Solid laundry composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solid laundry composition. More particularly it relates to a solid laundry composition which provides improved fragrance perception. It is desired to provide solid laundry composition which provides improved fragrance intensity on wet fabrics, also preferably on both wet fabrics and post drying the fabrics. The present inventors have found that when a solid laundry composition has a surfactant system comprising alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant and an amino acid-based surfactant in combination with specific chelating agents it provides for surprisingly higher fragrance intensity, preferably on wet fabrics, more preferably both on the wet fabrics and after drying the fabrics. It was also found that the composition according to the first aspect of the present invention provides for reducing / removing the malodour producing soil from the fabrics.

Description

[0001] SOLID LAUNDRY COMPOSITION

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a solid laundry composition. More particularly it relates to a solid laundry composition which provides improved fragrance perception.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Laundry compositions are formulated to eliminate the soils and stains from fabrics. Some soils may cause malodors on the fabrics and in some instances these malodour can persist even after the washing process.

[0006] Malodour in fabrics refers to any undesired or undesirable smell on the fabrics. The source of the malodour may be the body soil or the chemical breakdown product of the body soils which includes molecules such as 6-Methyl-5-heptane-2-one, trans-2-heptanal, 3-methyl-2-butenal, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, undecanal or a mixture thereof. It is desired to remove the malodour from the fabrics during washing.

[0007] Although the primary purpose of a detergent composition is to clean fabrics being laundered, there are various other desirable benefits which can be imparted to the fabrics during laundering. One such benefit is to render the laundered fabric aesthetically pleasing, in particular by perfuming the fabric in such a way that the user is aware of this added aesthetic appeal.

[0008] Perfumes have typically been added to a laundry detergent composition to help counteract malodour and also to make clothing smell "fresh". Perfumes are generally complex mixtures of a broad variety of natural or synthetic perfume ingredient molecules with a multitude of chemical functional groups such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, lactones, ethers, and nitriles.

[0009] Perfume ingredients must withstand the cleaning chemistry and wash process, but still deposit onto fabrics at levels that are detectable on the fabric and provide the desired odour profile. However, hydrophilic perfume ingredients typically do not readily deposit onto fabrics comprising cotton as they remain suspended in the wash solution. This has meant that much more of such hydrophilic perfume ingredients have to be added to the laundry composition in order to provide the desired odour profile to the laundered fabric. It is also desirable that the perfume ingredients have greater residuality on fabrics, so that they are longer lasting and also accumulate on the fabrics over multiple wash cycles. This results in improved freshness over multiple washes.

[0010] Hence, a need remains for laundry detergent compositions that provide improved deposition of hydrophilic perfume ingredients onto fabrics, especially fabrics comprising cotton fibres, and to provide greater residuality of the perfume ingredients over multiple washes. It is also desired to remove the malodour during the cleaning conditions. It is further desired to improve the fragrance intensity on the fabrics.

[0011] WO95 / 33031 (P&G, 1995) discloses a heavy duty granular detergent composition which provides improved cleaning performance and solubility in aqueous laundering solutions, comprising 9.3 wt.% Cn to C13 alkyl benzene sulphonate, 5.6 wt.% oleoyl sarcosinate, sodium carbonate, enzyme, nonionic surfactant and polyacrylate.

[0012] CN 105 969 550 A (SUZHOU HECHUAN CHEMICAL TECH SERVICE CC LTD, 2016) discloses a detergent tablet composition which provides quick dissolution, and which is convenient to use. Disclosed tablet composition includes anionic surfactant and chelating agent.

[0013] WO 2017 / 134840 A1 (HASEGAWA T CO LTD) discloses a powdered laundry composition for hand washing which provides good fragrance release from the wash liquor.

[0014] CN 109 825 386 A (WILMAR OLEO TECH DONGGUAN CO LTD, 2019) discloses a soap granule which includes sodium gluconate for providing environmentally friendly soap granules.

[0015] It is desired to provide solid laundry composition which provides improved fragrance intensity on fabrics, preferably on wet fabrics, more preferably on both wet fabrics and post drying the fabrics.

[0016] It is also desired to provide a solid laundry composition which has minimal, or no petroleum derived anionic surfactant and yet provides desired cleaning performance along with improved fragrance intensity on fabrics.

[0017] Summary of the Invention

[0018] The present inventors have found that when a solid laundry composition has a surfactant system comprising alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant and an amino acid-based surfactant in combination with specific chelating agent it provides for surprisingly higher fragrance intensity, preferably on wet fabrics, more preferably both on the wet fabrics and after drying the fabrics. It is believed that the improved fragrance performance is a result of better deposition of the fragrance onto the fabric, this deposition occurs when the fabric is laundered in a wash liquor formed by the dilution of the inventive solid laundry composition which includes a combination of alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant, amino acid based surfactant and a gluconic acid or salt thereof in a solvent, preferably water. Preferably the fragrance may be in any form known in the art, preferably the fragrance is present in the solid laundry composition in the form of fragrance oil and / or an encapsulated fragrance. It was also found that the composition according to the first aspect of the present invention provides for reducing / removing the malodour producing soil from the fabrics. It is believed that the malodour performance is a result of the removal / reduction of the malodour components build on the fabrics to be laundered during the laundering process, when the wash liquor in which the fabric is laundered includes the inventive solid laundry composition.

[0019] It was further found that the solid laundry composition according to the first aspect of the present invention provides for improving the cleaning performance on the fabrics even when the composition comprises reduced levels petroleum derived anionic surfactant.

[0020] According to a first aspect of the present invention provided is a solid laundry detergent composition comprising: i. C12 to C22 alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant; ii. an amino acid surfactant; iii. gluconic acid or salt thereof.

[0021] Preferably the composition includes a co-surfactant selected from the group consisting of amphoteric surfactant, isethionate surfactant and mixtures thereof.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention provided is a method for improving the fragrance intensity on the fabrics both on the wet fabrics and after drying, said method comprising the steps of: i. mixing the solid laundry detergent composition according to the first aspect with a solvent to form a wash liquor; ii. washing the fabrics to be laundered in the wash liquor; iii. preferably rinsing the washed fabrics; iv. optionally drying. According to a third aspect of the present invention provided is the use of a combination of alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant, amino acid surfactant and gluconic acid or a salt thereof in a solid laundry detergent composition to reduce malodour on fabrics.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the present invention provided is the use of a combination of alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant, amino acid surfactant and gluconic acid or a salt thereof in a solid laundry detergent composition to improve fragrance impact on the fabrics. The better deposition of the fragrance onto the fabrics is manifested as improved fragrance impact on the fabrics.

[0024] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] According to a first aspect of the present invention provided is a solid laundry composition comprising an alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant, amino acid surfactant, and a gluconic acid or a salt thereof.

[0026] Alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant

[0027] The solid laundry composition according to a first aspect of the invention comprises an alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant. More preferably the alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant is a sulphonate surfactant wherein the alkyl group comprises from Cw to C22 alkyl group. More preferably where the aryl group is benzene.

[0028] The alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant may be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated and mixtures thereof.

[0029] More preferably the alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant has a linear alkyl group comprising from C10 to C22 alkyl group, more preferably from Cw to C alkyl group, more preferably from Cw to C alkyl group still more preferably from Cw to Cw alkyl group.

[0030] Preferably the sulphonate surfactant is an alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant. Preferably the alkyl chain in the alkyl benzene sulphonate is straight or branched, more preferably linear.

[0031] Preferably the sulphonate surfactant is a linear alkyl benzene sulphonate with a Cw to Cw alkyl group, still preferably Cw to C14 alkyl group and most preferably Cw to Cw linear alkyl benzene sulphonate. Preferably the higher linear alkyl benzene sulfonate is a sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant (LAS), which preferably has a straight chain alkyl radical of average length of about 11 to 13 carbon atoms. Suitable alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) is obtainable, preferably obtained, by sulphonating commercially available linear alkyl benzene (LAB); suitable LAB includes low 2-phenyl LAB, other suitable LAB includes high 2-phenyl LAB, such as those supplied by Sasol under the tradename Hyblene®.

[0032] Preferably C to C15 alkyl benzene sulfonates (LAS), still preferably C10 to C14 alkyl benzene sulfonates (LAS), still preferably the benzene sulfonate (LAS) has at least 50 wt.% of C12 alkyl benzene sulfonate, still preferably 80 wt.% C12 alkyl benzene sulfonates. The alkyl benzene sulphonate is preferably in the salt form with the cation selected from alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or alkanolamine. Preferably alkali metal selected from sodium or potassium, most preferably sodium.

[0033] The alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant may be derived from petrochemical material, biomaterial, or a waste material.

[0034] Preferably the laundry detergent composition includes from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.% alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant. More preferably the alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant is linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant. Preferably the amount of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant ranges from 1 wt.% to 20 wt.%, still preferably from 2 wt.% to 20 wt.%, more preferably 7 wt.% to 20 wt.%, even more preferably 8 wt.% to 20 wt.%, still more preferably from 10 wt.% to 20 wt.%. Still preferably the amount of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant is preferably in an amount ranging from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, still preferably from 1 wt.% to 20 wt.%, more preferably 2 wt.% to 20 wt.%, still more preferably from 8 wt.% to 20 wt.%. Preferably the amount of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant in the solid laundry detergent composition is not less than 1 wt.%, still preferably not less than 2 wt.%, more preferably not less than 5 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 8 wt.%, but typically not more than 20 wt.%, preferably not more than 18 wt.% or still preferably not more than 16 wt.%.

[0035] Amino acid surfactant

[0036] Solid laundry composition according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an amino acid surfactant. Preferably the amino acid surfactant includes N-acyl amino acid surfactant or derivatives thereof.

[0037] Preferably the amino acid surfactant is an N-acyl amino acid surfactant of the formula (I):

[0038] Formula (I) wherein;

[0039] R is an Cs to C21 alkyl substituent;

[0040] R1 represents H or Ci to C4 alkyl radical;

[0041] R2 represents H or Ci to C4 alkyl radical or Ci to C4 hydroxyalkyl radical;

[0042] R3 represents COOM, where M is a cationic group selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salts and hydrogen.

[0043] Preferably R is a C7 to C17 alkyl substituent. Preferably the alkyl substituent is either saturated or unsaturated. Preferably the alkyl substituent is either branched or unbranched. Preferably the alkyl substituent is unbranched.

[0044] Preferably the amino acid surfactant is selected from the group consisting of N-acyl glutamate, N-acyl glycinate, N-acyl sarcosinate, N-acyl serinate, N-acyl alaninate, N-acyl prolinate, N-acyl taurate, acyl N-methyl taurate and mixtures thereof. Preferably the amino acid surfactant is selected from the group consisting of N-acyl glutamate, N-acyl sarcosinate, N-acyl alaninate, N- acyl taurate, acyl N-methyl taurate and mixtures thereof. Preferably the alkali metal salt of N- acyl glutamate, N-acyl sarcosinate, N-acyl alaninate and mixtures thereof. Preferably the alkyl chain may be branched or unbranched, preferably unbranched. Preferably the alkyl chain may be saturated or unsaturated, preferably saturated. The amino acid surfactant is preferably in their salt form having a cationic group selected alkali metal, more preferably sodium.

[0045] Preferably, the amino acid surfactant is selected from dialkali-metal alkoyl glutamate, alkali- metal alkoyl sarcosinate, alkali-metal alkoyl alaninates and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the amino acid surfactant is alkali-metal Cs to Cis alkoyl glutamate. Preferably, the amino acid surfactant is alkali-metal Cs to Cis alkoyl sarcosinate. Preferably, the amino acid surfactant is alkali-metal Cs to Cis alkoyl alaninate. Preferably, the amino acid surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkali-metal Cs to Cis alkoyl glutamate, alkali-metal Cs to Cis alkoyl sarcosinate, alkali-metal Cs to Cis alkoyl alaninate, alkali-metal Cs to Cis N-methyl alkoyl taurate and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the alkali metal is sodium or potassium. Preferably the Cs to Cis alkyl chain may be branched or unbranched, preferably unbranched. Preferably the Cs to Cis alkyl chain may be branched or unbranched, preferably unbranched.

[0046] Preferably, the amino acid surfactant is disodium lauroyl glutamate. Preferably, the amino acid surfactant is sodium lauroyl sarcosinate. Preferably, the amino acid surfactant is sodium lauroyl alaninate. Preferably, the amino acid surfactant is selected from the group consisting of disodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl alaninate, N-cocyl alaninate, N-cocoyl, glutamate, and mixtures thereof.

[0047] Examples of some of the preferred amino acid surfactant is provided herein below.

[0048] Sodium alkyl alaninate Sodium alkyl sarcosinate Sodium alkyl glutamate

[0049] Preferably, the amino acid surfactant is present in the solid laundry composition in an amount ranging from 0.1 wt.% to 10 wt.% of the composition. Preferably the amount of amino acid surfactant ranges from 0.1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, still preferably from 0.1 wt.% to 8 wt.%, more preferably 0.1 wt.% to 6 wt.%, even more preferably 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, still more preferably from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.%. Preferably the amount of amino acid surfactant in the solid laundry detergent composition is not less than 0.2 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.5 wt.%, more preferably not less than 1 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 2 wt.%, but typically not more than 8 wt.%, preferably not more than 7 wt.% or still preferably not more than 5 wt.%.

[0050] Gluconic acid or a salt thereof

[0051] According to the first aspect of the present invention, provided is a solid laundry detergent composition comprising a gluconic acid or a salt thereof.

[0052] Non-limiting examples of the salt of gluconic acid includes but is not limited to sodium gluconate, calcium lactate gluconate, potassium gluconate and mixtures thereof. Preferably the salt of gluconic acid is sodium gluconate.

[0053] Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition includes a mixture of gluconic acid and a salt of gluconic acid, still preferably a salt of gluconic acid.

[0054] For the purposes of this invention, glucono delta lactone and other gluconic acid precursors that readily convert to gluconic acid in the present composition are considered gluconic acid for purposes of the present invention. Preferably, the gluconic acid or a salt thereof is present in the solid laundry composition in an amount ranging from 0.1 wt.% to 10 wt.% of the composition. Preferably the amount of gluconic acid or a salt thereof ranges from 0.1 wt.% to 8 wt.%, still preferably from 0.1 wt.% to 6 wt.%, more preferably 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, even more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.%, still more preferably from 0.5 wt.% to 2.5 wt.%. Preferably the amount of gluconic acid or a salt thereof in the solid laundry detergent composition is not less than 0.2 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.5 wt.%, more preferably not less than 1 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 2 wt.%, but typically not more than 8 wt.%, preferably not more than 7 wt.% or still preferably not more than 5 wt.%.

[0055] Cosurfactant

[0056] Preferably the solid laundry composition comprises a cosurfactant. The cosurfactant is preferably selected from the group consisting of amphoteric surfactant, isethionate surfactant and mixtures thereof.

[0057] Preferably the gluconic acid or a salt thereof and the cosurfactant are present in the form of a co-granule. Still preferably the gluconic acid or a salt thereof and the isethionate-based surfactant is present in the form of a co-granule.

[0058] Amphoteric surfactant

[0059] Preferably the solid laundry composition includes an amphoteric co-surfactant. Preferably the amphoteric surfactant may be alkyl betaine. Non-limiting examples include coco-betaine, lauryl betaine and oleyl betaine. Preferably the amphoteric surfactant may be an alkylamidoalkyl betaine.

[0060] Preferably the amphoteric co-surfactant may be alkyl amine oxide. Non-limiting examples include cocamine oxide and lauramine oxide. The most preferred amine oxide is coco dimethylamine oxide. Preferably the amphoteric co-surfactant may be alkylamidoalkyl amine oxide. Non-limiting examples include cocamidopropylamine oxide and lauramidopropylamine oxide, and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0061] More preferably the betaine type amphoteric co-surfactant is selected from alkyl betaines, alkylamidoalkyl betaines and alkyl sulphobetaines. Preferably the amine oxide type amphoteric co-surfactant is selected from alkyl amine oxide, alkylamidoalkyl amine oxide or mixtures thereof. Most preferably the amphoteric co-surfactant is a cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB). Preferably amphoteric co-surfactant is present in the solid detergent composition in an amount ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 5 wt.% by weight of the composition, more preferably ranging from 0.5 wt.% to 1 wt.% by weight of the composition.

[0062] Isethionate based surfactant

[0063] Preferably the solid laundry composition comprises an isethionate-based co-surfactant.

[0064] Examples of the isethionate based co-surfactant includes but is not limited to the group consisting of sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, ammonium cocoyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium hydrogenated cocoyl methyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium myristoyl isethionate, sodium oleoyl isethionate, sodium oleoyl methyl isethionate, sodium palm kerneloyl isethionate, sodium stearoyl methyl isethionate, sodium isethionate, dibromopropamidine diisethionate, hexamidine diisethionate, sodium methyl isethionate, and combinations thereof. Most preferably the composition of the present invention comprises sodium lauroyl isethionate and / or sodium cocoyl isethionate.

[0065] Preferably isethionate co-surfactant is present in the solid detergent composition in an amount ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 5 wt.% by weight of the composition, more preferably ranging from 0.5 wt.% to 1 wt.% by weight of the composition.

[0066] Sulphate surfactant

[0067] Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition may include a further cosurfactant which is a sulphate surfactant.

[0068] Preferably the sulphate surfactant may be an alkyl sulphate surfactant. Preferably the alkyl sulphate surfactant may be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated. Suitable sulphate surfactants include alkyl sulphate, preferably Cs to Cis alkyl sulphate, or predominantly C12 to Cis alkyl sulphate. Nonlimiting examples of sulphate anionic surfactants useful herein include: C10 to C20 primary, branched chain and random alkyl sulfates (AS); C10 to C18 secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates; C10 to C18 alkyl alkoxy sulfates (AES) wherein x is from 1-30; mid-chain branched alkyl sulfates as discussed in US 6,020,303 and US 6,060,443; mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxy sulfates as discussed in US 6,008, 181 and US 6,020,303. The alkyl sulphate may be linear or branched; saturated or unsaturated; substituted or un-substituted. The alkyl sulphate surfactant may be derived from petrochemical material, biomaterial, or a waste material. Preferably the alkyl sulphate surfactant is present in the detergent composition in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10 wt.%, still preferably from 0.5 wt.% to 10wt.%, further preferably in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 5 wt.%, more preferably in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt.% to 3 wt.% by weight of the solid laundry detergent composition.

[0069] Preferably the sulphate surfactant may be an alkyl alkoxylated sulphate. The alkyl alkoxylated sulphate may be linear or branched; saturated or unsaturated; substituted or un-substituted. The alkyl alkoxylated sulphate surfactant may be derived from petrochemical material, biomaterial, or a waste material. Specific sulphated anionic surfactants which can be preferably used in the solid laundry composition of the present invention include sulphated ethoxylated and non-ethoxylated fatty alcohols, preferably linear primary or secondary monohydric alcohols with C to Cis, preferably C12 to C16, alkyl groups and, if ethoxylated, on average from 1 to 15, preferably 3 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide (EO) per mole of alcohol, and sulphated ethoxylated alkylphenols with Cs to C16 alkyl groups, preferably Cs to C9 alkyl groups, and on average from 4 to 12 moles of EO per mole of alkyl phenol. A preferred sulphate detersive surfactant is alkyl alkoxylated sulphate, preferably alkyl ethoxylated sulphate, preferably a Cs to Cis alkyl alkoxylated sulphate, preferably a Cs to Cis alkyl ethoxylated sulphate, preferably the alkyl alkoxylated sulphate has an average degree of alkoxylation of from 0.5 to 20, preferably from 0.5 to 10, preferably the alkyl alkoxylated sulphate is a Cs to Cis alkyl ethoxylated sulphate having an average degree of ethoxylation of from 0.5 to 10, preferably from 0.5 to 5, more preferably from 0.5 to 3 and most preferably from 0.5 to 1.5. Preferably the alkyl alkoxylated sulphate surfactant is present in the detergent composition in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10 wt.%, still preferably from 0.5 wt.% to 10wt.%, further preferably in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 5 wt.%, more preferably in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt.% to 3 wt.% by weight of the solid laundry detergent composition.

[0070] Form of the solid laundry composition

[0071] The solid laundry composition is preferably prepared by a spray-drying process where the spray-detergent particle formed from a slurry is generally referred to as base powder. This base powder is then mixed with other post dosed ingredients to form the fully formulated solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention. In some embodiments the base powder itself may be utilized as a fully formulated solid laundry composition.

[0072] Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has a bulk density of less than 550g / L. Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has a weight average particle size ranging from 300 micrometres to 600 micrometres.

[0073] Preferably, the solid laundry composition according to the present invention comprises from 20 wt.% to 90 wt.% spray-dried detergent particle, still preferably from 20 wt.% to 80 wt.% spray-dried detergent particle, more preferably from 20 wt.% to 60 wt.% spray-dried detergent particle. Preferably the solid laundry composition comprises at least 30 wt.%, at least 35 wt.%, still preferably at least 40 wt.%, still preferably at least 45 wt.%, most preferably at least 50 wt.% of spray-dried detergent particle, but typically not more than 75 wt.%, still preferably not more than 70 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 68 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 65 wt.% and most preferably not more than 60 wt.%, spray-dried detergent particle based on the weight of the solid laundry detergent composition.

[0074] The solid laundry detergent composition may also be formed via a variety of conventional methods known in the art and those which includes but is not limited to the mixing of ingredients, including dry-mixing, compaction such as agglomerating, extrusion, tabletting, of the various compounds comprised in the detergent composition or mixtures of these techniques, whereby the components herein also can be made by for example compaction, including extrusion and agglomerating, or spray-drying. The detergent composition may be made by any of the conventional processes, especially preferred is the technique of slurry making and spray drying.

[0075] Typically, the solid laundry detergent composition may be in the form of an agglomerate detergent particle. A suitable agglomeration process involves the step of contacting a detersive ingredient, such as an anionic detersive surfactant, e.g., linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) and / or alkyl alkoxylated sulphate, with an inorganic material, such as sodium carbonate, alkali metal silicate, and / or silica, in a mixer. The agglomeration process may also be an in-situ neutralization agglomeration process wherein an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant, such as LAS, is contacted with an alkaline material, such as alkali metal carbonate and / or alkali metal hydroxide, in a mixer, and wherein the acid precursor of an anionic surfactant is neutralized by the alkaline material to form salt of anionic surfactant during the agglomeration process. The agglomeration process may be a high, medium, or low shear agglomeration process, wherein a high shear, medium shear or low shear mixer is used accordingly. The agglomeration process may be a multi-step agglomeration process wherein two or more mixers are used, such as a high shear mixer in combination with a medium or low shear mixer. The agglomeration process can be a continuous process or a batch process. It may be preferred for the agglomerates to be subjected to a drying step, for example to a fluid bed drying step. It may also be preferred for the agglomerates to be subjected to a cooling step, for example a fluid bed cooling step. Typically, the agglomerates are subjected to particle size classification, for example a fluid bed elutriation and / or a sieve, to obtain the desired particle size distribution. Preferably, the agglomerate solid laundry detergent composition has a particle size distribution such that weight average particle size is in the range of from 300 micrometers to 800 micrometers, and less than 10 wt.% of the agglomerate have a particle size less than 150 micrometers and less than 10 wt.% of the agglomerates have a particle size greater than 1200 micrometers.

[0076] It may be preferred for fines and over-sized agglomerates to be recycled back into the agglomeration process. Typically, over-sized particles are subjected to a size reduction step, such as grinding, and recycled back into the agglomeration process.

[0077] The solid laundry detergent composition herein can take a variety of physical solid forms including forms such as powder, particulate, granule, ribbon, noodle, paste, tablet, flake, pastille, and bar, and preferably the composition is in the form of powder, granules, or a tablet, still preferably the composition is in the form of a powder. The composition may be in the form of a unit dose formulation, delayed delivery formulation, detergent contained on or in a porous substrate, fibrous or non-fibrous sheet, nonwoven sheet, and other suitable forms that may be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. The composition according to the present invention may preferably be in a form selected from powder, unit dose, detergent composition contained in a water-soluble pouch form, detergent composition contained on or in a porous substrate or nonwoven sheet, tablet, gel, paste, bar, or flake. Preferably the composition is for manual-washing or machine-washing. Preferably the composition is in the form of a spray -dried powder. The compositions preferably have a density of more than 350 grams / litre, more preferably more than 450 grams / litre or even more than 570 grams / litre. Preferably when the solid laundry composition is in the form of an agglomerate particle having a density of 300 to 1000 g / L, more preferably from 400 to 850 g / L.

[0078] Preferably the solid laundry composition includes plurality of chemically different particles that includes but is not limited spray-dried particles, co-granules, agglomerated particles, extruded particles.

[0079] The solid laundry composition preferably has a pH ranging from 8 or more, more preferably a pH ranging from 8.5 to 13, still preferably 9 to 10.5, more preferably above 8.5, still preferably from 8.5 to 11 when measured using a 1 wt.% solution with distilled water at 25°C. Solid laundry detergent article:

[0080] The solid laundry composition according to the first aspect of the present invention may be in the form of a solid laundry detergent article. The term “solid laundry detergent article” refers to a three-dimensional structure, that is it has a thickness, a length, and a width. The three- dimensional shaped body is not substantially flat or planar. The dimensions of the three- dimensional shaped body is such that they have dimensions of at least 1mm, in particular at least 2 mm, in all spatial directions. The dimension is the longitudinal extension of the shaped body in one spatial direction. In case of a sphere, the dimensions are the same for all spatial directions.

[0081] The term "solid" as used herein refers to the ability of an article to substantially retain its shape (i e., without any visible change in its shape) at 20°C and under the atmospheric pressure, when it is not confined and when no external force is applied thereto.

[0082] Preferably the solid laundry detergent article may be any desirable three-dimensional shape, including but not limited to spherical, cubic, rectangular, oblong, cylindrical, rod, sheet, flowershaped, fan shaped, star shaped, disc shaped, and the like.

[0083] Preferably the solid laundry detergent article is a unitary structure which refers to a structure containing a plurality of distinctive parts which are combined together to form a visually coherent and structurally integral article.

[0084] Preferably the solid laundry detergent article may include further steps of embossing, coating, or printing.

[0085] The solid laundry detergent article may preferably a unit-dose article. Preferably the article may include an aversive agent such as a bittering agent, preferably at least an outer surface of the article. The solid laundry detergent composition may be comprised in a unit dose article, wherein the water-soluble unit dose article comprises a water-soluble film. Without wishing to be bound by theory, addition of the water-soluble unit dose article to water will cause the water- soluble film to dissolve and release the laundry detergent composition into the water creating the main wash liquor. When made in the drum of an automatic washing machine, traditionally, the fabrics to be washed and the water-soluble unit dose article are added to the drum and the door of the washing machine closed. The washing machine then automatically adds water to the drum to create the wash liquor. The solid laundry detergent article may preferably be a three-dimensional structure which may be used multiple times.

[0086] Low pH composition:

[0087] Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition is a low pH composition, which refers to a solid composition having a pH in the range from 6.5 to 9. Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition includes a low pH spray- dried detergent base particle, wherein the spray-dried detergent particle comprises:

[0088] (i) 3 wt.% to 50 wt.% anionic surfactant; and,

[0089] (ii) an ingredient selected from the group consisting of (a) organic acid, preferably an organic carboxylic acid (b) a salt of organic carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal; organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid, organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal and mixtures thereof.

[0090] Preferably the anionic surfactant is alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant. Still preferably Cw to C22, benzene sulphonate surfactant, still more preferably C12 to C22 benzene sulphonate surfactant.

[0091] Preferably the low pH solid detergent composition includes anionic detersive surfactant, 0 to 8 wt.% zeolite builder, 0 to 4 wt.% phosphate builder, 0 to 8 wt.% sodium carbonate, 0 to 8 wt.% sodium silicate. The composition is preferably substantially free of phosphate builder. The composition may be substantially free of sodium carbonate. The composition may be substantially free of sodium bicarbonate. The composition may be substantially free of sodium silicate. Preferably the anionic surfactant is alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant. Still preferably C10 to C22, benzene sulphonate surfactant, still more preferably C12 to C22 benzene sulphonate surfactant.

[0092] More preferably the solid laundry detergent composition includes a spray dried detergent particle comprising: (i) 4 to 35 wt.% anionic surfactant; (ii) 0 to 8 wt.% zeolite builder; (iii) 0 to 4 wt.% sodium carbonate (iv) 0 to 8 wt.% sodium silicate (v) 1 to 10 wt.% organic acid; (vi) optionally, 1 to 10 wt.% magnesium sulphate. Preferably the anionic surfactant is alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant. Still preferably Cw to C22, benzene sulphonate surfactant, still more preferably C12 to C22 benzene sulphonate surfactant.

[0093] Preferably the solid detergent composition includes anionic detersive surfactant, 0 to 8 wt.% zeolite builder, 0 to 4 wt.% phosphate builder, 0 to 8 wt.% sodium carbonate, 0 to 8 wt.% sodium silicate and from 4 to 20 wt.% organic acid. Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition includes silica. Preferably the silica is in-situ formed. The composition is preferably substantially free of phosphate builder. The composition may be substantially free of sodium carbonate. The composition may be substantially free of sodium bicarbonate. The composition may be substantially free of sodium silicate. Preferably the organic acid comprises citric acid The organic acid may be at least partially coated, or even completely coated, by a water- dispersible material. Water-dispersible material also typically includes water-soluble material. A suitable water-dispersible material is wax. A suitable water-soluble material is citrate. Preferably the anionic surfactant is alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant. Still preferably Cw to C22, benzene sulphonate surfactant, still more preferably C12 to C22 benzene sulphonate surfactant.

[0094] The solid laundry detergent composition with pH in the range from 6 to 9 preferably comprises a spray dried detergent base particle, where the particle comprising: (i) from 3 wt.% to 50 wt.% detersive surfactant; preferably anionic detersive surfactant; (ii) from 0.2 wt.% to 6 wt.% organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal; (iii) preferably from 2 wt.% to 20 wt.% organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal; (iv) preferably from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% silicate and / or disilicate salt of alkaline earth metal; (v) preferably from 0 wt.% to 2 wt.% alkaline earth metal salt, preferably hydroxide of alkaline earth metal; (vi) preferably 25 wt.% to 88 wt.% filler; and, (vii) preferably from 1 wt.% to 3.5 wt.% moisture content. Preferably the detersive surfactant is an anionic surfactant, more preferably an alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant. Still preferably C10 to C22, benzene sulphonate surfactant, still more preferably C12 to C22 benzene sulphonate surfactant.

[0095] Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition comprises a low pH spray-dried detergent particle, where the particle includes: (i) from 3 wt.% to 50 wt.% detersive surfactant; preferably anionic detersive surfactant; (ii) from 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% of one or more of organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid or mixtures thereof; (iii) preferably from 2 wt.% to 12 wt.% organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal; (iv) preferably from 0.75 wt.% to 3.5 wt.% silica; (v) preferably from 0 wt.% to 2 wt.% silicate salt of alkali metal; (vi) preferably from 0 wt.% to 1 wt.% aluminium hydroxide; (vii) preferably 25 wt.% to 88 wt.% filler; and, (viii) preferably from 1 wt.% to 3.5 wt.% moisture content. Preferably the detersive surfactant is an anionic surfactant, more preferably an alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant. Still preferably Cw to C22, benzene sulphonate surfactant, still more preferably C12 to C22 benzene sulphonate surfactant.

[0096] Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition comprises a low pH spray-dried detergent particle, where the particle includes: (i) from 3 wt.% to 50 wt.% detersive surfactant; preferably anionic detersive surfactant; (ii) from 0.4 wt.% to 10 wt.% of one or more of organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid or mixtures thereof; (iii) preferably from 0 wt.% to 12 wt.% organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal; (iv) preferably from 0 wt.% to 2 wt.% silicate salt of alkali metal; (v) preferably from 0 wt.% to 2 wt.% aluminium hydroxide; (vii) preferably 25 wt.% to 88 wt.% filler; and, (viii) preferably from 1 wt.% to 3.5 wt.% moisture content. Preferably the detersive surfactant is an anionic surfactant, more preferably an alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant. Still preferably Cw to C22, benzene sulphonate surfactant, still more preferably C12 to C22 benzene sulphonate surfactant.

[0097] Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle includes a mixture of aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid and organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal. The amount of organic carboxylic acid of alkali metal in the spray dried detergent particle is not less than 2.5 wt.%, still preferably not less than 3 wt.%, more preferably not less than 3.2, still more preferably not less than 3.5 wt.%, but typically not more than 11.5 wt.%, preferably not more than 11 wt.% or still preferably not more than 10.5 wt.%, more preferably not more than 10.3 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 10 wt.%.

[0098] Preferably the amount of organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal in the spray dried detergent particle ranges from 0.1 wt.% to 12 wt.% organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal. Preferably the amount of organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal in the spray dried detergent particle is not less than 2.5 wt.%, still preferably not less than 3.5 wt.%, more preferably not less than 5, still more preferably not less than 5.5 wt.%, furthermore preferably not less than 6 wt.%, but typically not more than 11.5 wt.%, preferably not more than 11 wt.% or still preferably not 5 more than 10 wt.%, more preferably not more than 8 wt.%.

[0099] Additionally, one or more of optional ingredients may be present in the spray-dried detergent particle. The optional ingredients may include but it not limited to polymer, hydrotropes, optical brighteners which is preferably selected from fluorescers, colorants, shading dye, pigments, or mixtures thereof and antifoam.

[0100] Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle includes silica. Preferably the silica is present in an amount ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 5 wt.%, still preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 3.5 wt.%, further preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 3 wt.%, still more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% in the spray-dried detergent particle. The silica may be either preformed or generated in-situ. Preferably the spray- dried detergent particle has a mixture of organic carboxylic acid and silica, preferably in-situ formed silica. Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has a mixture of a salt of organic carboxylic acid and silica, preferably in-situ formed silica. More preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has a salt of organic carboxylic acid which is a combination of organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal and any one or more of the (a) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal, (b) organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium and (c) an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid.

[0101] Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has less than 2 wt.% alkali metal silicate, still preferably less than 1 wt.%, further preferably 0 wt.% alkali metal silicate.

[0102] Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has less than 2 wt.% carbonate builder, still preferably less than 1 wt.%, further preferably 0 wt.% carbonate builder. Examples of the carbonate builder salt includes alkaline earth metal and alkali metal carbonates or mixtures thereof. Typically, the alkali metal carbonates are sodium and / or potassium carbonate of which sodium carbonate is mostly preferred. Alkali metal carbonate according to the invention refers to carbonates, bicarbonates, sesquicarbonates or mixtures thereof.

[0103] Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has less than 2 wt.% inorganic phosphate builder, still preferably less than 1 wt.%, further preferably 0 wt.% inorganic phosphate builder. Examples of inorganic phosphate builder includes sodium orthophosphate, pyrophosphate and tri polyphosphate.

[0104] Optionally, the spray-dried detergent particle includes from 0 wt.% to 5 wt.% polymer, still more preferably from 0.5 to 5 wt.%, still more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 4 wt.% polymer by weight of the spray-dried detergent particle. Preferably the polymer is a carboxylate polymer. Still preferably a polyacrylate polymer, still preferably a copolymer of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with maleic acid. The spray dried detergent particle may include further polymer selected from antiredeposition polymer, soil release polymer, structuring polymer, or mixtures thereof. Preferably the polymer is a polymeric carboxylate, preferably polyacrylate or a copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid. However other polymers may also be suitable such as polyamines (including the ethoxylated variants thereof), polyethylene glycol and polyesters. Polymeric soil suspending aids and polymeric soil release agents are particularly suitable. Preferably the antiredeposition agents are sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose.

[0105] Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has less than 2 wt.% zeolite builder, still preferably less than 1 wt.%, further preferably 0 wt.% zeolite builder. Examples of the zeolite builder includes zeolite A, zeolite 4A, aluminium zeolite P (zeolite MAP) described and claimed in EP 384 070A (Unilever). Zeolite MAP is an alkali metal aluminosilicate of the P type having a silicon 10 to aluminium ratio not exceeding 1.33, preferably not exceeding 1.15, and more preferably not exceeding 1.07.

[0106] The spray dried detergent particle may be optionally contacted with a non-ionic surfactant, a fatty acid, or combinations thereof. The non-ionic surfactant and the fatty acid are in liquid form. In addition to the non-ionic surfactant and the fatty acid in liquid form any other liquid laundry ingredient which is not suitable to be added via slurry or tower, may be added by spraying the liquid onto the spray-dried detergent particle.

[0107] It is also preferred that the spray-dried detergent particle includes (i) 4 wt.% to 35 wt.% anionic surfactant, preferably alkyl benzene sulphonate (ii) 0 wt.% to 8 wt.% zeolite (iii) 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% phosphate builder (iv) 0 wt.% to 8 wt.% alkali metal carbonate, preferably sodium carbonate, (v) from 0 wt.% to 8 wt.% sodium silicate (vi) 1 wt.% to 10 wt.% organic acid, preferably citric acid, (vii) from 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% magnesium sulphate. It is preferably found that when the spray dried detergent particle includes from 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.% silica it provides good powder properties.

[0108] Preferred ingredients

[0109] Anionic surfactant

[0110] The solid laundry composition may preferably include further anionic surfactant. The further anionic surfactant includes those other than alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant and amino acid surfactant.

[0111] Other suitable sulphonate surfactants include methyl ester sulphonates, alpha olefin sulphonates, modified alkylbenzene sulfonate (MLAS) as discussed in WO 99 / 05243, WO 99 / 05242 and WO 99 / 05244 and mixtures thereof. Also preferred are the alkyl amine salt of alkyl benzene sulphonate. Preferably the alkyl amine salt of a linear or branched alkyl benzene sulphonate. More preferably the alkyl amine salt of alkyl benzene sulphonate is MIPA- LAS, preferably the alkyl amine salt of alkyl benzene sulphonate provides improved foaming performance.

[0112] Rhamnolipid surfactant:

[0113] In addition to the anionic surfactant mentioned hereinabove, the solid laundry detergent composition may include a rhamnolipid biosurfactant. Preferably the rhamnolipid is a mono- rhamnolipids, di-rhamnolipids or mixtures thereof. Preferably the mono-rhamnolipids has a single rhamnose sugar ring. Preferably the di-rhamnolipids have two rhamnose sugar rings.

[0114] Carboxylate surfactant:

[0115] Other suitable anionic detersive surfactants include alkyl ether carboxylate surfactant. Preferably the alkyl ether carboxylate surfactant has a structure: R-(OCH2CH2)n-OCH2-COOH, where R is selected from saturated Cs to Cis linear alkyl chains, preferably C12, to Cis linear alkyl chains, more preferably a C12 or C18 linear alkyl chain, most preferably a C12 linear alkyl chain; n is the average ethoxylation and n is selected from 1 to 20, 5 to 20, preferably 7 to 14, more preferably 8 to 12, most preferably 9 to 11 , also preferred are C10 to C18 alkyl alkoxy carboxylates comprising 1-5 ethoxy units. Weights of alkyl ether carboxylic acid are calculated as the protonated form, R-(OCH2CH2)n-OCH2COOH. They may be used as salt version for example sodium salt, or amine salt. The alkyl chain is aliphatic and linear and may be selected from: CH3(CH2)7-; CH3(CH2)8-; CH3(CH2)9-; CH3(CH2)IO-; CH3(CH2)n-; CH3(CH2)I2-; CH3(CH2)I3-; CH3(CH2)14-; CH3(CH2)i5-; CH3(CH2)I6-; and, CH3(CH2)i7- The alkyl chain is preferably selected from CH3(CH2)i5- and CH3(CH2)i7-- Alkyl ether carboxylic acid are available from Kao (Akypo®), Huntsman (Empicol®) and Clariant (Emulsogen®).

[0116] Nonionic surfactant:

[0117] Suitable non-ionic surfactants include Cs to Cis alkyl ethoxylates, Ce to C12 alkyl phenol alkoxylates wherein preferably the alkoxylate units are ethyleneoxy units, propyleneoxy units or a mixture thereof; alkylpolysaccharides, preferably alkylpolyglycosides; methyl ester ethoxylates; polyhydroxy fatty acid amides; ether capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants; and mixtures thereof. Preferably the nonionic surfactant is alkylpolyglucoside and / or an alkyl alkoxylated alcohol. Preferably the alkyl alkoxylated alcohol includes Cs to Cis alkyl alkoxylated alcohol, preferably Cs to Cis alkyl ethoxylated alcohol, preferably the alkyl alkoxylated alcohol having an average degree of alkoxylation from 1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 10. Preferably the alkyl alkoxylated alcohol is a Cs to Cis alkyl ethoxylated alcohol having an average degree of ethoxylation of from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 7, more preferably from 1 to 5 and most preferably from 3 to 7. The alkyl alkoxylated alcohol may be linear or branched and substituted or un-substituted.

[0118] Cationic surfactant:

[0119] Suitable cationic surfactants include alkyl pyridinium compounds, alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, alkyl quaternary phosphonium compounds, alkyl ternary sulphonium compounds, and mixtures thereof. Preferred cationic surfactants are quaternary ammonium compounds having the general formula: (R)(RI)(R2)(RS)N+X' wherein, R is a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted Ce to Cis alkyl or alkenyl moiety, Ri and R2 are independently selected from methyl or ethyl moieties, R3 is a hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl or a hydroxyethyl moiety, X is an anion which provides charge neutrality, preferred anions include: halides, preferably chloride; sulphate; and sulphonate.

[0120] Alkyl ether carboxylic acid:

[0121] Preferably the solid laundry composition comprises an alkyl ether carboxylic acid. Suitable examples of commercially available alkyl ether carboxylic acid surfactant include those marketed under the trade name AKYPO® by Kao Chemicals GmbH, Empicol® by Huntsman and Emulsogen® by Clariant. The sodium salt of the alkyl ether carboxylic acid surfactant is most preferred.

[0122] Amide surfactant:

[0123] Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition may include an amide-based surfactant or salts thereof. Non limiting examples of the amide surfactant according to the present invention includes cocoamide diethanolamine, cocoamide dimethanolamine, cocoamide monoethanolamine, cocoamide monomethanol amine, cocoamide MIPA or mixtures thereof. More preferably the amide foaming ingredient according to the present invention includes cocoamide monoethanolamine, cocoamide monomethanol amine, cocoamide MIPA or mixtures thereof.

[0124] Branched surfactant:

[0125] Preferably the solid laundry composition comprises a branched surfactant. More preferably sulphated ethoxylated C10 Guerbet alcohol with a number average degree of ethoxylation in the range of 2.5 to 6.

[0126] Hydrotrope:

[0127] The solid laundry composition according to the invention may preferably include a hydrotrope. Preferably the hydrotrope is an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group. Suitable example of unsubstituted aryl sulphonate includes benzene sulphonate, preferably sodium benzene sulphonate. The term sulphonate include sulphonic acid. The hydrotrope is preferably present in the salt form which includes alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, alkyl amine or ammonium salt of the sulphonic acid. More preferably sodium salt. More preferably the hydrotrope is selected from the group consisting of a salt of benzene sulphonate, toluene sulphonate, xylene sulphonate, cumene sulphonate and mixtures thereof, more preferably the hydrotrope is a sodium cumene sulphonate, sodium toluene sulphonate, sodium xylene sulphonate and mixtures thereof. Most preferably the hydrotrope is sodium cumene sulphonate.

[0128] Foaming ingredient:

[0129] Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition includes a foam enhancing ingredient. Preferably the foaming ingredient is a siloxane with a polyoxyalkylene group.

[0130] The siloxane is preferably having a polyoxyalkylene group represented by the following general Formula (lc) or Formula (llc).

[0131] (R13-aYaSiOl / 2)j(R32-bYbSiO2 / 2)k(R22SiO2 / 2)P, (lc)

[0132] Or,

[0133] YaR13-aSiO(R22SiO)p(YR3SiO)mSiR13-aYa, (llc) wherein: R1is same or different and is selected from an alkyl, alkenyl or aryl alkyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; or alkyl, alkenyl or aryl alkyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms comprising a functional group, or mixtures thereof; Y is a polyoxyalkylene group having 19 to 30 oxyalkylene group, R2and R3are same or different and is selected from an alkyl, alkenyl or aryl alkyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; or alkyl, alkenyl or aryl alkyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms comprising a functional group, wherein, a is 0, 1 or 2, b is 1 or 2, in Formula (I) where if a is 0 then p is 0 or an integer from 1 to 3, and if a is 1 or 2 then p is 0 or an integer from 1 to 50, j, k, are independent of each other and is 0 or an integer from 1 to 50, where either j or k or both is at least 1 , in Formula (lc) m is an integer from 1 to 50, in Formula (llc) with the proviso that the siloxane comprises at least one Y radical per molecule.

[0134] The foaming ingredient is preferably a cationic polysaccharide. The cationic polysaccharide foaming ingredient comprises a polysaccharide or a derivative of polysaccharide which is modified with a cationic group selected from the group consisting of ammonium group, quaternary ammonium group, a sulfonium group, a phosphonium group, a transitional metal or any other positively charged functional group. Preferably where the polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of fructan, dextran, maltodextrin, or mixtures thereof. More preferably a fructan which is inulin.

[0135] Preferably the foaming ingredient is a Cs to Ci2alkyl sulphate based foaming ingredient. The alkyl sulphate foaming ingredient may be primary or secondary alkyl sulphate with an alkyl chain length of Cs to Ci2. Preferably the foaming ingredient may be a Cs to C12 alkyl polyglucoside based foaming ingredient. The alkyl polyglucoside is a fatty alcohol glucoside with an alkyl chain length of Cs to C-^-

[0136] Polymers:

[0137] The composition of the present invention may preferably include polymers which provide cleaning or care benefits.

[0138] The cleaning polymer includes but is not limited to soil release polymer, carboxylate polymers, antiredeposition polymers, cellulosic polymers, amphiphilic alkoxylated grease cleaning polymers, clay soil cleaning polymers, soil suspending polymers and mixtures thereof. The polymers providing care benefits includes care polymers, dye-transfer inhibiting polymer and mixtures thereof.

[0139] Suitable carboxylate polymer includes polymers such as a maleate / acrylate random copolymer or polyacrylate homopolymer. Suitable carboxylate polymers includes polyacrylate homopolymers having a molecular weight of from 4,000 Da to 9,000 Da; maleate / acrylate random copolymers having a molecular weight of from 30,000 Da to 100,000 Da, or from 50,000 Da to 100,000 Da, or from 60,000 Da to 80,000 Da.

[0140] Also suitable are homopolymer or copolymeric carboxylic acids, such as polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polymaleic acid, copolymers of acrylic acid or Methacrylic acid with maleic acid and maleic acid with vinyl methyl ether, these polymeric acids being present as free acids or preferably as sodium salts. Preferred representatives of this group are sodium polyacrylate and sodium salts of acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymers having a weight ratio of acrylic acid: maleic acid of 10: 1 to 1 :1 , preferably 7: 1 to 2: 1. These compounds generally have molecular weights of 3,000 to 150,000, preferably 5,000 to 100,000.

[0141] Soil release polymers are designed to modify the surface of the fabric to facilitate the ease of removal of soil. Typically soil release polymers are based on or derivatives of polyethylene glycol / vinyl acetate copolymers or polyethylene glycol terephthalate polyesters and combinations thereof. Preferred soil release polymer includes polymers of aromatic dicarboxylic acids and alkylene glycols (including polymers containing polyalkylene glycols), as described in WO2009 / 153184, EP2692842 and W02014 / 019903. Suitable soil release polymers are sold by Clariant under the TexCare® series of polymers, e.g., TexCare® SRN240, TexCare® SRN100, TexCare® SRN170, TexCare® SRN300, TexCare® SRN325, TexCare® SRA100 and TexCare® SRA300. Other suitable soil release polymers are sold by Rhodia under the Repel-o- Tex® series of polymers, e.g., Repel-o-Tex® SF2, Repel-o-Tex® SRP6 and Repel-o-Tex® Crystal. A preferred polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyester soil release polymer, both end-capped and non-end-capped sulphonated PET / POET polymers, both endcapped and non-end-capped unsulphonated PET / POET polymers or combinations thereof.

[0142] Preferably the levels of these soil release polymer in the solid laundry detergent composition ranges from 3 wt.% to 15wt.%, preferably at least 5 wt%, still preferably at least 6wt%, still preferably at least 6.5wt%, most preferably at least 7wt%, but typically not more than 14wt%, still preferably not more than 13wt%, most preferably not more than 12wt%.

[0143] Anti-redeposition polymers are designed to suspend or disperse soil. Typically, antiredeposition polymers are polyethylene glycol polymers, polycarboxylate polymers, polyethyleneimine polymers or mixtures thereof. Such polymers are available from BASF under the trade name Sokalan®CP5 (neutralised form) and Sokalan®CP45 (acidic form). Suitable antiredeposition polymers are ethoxylated and or propoxylated polyethylene imine or polycarboxylate materials, for example, acrylic acid-based homo or copolymers available under the trademark ACLISOL from Dow Chemical, Alcosperse from Akzonobel or Sokalan from BASF.

[0144] Preferably the composition comprises a biodegradable antiredeposition agent which is selected from the group consisting of cellulase, substituted polysaccharide and mixtures thereof. Preferably the substituted polysaccharide has a functional group present on the polysaccharide backbone and wherein said functional group is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, carboxyalkyl, carboxylic acid, alkoxy or salts thereof.

[0145] Copolymer acrylic acid and maleic acid or salt thereof:

[0146] According to the first aspect of the present invention the solid laundry detergent composition preferably includes a copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid or salt thereof wherein the copolymer comprises a weight ratio of acrylic acid segment to the maleic acid segment ranging from 1 : 1 to 1 :9. More preferably the weight ratio of acrylic acid segment to the maleic acid segment ranges from 1 :1.5 to 1:9, still more preferably from 1 :2 to 1:9, furthermore preferably from 1:2.5 to 1:9, still further preferably from 1:3 to 1 :9, still furthermore preferably from 1:3.5 to 1:9 and also preferred are ranges from 1 :4 to 1:8, more preferably from 1 :5 to 1:8, also preferably from 1 :6 to 1:8. The copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid has a weight average molecular weight ranging from 1000 to 100,000, more preferably from 1000 to 75000, more preferably 1000 to 65000, still more preferably from 1000 to 60000, still more preferably from 1500 to 60000, still more preferably from 2000 to 60000, still more preferably from 2000 to 30000, more preferably from 2000 to 25000.

[0147] It is highly preferred that the copolymer has a weight average molecular weight in the range from 1000 to 25000 and a weight ratio of acrylic acid segment to the maleic acid segment from 1 :1 to 1:9, still preferably from a weight average molecular weight in the range from 2000 to 25000 and a weight ratio of acrylic acid segment to the maleic acid segment from 1 :1 to 1:9 and still further preferably where the weight average molecular weight in the range from 1000 to 5000 and a weight ratio of acrylic acid segment to the maleic acid segment from 1 : 1 to 1 :9.

[0148] Also preferred are the copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid or salt thereof wherein the copolymer comprises a weight ratio of acrylic acid segment to the maleic acid segment ranging from 9: 1 to 1 : 1. More preferably the weight ratio of acrylic acid segment to the maleic acid segment ranges from 9:1 to 8:2, still more preferably from 9:1 to 7:3, also preferably from 9:1 to 6:4.

[0149] Water-soluble salts of the copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid are also suitable for the present invention. The salts include those selected from non-limiting examples selected from alkali metal, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts.

[0150] Preferably the amount of copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid in the solid laundry detergent composition ranges from 0.05 wt.% to 2 wt.%, more preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 0.5 wt.% still preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 0.3 wt.%, further preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 0.2 wt.%. Preferably the is amount of copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid in the solid laundry detergent composition is not less than 0.06 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.07 wt.%, more preferably not less than 0.08 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 0.09 wt.%, but typically not more than 0.45 wt.%, preferably not more than 0.3 wt.% or still preferably not more than 0.25 wt.%.

[0151] Suitable care polymers include cellulosic polymers that are cationically modified or hydrophobically modified. Such modified cellulosic polymers can provide anti- abrasion benefits and dye lock benefits to fabric during the laundering cycle. Suitable cellulosic polymers include cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose. Other suitable care polymers include dye lock polymers, for example the condensation oligomer produced by the condensation of imidazole and epichlorhydrin, preferably in ratio of 1 :4:1. A suitable commercially available dye lock polymer is Polyquart® FDI (Cognis). Other suitable care polymers include amino-silicone, which can provide fabric feel benefits and fabric shape retention benefits. Preferably the solid detergent composition includes care polymer in amounts ranging from 0.01 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 0.5 wt.% by weight of the composition.

[0152] Suitable cellulosic polymers are selected from alkyl cellulose, alkyl alkoxyalkyl cellulose, carboxyalkyl cellulose, alkyl carboxyalkyl cellulose, sulphoalkyl cellulose, more preferably selected from carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl carboxymethyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof. Suitable carboxymethyl celluloses have a degree of carboxymethyl substitution from 0.5 to 0.9 and a molecular weight from 100,000 Da to 300,000 Da. Suitable carboxymethyl celluloses have a degree of substitution greater than 0.65 and a degree of blockiness greater than 0.45, e.g., as described in WO09 / 154933.

[0153] Examples of suitable sequestering polymers are DEQUEST™, organic phosphonate type sequestering polymers sold by Monsanto and alkanehydroxy phosphonates.

[0154] The cleaning composition is preferably substantially free of phosphate based sequestering polymers. By substantially free, it is meant herein that no phosphate based sequestering polymers is deliberately added.

[0155] Preferably the solid laundry composition comprises phosphorous containing chemicals in an amount ranging from 0 wt.% to 2 wt.%, preferably the phosphorous containing chemicals is selected from the group consisting of STPP, HEDP or mixtures thereof.

[0156] Enzymes:

[0157] The solid laundry detergent composition of the present invention preferably includes one or more enzymes. Preferred examples of the enzymes include those which provide cleaning performance and / or fabric care benefits.

[0158] Examples of suitable enzymes include, but are not limited to, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, cellulases, xylanases, lipases, xyloglucanase, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, pectinases, mannanases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, G-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase, and amylases, or mixtures thereof. A typical combination is an enzyme cocktail that may comprise, for example, a protease and lipase in conjunction with one or more of amylase, mannanase and cellulase. When present in a detergent composition, the aforementioned additional enzymes may be present at levels from about 0.00001% to about 2%, from about 0.0001% to about 1% or from 0.001% to about 0.5% enzyme protein by weight of the detergent composition.

[0159] In one aspect preferred enzymes would include a protease. Suitable proteases include metalloproteases and serine proteases, including neutral or alkaline serine proteases, such as subtilisins (EC 3.4.21.62). Suitable commercially available protease enzymes include those sold under the trade names Alcalase®, Savinase®, Primase®, Durazym®, Polarzyme®, Kannase®, Liquanase®, Liquanase Ultra®, Savinase Ultra®, Ovozyme®, Neutrase®, Everlase® and Esperase® by Novozymes A / S (Denmark), those sold under the tradename Maxatase®, Maxaca®l, Maxapem®, Properase®, Purafect®, Purafect Prime®, Purafect Ox®, FN3®, FN4®, 10 Excellase® and Purafect OXP® by Genencor International, those sold under the tradename Opticlean® and Optimase by Solvay Enzymes.

[0160] Suitable commercially available alpha-amylases include DURAMYL®, LIQUEZYME®, TERMAMYL®, TERMAMYL ULTRA®, NATALASE®, SUPRAMYL®, STAINZYME®, STAINZYME PLUS®, FUNGAMYL® and BAN® (Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), KEMZYM® AT 9000 Biozym Biotech Trading GmbH Wehlistrasse 27b A-1200 Wien Austria, RAPIDASE®, PURASTAR®, ENZYSIZE®, OPTISIZE HT PLUS®, POWERASE® and PURASTAR OXAM® (Genencor International Inc., Palo Alto, California) and KAM® (Kao, 14-10 Suitable amylases include NATALASE®, STAINZYME and STAINZYME PLUS® and mixtures thereof.

[0161] Preferred lipases would include those sold under the tradenames Lipex® and Lipolex®.

[0162] Suitable endoglucanases are sold under the tradenames Celluclean® and Whitezyme® (Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark).

[0163] Preferably the enzyme is a cellulase enzyme. The term cellulase refers to an enzyme that hydrolzes a cellulosic material. Such enzymes include those selected from endoglucanase (e.g., EC 3.2.1.4), cellobiohydrolase, beta-glucosidase, or combinations thereof. The cellulase may for example be a mono-component or a mixture of endo-1,4-beta-glucanase also referred to as endoglucanase. Commercially available cellulases include Carezyme®, Carezyme® Premium, Celluzyme®, Celluclean®, Celluclast®, Endolase®, Renozyme®; Whitezyme® Celluclean® Classic, Cellusoft® (Novozymes A / S), Puradax®, Puradax HA, and Puradax EG (available from Genencor International Inc.) and KAC-500(B)™ (Kao Corporation). The cellulase enzyme is preferably formulated in a solid form, preferably a granular form or it may be in encapsulated form.

[0164] Other preferred enzymes include pectate lyases sold under the tradenames Pectawash®, Pectaway®, Xpect® and mannanases sold under the tradenames Mannaway® (all from Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), and Purabrite® (Genencor International Inc., Palo Alto, California).

[0165] Preferably the enzyme may be formulated as a granule, preferably a co-granule which combines one or more additional enzymes. Methods for producing multi-enzyme co-granulate for the detergent industry are known to a person skilled in the art. Another example of cellulase enzymes in the form of co-granulates are disclosed in WO 2013 / 188331 A1.

[0166] Also preferred are the enzyme in the form of a granule having a core comprising enzyme and surrounded by one or more coating layers. The coating layers provide improved storage stability, reduce dust formation, or improve the color or appearance of the granule. The coating layers may include a salt, polyethylene glycol (PEG), methyl hydroxy propyl cellulose (MHPC), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).

[0167] The enzyme may also be formulated in an encapsulate form. The enzyme may be encapsulated in a matrix, preferably a water-soluble or water dispersible matrix (e.g., water-soluble polymer particles), for example as described in WO 2016 / 023685. An example of a water-soluble polymeric matrix is a matrix composition comprising polyvinyl alcohol.

[0168] The enzyme may also be encapsulated in core-shell microcapsules, for example as described in WO 2015 / 144784. Such core-shell capsules can be prepared using a number of technologies known in the art, e.g., by interfacial polymerization using either a water-in-oil or an oil-in-water emulsion, where polymers are crosslinked at the surface of the droplets in the emulsion (the interface between water and oil), thus forming a wall / membrane around each droplet / capsule.

[0169] Preferably the enzyme may also be present as a multienzyme co-granule which includes one or more additional preferred enzyme selected from the group consisting of lipases, peroxidases, laccases, first-wash lipases, proteases, mannanase, oxidases, amylase, and mixtures thereof. Enzyme stabilizing system:

[0170] The enzyme-containing compositions described herein may optionally comprise from 0.001 % to 10%, in some examples from about 0.005% to about 8%, and in other examples, from about 0.01 % to about 6%, by weight of the composition, of an enzyme stabilizing system. The enzyme stabilizing system can be any stabilizing system which is compatible with the detersive enzyme. Such a system may be inherently provided by other formulation actives, or be added separately, e.g., by the formulator or by a manufacturer of detergent-ready enzymes. Such stabilizing systems can, for example, comprise calcium ion, boric acid, propylene glycol, short chain carboxylic acids, boronic acids, chlorine bleach scavengers and mixtures thereof, and are designed to address different stabilization problems depending on the type and physical form of the cleaning composition. In the case of detergent compositions comprising protease, a reversible protease inhibitor, such as a boron compound, including borate, 4-formyl phenylboronic acid, phenylboronic acid and derivatives thereof, or compounds such as calcium formate, sodium formate and 1 ,2-propane diol may be added to further improve stability.

[0171] Brightening agents:

[0172] Optical brighteners or other brightening or whitening agents may be incorporated at levels from 0.01 % to 1.2%, by weight of the composition. Commercial brighteners suitable for the present invention can be classified into subgroups, including but not limited to: derivatives of stilbene, pyrazoline, coumarin, benzoxazoles, carboxylic acid, methinecyanines, dibenzothiophene-5, 5- dioxide, azoles, 5- and 6-membered-ring heterocycles, and other miscellaneous agents. Preferred commercially available Brighteners includes Tinopal AMS-GX by Ciba Geigy Corporation, Tinopal UNPA-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Tinopal 5BM-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation. The brighteners may be added in particulate form or as a premix with a suitable solvent, for example nonionic surfactant, monoethanolamine, propane diol.

[0173] Fabric hueing agents:

[0174] The composition may comprise a fabric hueing agent (sometimes referred to as shading, bluing or whitening agents). Typically, the hueing agent provides a blue or violet shade to fabric. Hueing agents can be used either alone or in combination to create a specific shade of hueing and / or to shade different fabric types. This may be provided for example by mixing a red and green-blue dye to yield a blue or violet shade. Hueing agents may be selected from any known chemical class of dye, including but not limited to acridine, anthraquinone (including polycyclic quinones), azine, azo (e.g., monoazo, disazo, trisazo, tetrakisazo, polyazo), including 30 premetallized azo, benzodifurane and benzodifuranone, carotenoid, coumarin, cyanine, diazahemicyanine, diphenylmethane, formazan, hemicyanine, indigoids, methane, naphthalimides, naphthoquinone, nitro and nitroso, oxazine, phthalocyanine, pyrazoles, stilbene, styryl, triarylmethane, triphenylmethane, xanthenes and mixtures thereof. Suitable fabric hueing agents include dyes, dye-clay conjugates, and organic and inorganic pigments.

[0175] Preferably the composition comprises a non-biodegradable whitening agent selected from the group consisting of 0.01 to 0.4 wt.% optical brightener, 0.0005 wt.% to 0.005 wt.% shading dye, a mixture of 0.01 wt.% to 0.4 wt.% optical brightener and 0 to 0.005 wt.% shading dye, a pigment, and combinations thereof.

[0176] Bleach and bleach activator:

[0177] The solid laundry detergent composition preferably includes a bleach system having a bleach and bleach activator. Highly preferably, the composition is substantially free of pre-formed peracid. The composition may preferably include (a) from 1 wt.% to 20 wt.% sodium percarbonate; (b) from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.% bleach activator; and (c) from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.% chelant. The bleach activator may comprise sodium tetraacetylethylenediamine, and wherein the composition may comprise from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.% sodium tetraacetylethylenediamine. The chelant may comprise sodium salt of methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), and wherein the composition may comprise from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.% sodium salt of methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA). The chelant may comprise ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS), and wherein the composition may comprise from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.% ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS). The chelant may comprise disodium 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzenedisulfonate, and wherein the composition may comprise from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.% disodium 4,5-dihydroxy-1 ,3- benzene disulfonate.

[0178] Clay:

[0179] Preferably the solid laundry composition comprises a clay, preferably the clay serves as a fabric softening agent. Preferably the clay is a smectite clay. Preferred smectite clay are beidellite clays, hectorite clays, laponite clays, montmorillonite clays, volchonskoite clays, nontonite clays, saponite clays, sauconite clays and mixtures thereof.

[0180] Preferably the smectite clay is a dioctahedral smectite clay, more preferably a montmorillonite clay. Dioctrahedral smectite clays typically have one of the following two general formulae:

[0181] NaxAl2.xMgxSi40io(OH)2 . Formula (ld)

[0182] CaxAI2.xMgxSi40io(OH)2Formula (lld) where x is a number from 0.1 to 0.5, preferably from 0.2 to 0.4. Smectite clays, and more specifically montmorillonite clays, are preferred because of their desirable swelling and dispersing properties, which leads to a good fabric-softening profile.

[0183] Preferred light coloured crystalline clay minerals are china clays, halloysite clays, dioctahedral clays such as kaolinite, trioctahedral clays such as antigorite and amesite, smectite and honnite clays such as bentonite (montmorillonite), beidilite, nontronite, hectorite, attapulgite, pimelite, mica, muscovite and venniculite clays, as well as pyrophyllite / talc, willemseite and minnesotaite clays. Preferred light coloured crystalline clay minerals are described in GB2357523A and WO0 1 / 44425.

[0184] More preferably the clay is selected from the group consisting of kaolinite, smectite, bentonite (montmorillonite) and mixtures thereof. The clay preferably has a weight average particle size ranging from 180 micrometers to 1400 micrometres. In the detergent composition according to the present invention, the clay is preferably present in an amount from 2 wt.% to 20 wt.%, preferably from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 2 wt.% to 5 wt.%.

[0185] Silicone:

[0186] Preferably the solid laundry composition comprises a silicone. Preferably the silicone in the composition provides fabric softening benefits. The silicone is preferably modified. The silicone may preferably impart a softening benefit on the fabric during the wash.

[0187] The silicone includes but is not limited to 1) non-functionalized silicones such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or alkyl (or alkoxy) functional silicones 2) functionalized silicones or copolymers with one or more different types of functional groups such as amino, phenyl, polyether, acrylate, silicon hydride, carboxylic acid, quaternized nitrogen, etc.

[0188] When the silicone is in the form of a silicone emulsion, then preferably the particle size is in the range from about 1 nm to 100 microns and preferably from about 10 nm to about 10 microns including microemulsions (< 150 nm), standard emulsions (about 200 nm to about 500 nm) and macroemulsions (about 1 micron to about 20 microns).

[0189] Preferred silicones are selected from polydialkylsiloxane, especially polydimethylsiloxane; amino functionalized silicone; and anionic silicones, especially carboxyl functionalized silicone. Preferably the silicone is a polydimethylsiloxane.

[0190] The polydimethylsiloxane has the general formula: Formula II Id wherein, each Ri and R2 are methyl; and x is a number, typically a number greater than 50.

[0191] The polydimethylsiloxane typically has a viscosity of from 5,000cP to 1 ,000,000cP, or from 10,000cP to 1,000,000cP, or from 10,000cP to 600,000cP, more preferably from 50,000cP to 400,000cP when measured at a shear rate of 20s-1and at ambient conditions (20°C and 1 atmosphere). Polydimethylsiloxanes having these preferred viscosities have an optimum deposition on fabric to provide a good fabric-softening benefit. The viscosity is typically measured using a Brookfield Viscometer at 25°C according to the method ASTM D 2983.

[0192] A preferred form of the polydimethylsiloxane is in a pre-emulsified form. Typically, the emulsion has a volume average primary droplet size of from 0.1 micrometers to 5,000 micrometers, preferably from 0.1 micrometers to 50 micrometers, and most preferably from 0.1 micrometers to 5 micrometers. The volume average primary particle size is typically measured using a Coulter Multisizer™ or by the method described in more detail below. Typically, the polydimethylsiloxane has a weight average molecular weight of greater than 3,700Da.

[0193] Preferably the detergent composition according to the present invention includes a silicone at a level which provides fabric softening benefits, more preferably at a level ranging from 0.1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0.5 wt.% to 3 wt.%.

[0194] Cationic polymer:

[0195] Preferably the solid laundry composition includes a cationic polymer. The weight-average molecular weight of the cationic polymer may be from about 500 to about 5,000,000, or from about 1,000 to about 2,000,000, or from about 5000 to about 1,000,000 Daltons, as determined by size exclusion chromatography relative to polyethylene oxide standards with RI detection. In one aspect, the weight-average molecular weight of the cationic polymer may be from about 100,000 to about 800,000 Daltons.

[0196] Preferably the cationic polymer is a cationic polysaccharide. Preferred example of cationic polysaccharide is a cationic cellulose derivative. Preferably a quaternary ammonium salt of modified cellulose, still preferably the cationic polymer is a quaternary ammonium salt of hydroxy cellulose. An example of this polymer is polyquaternium-10, marketed under the brand name LICARE™ Polymer, for example type JR-400 and LR-400 (supplied by Amerchol Corporation).

[0197] The cationic polymer can be provided in a powder form. The cationic polymer can be provided in an anhydrous state. It may be preferred to provide the cationic polymer in a co-granule form. Preferably the co-granule comprises a binder, in addition to the cationic polymer. More preferably the co-granule also comprises either an organic or an inorganic salt. Preferred binder materials are polyethylene glycol, soaps, and fatty acids. A preferred organic salt is sodium citrate, and a preferred inorganic salt is sodium sulphate.

[0198] More preferably the cationic polysaccharide may be used in combination with neutralized soap to improve the fabric softening benefits. Water-soluble salts of the higher fatty acids (i.e., “soaps”) containing from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms and preferably from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms are useful, still preferred are those with 10 to 12 carbon atoms, and those with 16 to 18 carbon atoms. The soaps are either sodium, potassium, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts of higher fatty acids.

[0199] Dissolution agent:

[0200] Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition includes a dissolution ingredient. Preferably the dissolution ingredient improves the dissolution rate of the composition when added to water. The dissolution agent is preferably a hydrotrope, organic acids, organic salts, and mixtures thereof.

[0201] Foam suppressing agent:

[0202] The solid laundry detergent composition may optionally include a foam suppressing agent selected from the group consisting of silicone compound, amino silicone compound, diester compound, a glycerol derivative, and mixtures thereof.

[0203] Preferably the solid detergent composition may include a layering agent. Preferably the levels of the layering agent range from 0 wt.% to 12 wt.%, more preferably from 0 wt.% to 8 wt.%. Preferred layering agent includes zeolite, calcite, and mixtures thereof. Fillers:

[0204] Optionally the solid laundry detergent composition includes fillers such as sodium sulphate, sodium chloride, calcite, dolomite, or mixtures thereof. Preferably the filler is selected from sodium sulphate, sodium chloride and mixtures thereof.

[0205] Carbonate salt:

[0206] The carbonate salt is preferably an alkali metal carbonate, alkaline earth metal carbonate or mixtures thereof. Preferred alkali carbonates are sodium and / or potassium carbonate of which sodium carbonate is particularly preferred. It is further preferred that sodium carbonate makes up at least 75 wt.%, more preferably at least 85 wt.% and even more preferably at least 90 wt.% of the total weight of the carbonate salt. The detergent composition of the present invention includes from 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% carbonate salt. Preferably the detergent composition comprises from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% carbonate salt based on the weight of the detergent composition. Preferably the composition of the present invention is substantially free of carbonate salt. Preferably the composition of the present invention has 0 wt.% sodium carbonate. By substantially free it is meant that there is no deliberately added carbonate salt in the composition.

[0207] Non-carbonate builder:

[0208] In addition to the carbonate salt the detergent composition of the present invention may preferably include a further non-carbonate builder. The preferred inorganic non-carbonate builders may be selected from the group consisting of silicates, silica, zeolites, phosphates, or mixtures thereof. Suitable silicates include the water-soluble sodium silicates with an SiO2: Na2O ratio of from 1.0 to 2.8, with ratios of from 1.6 to 2.4 being preferred, and 2.0 ratio being most preferred. The silicates may be in the form of either the anhydrous salt or a hydrated salt. Sodium silicate with an SiO2: Na2O ratio of 2.0 is the most preferred silicate. Silicates are preferably present in the detergent composition in accord with the invention at a level from 0 wt.% to 5 wt.% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% in the detergent composition. Preferably the composition may comprise from 0 wt.% to 2 wt.% sodium silicate. Preferably the composition may comprise from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% phosphate builder. Preferably the composition may comprise from 0 wt.% to 12 wt.% zeolite builder, 0 wt.% to 8 wt.% zeolite builder, more preferably from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% zeolite builder.

[0209] The composition of the present invention preferably includes from 0 wt.% to 8 wt.%, still preferably from 0 wt.% to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0 wt.% to 1 wt.% of an inorganic non- carbonate builder selected from silica, zeolites, phosphate, or mixtures thereof. Preferably the composition of the present invention is substantially free of silicate salt, zeolite salt and phosphate builder. By substantially free it is meant that there is no deliberately added carbonate salt in the composition.

[0210] The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably has from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% phosphate builder. Preferably the amount of phosphate builder is less than 3 wt.%, still preferably less than 2 wt.%, more preferably less than 1 wt.% by weight in the detergent composition and most preferably the detergent composition is substantially free of phosphate builder.

[0211] The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably includes from 0 wt.% to 6 wt.% bicarbonate salt, preferably sodium bicarbonate. Preferably the amount of bicarbonate salt is less than 5 wt.%, still preferably less than 2 wt.%, more preferably less than 1 wt.% by weight in the detergent composition and most preferably the detergent composition is substantially free of bicarbonate salt. Preferably the bicarbonate salt is sodium bicarbonate.

[0212] The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably has from 0 wt.% to 12 wt.% zeolite builder, more preferably 0 wt.% to 8 wt.% zeolite builder. Preferably the amount of zeolite builder is less than 5 wt.%, still preferably less than 3 wt.%, more preferably less than 2 wt.% by weight in the detergent composition and most preferably the detergent composition is substantially free of zeolite builder.

[0213] The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably has from 0 wt.% to 5 wt.% alkali metal silicate, more preferably 0 wt.% to 3 wt.% alkali metal silicate. Preferably the amount of alkali metal silicate is less than 5 wt.%, still preferably less than 3 wt.%, more preferably less than 2 wt.% by weight in the detergent composition and most preferably the detergent composition is substantially free of alkali metal silicate.

[0214] The term “substantially free” means that the indicated component is at the very minimum, not deliberately added to the composition to form part of it, or, more typically, is not present at analytically detectable levels. It is meant to include compositions whereby the indicated material is present only as an impurity in one of the other materials deliberately included. Moisture:

[0215] Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition includes from 1 wt.% to 3.5 wt.% moisture. Preferably the amount of moisture content present in the solid laundry detergent composition is not less than 2 wt.%, still preferably not less than 2.25 wt.%, more preferably not less than 2.5 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 2.75 wt.%, but typically not more than 3.5 wt.%, preferably not more than 3.25 wt.% or still preferably not more than 3.0 wt.%.

[0216] Fragrance:

[0217] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the solid laundry detergent composition includes a fragrance. Preferably the composition includes a free fragrance, encapsulated fragrance or combination of free fragrance and encapsulated fragrance. Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition has a free fragrance in an amount ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 3 wt.% and furthermore preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 1 wt.%. Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition has a encapsulated fragrance in an amount ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 3 wt.% and furthermore preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 1 wt.%.

[0218] Free Fragrance. By free fragrance is meant fragrance which is not encapsulated as part of a delayed or controlled release mechanism.

[0219] Preferably the free fragrance comprises ester fragrance component having the structure where Ri and R2 are independently selected from Ci to C30 linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, aromatic, or non-aromatic, saturated or unsaturated, substituted, or unsubstituted alkyl group.

[0220] Preferably the free fragrance comprises 2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol, also known as dihydromyrcenol (DHM). DHM is a preferred fragrance component and is sensitive to the formulation chassis in any composition comprising it. The dihydromyrcenol is present from 1 wt.% to 40 wt.%, more preferably from 10 wt.% to 35 wt.% of the total free fragrance present in the solid laundry composition. Preferably, the free fragrance comprises octahydro tetramethyl acetophenone (OTNE). Preferably the OTNE is preferably present at from 1 wt.% to 40 wt.%, more preferably from 10 wt.% to 35 wt.% of the total free fragrance present in the solid laundry composition. Preferably, the OTNE comprises octahydro-2', 3', 8', 8'-tetramethyl-(2')-acetonaphthone and / or octahydro-2', 3', 8', 8'-tetramethyl-(3')-acetonaphthone. OTNE is the abbreviation for the fragrance material with CAS numbers 68155-66-8, 54464-57-2 and 68155-67-9 and EC List number 915- 730-3. Preferably the OTNE is present as a multi-constituent isomer mixture containing: (i) 1- (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthyl)ethan-1-one (CAS 54464-57-2); (ii) 1-(1,2,3,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthyl)ethan-1-one (CAS 68155-66-8) (iii) 1-(1,2,3,4,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthyl)ethan-1-one (CAS 68155-67-9). More particularly, the free fragrance is an amber-like fragrance composition for use in perfumery composed of octahydro-2', 3', 8', 8'-tetramethyl-(2' or 3')-acetonaphthones in which a majority of said acetonaphthones contains the double bond in the 9'- 10' position.

[0221] Such OTNE and its method for manufacture is described fully in US3907321 (IFF).

[0222] Typically, commercially available fragrance raw materials comprise from 1 to 8% wt. of the fragrance raw material OTNE. Preferably, the detergent composition comprises 0.01 wt.% to 1 wt.%, preferably from 0.01 wt.% to 0.2% wt. of the composition OTNE as described above. More preferably, from 0.07 to 0.15% wt. of the composition OTNE.

[0223] Preferably, the free fragrance comprises verdyl acetate. The verdyl acetate is present at from 1 to 20% wt. of the total free fragrance present in the solid laundry composition.

[0224] Also preferably, the free fragrance is selected from the benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX) feedstock class. More preferably, the fragrance component is selected from 2-phenyl ethanol, phenoxanol and mixtures thereof.

[0225] Also preferably, the free fragrance is selected from the cyclododecanone feedstock class. More preferably, the fragrance component is habolonolide.

[0226] Preferably, the free fragrance is selected from the phenolics feedstock class. More preferably, the fragrance component is hexyl salicylate.

[0227] Preferably, the free fragrance is selected from the C5 blocks or oxygen containing heterocycle moiety feedstock class. More preferably, the fragrance component is selected from gamma decalactone, methyl dihydrojasmonate and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the free fragrance is selected from the terpene feedstock class. More preferably, the fragrance component is selected from dihydromycernol, linalool, terpinolene, camphor, citronellol and mixtures thereof.

[0228] Preferably, the fragrance comprises a fragrance component selected from the alkyl alcohols feedstock class. More preferably, the fragrance component is ethyl-2-methylbutyrate.

[0229] Preferably, the fragrance comprises a fragrance component selected from the diacids feedstock class. More preferably, the fragrance component is ethylene brassylate.

[0230] Preferably the free fragrance may include one or more free fragrance in the composition. Preferably the fragrance comprises a first free fragrance selected from aldehydes and a second free fragrance selected from linalool, tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, citronellol, a-terpinyl acetate, and mixtures thereof.

[0231] Preferably tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate is selected from 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate and 2-tert- butylcyclohexyl acetate (Verdox™).

[0232] Preferably, the aldehyde is selected from Cs to C14 linear and branched aldehydes, more preferably Cs to C12 linear and branched aldehydes, most preferably octanal, decanal, undecanal, and 2-methylundecanal. Preferably the carbon chains are saturated.

[0233] It is also preferred that the free fragrance is selected from those having a functional group selected from aldehyde, carboxylic acid, and mixtures thereof. The aldehyde may be aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, araliphatic and mixtures thereof. The term aldehyde in the context of the free fragrance also includes the corresponding acetals, ester, and lactones. The esters include the aliphatic carboxylic acid esters, esters of cyclic alcohols, esters of cycloaliphatic carboxylic acids, aromatic and araliphatic carboxylic acid esters.

[0234] Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance ethyl-2-methyl valerate (manzanate).

[0235] Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15 wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance limonene. Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance (4Z)-cyclopentadec-4-en-1-one. Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance dimethyl benzyl carbonate acetate. Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance dihyromyrcenol. Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance rose oxide. Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance verdyl acetate. Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance benzyl acetate. Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance spiro[1 ,3-dioxolane-2,5'-(4',4',8',8'-tetramethyl-hexahydro-3',9'- methanonaphthalene)]. Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance geraniol. Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance methyl nonyl acetaldehyde. Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance cyclamal. Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance beta ionone. Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance hexyl salicylate. Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance tonalid. Preferably, the fragrance comprises from 0.5 to 30% wt., more preferably from 2 to 15wt.% and especially preferably from 6 to 10% wt. of the fragrance phenafleur. Preferably, the fragrance component listed above is present in the final detergent composition at from 0.0001 to 1 % by wt. of the composition. Preferably, the detergent composition comprises limonene, preferably present at from 1 to 40% wt., more preferably from 2 to 10% wt. of the total free fragrance present in the detergent composition. Most preferably when limonene is present verdox™ and / or rose oxide is also present, preferably at 0.1 wt.% to 10 wt.% of the fragrance.

[0236] The free fragrance may preferably be a fragrance oil. The fragrance oil is preferably selected from the group of extracts from natural raw materials, such as essential oils, concentrates, absolutes, resins, resinoids, balsams, tinctures, and mixtures thereof.

[0237] Encapsulated fragrance Preferably the composition includes an encapsulated fragrance.

[0238] Typically, the encapsulated fragrance comprises 10 wt.% to 98 wt.% core material comprising fragrance, 1 wt.% to 40 wt.% wall material and optionally 0.2 wt.% to 6 wt.% crosslinking agent. Preferably the encapsulated fragrance has at least one fragrance encapsulated in an aminealdehyde resin. More preferably the amine-aldehyde resin is melamine-formaldehyde. The amine-aldehyde resin may be crosslinked with known crosslinking agents, including but not limited to gelatine. It is also preferred that the encapsulated fragrance has an encapsulation material which is an amine group-bearing polysiloxanes crosslinked by polyisocyanates. Another preferred approach is to have encapsulated fragrance with silicate walls derived from alkoxysilanes. The amine-aldehyde resin wall material may be preferably strengthened by inorganic materials such as oxides.

[0239] Preferably the encapsulated fragrance is a starch-based capsule.

[0240] Preferably the encapsulated fragrance is a microcapsule. Microcapsule are particles comprising a core and a wall material surrounding the core. The core may preferably be a solid, liquid or gaseous substance surrounded by a polymeric dense, permeable or semi-permeable wall material. Microencapsulation may be defined as the process of surrounding or enveloping one substance within another substance on a very small scale, yielding capsules ranging from less than one micron to several hundred microns in size. The material that is encapsulated may be called the core, the active ingredient or agent, fill, payload, nucleus, or internal phase. The material encapsulating the core may be referred to as the coating, membrane, shell, or wall material.

[0241] Microcapsules typically have at least one spherical continuous shell surrounding the core. The shell may contain pores, vacancies or generally interstitial openings depending on the materials and encapsulation techniques employed. Multiple shells may be made of the same or different encapsulating materials and may be arranged in strata of varying thicknesses around the core. Alternatively, the microcapsules may be asymmetrically and variably shaped with a quantity of smaller droplets of core material embedded throughout the microcapsule.

[0242] The shell may have a barrier function protecting the core material from the environment external to the microcapsule, but it may also act as a means of modulating the release of core materials such as fragrance. Thus, a shell may be water soluble or water swellable and fragrance release may be actuated in response to exposure of the microcapsules to a moist environment. Shell material may vary widely in their stability toward water (that is during laundry washing and laundry rinsing). Among the most stable are polyoxymethylene urea (PMU)-based materials. Such systems include but are not limited to urea- formaldehyde and / or melamine-formaldehyde Similarly, if a shell is temperature sensitive, a microcapsule might release fragrance in response to elevated temperatures. Microcapsules may also release fragrance in response to shear forces applied to the surface of the microcapsules.

[0243] Wall material or shell of the encapsulated fragrance may be selected from polyurethrane, polysiloxanes, polyurea, polyamide, polyimide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyanhydride, polyolefin, polysulfone, polysaccharide, protein, polylactide (PLA), polyglycolide (PGA), polyorthoester, polyphosphazene, silicone, lipid, modified cellulose, gums, polystyrene, and polyesters or combinations of these materials. Other polymeric wall materials that are functional are ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, styrene maleic anhydride copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, and lactide glycolide copolymer. The shell preferably comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene; polyamides; polystyrenes; polyisoprenes; polycarbonates; polyesters; polyacrylates; aminoplasts, in one aspect said aminoplast comprises a polyureas, polyurethane, and / or polyurea urethane, in one aspect said polyurea comprises polyoxymethyleneurea and / or melamine formaldehyde; polyvinylamine, polyvinyl formamide, polyolefins; polyvinyl alcohol, polysaccharides, in one aspect alginate and / or chitosan; gelatin; shellac; epoxy resins; vinyl polymers; water insoluble inorganics; silicone; and mixtures thereof.

[0244] Additionally, capsules can be made via the simple or complex coacervation of gelatin. Preferred encapsulating polymeric wall materials include those formed from urea-formaldehyde, melamine-formaldehyde, phenolic-formaldehyde, urea-glutaraldehyde, melamineglutaraldehyde, phenolic-glutaraldehyde, and combinations of these wall materials, polyurea (isocyanate-based), polyurethane, and combinations of these wall materials, acrylate-based hydrogels; polyurea / polyurethane-acrylic hybrid materials; polyamide and polyester-based materials; capsules produced using epoxy-based cross-linkers: silk fibroin microcapsule, and capsules based on silica and silica-derived materials which are typically produced using sol-gel processes.

[0245] A preferred type of microcapsule suitable for use in the invention is a polymeric core-shell microcapsule in which at least one generally spherical continuous shell of polymeric material surrounds a core containing the fragrance formulation. The shell will typically comprise at most 20% by weight based on the total weight of the microcapsule. The fragrance formulation will typically comprise from about 10 to about 60% and preferably from about 20 to about 40% by weight based on the total weight of the microcapsule. The amount of fragrance may be measured by taking a slurry of the microcapsules, extracting into ethanol, and measuring by liquid chromatography.

[0246] Microcapsules are formed by a variety of procedures that include, but are not limited to, coating, extrusion, spray-drying, interfacial, in-situ and matrix polymerization Polymeric core-shell microcapsules for use in the invention may be preferably prepared using methods known to those skilled in the art such as coacervation, interfacial polymerization, and polycondensation.

[0247] Coacervation may be simple e.g., using one colloid such as gelatin, or complex where two or possibly more colloids of opposite charge, such as gelatin and gum arabic or gelatin and carboxymethyl cellulose, are used under carefully controlled conditions of pH, temperature, and concentration. Interfacial polymerization typically proceeds with the formation of a fine dispersion of oil droplets (the oil droplets containing the core material) in an aqueous continuous phase. An example of a core-shell microcapsule produced by this method is a polyurea microcapsule with a shell formed by reaction of diisocyanates or polyisocyanates with diamines or polyamines. An example of a core-shell microcapsule produced by polycondensation is an aminoplast microcapsule with a shell formed from the polycondensation product of melamine (2,4,6-triamino-1 ,3,5-triazine) or urea with formaldehyde. Suitable crosslinking agents (e.g., toluene diisocyanate, divinyl benzene, butanediol diacrylate) may also be used and secondary wall polymers may also be used as appropriate, e.g., anhydrides and their derivatives, particularly polymers and co-polymers of maleic anhydride.

[0248] The microcapsules may simply be provided as microcapsules but preferably are provided in a microcapsule composition comprising microcapsules in a slurry. The microcapsules comprise a microcapsule core comprising a fragrance component and microcapsule wall encapsulating the core. The microcapsule wall comprises a wall polymer and preferably a crosslinking agent. Typically, the microcapsules comprise 10 wt.% to 98 wt.% fragrance, 1 wt.% to 20 wt.% wall polymer and optionally 0.2 wt.% to 6 wt.% crosslinking agent.

[0249] Bioencapsulated fragrance Preferably the encapsulated fragrance is bio(micro)encapsulated fragrance. Biopolymers that are derived from alginate, chitosan, collagen, dextran, gelatin, gum arabic, silk and starch can also be used as the encapsulating materials. The wall material or shell material of these microcapsules preferably includes biopolymers, more preferably the shell material comprises protein polymers, polysaccharide polymers and combinations thereof. The protein and / or polysaccharide may be treated by various processes to provide derivatives, including but not limited to hydrolysis, condensation, functionalizing such as ethoxylating, crosslinking, etc. The microcapsule wall materials are preferably in an aqueous solution. The microcapsule wall preferably comprises 20 wt.% to 100 wt.% protein, polysaccharide, or combinations thereof, more preferably 30 wt.% to 98 wt.%, more preferably 35 wt.% to 95 wt.%, and most preferably 65 wt.% to 90 wt.% by weight of the microcapsule wall.

[0250] The polypeptide may exhibit an average molecular weight of from 1,000 Da to 40,000,000 Da, preferably greater than 10,000 Da, more preferably, 100,000 Da, most preferably greater than 1,000,000 Da and preferably less than 3,000,000 Da. The protein used in the microcapsule can also be derivatized or modified (e.g., derivatized or chemically modified). For example, the protein can be modified by covalently attaching sugars, lipids, cofactors, peptides, or other chemical groups including phosphate, acetate, methyl, and other natural or unnatural molecule. Suitable proteins for use in this invention include whey proteins, plant proteins and gelatin. Particularly preferred proteins include proteins selected from chickpea, pea proteins, potato proteins, brown rice proteins, white rice proteins, wheat proteins, barley proteins, pumpkin seed proteins, oat proteins, almond proteins, and combinations thereof. This includes derivatives of the aforementioned proteins.

[0251] Preferably the shell material of the microcapsules is a polysaccharide polymer. “Polysaccharide” as used herein means a natural polysaccharide, polysaccharide derivative, and / or modified polysaccharide. Suitable polysaccharides maybe selected from the group consisting of fibers, starch, sugar alcohols, sugars, and mixtures thereof.

[0252] Examples of suitable fibers include: particular cellulose, cellulose derivatives such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, in particular quaternized hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), hemicelluloses, lichenin, chitin, chitosan, lignin, xanthan, plant fibers, in particular cereal fibers, potato fibers, apple fibers, citrus fibers, bamboo fibers, extracted sugar beet fibers; oat fibers and soluble dietary fibers, in particular inulin, especially native inulin, highly soluble inulin, granulated inulin, high performance inulin, pectin, alginates, agar, carrageenan, gum arabic (Senegal type, Seyal type), konjac gum, gellan gum, curdlan (paramylon), guar gum, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, raffinose, xylose, polydextrose and lactulose and combinations thereof. This includes derivatives of the aforementioned polysaccharides. Particularly preferred polysaccharides include gum Arabic, dextrins and maltodextrins are particularly preferred. The polysaccharide used in the microcapsule can also be derivatized or modified (e.g., derivatized or chemically modified). For example, the protein can be modified by covalently attaching sugars, lipids, cofactors, peptides, or other chemical groups including phosphate, acetate, methyl, and other natural or unnatural molecule. Examples of suitable polysaccharide derivatives include starch glycolate, carboxymethyl starch, hydroxyalkyl cellulose and cross-linked modified cellulose.

[0253] Polymeric microcapsules suitable for use in the invention will generally have an average particle size between 100 nanometers and 50 microns. Particles larger than this are entering the visible range. Examples of particles in the sub-micron range include latexes and mini-emulsions with a typical size range of 100 to 600 nanometers. The preferred particle size range is in the micron range. Examples of microcapsules in the micron range include polymeric core-shell microcapsules (such as those further described above) with a typical size range of 1 to 50 microns, preferably 5 to 30 microns. The average particle size can be determined by light scattering using a Malvern Mastersizer with the average 20 particle size being taken as the median particle size D (0.5) value. The particle size distribution can be narrow, broad, or multimodal. If necessary, the microcapsules as initially produced may be filtered or screened to produce a product of greater size uniformity. The microcapsule preferably comprises from 0.1 wt.% to 30 wt.% microcapsule wall, preferably 0.5 wt.% to 25 wt.%, more preferably 1 wt.% to 20 wt.% and 2 wt.% to 15 wt.% microcapsule wall by weight of the microcapsule.

[0254] Crosslinking agent The microcapsule wall polymers described herein are preferably crosslinked. Suitable methods of crosslinking include isocyanate crosslinking, salt bridge cross linking, carbonyl cross linking and internal crosslinking within the microcapsule wall polymer structures (including the formation of a coacervate). Examples of carbonyl crosslinking agent includes dialdehydes such as glutaric dialdehyde, succinic dialdehyde; bis(dimethyl) acetal, bis(diethyl) acetal, polymeric dialdehyde such as oxidized starch. Also preferred are low molecular weight difunctional aldehyde such as 1,3 propane dialdehyde, 1 ,4 butane dialdehyde, glyoxal, 1,5 pentane dialdehyde and 1,6 hexane dialdehyde. An alternative crosslink agent suitable for use in the present invention are ionic crosslinking agents. Ionic crosslinking agents are multivalent ions which are capable of forming salt bridges with the functional groups of the protein or polysaccharide polymers. Particularly preferred are calcium salts, magnesium, sodium, potassium, strontium, barium, zinc. Internal cross linking is cross linking between the microcapsule wall polymers, without the use of a crosslinking agent. The internal crosslinking maybe crosslinking with the same polymer (i.e., a polymer with both positive and negative charges) or between two different polymers forming the microcapsule wall. When two different polymers of opposite charges are utilized, this is referred to as a coacervate formed by coacervation. Preferably a coacervate is formed between a first protein or polysaccharide of one charge and a second protein or polysaccharide of an opposite charge. The ratio between polymer with a positive charge and polymer with a negative charge is preferably between 10 / 0.1 to 0.1 / 10, more preferably between 10 / 1 and 1 / 10 and most preferably between 6 / 1 and 1 / 6.

[0255] Fragrance core material: Fragrance components are well known in the art. Useful fragrance 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. Particularly preferred fragrance components are blooming fragrance components and substantive perfume components. Fragrance perfume components are defined by a boiling point less than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Preferably encapsulated fragrance compositions comprise at least 20 wt.% blooming fragrance ingredients, more preferably at least 30 wt.% and most preferably at least 40 wt.% blooming fragrance ingredients. Substantive fragrance components are defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Preferably encapsulated fragrance compositions comprise at least 10 wt.% substantive fragrance ingredients, more preferably at least 20 wt.% and most preferably at least 30 wt.% substantive fragrance ingredients. Boiling point is measured at standard pressure (760 mm Hg). Preferably a fragrance composition will comprise a mixture of blooming and substantive fragrance components. The fragrance composition may comprise other fragrance components.

[0256] It is commonplace for a plurality of fragrance components to be present in a microcapsule. 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 fragrance components in a microcapsule. An upper limit of 300 fragrance components may be applied.

[0257] Preferably the amount of encapsulated fragrance is from 5 wt.% to 95 wt.%, preferably 10 wt.% to 90 wt.% more preferably 15 wt.% to 85 wt.%, and most 20 wt.% to 80 wt.% by weight of the microcapsule.

[0258] Deposition aid: Polymeric microcapsules suitable for use in the invention may be provided with a deposition aid at the outer surface of the microcapsules. Deposition aids serve to modify the properties of the exterior of the microcapsule, for example to make the microcapsule more substantive to a desired substrate. Desired substrates include cellulosics (including cotton) and polyesters (including those employed in the manufacture of polyester fabrics). The deposition aid may suitably be provided at the outer surface of the microparticle by means of covalent bonding, entanglement, or strong adsorption. Examples include polymeric core-shell microcapsules (such as those further described above) in which a deposition aid is attached to the outside of the shell, preferably by means of covalent bonding. While it is preferred that the deposition aid is attached directly to the outside of the shell, it may also be attached via a linking species. Deposition aids for use in the invention will generally have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of from about 5 kDa to about 500 kDa, preferably from about 10 kDa to about 500 kDa and more preferably from about 20 kDa to about 300 kDa.

[0259] Deposition aids for use in the invention may suitably be selected from polysaccharides having an affinity for cellulose. Such polysaccharides may be naturally occurring or synthetic and may have an intrinsic affinity for cellulose or may have been derivatized or otherwise modified to have an affinity for cellulose. Suitable polysaccharides have a 1-4 linked (P glycan (generalized sugar) backbone structure with at least 4, and preferably at least backbone residues which are (P 1-4 linked, such as a glucan backbone (consisting of (P 1-4 linked glucose residues), a mannan backbone (consisting of p 1-4 linked mannose residues) or a xylan backbone (consisting of (P 1-4 linked xylose residues) Examples of such (P 1-4 linked polysaccharides include xyloglucans, glucomannans, mannans, galactomannans, (P (1-3), (1-4) glucan and the xylan family incorporating glucurono-, arabino- and glucuronoarabinoxylans. Preferred (P 1-4 linked polysaccharides for use in the invention may be selected from xyloglucans which has a p 1-4 linked glucan backbone with side chains of a-D xylopyranose and (P -D-galactopyranosyl- (1-2)- a -D-xylo-pyranose, both 1-6 linked to the backbone), and galactomannans such as locust bean gum (LBG) (which has a mannan backbone of p 1-4 linked mannose residues, with single unit 20 galactose side chains linked a1-6 to the backbone). Also suitable are polysaccharides which may gain an affinity for cellulose upon hydrolysis, such as cellulose mono-acetate; or modified polysaccharides with an affinity for cellulose such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl guar, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose, and methylcellulose.

[0260] Deposition aids for use in the invention may also be selected from phthalate containing polymers having an affinity for polyester. Such phthalate containing polymers may have one or more nonionic hydrophilic segments comprising oxyalkylene groups (such as oxyethylene, polyoxyethylene, oxypropylene or polyoxypropylene groups), and one or more hydrophobic segments comprising terephthalate groups. Typically, the oxyalkylene groups will have a degree of polymerization of from 1 to about 400, preferably from 100 to about 350, more preferably from 200 to about 300. A suitable example of a phthalate containing polymer of this type is a copolymer having random blocks of ethylene terephthalate and polyethylene oxide terephthalate. Preferably the deposition aid may be a deposition protein, e.g., a protein-silanol copolymer, a protein-silane copolymer, a protein-siloxane copolymer, or a cationically modified protein, is provided. More preferably, any deposition aid used is biodegradable according to the OECD Standard 301 F.

[0261] Mixtures of any of the above-described materials may also be suitable.

[0262] Preferably the encapsulated fragrance includes a capsule formation aid. The capsule formation aid improves the performance. The capsule formation aid may be a surfactant, dispersant, protective colloid, or emulsifier. The concentration of the capsule formation aid varies from 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.% by weight of the capsule composition.

[0263] The encapsulated fragrance may include a catalyst. A catalyst is added to induce the interfacial polymerization in the formation of the capsule wall. Preferred examples include metal carbonate, metal hydroxide, amino or organometallic compounds which includes sodium carbonate, cesium carbonate, potassium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, 1 ,4-diazabicyclo (2.2.2) octane (i.e., DABCO), N, N-dimethylaminoethanol, N, N-dimethylcyclohexylamine, bis-(2- dimethylaminoethyl) ether, N, N dimethylacetylamine, stannous octoate, and dibutyltin dilaurate.

[0264] One example of a particularly preferred polymeric core-shell microcapsule for use in the invention is an aminoplast microcapsule with a shell formed by the polycondensation of melamine with formaldehyde; surrounding a core containing the fragrance formulation; in which a deposition aid is preferably attached to the outside of the shell by means of covalent bonding. The preferred deposition aid is selected from 1-4 linked polysaccharides, and in particular the xyloglucans of plant origin, as are further described above.

[0265] The present inventors have surprisingly observed that it is possible to reduce the total level of fragrance included in the composition of the invention without sacrificing the overall fragrance experience delivered to the consumer at key stages in the laundry process when a combination of the spray-dried detergent particle and the fragrance according to the present invention are present in the solid laundry detergent composition. A reduction in the total level of fragrance is advantageous for cost and environmental reasons.

[0266] The microcapsules may be friable or soluble in the wash liquor. Friable microcapsules survive the washing process intact and are deposited onto the fabric where they remain until the fabric garment is dried and prepared for re-wear. On wearing or handled, the friable capsules are prone to breakage thus releasing the fragrance (or perfume, the terms are used interchangeably). "Friability1refers to the propensity of the microcapsules to rupture or break open when subjected to direct external pressures or shear forces. Soluble microcapsules dissolve during the washing process and release their contents, whether fragrance or other benefit agent such as lipase or other enzyme during the washing process. Of course, the composition may contain a combination of microcapsules whether differing in size or performance to tailor the delivery of any contained benefit agent. Friable fragrance microcapsules are distinguished from moisture-activated microcapsules such as those microcapsules comprising mostly of cyclodextrin.

[0267] The microcapsules may be provided simply as microcapsules but preferably are provided in a microcapsule composition comprising microcapsules in a slurry. The microcapsules comprise a microcapsule core comprising an active ingredient and microcapsule wall encapsulating the core. The microcapsule wall comprises a wall polymer and preferably a crosslinking agent.

[0268] Preferably the microencapsulated fragrance may be present in a composition comprising the microencapsulated fragrance, preferably coated with a deposition aid along with a free fragrance.

[0269] Preferably the composition comprises a hydrotrope.

[0270] Preferably the composition comprises an inorganic material selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, zeolite, dolomite, calcite, and mixtures thereof.

[0271] Method of washing

[0272] According to another aspect of the present invention provided is a method for improving the fragrance intensity on the fabrics both on the wet fabrics and after drying, said method comprising the steps of: i. mixing the solid laundry detergent composition according to the first aspect with a solvent to form a wash liquor; ii. washing the fabrics to be laundered in the wash liquor; iii. preferably rinsing the washed fabrics; iv. optionally drying. Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition is added into a solvent to prepare a wash liquor. Preferably the solvent is water. Preferably the wash liquor comprises between 1 L and 64L, preferably between 2L and 32L, more preferably between 3L and 20L of water.

[0273] According to a third aspect of the present invention provided is the use of a combination of alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant, amino acid surfactant, and gluconic acid or a salt thereof in a solid laundry detergent composition to reduce / remove malodour deposited on fabrics.

[0274] According to a third aspect of the present invention provided is the use of a combination of alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant, amino acid surfactant and gluconic acid or a salt thereof in a solid laundry detergent composition to improve deposition of fragrance on fabric which thereby provides for improved fragrance impact on the fabrics.

[0275] Examples

[0276] Example 1: Evaluation of different solid laundry detergent composition for malodour removal efficacy and fragrance impact

[0277] Different comparative solid laundry compositions were prepared by spray drying an aqueous slurry in a counter current spray-drying tower. The compositions of the spray-dried solid laundry detergent compositions are provided Table 1 below. All compositions included 18.4 wt.% anionic surfactant.

[0278] Comparative Example (Ex A): The composition of comparative solid laundry composition Ex A included an alkyl aryl sulphonate anionic surfactant (LAS), a sulphate anionic surfactant (C12- 14 alkyl sulphate surfactant) and an amino acid surfactant (Na glutamate). The composition of Ex A did not have a chelating agent in the composition.

[0279] Inventive Example (Ex 1): Inventive solid laundry composition was same as Ex A in terms of the amounts of alkyl aryl sulphonate anionic surfactant (LAS), sulphate anionic surfactant (C12-14 alkyl sulphate surfactant) and amino acid surfactant added to the composition but in addition included 0.5 wt.% sodium gluconate.

[0280] Inventive Example (Ex 2): Inventive solid laundry composition was same as Ex A in terms of the amounts of alkyl aryl sulphonate anionic surfactant (LAS), sulphate anionic surfactant (C12-14 alkyl sulphate surfactant) and amino acid surfactant added to the composition but in addition included 1 wt.% sodium gluconate. Inventive : Inventive solid laundry composition was same as Ex A in terms of the amounts of alkyl aryl sulphonate anionic surfactant (LAS), sulphate anionic surfactant (C12-14 alkyl sulphate surfactant) and amino acid surfactant added to the composition but in addition included 2.5 wt.% sodium gluconate.

[0281] Inventive : Inventive solid laundry composition was same as Ex A in terms of the amounts of alkyl aryl sulphonate anionic surfactant (LAS), sulphate anionic surfactant (C12-14 alkyl sulphate surfactant) and amino acid surfactant added to the composition but in addition included 5 wt.% sodium gluconate.

[0282] Evaluation Method for malodour removal and fragrance deposition:

[0283] To determine the malodour reduction on fabric GCMS analysis was used.

[0284] Sample preparation:

[0285] A) The swatches used for the study were as follows:

[0286] • For the malodour evaluation, 5 cm x 5 cm nylon elastane swatches were taken. For the analysis of the comparative Ex A, 3 swatches of nylon elastane were taken and average of the data for the 3 swatches is provided in table 1. Similarly, the samples were prepared for the other solid laundry composition and provided in table 1.

[0287] B) Two different malodour samples (dimethyl disulfide and heptanal) were prepared as provided herein below.

[0288] • Dimethyl disulfide sample: Around 1mg of dimethyl disulfide (which is a representative laundry malodourous compound) was dissolved in 10 mL of propylene glycol i.e. , at a concentration of 0.1mg / ml to prepare the malodour sample.

[0289] • Heptanal sample: Around 1mg of heptanal (which is a representative laundry malodourous compound) was dissolved in 10 mL of propylene glycol i.e., at a concentration of 0.1mg / ml to prepare the malodour sample.

[0290] The evaluation of malodour reduction on the swatches washed with different solid laundry composition as provided in table 1 was carried out by conducting a GCMS analysis.

[0291] C) For the evaluation of the fragrance deposition, the fragrance compound was provided in the solid laundry composition as shown in table 1.

[0292] • D-Limonene sample: 0.05 wt.% of limonene (which is a representative fragrance molecule) was added to the solid laundry detergent composition.

[0293] The deposition of the fragrance from the wash liquor onto the fabrics was assessed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) peak area response. % D) Deposition of malodour on swatches:

[0294] • Each of the 3 nylon swatches were taken in a 50 mL tarson tube and 20 microliter of the prepared Dimethyl disulfide malodour sample and 20 microliter of prepared heptanal malodour sample was uniformly added to the swatches using micropipette.

[0295] • After uniformly applying the malodour sample on the swatches, the swatches were equilibrated for 15 minutes to obtain the prepared swatches for evaluating the malodour removal performance of the different solid laundry composition.

[0296] Thus, for the evaluation of the malodour reduction, the malodour molecules were pre-deposited on the swatches and during washing the reduction or removal of the malodour by the different solid laundry composition was studied. The evaluation of malodour reduction on the fabrics washed with different solid laundry composition as provided in table 1 was carried out by conducting a GCMS analysis. On the other hand, the fragrance deposition was evaluated by the amount of fragrance deposition from the wash liquor onto the fabric during the washing process. The deposition of the fragrance from the wash liquor onto the fabrics was assessed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) peak area response. %

[0297] E) Wash liquor preparation:

[0298] Wash liquor with 2.8 gpl concentration was prepared by dissolving each of the different solid laundry detergent composition provided in table 1 below in water having a water hardness of 24FH. The weight ratio of the wash liquor: cloth was maintained at 1 :25 and the water had a weight ratio of Ca: Mg of 2: 1.

[0299] F) Washing protocol:

[0300] 3 prepared swatches were washed using the wash liquor, the washing cycle had a duration of 15 minutes followed by 2 rinsing cycles. As soon as the wash liquor was added to the tarson tube, the lid was closed, and the washing was done using a griffin shaker at 250 to 300 rpm. After the completion of the wash cycle, the wash liquor was drained out. The swatches are rinsed using 24FH hardwater twice for 1 minute each on the griffin shaker at 250 to300rpm. Next the damp swatched were transferred to 20 mL glass vials and sealed immediately. The same procedure was followed for each of the 5 different solid laundry compositions provided on table 1.

[0301] The vials were left undisturbed for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the headspace to stabilize.

[0302] The GCMS analysis was conducted thereafter using an optimized headspace analysis method. Average of the 3 swatches for each solid laundry detergent composition was calculated and recorded. The results are provided in the table 1 below.

[0303] GCMS Headspace analysis conditions:

[0304] Column: DB5MS (30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 urn), Run Time: 30 min,

[0305] Incubation temperature: 40 °C, Incubation time: 10min, Syringe temperature: 85 °C GC Inlet conditions:

[0306] Inlet mode: Split-less, Inlet heater temperature: 80°C, Septum purge flow: 3ml / min oven temperature: 40 °C, Temperature program: Initial temperature- 40°C - no hold time rampl- to 150 °C at 8°C / min - 2min hold time, ramp2- to 230 °C at 12 °C / min- 2mins hold time Column conditions:

[0307] (constant flow), Flow: 0.8ml / min, Transfer line Flow: 2ml / min, Temperature: 250 °C

[0308] The different solid laundry detergent composition were tested in GCMS to evaluate for the malodour reduction / removal from the washed swatches and fragrance deposition on damp fabric using the evaluation method described and the results were recorded and provided in the table 1 below.

[0309] Table 1 The data in table 1 shows that the composition according to the present invention having LAS in combination of amino acid surfactant, and specific chelating agent (sodium gluconate) provides better malodour reduction and also enhanced fragrance impact as compared to the comparative Ex A. The benefit of the combination is seen at different levels of the sodium gluconate.

[0310] Example 2: Evaluation of solid laundry detergent composition for malodour removal efficacy and fragrance deposition

[0311] Comparative solid laundry composition as shown in table 2 having EDTA at different levels were prepared similar to the composition shown in table 1 and evaluated as described in Example 1. The data is provided in table 2.

[0312] Table 2

[0313] The data provided in table 2 shows that when the comparative composition includes EDTA at different levels it provides for malodour reduction and good fragrance impact in comparison to Ex B, but the malodour reduction and good fragrance impact are lower when compared with the inventive compositions (Ex 1 , 2 and 3) as provided in table 1 having sodium gluconate. 3: Evaluation of different solid laundry detergent for malodour removal efficacy and fragrance

[0314] Different comparative solid laundry compositions were prepared by spray drying an agueous slurry in a counter current spray-drying tower. The compositions of the spray-dried solid laundry detergent compositions are provided Table 3 below. All compositions included 18.4 wt.% surfactant. The composition were prepared without a fragrance ingredient to evaluate the malodour removal efficacy. The composition of comparative solid laundry composition Ex F included an alkyl aryl sulphonate anionic surfactant (LAS), a sulphate anionic surfactant (C12-

[0315] 14 alkyl sulphate surfactant) and an amino acid surfactant (Na glutamate). The composition of Ex F did not have a chelating agent in the composition.

[0316] Inventive : Inventive solid laundry composition was same as Ex F in terms of the amounts of alkyl aryl sulphonate anionic surfactant (LAS), sulphate anionic surfactant (C12-14 alkyl sulphate surfactant) and amino acid surfactant added to the composition but in addition included 0.5 wt.% sodium gluconate.

[0317] Inventive : Inventive solid laundry composition was same as Ex F in terms of the amounts of alkyl aryl sulphonate anionic surfactant (LAS), sulphate anionic surfactant (C12-14 alkyl sulphate surfactant) and amino acid surfactant added to the composition but in addition included 1 wt.% sodium gluconate. Inventive solid laundry composition was same as Ex F in terms of the amounts of alkyl aryl sulphonate anionic surfactant (LAS), sulphate anionic surfactant (C12-14 alkyl sulphate surfactant) and amino acid surfactant added to the composition but in addition included 2.5 wt.% sodium gluconate.

[0318] Inventive : Inventive solid laundry composition was same as Ex F in terms of the amounts of alkyl aryl sulphonate anionic surfactant (LAS), sulphate anionic surfactant (C12-14 alkyl sulphate surfactant) and amino acid surfactant added to the composition but in addition included 5 wt.% sodium gluconate. Evaluation Method for malodour removal and fragrance deposition:

[0319] Sample preparation:

[0320] A) The swatches used for the study were as follows:

[0321] • For the malodour evaluation, 3 cm x 3 cm nylon elastane swatches and 3 cm x 3 cm cotton swatches were taken. For the analysis of the comparative Ex F, 3 swatches of nylon elastane were taken and an average of the data for the 3 swatches is provided in table 3. Also, 3 swatches of cotton were taken and an average of the data for the 3 swatches is provided in table 3. Similarly, the samples were prepared for the other solid laundry composition provided in table 3.

[0322] B) Two different malodour samples (dimethyl disulfide and heptanal) were prepared as provided herein below.

[0323] • A dimethyl disulfide malodour sample was prepared using 1 mg of dimethyl disulfide (which is a representative laundry malodourous compound) which was dissolved in 10 mL of propylene glycol i.e. , at a concentration of 0.1mg / ml.

[0324] • An isovaleric acid malodour sample was prepared by using 1mg of heptanal (which is a representative laundry malodourous compound) which was dissolved in 10 mL of propylene glycol i.e., at a concentration of 0.1mg / ml.

[0325] The evaluation of malodour reduction on the fabrics washed with different solid laundry composition as provided in table 3 was carried out by conducting a GCMS analysis.

[0326] C) Pre-deposition of malodour on swatches:

[0327] • Each of the 3 nylon swatches and each of the 3 cotton swatches were taken in a 50 mL tarson tube and 20 microlitre of each of the malodour sample was added to the tube, and the malodour sample was spread uniformly across each of the swatches using micropipette.

[0328] • After uniformly applying the malodour sample of the swatches, the swatches were equilibrated for 15 minutes to obtain the prepared swatches for evaluating the malodour removal performance of the different solid laundry composition.

[0329] Thus, for the evaluation of the malodour reduction, the malodour molecules were pre-deposited on the swatches and during washing the reduction or removal of the malodour by the different solid laundry composition was studied. The evaluation of malodour reduction on the fabrics washed with different solid laundry composition as provided in table 3 was carried out by conducting a GCMS analysis. % D) Wash liquor preparation:

[0330] Wash liquor with a concentration of 2.8 gpL was prepared by dissolving each of the different solid laundry detergent composition provided in table 3 in water having a water hardness of 24FH. The weight ratio of the wash liquor: cloth was maintained at 1:25 and the water had a weight ratio of Ca: Mg of 2: 1.

[0331] Washing protocol:

[0332] 3 prepared swatches were washed with the wash liquor and washed in a washing cycle for a duration of 15 minutes followed by 2 rinsing cycles. As soon as the wash liquor was added to the tarson tube, the lid was closed, and the washing was done using a griffin shaker at 250 to 300 rpm. After the completion of the wash cycle, the wash liquor was drained out. The washed swatches were then rinsed using 24FH hardwater twice for 1 minute each on the griffin shaker at 250 to300rpm. Next the damp swatched were transferred to 20 mL glass vials and sealed immediately. The same procedure was followed for each of the different solid laundry compositions provided on table 3.

[0333] The vials were left undisturbed for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the headspace to stabilize. The GCMS analysis was conducted thereafter using an optimized headspace analysis method. Average of the 3 swatches for each solid laundry detergent composition was calculated and recorded. The results are provided in the table below.

[0334] GCMS Headspace analysis conditions:

[0335] Column: DB5MS (30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 urn), Run Time: 30 min, Incubation temperature: 40 °C, Incubation time: 10min, Syringe temperature: 85 °C GC Inlet conditions:

[0336] Inlet mode: Split-less, Inlet heater temperature: 80°C, Septum purge flow: 3ml / min oven temperature: 40 °C, Temperature program: Initial temperature- 40°C - no hold time rampl- to 150 °C at 8°C / min - 2min hold time, ramp2- to 230 °C at 12 °C / min- 2mins hold time Column conditions:

[0337] (constant flow), Flow: 0.8ml / min, Transfer line Flow: 2ml / min, Temperature: 250 °C

[0338] The different solid laundry detergent composition were tested in GCMS to evaluate for the malodour reduction / removal from the washed swatches on damp fabric using the evaluation method described and the results were recorded and provided in the table 3 below. Table 3 The data in table 3 shows that the composition according to the present invention having LAS in combination of amino acid surfactant, and sodium gluconate but which composition had 0 wt.% fragrance also provides for better malodour reduction as compared to the comparative Ex F. The benefit of the combination is seen at different levels of the sodium gluconate.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A solid laundry composition comprising: i. alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant; ii. amino acid surfactant; and, iii. gluconic acid or a salt thereof.

2. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the amino acid surfactant is N-acyl amino acid surfactant of the formula (I):. Formula (I) wherein;R is an Cs to C21 alkyl substituent;R1 represents H or Ci to C4 alkyl radical;R2 represents H or Ci to C4 alkyl radical or Ci to C4 hydroxyalkyl radical;R3 represents COOM, where M is a cationic group selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salts and hydrogen.

3. A composition according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the composition comprises a sulphate surfactant, preferably an alkyl sulphate surfactant.

4. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the salt form of gluconic acid is selected from alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salt, preferably the salt form of gluconic acid is sodium gluconate.

5. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant is a C6to C22 benzene sulphonate surfactant, more preferably a C10 to C22 benzene sulphonate surfactant, still more preferably C10 to C13 linear benzene sulphonate surfactant.

6. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises from 2 wt.% to 25 wt.% alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant.

7. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amino acid surfactant is present in an amount ranging from 0.1 wt.% to 10 wt.%.

8. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises a weight ratio of the alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant to the amino acid surfactant ranging from 1:0.01 to 1 :7.

9. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises a fragrance, preferably wherein the fragrance is selected from fragrance oil, encapsulated fragrance, microencapsulated fragrance or a mixtures thereof.

10. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises a co-surfactant selected from the group consisting of amphoteric surfactant, isethionate surfactant and mixtures thereof.

11. A composition according to claim 10 wherein the amphoteric surfactant is preferably an amine oxide, alkyl betaine, or mixtures thereof.

12. A composition according any one of the preceding claims wherein the gluconic acid or a salt thereof and the isethionate-based surfactant is present in the form of a co-granule.

13. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises an enzyme.

14. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the solid laundry composition comprises a spray dried detergent particle having a pH of 4 or more, preferably a pH ranging from 4 to 9, wherein the spray dried detergent particle comprises: i. 2 wt.% to 50 wt.% alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant; and, ii. (a) organic acid, preferably organic carboxylic acid or (b) a salt of organic carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of (i) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal; (ii) organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, (iii) an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid, (iv) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal and combinations thereof.

15. Use of a combination of alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant, amino acid surfactant and gluconic acid or a salt thereof in a solid laundry detergent composition to improve fragrance impact on the fabrics.

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