, EG and / or PG, Me-capped PEG and Na-dimethyl-5-sulfoisophthalate, and copolymeric blocks of ethylene terephthalate or propylene terephthalate with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide terephthalate.

[0168] Other types of SRP for use in the invention include cellulosic derivatives such as hydroxyether cellulosic polymers, C1-C4 alkylcelluloses and C4 hydroxyalkyl celluloses; polymers with poly(vinyl ester) hydrophobic segments such as graft copolymers of poly(vinyl ester), for example Ci-Ce vinyl esters (such as poly(vinyl acetate)) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones; poly(vinyl caprolactam) and related co-polymers with monomers such as vinyl pyrrolidone and / or dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate; and polyester-polyamide polymers prepared by condensing adipic acid, caprolactam, and polyethylene glycol.

[0169] Preferred SRPs for use in the invention include copolyesters formed by condensation of terephthalic acid ester and diol, preferably 1 ,2 propanediol, and further comprising an end cap formed from repeat units of alkylene oxide capped with an alkyl group. Examples of such materials have a structure corresponding to general formula (VI): in which R14 and R15 independently of one another are X-(OC2H4)q-(OC3H6)s ;in which X is C1-4 alkyl and preferably methyl; q is a number from 12 to 120, preferably from 40 to 50; s is a number from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 7; and i is a number from 4 to 9.

[0170] Because they are averages, q, s and i are not necessarily whole numbers for the polymer in bulk. Mixtures of any of the above described materials may also be used.

[0171] The overall level of SRP, when included, may range from 0.1 to 10% by weight of the composition, depending on the level of polymer intended for use in the final composition and which is desirably from 0.3 to 7%, more preferably from 0.5 to 5%, based on total weight of the composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0172] Suitable SRPs are described in greater detail in II. S. Patent Nos. 5,574,179; 4,956,447; 4,861 ,512; 4,702,857, WO 2007 / 079850 and WO2016 / 005271. If employed, SRPs will typically be incorporated into the composition herein in concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10%, more preferably from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0173] Polymeric Cleaning Boosters

[0174] To further improve the environmental profile of the composition, it may be preferred in some cases to reduce the volume of composition dosed per wash-load and to add various highly weight efficient ingredients to the composition to boost cleaning performance. In addition to the soil release polymers of the invention described above, a composition of the invention will preferably contain one or more additional polymeric cleaning boosters such as anti-redeposition polymers.

[0175] Anti-redeposition polymers stabilise the soil in the wash solution thus preventing redeposition of the soil. Suitable anti-redeposition polymers for use in the invention include alkoxylated polyethyleneimines. Polyethyleneimines are materials composed of ethylene imine units - CH2CH2NH- and, where branched, the hydrogen on the nitrogen is replaced by another chain of ethylene imine units. Preferred alkoxylated polyethyleneimines for use in the invention have a polyethyleneimine backbone of about 300 to about 10000 weight average molecular weight (Mw). The polyethyleneimine backbone may be linear or branched. It may be branched to the extent that it is a dendrimer. The alkoxylation may typically be ethoxylation or propoxylation, or a mixture of both. Where a nitrogen atom is alkoxylated, a preferred average degree of alkoxylation is from 10 to 30, preferably from 15 to 25 alkoxy groups per modification. A preferred material is ethoxylated polyethyleneimine, with an average degree of ethoxylation being from 10 to 30, preferably from 15 to 25 ethoxy groups per ethoxylated nitrogen atom in the polyethyleneimine backbone.

[0176] Mixtures of any of the above described materials may also be used. More preferably, the polyamine is an alkoxylated cationic or zwitterionic polyamine polymer, wherein the positive charge is provided by quaternisation of the nitrogen atoms of the amines, and the anionic groups (where present) by sulphation or sulphonation of the alkoxylated group.

[0177] Preferably the alkoxylate is selected from propoxy and ethoxy, most preferably ethoxy.

[0178] Preferably greater than or equal to 50 mol% of nitrogen amines are quaternised, preferably with a methyl group. Preferably the polymer contains 2 to 10, more preferably 2 to 6, most preferably 3 to 5 quanternised nitrogen amines. Preferably the alkoxylate groups are selected from ethoxy and propoxy groups, most preferably ethoxy.

[0179] Preferably the polymer contains ester (COO) or acid amide (CONH) groups within the structure, preferably these groups are placed, so that when all the ester or acid amide groups are hydrolysed, at least one, preferably all of the hydrolysed fragments has a molecular weight of less than 4000, preferably less than 2000, most preferably less than 1000.

[0180] Preferably the polymer is of the form:

[0181] Where Ri is a C3 to C8 alkyl group, X is an a (C2H4O)nY group where n is from 15 to 30, where m is from 2 to 10, preferably 2, 3, 4 or 5 and where Y is selected from OH and SOs" and preferably the number of SOa" groups is greater than the number of OH groups. Preferably there are from 0, 1 or 2 OH groups. X and Ri may contain ester groups within them. X may contain a carbonyl group, preferably an ester group. There is preferably 1 C2H4O unit separating the ester group from the N, such that the structural unit N- C2H4O-ester- (C2H4O)n-iY is preferred.

[0182] Such polymers are described in WO2021239547 (Unilever), An example polymer is sulphated ethoxylated hexamethylene diamine and examples P1 , P2, P3, P4, P5 and P6 of

[0183] WO2021239547. Acid amide and ester groups may be included using lactones or sodium chloroacetate respectively (Modified Williamson synthesis), addition to an OH or NH group, then subsequent ethoxylation.

[0184] An example reaction scheme for inclusion of an ester group is

[0185] Addition of lactones is discussed in WO2021 / 165468.

[0186] A composition of the invention will preferably comprise from 0.025 to 8 wt.% of one or more anti-redeposition polymers such as, for example, the alkoxylated polyethyleneimines or zwitterionic polyamines which are described above.

[0187] Preservative

[0188] The composition preferably comprises a preservative or a mixture of preservatives. Preferably the preservative is selected from benzoic acid and salts thereof, alkylesters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and salts thereof, sorbic acid, diethyl pyrocarbonate, dimethyl pyrocarbonate, preferably benzoic acid and salts thereof, most preferably sodium benzoate.

[0189] An alternatively preferred preservative is selected from sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, dehydroacetaic acid and mixtures thereof.

[0190] The preservative is present at 0.1 to 3 wt.%, preferably 0.3 to 1.5 wt.%. Weights are calculated for the protonated form where appropriate.

[0191] Preferably, the composition comprises sodium benzoate at from 0.1 to 3 wt.%, preferably 0.3 to 1.5 wt.% of the composition.

[0192] Preferably, the composition comprises phenoxyethanol at from 0.1 to 3 wt.%, preferably 0.3 to 1.5 wt.% of the composition.

[0193] Preferably, the composition comprises dehydroacetic acid at from 0.1 to 3 wt.%, preferably 0.3 to 1.5 wt.% of the composition. Preferably, the composition comprises less than 0.1 wt.% isothiazolinone-based preservative, more preferably less than 0.05 wt.%.

[0194] Fluorescent Agent

[0195] It may be advantageous to include fluorescent agents (optical brightener) in the compositions. Usually, these fluorescent agents are supplied and used in the form of their alkali metal salts, for example, the sodium salts. The total amount of the fluorescent agent or agents used in the composition is generally from 0.005 to 2%, more preferably 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of the composition.

[0196] Preferred classes of fluorescent agents are: Di-styryl biphenyl compounds, e.g. Tinopal (Trade Mark) CBS-X, Di-amine stilbene di-sulphonic acid compounds, e.g. Tinopal DMS pure Xtra, Tinopal 5BMGX, and Blankophor (Trade Mark) HRH, and Pyrazoline compounds, e.g. Blankophor SN.

[0197] Preferred fluorescent agents are: sodium 2 (4-styryl-3-sulfophenyl)-2H-napthol[1 ,2-d]triazole, disodium 4,4'-bis{[(4-anilino-6-(N methyl-N-2 hydroxyethyl) amino 1 ,3,5-triazin-2- yl)]amino}stilbene-2-2' disulfonate, disodium 4,4'-bis{[(4-anilino-6-morpholino-1 ,3,5-triazin-2- yl)]amino} stilbene-2-2' disulfonate, and disodium 4,4'-bis(2-sulfoslyryl)biphenyl. Most preferably the fluoescer is a di-styryl biphenyl compound, preferably sodium 2,2'-([1 ,1'- biphenyl]-4,4'-diylbis(ethene-2,1-diyl))dibenzenesulfonate (CAS-No 27344-41-8).

[0198] Anti-foam

[0199] The composition may also comprise an anti-foam. Anti-foam materials are well known in the art and include silicones, fatty acids, fatty alcohols and EO-PO block copolymers.

[0200] Preferably, where present, the fatty acid anti-foam is present at from 1.3 to 3.0% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 1.4 to 2.0% and most preferably from 1.6 to 1.65%.

[0201] Suitable fatty acids in the context of this invention include aliphatic carboxylic acids of formula R12COOH, where R12is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl chain containing from 6 to 24, more preferably 10 to 22, most preferably from 12 to 18 carbon atoms and 0 or 1 double bond.

[0202] Preferred examples of such materials include saturated C12-18 fatty acids such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid or stearic acid; and fatty acid mixtures in which 50 to 100% (by weight based on the total weight of the mixture) consists of saturated C12-18 fatty acids. Such mixtures may typically be derived from natural fats and / or optionally hydrogenated natural oils (such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil or tallow).

[0203] The fatty acids may be present in the form of their sodium, potassium or ammonium salts and / or in the form of soluble salts of organic bases, such as mono-, di- or triethanolamine.

[0204] Suitable fatty alcohols in the context of this invention include aliphatic alcohol of formula R13OH, where R13is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl chain containing from 6 to 24, more preferably 10 to 22, most preferably from 12 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0205] Suitable EO-PO block copolymers in the context of this invention include a polymer with repeating units of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide and with hydrophile lipophile balance (HLB) value equal or smaller than 4.

[0206] Mixtures of any of the above described materials may also be used.

[0207] For formula accounting purposes, in the formulation, fatty acids and / or their salts (as defined above) are not included in the level of surfactant or in the level of builder.

[0208] Shading dyes

[0209] Shading dye may be used to improve the performance of the compositions. Preferred dyes are violet or blue. It is believed that the deposition on fabrics of a low level of a dye of these shades, masks yellowing of fabrics. A further advantage of shading dyes is that they can be used to mask any yellow tint in the composition itself.

[0210] Shading dyes are well known in the art of laundry liquid formulation.

[0211] Suitable and preferred classes of dyes include direct dyes, acid dyes, hydrophobic dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes and dye conjugates. Preferred examples are Disperse Violet 28, Acid Violet 50, anthraquinone dyes covalently bound to ethoxylate or propoxylated polyethylene imine as described in WO2011 / 047987 and WO 2012 / 119859 alkoxylated mono-azo thiophenes, dye with CAS-No 72749-80-5, acid blue 59, and the phenazine dye selected from: wherein:

[0212] X3 is selected from: -H; -F; -CH3; -C2H5; -OCH3; and, -OC2H5;

[0213] X4 is selected from: -H; -CH3; -C2H5; -OCH3; and, -OC2H5;

[0214] Y2is selected from: -OH; -OCH2CH2OH; -CH(OH)CH2OH; -OC(O)CH3; and, C(O)OCH3. Alkoxylated thiophene dyes are discussed in WO2013 / 142495 and W02008 / 087497.

[0215] Shading dye can be used in the absence of fluorescent agents, but it is especially preferred to use a shading dye in combination with a fluorescent agent, for example in order to reduce yellowing due to chemical changes in adsorbed fluorescent agents.

[0216] The shading dye is preferably present is present in the composition in range from 0.0001 to 0.1 wt.%. Depending upon the nature of the shading dye there are preferred ranges depending upon the efficacy of the shading dye which is dependent on class and particular efficacy within any particular class.

[0217] External structurants

[0218] Compositions of the invention may have their rheology further modified by use of one or more external structurants which form a structuring network within the composition. Examples of such materials include crystallizable glycerides such as hydrogenated castor oil; microfibrous cellulose, citrus pulp fibre, bacterial cellulose, copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid and C1-C2 alkyl (meth) acrylate. The presence of an external structurant may provide shear thinning rheology and may also enable materials such as encapsulates and visual cues to be suspended stably in the liquid.

[0219] The composition preferably comprises a crystallizable glyceride.

[0220] The crystallizable glyceride is useful in forming an external structuring system as described in WO2011 / 031940, the contents of which, in particular as regards manufacture of the ESS are incorporated by reference. Where an ESS is present it is preferred that the ESS of the present invention preferably comprises: (a) crystallizable glyceride(s); (b) alkanolamine; (c) anionic surfactant; (d) additional components; and (e) optional components. Each of these components is discussed in detail below.

[0221] Crystallizable glyceride(s) of use herein preferably include "Hydrogenated castor oil" or "HCO". HCO as used herein most generally can be any hydrogenated castor oil, provided that it is capable of crystallizing in the ESS premix. Castor oils may include glycerides, especially triglycerides, comprising C10 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl moieties which incorporate a hydroxyl group. Hydrogenation of castor oil to make HCO converts double bonds, which may be present in the starting oil as ricinoleyl moieties, to convert ricinoleyl moieties to saturated hydroxyalkyl moieties, e.g., hydroxystearyl. The HCO herein may, in some embodiments, be selected from: trihydroxystearin; dihydroxystearin; and mixtures thereof. The HCO may be processed in any suitable starting form, including, but not limited those selected from solid, molten and mixtures thereof. HCO is typically present in the ESS of the present invention at a level of from about 2 percent to about 10 percent, from about 3 percent to about 8 percent, or from about 4 percent to about 6 percent by weight of the structuring system. In some embodiments, the corresponding percentage of hydrogenated castor oil delivered into a finished laundry detergent product is below about 1.0 percent, typically from 0.1 percent to 0.8 percent.

[0222] Useful HCO may have the following characteristics: a melting point of from about 40 degrees centigrade to about 100 degrees centigrade, or from about 65 degrees centigrade to about 95 degrees C; and / or Iodine value ranges of from 0 to about 5, from 0 to about 4, or from 0 to about 2.6. The melting point of HCO can be measured using either ASTM D3418 or ISO 11357; both tests utilize DSC: Differential Scanning Calorimetry. HCO of use in the present invention includes those that are commercially available. Non-limiting examples of commercially available HCO of use in the present invention include: THIXCIN(R) from Rheox, Inc. Further examples of useful HCO may be found in U.S. Patent 5,340,390. The source of the castor oil for hydrogenation to form HCO can be of any suitable origin, such as from Brazil or India. In one suitable embodiment, castor oil is hydrogenated using a precious metal, e.g., palladium catalyst, and the hydrogenation temperature and pressure are controlled to optimize hydrogenation of the double bonds of the native castor oil while avoiding unacceptable levels of dehydroxylation.

[0223] The invention is not intended to be directed only to the use of hydrogenated castor oil. Any other suitable crystallizable glyceride(s) may be used. In one example, the structurant is substantially pure triglyceride of 12-hydroxystearic acid. This molecule represents the pure form of a fully hydrogenated triglyceride of 12-hydrox-9-cis-octadecenoic acid. In nature, the composition of castor oil is rather constant, but may vary somewhat. Likewise hydrogenation procedures may vary. Any other suitable equivalent materials, such as mixtures of triglycerides wherein at least 80 percent wt. is from castor oil, may be used. Exemplary equivalent materials comprise primarily, or consist essentially of, triglycerides; or comprise primarily, or consist essentially of, mixtures of diglycerides and triglycerides; or comprise primarily, or consist essentially of, mixtures of triglyerides with diglycerides and limited amounts, e.g., less than about 20 percent wt. of the glyceride mixtures, of monoglyerides; or comprise primarily, or consist essentially of, any of the foregoing glycerides with limited amounts, e.g., less than about 20 percent wt., of the corresponding acid hydrolysis product of any of said glycerides. A proviso in the above is that the major proportion, typically at least 80 percent wt, of any of said glycerides is chemically identical to glyceride of fully hydrogenated ricinoleic acid, i.e., glyceride of 12- hydroxy stearic acid. It is for example well known in the art to modify hydrogenated castor oil such that in a given triglyceride, there will be two 12-hydroxystearic- moieties and one stearic moiety. Likewise it is envisioned that the hydrogenated castor oil may not be fully hydrogenated. In contrast, the invention excludes poly(oxyalkylated) castor oils when these fail the melting criteria.

[0224] Crystallizable glyceride(s) of use in the present invention may have a melting point of from about 40 degrees centigrade to about 100 degrees centigrade.

[0225] Other ingredients

[0226] The composition may comprise further optional ingredients to enhance performance and / or consumer acceptability. Examples of such ingredients include foam boosting agents, polyelectrolytes, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-oxidants, sunscreens, anticorrosion agents, drape imparting agents, anti-static agents, ironing aids, colorants, pearlisers and / or opacifiers. Each of these ingredients will be present in an amount effective to accomplish its purpose. Generally, these optional ingredients are included individually at an amount of up to 5% based on total weight of the composition.

[0227] Packaging and dosing

[0228] Preferably the composition is a liquid detergent composition such as a liquid laundry composition or a liquid dishwash composition, more preferably the composition is a liquid laundry composition. The composition of the invention may be supplied in multidose plastics packs with a top or bottom closure. A dosing measure may be supplied with the pack either as a part of the cap or as an integrated system.

[0229] Preferably, the composition is stored in a moulded article. Preferably, such moulded article comprises post-consumer recycled material (PCR). The moulded article is preferably blow moulded. Blow moulding involves the formation of a parison or preform which is placed and clamped into the mould. Air is passed into the parison / preform to expand the parison / preform such that it expands to fill the space in the mould. Once the plastic has hardened sufficiently, the mould is de-coupled and the moulded article is removed.

[0230] Preferably, the weight ratio between PCR and any non-recycled material content in the moulded article is from 1 :9 to 100:0 but this depends on the physical structure of the article. For example, the article may comprise additional features such as a shrink-wrap outer skin, a cap, a pump assembly all of which may not comprise any PCR.

[0231] Preferably, the moulded article comprises additives to improve the performance of the article. Examples include HDPE, LLDPE and LLDP.

[0232] For example, where the article comprises a monolayer it is preferred that the weight ratio between the additive (for example HDPE and / or LLDPE and / or LDPE) and the PCR in the blow moulded article monolayer is from 5:95 to 30:70. However, where a multilayer article is provided and which only one layer comprises additive and PCR it is preferred that the weight ratio between the additive and the PCR in the individual layer is from 1:99 to 30:1 but the total proportion of additive in the article as a whole will depend on the weight ratio between the additive with PCR layer and any other layer used.

[0233] Typical additional layers may include PCR or virgin polyethylene as desired. For example, where an improved aesthetic is required the outer layer may comprise virgin polymer whereas the inner layer may comprise HDPE and / or LLDPE and / or LDPE with the PCR.

[0234] It is also of course possible that other materials are included with the HDPE / PCR such that in one layer the additive / PCR constitutes from 70 to 100% by weight of the layer and more preferably from 95 to 100% of the layer. Preferably the outer and / or inner layer comprises a colourant masterbatch. More preferably, the outer layer comprises a colourant masterbatch. By “colourant masterbatch” it is a meant a mixture in which pigments are dispersed at high concentration in a carrier material. The colorant masterbatch is used to impart colour to the article.

[0235] The carrier may be a biobased plastic or a petroleum-based plastic, or a biobased oil or a petroleum-based oil or made of post-consumer resin (PCR).

[0236] Nonlimiting examples of the carrier include bio-derived or oil derived polyethylene (e.g, LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE), bio-derived oil (e.g., olive oil, rapeseed oil, peanut oil), petroleum-derived oil, recycled oil, bio-derived or petroleum derived polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE), recycled low density polyethylene (rLDPE). Preferably the carrier is recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) or recycled low density polyethylene (rLDPE).

[0237] When it is desired that all the layers are made of 100% of PCR, the carrier is also preferably selected from PCR. Similarly, when it is desired that a layer has a 100% of a specific PCR, the carrier is preferably selected from the same PCR.

[0238] The pigment, when present, of the masterbatch is a NIR detectable pigment. Carbon black is not preferred in the scope of the present invention. The NIR detectable pigment is preferably black. The pigment is typically made of a combination of known colours.

[0239] By consumer acceptable black, it may be defined as the colour measured using a reflectometer and expressed as the CIE L*a*b* values and the values of L being less than 25, preferably less than 23, more preferably less than 20, even more preferably less than 15, still more preferably less than 12 or even less than 10, the values of a being in the ranges of -5 to 5, preferably -2 to 3, more preferably 0 to 2 and the values of b being in the ranges of -10 and 10, preferably -8 to 5.

[0240] By NIR detectable pigment is meant detectable by Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. The pigment of the carrier may include, for example, an inorganic pigment, an organic pigment, a polymeric resin, or a mixture thereof.

[0241] Optionally, the colourant masterbatch can further include one or more additives. Nonlimiting examples of additives include slip agents, UV absorbers, nucleating agents, UV stabilizers, heat stabilizers, clarifying agents, fillers, brighteners, process aids, perfumes, flavors, and a mixture thereof.

[0242] Such NIR detectable pigments are known in the art and are provided by various suppliers such as Clariant, globally and Colourtone Masterbatch Ltd. in Europe.

[0243] The moulded article according to the invention is preferably a container, e.g. for a bottle; in particular the article according to the invention is a non-food grade container.

[0244] Alternatively, the composition of the invention may be packaged as unit doses in polymeric film soluble in the wash water. The unit dose composition of the invention is contained within a pouch formed by a water dissoluble film. Preferably, the pouch has from one to four compartments. More preferably, the pouch has three compartments. It is preferred that the pouch is a unit dose of product and may be from 10 to 50 g in weight to represent a unit dose.

[0245] The present invention additionally relates to a method of laundering fabrics comprising the step of adding the composition of the present invention during the washing stage of a laundry process. Washing may be hand washing or using a washing machine, preferably washing is performed using a washing machine. Following the wash, the fabric may be rinsed. In the rinse, a fabric conditioner may be used. The fabric may then be dried; either air dried or dried using a tumble drier. Once dried the fabric may be stored before use or may be used straight away. Once the fabric has been used, it will then be washed again. Preferably in the next wash the fabric is once again treated with a composition of the present invention as described herein. The following examples are provided to facilitate an understanding of the invention. The examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0246] Examples

[0247] Example 1

[0248] Evaluation of enzyme activity

[0249] Preparation of compositions

[0250] Surfactants polyoxyethylene monococoate (COE), fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (AEO-9) and polyoxyethylene oleate (PEG-oleate) were dissolved in deionized (DI) water respectively to prepare 4 wt.% aqueous solution. Pure DI water was used as control. All solutions were freshly prepared and checked to ensure complete dissolution of surfactants. The pH of the solutions was adjusted to 7.0. Polyoxyethylene monococoate (COE) is HMA-426B from Zhejiang Huangma Technology Co., Ltd, which contains an average of 9EO units per molecule. Polyoxyethylene oleate (PEG-oleate) is from Sigma Aldrich, which contains an average of 13EO units per molecule.

[0251] Compositions were prepared by adding cellulase into the above-mentioned aqueous solutions. The dosage of cellulase was 0.2 wt%. The cellulase is Carezyme Elite 100 from Novozyme Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

[0252] Method to measure enzyme activity

[0253] The cellulase activity was measured by a method employing the sodium carboxymethyl cellulose substrate. The substrate sodium carboxymethyl cellulose was hydrolyzed with cellulase at pH 7.0, 50°C for 1.5 hours to release glucose. The released glucose results in color production which can be read at 630 nm by a spectrometer. The increase in glucose concentration is directly proportional to the activity of the cellulase in the sample.

[0254] Table 1

[0255] The results show that composition 1 (according to the invention) provided significantly higher glucose concentration compared to samples B and C (p<0.05), indicating improved enzyme stability and activity.

[0256] Example 2

[0257] This example demonstrates the enzyme activity by washing stained fabrics.

[0258] Preparation of compositions

[0259] Surfactants polyoxyethylene monococoate (COE), fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (AEO-9) and polyoxyethylene oleate (PEG-oleate) were dissolved in deionized (DI) water respectively to prepare 4 wt.% aqueous solution. Pure DI water was used as control. All solutions were freshly prepared and checked to ensure complete dissolution of surfactants. The pH of the solutions was adjusted to 7.0. Polyoxyethylene monococoate (COE) is HMA-426B from Zhejiang Huangma Technology Co., Ltd, which contains an average of 9EO units per molecule. Polyoxyethylene oleate (PEG-oleate) is from Sigma Aldrich, which contains an average of 13EO units per molecule. Compositions were prepared by adding enzymes into the above-mentioned aqueous solutions. The dosage of enzymes was 0.2 wt%. The cellulase is Carezyme Elite 100 from Novozyme Biotechnology Co., Ltd. The multi-enzyme blend (protease and amylase) is Medley 207L from Novozyme Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

[0260] Evaluation of enzyme activity

[0261] 0.2 grams of stains were applied to a 5cmx5cm cotton fabric. The whiteness (Wi) of the stained cotton fabric was measured using an automatic whiteness meter (WSD-3C from Beijing Jingyi Kangguang Optical Instrument Co. Ltd) after aging for 24 hours at room temperature.

[0262] The stained cotton fabrics were then washed with 60 grams of test samples in a top-loading washing machine. The washing machine was set to wash for 49 minutes including one-time wash and two times rinses. Once the wash had finished, the stained cotton fabrics were removed from the washing machine and dried on racks at room temperature. The whiteness (W2) of the stained cotton fabrics after washing was measured using the same whiteness meter.

[0263] The change in whiteness of the stained cotton fabrics before and after washing was calculated as:

[0264] W=W2-Wi

[0265] The results were reported in table 2. The larger the W value, the greater the difference between before and after washing, indicating better retention of enzyme activity.

[0266] Table 2

Claims

CLAIMS1. A composition comprising: a) from 0.1 to 60% by weight of a polyoxyethylene fatty acid represented by formula (I)wherein R is a linear or branched C5 to C15 alkyl or alkenyl group; n is a number from 3 to 30; and b) from 0.00001 to 1% by weight of an enzyme.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein R is a linear C7 to C15 alkyl or alkenyl group, preferably R is a linear C9 to C13 alkyl or alkenyl group.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein R is a linear C9 to C13 alkyl or alkenyl group having 0 to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds.

4. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein R is a linear C11 to C13 alkyl group.

5. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid moiety RCO-O of the polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester is derived from caproic acid, octanoic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, lauric acid, coconut oil, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, or mixtures thereof, preferably lauric acid, coconut oil, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid or mixtures thereof.

6. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein n is a number from 3 to 20.

7. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester comprises polyoxyethylene caproate, polyoxyethylene octanoate, polyoxyethylene cocoate, polyoxyethylene laurate, polyoxyethylene myristate, polyoxyethylene palmitate, or mixtures thereof, preferably polyoxyethylene cocoate,polyoxyethylene laurate, polyoxyethylene myristate, polyoxyethylene palmitate or mixtures thereof.

8. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the enzyme comprises comprises protease, lipase, amylase, mannanase, pectate lyase, cellulase, phospholipase, cutinase, peroxidase, oxidase or mixtures thereof, preferably protease, amylase, cellulase or mixtures thereof.

9. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester is present in an amount of from 1 to 30% by weight of the composition, preferably from 2 to 20%.

10. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises the enzyme in an amount of from 0.0001 to 0.5% by weight of the composition, preferably from 0.0005 to 0.4%.

11. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further comprises perfume.

12. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is a detergent composition, preferably a liquid laundry detergent composition.

13. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is in a unit dose format.

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