Packaged dishwashing detergent composition

Abstract

The present invention is related to a package comprising a water-soluble container, the water-soluble container containing a dishwashing detergent composition, wherein the dishwashing detergent composition is a non-aqueous liquid or gel; and comprises from 0.005 to 0.5 wt.% of a C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition.

Description

[0001] PACKAGED DISHWASHING DETERGENT COMPOSITION

[0002] The present invention relates to a packaged non-aqueous liquid or gel dishwashing detergent composition, and in particular wherein the dishwashing detergent composition comprises a C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof.

[0003] Packaged dishwashing detergent compositions for use in automatic dishwashing (ADW) machines are well known in the art. Over time, preferred packaged dishwashing detergent compositions have evolved from rigid capsules towards thermoformed pouches. The original rigid capsules required form-stable, nonphase separating gels. These properties were typically achieved with structuring, high melting-temperature ingredients. Moving to the thermoformed pouches that are typically preferred by the consumer at present allowed for the use of less viscous gels and liquids. Advantageously, the less viscous gels and liquids are more easily processable, i.e. during manufacture of the unit dose packages. However, it has proven difficult to provide such liquid or gel dishwashing detergent compositions having lower viscosity without also experiencing phase separation issues.

[0004] Phase separation is aesthetically not desirable to the consumer. That is, automatic dishwashing detergent liquid or gel compositions with a pleasing aesthetic profile, i.e. having a smooth, continuous visual appearance, are significantly more appealing to consumers than compositions purely in a granular, powder or tablet form. Liquid or gel compositions are often used in a multicompartment product, in which the liquid or gel composition is present in one compartment, and one or more powders, tablets or granules are present in one or more further compartments.

[0005] The phase separation of a previously homogenous liquid or gel upon aging or storage at room temperature may convey to the consumer that the detergent liquid or gel composition has declined in activity, decomposed or is a poor-quality product. Maintaining the visual appearance of a detergent liquid or gel composition is, therefore, of significant importance.

[0006] Attempts have been made to provide improved liquid or gel dishwashing detergent compositions for use in such packages, such as by using thickening agents comprising polyglycols or fatty alcohol alkoxylates. However, such formulations still appear to experience phase separation issues and / or provide a gel having reduced processability.

[0007] Accordingly, there remains a need to provide a packaged liquid or gel dishwashing detergent composition that has good processability, i.e. with processability comparable to known gel-based dishwashing detergent compositions, but with improved phase stability such that it is less likely to exhibit phase separation on storage, particularly on storage at room temperature.

[0008] The present invention seeks to tackle at least some of the problems associated with the prior art or at least to provide a commercially acceptable alternative solution thereto.

[0009] The present invention provides a package comprising a water-soluble container, the water-soluble container containing a dishwashing detergent composition; a dishwashing detergent composition; a method of manufacturing the package; a use of a C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof; a use of the package; and a method of washing soiled kitchenware in an automatic dishwashing machine according to the claims appended hereto.

[0010] Specifically, in a first aspect the present invention provides a package comprising a water-soluble container, the water-soluble container containing a dishwashing detergent composition, wherein the dishwashing detergent composition: is a non-aqueous liquid or gel; and comprises from 0.005 to 0.5 wt.% of a C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition. Each aspect or embodiment as defined herein may be combined with any other aspect(s) or embodiment(s) unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any features indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous.

[0011] The inventors have surprisingly found that such non-aqueous liquid or gel dishwashing detergent compositions, which comprise from 0.005 to 0.5 wt.% of a C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition, display comparable processing properties to the current gels or other proposed solutions, such as gels comprising a polyglycol thickening agent, while mitigating phase separation issues and thus, consumer safety risks. The packaged compositions of the invention have been shown to exhibit no phase separation, even at storage conditions higher than ambient temperatures.

[0012] Since the packaged dishwashing detergent composition of the invention is less likely to phase separate on storage compared to known packaged liquid or gel compositions, it is more aesthetically desirable to the consumer. The dishwashing detergent composition is also aesthetically desirable to the consumer because it is a liquid or a gel.

[0013] In addition, advantageously, the use of such a composition only requires small changes to current manufacturing methods and exhibits at least parity performance in standard ADW performance tests, as well as having sustainability benefits such as increased bio-based content or and / or biodegradability.

[0014] Moreover, since the dishwashing detergent composition of the invention is nonaqueous, it can be contained in the water-soluble container of the package without reducing the stability of the container of the package. In particular, it is known that having any water present in a composition to be contained within such a water-soluble container means that the composition is not typically compatible with the container. Water-containing dishwashing detergent compositions are therefore not suitable for use in the packages of the present invention.

[0015] Furthermore, while the addition of water may reduce the viscosity of the composition to improve the processability, it may also cause unpredictable changes in the physical stability of the composition. This means that it cannot be expected that aqueous compositions similar to the non-aqueous compositions of the invention would exhibit the same level of physical stability, i.e. stability against phase separation.

[0016] The term “non-aqueous” as used herein may encompass that the dishwashing detergent composition comprises less than 1 wt.% water, preferably less than 0.1 wt.% water, more preferably less than 0.05 wt.% water, still more preferably less than 0.01 wt.% water, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition. Of course, unavoidable trace amounts of water may be present in the dishwashing detergent composition. These may result, for instance, from water present in the raw materials used to prepare the composition. Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition is free, i.e. completely free, of water apart from any water that may be present in the raw materials used to prepare the composition. The term “non-aqueous liquid or gel” as used herein encompasses that the dishwashing detergent composition is non-aqueous, whether it is a liquid or a gel.

[0017] The term “water-soluble container” as used herein may encompass that the container is soluble in water to the extent that it can at least partially dissolve or disperse in water at 20°C within 10 minutes to allow for egress of the contents of the container into the surrounding water. Preferably, the water-soluble container will fully dissolve within a normal ADW washing cycle. Preferably, the package is water-soluble to the same extent.

[0018] The term “dishwashing detergent composition” as used herein may encompass a composition suitable for use as a detergent in an ADW machine. The term “gel” as used herein may generally encompass a non-fluid colloidal network or polymer network that is expanded throughout its whole volume by a fluid, with “hydrogels” having water as the expanding or swelling agent. Accordingly, the gel is preferably not a hydrogel. Herein, the term gel is not limited to a strictly colloidal composition and for the purposes of the present invention the term gel may be also considered to be a thickened liquid. The term “gel-like” may refer to a combination of liquid and solid, or a suspension of solid- in-liquid, that has the appearance and / or consistency of a gel.

[0019] Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition of the invention is a nonaqueous gel.

[0020] The term “C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof” as used herein means that the fatty acid or salt thereof contains from 14 to 22 carbon atoms. This excludes any carbon atoms that may be present in the counterion of the fatty acid salt, when present as a salt. Suitable salts include, for example, alkali metal salts of the fatty acids, such as a sodium and / or potassium salt. The C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof may comprise one or more C14-C22 fatty acids or salts thereof.

[0021] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof may be included in the dishwashing detergent composition as a thickening agent.

[0022] The invention will now be described in relation to the followinq non-limitinq in which:

[0023] Figure 1A shows spray pressure data during a foaming test for a Comparative Example.

[0024] Figure 1 B shows spray pressure data during a foaming test for an Inventive Example. Figure 2 shows a comparison of viscosity against temperature measured at a shear rate of 0.001 s-1for Comparative and Inventive Examples.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be discussed.

[0026] Preferably, the non-aqueous liquid or gel has a viscosity of from 100 to 10000 Pa.s, more preferably from 100 to 1000 as determined by a DHR10, TA Instrument at a shear rate of 0.001 s-1using a Brookfield V73 vane at a temperature of from 20 to 30°C, such as 25°C. To measure the viscosity, the testing can be performed in a small concentric cylinder system, with a cylinder diameter of 15.43 mm. The Brookfield V73 vane has a vane diameter of 12.67 mm and a vane length of 25.3 mm. The measurement can be taken, for example, after a 30 s or 60 s equilibration time at the required temperature. The shear can be applied for 30 s at a specific rate and the viscosity can be calculated over the final 5 s of the 30 s. Unless otherwise stated, these conditions can be used for the viscosity measurements described herein. Preferably, the non-aqueous liquid or gel has a viscosity of from 500 to 5000 Pa.s as determined by a DHR10, TA Instrument at a shear rate of 0.001 s-1using a Brookfield V73 vane at a temperature of from 30 to 60°C.The inventors have surprisingly found that the dishwashing detergent composition of the invention can exhibit the phase stability properties described herein, even at such viscosities. This is advantageous because in comparative compositions using alternative thickening agents, for example, the physical stability of the composition can be reduced at such lower viscosities. As discussed above, the less viscous gels and liquids are more easily processable, i.e. during manufacture of the unit dose packages. This is in comparison to self-standing gels of the prior art, for example, which may exhibit phase stability issues if modified to reduce the viscosity.

[0027] Moreover, the non-aqueous liquid or gel preferably has a viscosity of from 5 to 100 Pa.s, more preferably from 10 to 100 Pa.s as determined by a DHR10, TA Instrument at a shear rate of 1 s-1using a Brookfield V73 vane at a temperature of from 20 to 60°C, such as 25 °C. It can be important that the dishwashing detergent composition of the invention is flowable for ease of manufacture of the package. Moreover, the non-aqueous liquid or gel preferably has a viscosity of from 0.5 to 5 Pa.s as determined by a DHR10, TA Instrument at a shear rate of 100 s'1using a Brookfield V73 vane at a temperature of from 20 to 60°C, such as 25 °C. Shear rates up to 100 s_1may also be relevant for the process depending on the production machinery.

[0028] Preferably, the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof comprises a C16-C20 fatty acid or salt thereof, preferably a C17-C19 fatty acid or salt thereof. More preferably, the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof comprises stearic acid and / or a stearate salt, preferably sodium stearate and / or potassium stearate. Most preferably, the C14- C22 fatty acid or salt thereof is stearic acid and / or a stearate salt, preferably sodium stearate and / or potassium stearate. That is, the dishwashing detergent composition comprises from 0.005 to 0.5 wt.% of a C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition, and the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof preferably consists of stearic acid and / or a stearate salt, preferably sodium stearate and / or potassium stearate. While stearic acid and / or a salt thereof has been found to provide the phase stability advantages described herein, without wishing to be bound by theory it is thought that similar advantages may be obtained by using any of the C14-C22 fatty acids or salts thereof discussed herein. However, stearic acid and / or a stearate salt is particularly preferred. Most preferred is sodium stearate.

[0029] Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition comprises from 0.01 to 0.5 wt.% of the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof, preferably from 0.03 to 0.4 wt.% of the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.3 wt.% of the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof, even more preferably from 0.07 to 0.2 wt.% of the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition. The inventors have surprisingly found that such low concentrations of the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof can reduce or avoid the known foaming effect of such fatty acids, in particular stearic acid, while still providing the advantages described herein, even at such low concentrations. Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition comprises a polar organic solvent, preferably wherein the polar organic solvent comprises an alkylene glycol and / or a polyalkylene glycol, preferably one or more of monopropylene glycol (MPG), propane-1 ,3-diol, dipropylene glycol (DPG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). If present, the PEG preferably has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of from 100 to 300 g mol'1, more preferably from 150 to 250 g mol'1, even more preferably about 200 g mol'1. The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the PEG may be determined by suitable techniques known in the art, such as light scattering techniques. Using such a polar organic solvent may facilitate the advantages described herein, while ensuring that the dishwashing detergent composition is non-aqueous. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the polar organic solvent may be included in the dishwashing detergent composition as a solvent for the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof thickening agent in particular.

[0030] Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition comprises from 0.01 to 2 wt.% of the polar organic solvent, more preferably from 0.1 to 1.8 wt.% of the polar organic solvent, even more preferably from 0.3 to 1.5 wt.% of the polar organic solvent, still more preferably from 0.5 to 1.2 wt.% of the polar organic solvent based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition.

[0031] Preferably, the ratio by weight of the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof to the polar organic solvent is from 0.03 to 0.3, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.25.

[0032] Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition comprises less than 50 wt.% of liquid non-ionic surfactants, preferably 45 wt.% or less of liquid non-ionic surfactants, more preferably 40 wt.% or less of liquid non-ionic surfactants, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition. It has surprisingly been found that the dishwashing detergent composition of the invention may be effective even with such low amounts of liquid non-ionic surfactants.

[0033] Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition is substantially free from fatty acid glucamides. The term “substantially free from” as used herein may encompass that the dishwashing detergent composition comprises less than 1 wt.% of fatty acid glucamides, preferably less than 0.1 wt.% of fatty acid glucamides, more preferably less than 0.01 wt.% of fatty acid glucamides, still more preferably less than 0.001 wt.% of fatty acid glucamides, even more preferably less than 0.0001 wt.% of fatty acid glucamides. Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition is free from fatty acid glucamides.

[0034] Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition comprises one or more additional components selected from the group comprising: builders, co-builders, bleaching agents, bleach boosters, bleach catalysts, anti-foaming agents, material care agents, and combinations thereof. Suitable builders, co-builders, bleaching agents, bleach boosters, bleach catalysts, anti-foaming agents, material care agents are well known in the art. Suitable examples of such components are disclosed in WO 2020 / 152044, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0035] Builders reduce the effect of water hardness by removing calcium and magnesium ions and increase the effectiveness of the detergent. In this regard, the dishwashing detergent composition may comprise one or more builders or co- builders selected from the group comprising: phosphates (such as sodium triphosphate), polycarboxylates, citrates (such as sodium citrate, which may be anhydrous), aminocarboxylates (such as methyl glycine diacetic acid (MGDA), or / V, / V-dicarboxylmethyl glutamic acid (GLDA)), dicarboxylic acid amines (such as iminodisuccinic acid (IDS)), alkali silicates (such as sodium silicate), carbonates (such as sodium carbonate), a phosphonate, and salts and / or combinations thereof. The builder may preferably comprise a citrate, preferably trisodium citrate. In some embodiments, the dishwashing detergent composition may be free of phosphate builders. In many jurisdictions, including the United States and in the European Union, phosphate builders are restricted, or the amount of phosphorous permitted in a detergent composition has been severely limited. Therefore, in preferred embodiments, the dishwashing detergent composition is substantially free from phosphates. The dishwashing detergent composition may include a bleaching system comprising one or more bleaching agents, preferably in combination with one or more bleach boosters and / or one or more bleach catalysts. The one or more bleaching agents may be selected from the group comprising: an oxygenreleasing bleaching agent, a chlorine-releasing bleaching agent and mixtures thereof. The bleaching agent may comprise the active bleach species itself or a precursor to that species. The bleaching agent may be selected from the group comprising: an inorganic peroxide, an organic peracid and mixtures thereof. The terms “inorganic peroxide” and “organic peracid” encompass salts and derivatives thereof. Inorganic peroxides include percarbonates, perborates, persulphates, hydrogen peroxide and derivatives and salts thereof. The sodium and potassium salts of these inorganic peroxides are suitable, especially the sodium salts. Sodium percarbonate is particularly preferred.

[0036] The active bleaching agent is preferably present in the dishwashing detergent composition in an amount of from 5 to 25 wt.%, more preferably from 7 to 23 wt.%, even more preferably from 9 to 19 wt.%, still more preferably from 11 to 17 wt.%, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition.

[0037] The dishwashing detergent composition may comprise a silicone-based antifoaming agent, which may comprise an alkylated polysiloxane. The alkylated polysiloxane may be selected from the group comprising: polydimethyl siloxanes, polydiethyl siloxanes, polydibutyl siloxanes, phenyl methyl siloxanes, dimethyl silanated silica, trimethyl silanated silica, triethyl silanated silica, and combinations thereof.

[0038] The anti-foaming agent is preferably present in the dishwashing detergent composition an amount of from 0.01 wt.% to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 3 wt.%, even more preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 2 wt.%, still more preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 1 wt.%, still more preferably from 0.1 wt.% to 0.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition. In some embodiments, the dishwashing detergent composition may be substantially free from anti-foaming agent. Absence of an anti-foaming agent may result in a lower propensity of the dishwashing detergent composition to phase separate. It may be that the anti-foaming agent is not required if the concentration of the Cu- C22 fatty acid or salt thereof is low, for example. However, preferably the dishwashing detergent composition comprises small amounts of an anti-foaming agent to reduce the foaming properties of the dishwashing detergent composition during use in an ADW machine.

[0039] The dishwashing detergent composition preferably comprises one or more material care agents which are effective as corrosion inhibitors and / or anti-tarnish aids. The material care agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of metasilicate, silicate, bismuth salts, manganese salts, paraffin, pyrazoles, thiols, mercaptans, aluminium fatty acid salts, and preferably triazoles (such as benzotriazole), and combinations thereof. The material care agent may comprise a silver and / or copper corrosion inhibitor. Preferred silver / copper corrosion inhibitors are benzotriazole (BTA) or bis-benzotriazole and substituted derivatives thereof. Other suitable inhibitors are organic and / or inorganic redox-active substances and paraffin oil. Benzotriazole derivatives are those compounds in which the available substitution sites on the aromatic ring are partially or completely substituted. Suitable substituents are linear or branch-chain C1-20 alkyl groups and hydroxyl, thio, phenyl or halogen such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. A preferred substituted benzotriazole is tolyltriazole.

[0040] The material care agent is preferably present in the dishwashing detergent composition an amount of from 0.01 to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0.05 to 3 wt.%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 2.5 wt.%, still more preferably from 0.15 to 2 wt.%, still more preferably 0.15 to 1.5 wt.%, still more preferably from 0.15 to 1 wt.%, still more preferably 0.15% to 0.8 wt.%, still more preferably from 0.2 to 0.6 wt.%, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition. The dishwashing detergent composition may be substantially free from material care agent. In some embodiments, the dishwashing detergent composition may comprise more than one material care agent. The composition may comprise different material care agents for different purposes, such as for preventing glass corrosion, preventing silver tarnishing, preventing aluminium corrosion, etc.

[0041] Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition comprises a builder, wherein the dishwashing detergent composition comprises 35 wt.% or more of the builder, more preferably from 35 to 70 wt.% of the builder, more preferably from 35 to 65 wt.% of the builder, even more preferably from 40 to 60 wt.% of the builder, still more preferably from 45 to 55 wt.% of the builder, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition.

[0042] Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition comprises a builder, wherein the builder comprises a polycarboxylic acid and / or a polycarboxylate salt, preferably a citrate salt. Most preferably, the builder is trisodium citrate.

[0043] Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition comprises a bleach booster, wherein the bleach booster comprises tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED). More preferably, the bleach booster is TAED. Other alternative bleach boosters may also be suitable.

[0044] Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition comprises a bleach booster, wherein the dishwashing detergent composition comprises 10 wt.% or more of the bleach booster, more preferably from 10 to 20 wt.% of the bleach booster, even more preferably from 12 to 18 wt.% of the bleach booster, still more preferably from 13 to 17 wt.% of the bleach booster, still more preferably from 14 to 16 wt.% of the bleach booster, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition.

[0045] Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition comprises an alcohol alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant, preferably wherein the dishwashing detergent composition comprises 20 wt.% or more of the alcohol alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition. The alcohol alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant preferably comprises an alcohol ethoxylate non-ionic surfactant, even more preferably a C5-C20 1-15(EO) 0-8(PO) alcohol ethoxylate non-ionic surfactant wherein EO is ethylene oxide and PO is propylene oxide, still more preferably a Cs-C 6-12(EO) 2-6(PO) alcohol ethoxylate non-ionic surfactant, still more preferably a C10-C17 7-9(EO) 5-7(PO) alcohol ethoxylate non-ionic surfactant. Most preferably, the alcohol alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant is a C12-C15 8EO 4 PO alcohol ethoxylate non-ionic surfactant. Preferably, the alcohol alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant comprises a saturated fatty alcohol alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant. Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition comprises from 20 to 40 wt.% of the alcohol alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant, more preferably from 25 to 37 wt.% of the alcohol alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant, even more preferably from 28 to 35 wt.% of the alcohol alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant, still more preferably from 30 to 24 wt.% of the alcohol alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition.

[0046] Preferably, the water-soluble container is a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) container, more preferably wherein the package is a PVOH-wrapped unit-dose automatic dishwashing (ADW) product. Such packages and containers, in general, are known in the art. PVOH is used because it is suitably water- soluble, forms an attractive film and is cost-effective. The water-soluble container is preferably a water-soluble film, which is preferably rigid or flexibly at room temperature. The package may contain one or more water-soluble containers. If the package comprises two or more water-soluble containers (i.e. has a plurality of distinct compartments), then the composition(s) contained in the further containers or compartments are not particularly limited, and may comprise different dishwashing compositions depending on the desired purpose or use of the package as a whole.

[0047] In other words, the water-soluble container is preferably a multi-compartment container and the dishwashing detergent composition is located in at least one compartment thereof; preferably wherein the multi-compartment container contains solid, liquid and / or gel components (more preferably solid liquid and gel components), preferably located in different compartments of the container, and wherein at least one of the gel components preferably is or comprises the dishwashing detergent composition described herein.

[0048] The package is preferably in unit-dose format. In other words, one package is preferably suitable for use in one ADW machine cycle.

[0049] Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition does not exhibit phase separation after storage in the package for at least 3 weeks at 40°C / 75%RH. Phase separation may be determined by visual inspection of the dishwashing detergent composition in the package.

[0050] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a dishwashing detergent composition as defined in the first aspect, i.e. wherein the dishwashing detergent composition is not necessarily packaged as required in the first aspect. In this case the dishwashing detergent composition may be used where monodose units of the dishwashing detergent composition are not essential. Where appropriate, the preferred embodiments and advantages of the first aspect apply equally to this aspect.

[0051] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing the package described herein, the method comprising: providing the dishwashing detergent composition; and packaging the dishwashing detergent composition into a water-soluble container to provide the package.

[0052] Where appropriate, the preferred embodiments and advantages of the above aspects apply equally to this aspect. Preferably, the dishwashing detergent composition comprises a polar organic solvent and providing the dishwashing detergent composition comprises: mixing the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof and the polar organic solvent to provide a pre-mixed fatty acid composition, preferably wherein the pre-mixed fatty acid composition consists of the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof and the polar organic solvent; and optionally contacting the pre-mixed fatty acid composition with any remaining components of the dishwashing detergent composition.

[0053] The inventors have surprisingly found that by forming the pre-mixed fatty acid composition separately, this facilitates easier, more precise and more accurate dosing of the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof in the dishwashing detergent composition.

[0054] Preferably, mixing the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof and the polar organic solvent to provide a pre-mixed fatty acid composition comprises heating the mixture of the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof and the polar organic solvent, preferably at a temperature of from 50 to 100°C, more preferably from 80 to 90°C, preferably until a homogeneous clear solution is obtained.

[0055] Preferably, the method further comprises providing a second dishwashing detergent composition, and packaging the dishwashing detergent composition into a water-soluble container to provide the package comprises packaging the dishwashing detergent composition described herein and the second dishwashing detergent composition into separate water-soluble containers to provide the package.

[0056] In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof as a thickening agent in a non-aqueous liquid or gel dishwashing detergent composition, preferably wherein the dishwashing detergent composition is contained in a water-soluble container of a package. Where appropriate, the preferred embodiments and advantages of the above aspects apply equally to this aspect.

[0057] In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a package as described herein for washing soiled kitchenware. Where appropriate, the preferred embodiments and advantages of the above aspects apply equally to this aspect.

[0058] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of washing soiled kitchenware in an automatic dishwashing machine, the method comprising introducing the package as described herein to the automatic dishwashing machine at the start of a main wash cycle or at the start of a pre-wash cycle.

[0059] The term “introducing” as used herein may encompass that the package is introduced into the dishwasher cabinet of the ADW machine. The term “start of” as used herein may encompass within the first 10 minutes, preferably within the first 5 minutes and more preferably within the first minute of a particular cycle of the method of washing soiled kitchenware in an automatic dishwashing machine.

[0060] EXAMPLES

[0061] The invention will now be described in relation to the following non-limiting examples.

[0062] Formulations:

[0063] The following gel formulations were prepared as follows.

[0064] Comparative Examples 1-3:

[0065] The formulations of the Comparative Examples were prepared by mixing the components using standard techniques known in the art. Inventive Examples 1-3:

[0066] Pre-mix preparation:

[0067] A magnetic stirrer [I KA RCT] was used with a stirring bar. The following steps were taken:

[0068] 1. Sodium stearate (15 eq.) and propylene glycol (85 eq.) were added into a beaker under stirring

[0069] 2. The mixture was heated to from 80-90°C until a homogeneous clear solution was obtained

[0070] 3. The mixture was cooled to room temperature

[0071] Inventive pre-mix 1 was thus obtained.

[0072] Gel preparation:

[0073] Equipment setup:

[0074] Machine: PiloTec / Z-inline K2 D65

[0075] Stator: Stator 1 mm-slots

[0076] Rotor: Rotor 2mm-slots

[0077] Powder and Liquid addition: From the top of the vessel

[0078] Piping system: 31 mm

[0079] Liquid outlet: 20mm

[0080] Basic liquid vessel: 20 I

[0081] The following steps were taken:

[0082] 1 . All of the liquid raw materials stated in Table 1 except for the components of inventive pre-mix 1 were slowly added into a vessel

[0083] 2. The liquid raw materials were stirred for 3 minutes at 8000 U / min 3. The solid raw materials starting from the lowest concentration in the formula (%) and moving to the highest concentration (%) were added, except the TAED powder

[0084] 4. The gel base was mixed for 5 minutes at 11000 U / min 5. The gel was left to cool to below 60°C

[0085] 6. After cooling, the TAED powder was added and the gel was mixed for 2 minutes at 8000 U / min [Note: observe the temperature once the TAED powder has been added to ensure the temperature of the gel remains below 68°C] 7. If colour is needed, a dye or dye premix can be added at this stage and mixed additionally for 2 minutes with the same speed to ensure proper dye distribution

[0086] 8. The melted inventive pre-mix 1 was then added and mixed at the same speed for another 2 minutes

[0087] The final composition of the prepared formulations are shown in Table 1. All amounts are shown in wt.% based on the total concentration of the formulation.

[0088] Table 1

[0089] Other inventive pre-mixes were also prepared having compositions shown in

[0090] Table 2. All amounts are shown in wt.% based on the total concentration of the pre-mix.

[0091] Table 2

[0092] Example 1 - Storage Stability: Each of the compositions in Table 1 were stored in a PVOH package for 3 weeks at 40°C and 75% relative humidity (RH). The packages were visually inspected for gel physical properties and gel flowability, and the PVOH package was also visually inspected. The results are shown in Table 3. The gel “score” was determined as follows:

[0093] 5 = Gel with negligible phase separation and acceptable aesthetics;

[0094] 4 = Very little phase separation, not easily perceived;

[0095] 3 = Gel phase separation in an acceptable range;

[0096] 2 = Significant, perceivable phase separation of the gel; 1 = Failure - very strong, unacceptable phase separation perceivable;

[0097] "+" indicates further superiority Table 3

[0098] As can be seen in Table 3, the inventive examples show excellent phase stability on storage compared to the comparative examples, the gel maintains good 5 flowability and the PVOH package remains clear and stiff.

[0099] Each of the compositions in Table 1 were subjected to shine performance testing.

[0100] In particular, the test methods were as follows.

[0101] Test method: S101V4 / S201V2

[0102] Machine: Short Term: Bosch SMS46MW03E / 41

[0103] Long Term: Miele GSL

[0104] Program: Short Term: Eco

[0105] Long Term: 65°C 1 10 min

[0106] Evaluation: Short Term: after 5 washing cycles

[0107] Long Term: after 20 washing cycles

[0108] Water hardness: 21 °GH

[0109] The scoring for the spotting and filming was evaluated as follows.

[0110] 5 - extremely strong

[0111] 4 - very strong

[0112] 3 - strong

[0113] 2 - slight

[0114] 1 - none

[0115] The results are shown in Table 4.

[0116] Comparative Example 1 was used as a benchmark formulation for the shine performance. Each of Inventive Examples 1-3 showed a comparable spotting and filming profile both on glass and stainless steel surfaces to that of the benchmark. In Table 4, a spotting score difference of <0.5 and a filming score difference of <1.0 is not considered significant. Table 4

[0117] ST = short-term

[0118] LT = long-term SS = stainless steel

[0119] Comparative Example 1 (CE1), Comparative Example 3 (CE3) and Inventive Example 1 (IE1) were each also subjected to cleaning performance testing. This was to test whether the new formulations would negatively influence the detergent composition’s cleaning performance scores for bleach and enzymatic stains. The test conditions were:

[0120] Machine: Bosch SMS46MW03E / 41

[0121] Cycle: 1 h / 65°C

[0122] Water hardness: 21 °GH 50g I KW ballast soil

[0123] 4 repetitions

[0124] The results are shown in Table 5. Table 5

[0125] The scores in Table 5 were determined either visually or gravimetrically depending on the stain. Gravimetrically evaluated stains were egg yolk and starch mix, while the others were visually evaluated.

[0126] Visual evaluation: The visual evaluation was carried out by two trained persons under defined light conditions: direct daylight (< 1000 Lux) with the help of a photo catalogue (Source = SOFW journal, Recommendations for the Quality Assessment of the Cleaning Performance of Dishwasher Detergents (Part B, Update 2015); Instructions for Preparation - Test Soil Types - Test Procedures; German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) - Working Group Automatic Dishwashing Detergents).

[0127] The scoring system ranges from 1 to 10 with score 10 being 100% clean and 1 being 10% clean.

[0128] Gravimetric evaluation: The gravimetric evaluation was carried out with a balance with a range up to 1200 g and accuracy of 1 mg. The stain removal was calculated as a percentage.

[0129] As can be seen in Table 5, the cleaning performance of the Inventive Example is still comparable to that of the Comparative Examples.

[0130] An in-dishwasher foaming test was conducted to ensure the foaming behaviour of the inventive formulations is within the acceptable limits for the intended applications. In particular, Inventive Example 3 was compared with Comparative Example 1 as a benchmark. A Bosch Silence Plus Serie 4 dishwasher in the Eco Vario Speed 1 h05m program with 21 °GH water hardness was employed and the results are shown in Figures 1A and 1 B. Figure 1A shows the data for Comparative Example 1 and Figure 1 B shows the data for Inventive Example 3. The higher, less fluctuating line in each Figure represents the temperature in °C. The higher, fluctuating line in each Figure represents the spray pressure in mbar. The lower, solid line in each Figure represents the water in L.

[0131] As can be seen in Figures 1A and 1 B, the inclusion of small amounts of the known foaming agent sodium stearate in the dishwashing detergent composition of the invention did not markedly modify the spray arm behaviour. It should be noted that, in practice, small amounts of sodium stearate may be expected in the dishwasher due to food residues in any case.

[0132] The rheology of the gels was also measured at different temperatures at a low shear rate to ensure that they would have acceptable viscosity in the resting state of the gel, i.e. as present in the pouch. In particular, the viscosity of Comparative Example 1 was compared to Inventive Examples 1-3 in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows the viscosity against temperature measured at a shear rate of 0.001 s-1. In Figure 2, the word “formulation” refers to the corresponding “Example” described herein.

[0133] Lower shear rates, such as 0.001 s-1, can help stimulate the shelf-life storage of the formulations, while higher shear rates that of the mixing process for gel production

[0134] The benchmark Comparative Example 1 has a lower viscosity than the Inventive Examples 1-3 at any given temperature, which are comparable to each other (Figure 2). In other words, the viscosity of the Inventive Examples is higher, which is desirable. A higher viscosity in this test may imply lower phase separation.

[0135] The foregoing detailed description has been provided by way of explanation and illustration, and is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Many variations in the presently preferred embodiments illustrated herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and remain within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Claims:

1. A package comprising a water-soluble container, the water-soluble container containing a dishwashing detergent composition, wherein the dishwashing detergent composition: is a non-aqueous liquid or gel; and comprises from 0.005 to 0.5 wt.% of a C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition.

2. The package of claim 1 , wherein the non-aqueous liquid or gel has a viscosity of from 100 to 10000 Pa.s as determined by a DHR10, TA Instrument at a shear rate of 0.001 s_1using a Brookfield V73 vane at a temperature of 25 °C.

3. The package of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof comprises a C16-C20 fatty acid or salt thereof, preferably a C17-C19 fatty acid or salt thereof.

4. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof comprises stearic acid and / or a stearate salt, preferably sodium stearate and / or potassium stearate.

5. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the dishwashing detergent composition comprises from 0.01 to 0.5 wt.% of the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof, preferably from 0.03 to 0.4 wt.% of the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.3 wt.% of the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof, even more preferably from 0.07 to 0.2 wt.% of the C14-C22 fatty acid or salt thereof, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition.

6. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the dishwashing detergent composition comprises a polar organic solvent, preferably wherein the polar organic solvent comprises an alkylene glycol and / or a polyalkylene glycol,preferably one or more of monopropylene glycol (MPG), propane-1 , 3-diol, dipropylene glycol (DPG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG).

7. The package of claim 6, wherein the dishwashing detergent composition comprises from 0.01 to 2 wt.% of the polar organic solvent, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition.

8. The package of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the ratio by weight of the Cu- C22 fatty acid or salt thereof to the polar organic solvent is from 0.03 to 0.3, preferably from 0.05 to 0.25.

9. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the dishwashing detergent composition comprises less than 50 wt.% of liquid non-ionic surfactants, preferably 45 wt.% or less of liquid non-ionic surfactants, more preferably 40 wt.% or less of liquid non-ionic surfactants, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition.

10. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the dishwashing detergent composition is substantially free from fatty acid glucamides.

11. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the dishwashing detergent composition further comprises a builder, wherein the dishwashing detergent composition comprises 35 wt.% or more of the builder, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition, and / or wherein the builder comprises a polycarboxylic acid and / or a polycarboxylate salt, preferably a citrate salt.

12. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the dishwashing detergent composition further comprises a bleach booster, wherein the bleach booster comprises tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED); and / orwherein the dishwashing detergent composition comprises 10 wt.% or more of the bleach booster, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition.

13. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the dishwashing detergent composition further comprises an alcohol alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant, preferably wherein the dishwashing detergent composition comprises 20 wt.% or more of the alcohol alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant, based on the total weight of the dishwashing detergent composition.

14. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the water-soluble container is a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) container, preferably wherein the package is a PVOH-wrapped unit-dose automatic dishwashing (ADW) product.

15. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the water-soluble container is a multi-compartment container and wherein the dishwashing detergent composition is located in at least one compartment thereof; preferably wherein the multi-compartment container contains solid, liquid and / or gel components, preferably located in different compartments of the container, and wherein at least one of the gel components preferably is or comprises the dishwashing detergent composition.

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