Solid laundry composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solid laundry composition. It particularly relates to a solid laundry composition having a desirable foam profile during the laundering process. It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a solid laundry composition which provides good foam profile. It is another object of the present invention to provide a solid laundry composition which provides good cleaning performance. The present inventors have found that a solid laundry composition having lowered levels of the alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant when present in combination with specific surfactant combination surprisingly provides good foam formation in the wash stage while eliminating the foam quickly during the rinsing stage. This benefit was preferably found across different consumer washing habits and fabric types present in the wash load. It was further preferably found that the solid laundry composition according to the first aspect of the present invention provides for removing the foam in a single rinse cycle.

Description

[0001] P0001046 CPL

[0002] 1

[0003] SOLID LAUNDRY COMPOSITION

[0004] Field of the Invention

[0005] 5 The present invention relates to a solid laundry composition. It particularly relates to a solid laundry composition having a desirable foam profile during the laundering process.

[0006] Background of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a solid laundry composition which has a desirable foam profile during the laundering process.

[0008] Synthetic detergents are widely used for laundering fabrics, due to their efficiency in cleaning and stain removal. In addition to the synthetic detergents, formulated laundry detergent composition includes various additives to provide improved cleaning and sensorial benefits.

[0009] 15 Proper foam level is a sensorial benefit which most consumers desire during the laundering process. Synthetic detergent such as LAS provide foam benefits.

[0010] Foaming or sudsing is an important factor to consider when formulating a solid laundry composition. Foam is a significant consumer cue and acts as the primary reason by which a

[0011] 20 consumer perceives that a composition is having a cleaning effect. Unfortunately, while foam is easy to generate, it also needs to be removed from the substrate after cleaning. High volume of foam in the washing cycle typically results in foam being carried over to the rinse liquor and requiring additional time, energy, and water to thoroughly rinse the laundered articles. It is therefore advantageous to have high foam volume generation at early stages in the wash cycle

[0012] 25 for consumer acceptance. Followed by quick collapse of the foam to a lower volume toward the end of the wash cycle, these aspects of the foaming profile of a solid laundry composition allows for complete cleaning and minimum wastage of clean water.

[0013] Several attempts at saving water after laundering fabric with high foaming compositions have been made in the past. Laundry formulations such as rinse aids have been used to help reduce the foam carried by the laundered fabric into the rinse water. Rinse aids reduce the amount of water used during rinsing. However, the use of rinse aids adds an extra step and the consume needs to use an additional product in the washing process.

[0014] 35 In today’s fast paced world, consumers look for a single composition which provides multiple benefits. Accordingly, there is a need for a detergent composition which provides good foam P0001046 CPL

[0015] 2 profile, good cleaning benefits and reduces water consumption. This need is particularly felt by consumers who dwell in regions where there is acute shortage of water.

[0016] In addition to the above, synthetic detergents are associated with environmental concerns.

[0017] 5 Synthetic detergents are derived from non-renewable resources and pollute water bodies when they are ultimately discharged into rivers and lakes. Thus, there is a need for a detergent composition which has lower levels of synthetic and non-renewable ingredients. However, reducing the levels of the synthetic detergent in the formulation significantly deteriorates the foaming profile of the laundry composition. Compositions with low detergent levels have lower foam generation or provide foam which may not be well retained during the washing cycle. This poor foaming profile makes the laundry composition less acceptable to consumers who highly value the foaming profile of the laundry composition.

[0018] Accordingly, there remains a need for a solid laundry composition which is an environmentally

[0019] 15 friendly composition and includes lowered levels of synthetic detergents while providing desired foaming profile, that is the composition provides high volume of well retained foam generated quickly upon dissolving the solid laundry composition in a washing solution and where the foam quickly collapses towards the end of the washing cycle to aid in easier removal of foam at the rinse stage.

[0020] 20

[0021] Thus, there is a need for a solid laundry composition that reduces and preferably eliminates foam in the rinse without adversely affecting the formation of foam in the initial washing step.

[0022] Some solutions towards addressing this problem of foaming at the rinse stage, were provided

[0023] 25 by incorporating rinse triggered antifoams which act on the foam and suppresses it at the rinse stage. However, such rinse triggered antifoam adds to the amount of chemicals incorporated in the composition and such compositions must be formulated carefully to avoid the antifoam being released during cleaning stage. Further such rinse triggered antifoams are generally expensive and provide no other performance benefit to the composition other than foam suppression. Therefore, it is desirable that their presence is minimised.

[0024] BE 772 431 A (UNILEVER NV, 1972) discloses a composition where the salt of sulphonated fatty acid is used as detergency builder.

[0025] 35 US 3 915 881 A (DAVIES JAMES FRANCIS ET AL, 1975) discloses a composition where the salt of sulphonated fatty acid is used as detergency builder. P0001046 CPL

[0026] 3

[0027] WO 92 / 15661 A1 (HENKEL, 1992) a solid laundry composition which comprises sulphonated products of unsaturated fatty acids.

[0028] WO 2023 / 275802 A1 (3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY, 2023) a cleaning

[0029] 5 composition which includes binder, a gas generator and acid.

[0030] There remains a need for providing a solid composition for laundering fabrics which provides desired foam profile at different laundering steps, and which provides good foam profile while maintaining good cleaning performance.

[0031] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a solid laundry composition which provides good foam profile.

[0032] It is another object of the present invention to provide a solid laundry composition which

[0033] 15 provides good cleaning performance.

[0034] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solid laundry composition which is environmentally friendly.

[0035] 20 It is yet another objection of the present invention to provide a solid laundry composition which reduces the amount of water required for rinsing.

[0036] Summary of the Invention

[0037] The present inventors have found that a solid laundry composition having lowered levels of the

[0038] 25 alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant when present in combination with specific surfactant combination surprisingly provides good foam formation in the wash stage while eliminating the foam quickly during the rinsing stage. This benefit was preferably found across different consumer washing habits and fabric types present in the wash load. It was further preferably found that the solid laundry composition according to the first aspect of the present invention provides for removing the foam in a single rinse cycle.

[0039] The solid laundry composition according to the present invention provides both good initial foaming and sustained foaming during the wash cycle and easy rinsing of the foam thereby reducing the rinsing time and the water consumption and effort required for removal of foam. P0001046 CPL

[0040] 4

[0041] The solid laundry composition according to the present invention provides desired foam profile and provides good cleaning performance.

[0042] Preferably the composition according to the first aspect of the present invention provides good

[0043] 5 stain removal performance and good whiteness retention on the fabric.

[0044] Preferably the composition according to the first aspect of the present invention provides good foam performance in an alkaline laundry composition.

[0045] According to the first aspect of the present invention provided is a solid laundry composition comprising: i. alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant; ii. 5 wt.% to 35 wt.% alkali metal carbonate; and, iii. 0.05 wt.% to 20 wt.% foaming agent selected from the group consisting of:

[0046] 15 a. an alpha sulphonated alkyl ester with the general formula (IA) or (IB) wherein:

[0047] Ri is selected from a straight or branched Cs to C32 hydrocarbyl group; or an alkyl group; or combinations thereof;

[0048] R2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom; or a straight or branched Ce to C22 hydrocarbyl group; or an alkyl group or combinations thereof,

[0049] M is hydrogen, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, monoethanolammonium, diethanolammonium, triethanolammonium, or a mixture thereof

[0050] 25 and / or, b. an alpha sulphonated fatty acid salt with general formula (I I A) or (I IB) P0001046 CPL

[0051] 5 wherein:

[0052] R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom; or a straight or branched Ce to C22 hydrocarbyl group; or an alkyl group or combinations thereof, M is hydrogen, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, monoethanolammonium, diethanolammonium, triethanolammonium, or a mixture thereof.

[0053] According to a second aspect of the present invention provided is method of treating a textile surface with the solid laundry composition according to the first aspect comprising the steps of: i) preparing a wash liquor with an effective amount of foam by contacting the solid laundry composition according to the first aspect with a liquid;

[0054] 15 ii) soaking said textile surface in the wash liquor for a predetermined period of time; and, iii) rinsing the textile surface, wherein the number of rinses required for the removal of foam present in the rinse liquor is less than 3 rinses.

[0055] According to a third aspect of the present invention provided is the use of an alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant, a foaming agent selected from the group consisting of an alpha sulphonated alkyl ester with the general formula (I) and / or an alkyl sulphoacetate with general formula (II) in a in a solid laundry composition to provide fast lather generation in the wash liquor during the main wash stage and rapid collapse of lather during rinse stage.

[0056] 25 As used herein, the terms "fabric", "textile", and "cloth" are used non-specifically and may refer to any type of flexible material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibers, including natural, artificial, and synthetic fibers, such as, but not limited to, cotton, linen, wool, polyester, nylon, silk, acrylic, and the like, including blends of various fabrics or fibers. P0001046 CPL

[0057] 6

[0058] As used herein, "foaming profile" refers to the properties of foam character in washing and rinsing solutions formed when the solid laundry composition according to the present invention is dissolved in a liquid, preferably water. The foaming profile of a solid laundry composition includes but is not limited to the speed of foam generation upon dissolving the solid laundry

[0059] 5 composition, the volume and retention of foam in the washing cycle and the ease of rinsing the foam away in the rinsing cycle.

[0060] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0061] According to the first aspect of the present invention provided is a solid laundry composition which includes alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant, a foaming agent selected from the group consisting of an alpha sulphonated alkyl ester with the general formula (IA) or (IB) and / or an alpha sulphonated fatty acid salt with general formula (HA) or (IIB).

[0062] Alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant

[0063] 15 According to the first aspect of the present invention provided is a solid laundry composition comprising an alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant.

[0064] Preferably the alkyl chain in the alkyl benzene sulphonate is linear or branched, more preferably linear. Preferably the alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant is a linear alkyl benzene sulphonate

[0065] 20 with a C10 to Cis alkyl group, still preferably C10 to C14 alkyl group and most preferably C to C13 linear alkyl benzene sulphonate.

[0066] Preferably the higher linear alkyl benzene sulfonate is a sodium alkyl benzene sulfonate surfactant (LAS), which preferably has a straight chain alkyl radical of average length of about

[0067] 25 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®.

[0068] Commercial LAS is a mixture of closely related isomers and homologues alkyl chain homologues, each containing an aromatic ring sulfonated at the "para" position and attached to a linear alkyl chain at any position except the terminal carbons. The linear alkyl chain typically has a chain length of from 11 to 15 carbon atoms, with the predominant materials having a chain length of about C12. Each alkyl chain homologue consists of a mixture of all the possible

[0069] 35 sulfophenyl isomers except for 20 the 1-phenyl isomer. LAS is normally formulated into compositions in acid (i.e. HLAS) form and then at least partially neutralized in-situ. P0001046 CPL

[0070] 7

[0071] Preferably the alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant according to the invention is a C10 to C15 alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS), still preferably C10 to C14 alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS), still preferably the alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) has at least 50 wt.% of C12 alkyl benzene sulfonate, still preferably 80 wt.% C12 alkyl benzene sulfonate.

[0072] 5

[0073] The alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant 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.

[0074] Preferably the solid laundry composition includes from 0.5 wt.% to 20 wt.% alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant. More preferably the alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant is linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant. Preferably the amount of alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant ranges from 2 wt.% to 20 wt.%, still preferably from 2 wt.% to less than 20 wt.%, more preferably 2 wt.% to 18 wt.%, still more preferably from 2 wt.% to 15 wt.%. Still preferably the

[0075] 15 amount of alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant is present in an amount ranging from 1 wt.% to 20 wt.%, still preferably from 5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, more preferably 8 wt.% to 20 wt.%, still more preferably from 10 wt.% to 20 wt.%. Preferably the amount of alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant in the solid laundry composition is not less than 1 wt.%, still preferably not less than 5 wt.%, more preferably not less than 8 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 10 wt.%, but

[0076] 20 typically not more than 20 wt.%, preferably not more than 18 wt.% or still preferably not more than 15 wt.%.

[0077] Foaming agent

[0078] According to the first aspect of the present invention the composition comprises a foaming agent which is preferably an alpha sulphonate alkyl ester of the general formula (IA) or (IB).

[0079] > (IA) wherein:

[0080] 30 R1 is selected from a straight or branched Cs to C32 hydrocarbyl group; or an alkyl group; or combinations thereof; P0001046 CPL

[0081] 8

[0082] R2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom; or a straight or branched Ce to C22 hydrocarbyl group; or an alkyl group or combinations thereof,

[0083] M is hydrogen, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, monoethanolammonium, diethanolammonium, triethanolammonium, or a mixture thereof.

[0084] 5

[0085] Preferably in general formula IA when R1 is a straight or branched Cs to C32 hydrocarbyl group it is naturally derived.

[0086] Preferably in general formula IA when R1 is an alkyl group it is has an average chain length of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, still preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Preferably the alkyl group is saturated or unsaturated. Preferably the alkyl group is branched or straight. Preferably the alpha sulphonate alkyl ester of the general formula (IA) is saturated.

[0087] Preferably in general formula IA when R2 is an alkyl group it is has an average chain length of 1

[0088] 15 to 6 carbon atoms, still preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Preferably the alkyl group is saturated or unsaturated. Preferably the alkyl group is branched or linear.

[0089] Preferably the alpha sulphonate alkyl ester of the general formula (IA) is lauryl sulphoacetate.

[0090] 20 According to the first aspect of the present invention the composition comprises a foaming agent which is preferably an alpha sulphonate alkyl ester of the general formula (IB)

[0091] > (IB) wherein:

[0092] R1 is selected from a straight or branched Cs to C32 hydrocarbyl group; or an alkyl group; or combinations thereof;

[0093] R2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom; or a straight or branched Ce to C22 hydrocarbyl group; or an alkyl group or combinations thereof,

[0094] M is hydrogen, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, monoethanolammonium,

[0095] 30 diethanolammonium, triethanolammonium, or a mixture thereof. P0001046 CPL

[0096] Preferably in general formula IB when R1 is a straight or branched Cs to C32 hydrocarbyl group it is naturally derived.

[0097] Preferably in general formula IB when R1 is an alkyl group it is has an average chain length of 1

[0098] 5 to 6 carbon atoms, still preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Preferably the alkyl group is saturated or unsaturated. Preferably the alkyl group is branched or straight.

[0099] Preferably in general formula IB when R2 is an alkyl group it is has an average chain length of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, still preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Preferably the alkyl group is saturated or unsaturated. Preferably the alkyl group is branched or linear. Preferably the alpha sulphonate alkyl ester of the general formula (IB) is saturated.

[0100] Preferably the foaming agent is a mixture of alpha sulphonate alkyl ester of the general formula (IA) and IB.

[0101] 15

[0102] According to the first aspect of the present invention the composition comprises a foaming agent which is preferably an alpha sulphonated fatty acid salt with general formula (IIA)

[0103] 20 wherein:

[0104] R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom; or a straight or branched Ce to C22 hydrocarbyl group; or an alkyl group or combinations thereof, M is calcium, magnesium, or a mixture thereof.

[0105] Preferably when R3 is an alkyl group it is has an average chain length of 8 to 22 carbon atoms, still preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Preferably the alkyl group is saturated or unsaturated. Preferably the alkyl group is branched or straight. Preferably the alpha sulphonated fatty acid salt of the general formula (HA) is saturated.

[0106] 30 According to the first aspect of the present invention the composition comprises a foaming agent which is preferably an alpha sulphonated fatty acid salt with general formula (IIB) P0001046 CPL wherein:

[0107] R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom; or a straight or branched Ce to C22

[0108] 5 hydrocarbyl group; or an alkyl group or combinations thereof,

[0109] M is hydrogen, sodium, potassium, ammonium, monoethanolammonium, diethanolammonium, triethanolammonium, or a mixture thereof.

[0110] Preferably when R3 is an alkyl group it is has an average chain length of 8 to 22 carbon atoms, still preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Preferably the alkyl group is saturated or unsaturated. Preferably the alkyl group is branched or straight. Preferably the alpha sulphonated fatty acid salt of the general formula (HA) is saturated.

[0111] Preferably the alpha sulphonated fatty acid salt of general formula (I I B) is disodium

[0112] 15 sulpholaurate.

[0113] Preferably the foaming agent is a mixture of alpha sulphonate alkyl ester of the general formula (HA) and I IB.

[0114] 20 Preferably the foaming agent is a mixture of disodium sulpholaurate and lauryl sulphoacetate.

[0115] The solid laundry composition includes from 0.05 wt.% to 20 wt.% foaming agent of the general formula (I) and / or (II). Preferably the amount of foaming agent of the general formula (I) and / or (II) ranges from 0.1 wt.% to 18 wt.%, still preferably from 0.15 wt.% to 16 wt.%, more preferably 0.2 wt.% to 16 wt.%, still more preferably from 0.25 wt.% to 16 wt.%. Preferably the amount of foaming surfactant of the general formula (I) and / or (ll)in the solid laundry composition is not less than 0.05 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.1 wt.%, more preferably not less than 0.15 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 0.25 wt.%, but typically not more than 18 wt.%, preferably not more than 16 wt.% or still preferably not more than 15 wt.%, still preferably not

[0116] 30 more than 10 wt.%.

[0117] Also, preferably the solid laundry composition includes from 0.05 wt.% to 5 wt.% foaming agent of the general formula (I) and / or (II). Preferably the amount of foaming agent of the general P0001046 CPL

[0118] 11 formula (I) and / or (II) ranges from 0.1 wt.% to 3 wt.%, still preferably from 0.15 wt.% to 3 wt.%, more preferably 0.2 wt.% to 3 wt.%, still more preferably from 0.25 wt.% to 3 wt.%. Preferably the amount of foaming surfactant of the general formula (I) and / or (ll)in the solid laundry composition is not less than 0.05 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.1 wt.%, more preferably

[0119] 5 not less than 0.15 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 0.25 wt.%, but typically not more than 5 wt.%, preferably not more than 4.5 wt.% or still preferably not more than 3 wt.%.

[0120] Alkali metal carbonate

[0121] According to the first aspect of the present invention the solid laundry composition comprises 5 wt.% to 35 wt.% alkali metal carbonate.

[0122] The alkali metal carbonate is present in the composition in an amount ranging from 5 wt.% to 35 wt.%. Still preferably from 5 wt.% to 30 wt.%, further preferably from 5 wt.% to 25 wt.% and still further preferably from 5 wt.% to 20 wt.% by weight of the solid laundry composition.

[0123] 15

[0124] Preferably the alkali metal carbonate is present in the composition in an amount ranging from 10 wt.% to 35 wt.%. Still preferably from 10 wt.% to 30 wt.%, further preferably from 10 wt.% to 25 wt.% and still further preferably from 10 wt.% to 20 wt.% by weight of the solid laundry composition. Preferably the alkali metal carbonate is present in the composition in an amount

[0125] 20 ranging from 12 wt.% to 35 wt.%. Still preferably from 12 wt.% to 30 wt.%, further preferably from 12 wt.% to 25 wt.% and still further preferably from 12 wt.% to 20 wt.% by weight of the solid laundry composition. Preferably the alkali metal carbonate is present in the composition in an amount ranging from 15 wt.% to 35 wt.%. Still preferably from 15 wt.% to 30 wt.%, further preferably from 15 wt.% to 25 wt.% and still further preferably from 15 wt.% to 20 wt.% by

[0126] 25 weight of the solid laundry composition.

[0127] Preferred alkali carbonate 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 alkali metal carbonate salt.

[0128] Preferably the alkali metal carbonate is from a natural source. Preferably the alkali metal carbonate from a natural source has a bulk density of at least 900 Kg / m3. Preferably the alkali metal carbonate has at least 20 parts by weight of the alkali metal carbonate. Preferably the

[0129] 35 alkali metal carbonate has a weight average particle size less than 75 micrometers. P0001046 CPL

[0130] 12

[0131] Preferably the alkali metal carbonate is a dense form of alkali metal carbonate with a bulk density of at least 900 Kg / m3, more preferably the alkali metal carbonate has a bulk density ranging from 900 Kg / m3to 1250 Kg / m3, preferably 900 Kg / m3to 1200 Kg / m3, still preferably 950 Kg / m3to 1200 Kg / m3, more preferably from 1000 Kg / m3to 1200 Kg / m3, still more

[0132] 5 preferably from 1000 Kg / m3to 1100 Kg / m3.

[0133] Preferably the alkali metal carbonate is a light form of alkali metal carbonate with a bulk density of less than 900 Kg / m3, more preferably the alkali metal carbonate has a bulk density ranging from 400 Kg / m3to 850 Kg / m3, preferably 500 Kg / m3to 850 Kg / m3, still preferably 550 Kg / m3to 800 Kg / m3, more preferably from 600 Kg / m3to 800 Kg / m3, still more preferably from 650 Kg / m3to 800 Kg / m3.

[0134] Preferably the alkali metal carbonate is a mixture of the light form and the dense form of the alkali metal carbonate.

[0135] 15

[0136] Additional Co-surfactant

[0137] According to the first aspect of the present invention the composition comprises an additional co-surfactant.

[0138] 20 By the term additional co-surfactant it is meant to include those surfactants which are present in the composition in addition to foaming agent and alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant as described herein above.

[0139] Preferably the additional co-surfactant is selected from the group consisting of (i) alkyl sulphate

[0140] 25 co-surfactant (ii) alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant (iii) alkyl isethionate co-surfactant (iv) betaine amphoteric co-surfactant (v) Guerbet alcohol sulphate co-surfactant (vi) nonionic co-surfactant (vii) zwitterionic co-surfactant and mixtures thereof. More preferably the co-surfactant is selected from the group consisting of (i) alkyl sulphate co-surfactant (ii) alkyl ether sulphate cosurfactant (iii) alkyl isethionate co-surfactant (iv) betaine amphoteric co-surfactant (v) Guerbet alcohol sulphate co-surfactant and mixtures thereof.

[0141] Preferably the solid laundry composition includes from includes from 0.01 wt.% to 10 wt.% cosurfactant, preferably 0.01 wt.% to 8 wt.%, still preferably 0.01 wt.% to 6 wt.%, more preferably the composition 0.05 wt.% to 5 wt.% co-surfactant. Preferably the amount of co-surfactant

[0142] 35 ranges from 0.1 wt.% to 3 wt.%, still preferably from 0.15 wt.% to 3 wt.%, more preferably 0.2 wt.% to 3 wt.%, still more preferably from 0.25 wt.% to 3 wt.%. Preferably the amount of co- P0001046 CPL

[0143] 13 surfactant in the solid laundry composition is not less than 0.05 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.1 wt.%, more preferably not less than 0.15 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 0.25 wt.%, but typically not more than 5 wt.%, preferably not more than 4.5 wt.% or still preferably not more than 3 wt.%.

[0144] 5

[0145] Also preferred are solid laundry composition where the co-surfactant is present preferably in the range from 6 wt.% to 10 wt.%, still preferably from 6 wt.% to 8 wt.%.

[0146] Alkyl sulphate co-surfactant

[0147] The solid laundry composition according to the first aspect of the present invention preferably comprises a co-surfactant, preferably the co-surfactant is an alkyl sulphate co-surfactant. Preferably the alkyl sulphate co-surfactant is branched or linear.

[0148] Preferably the alkyl sulphate co-surfactant has the generic formula of R-O-SOs" M+, where R is

[0149] 15 branched or linear un-alkoxylated Ce to Ci6 alkyl group, and M is a cation of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or ammonium. More preferably, the R group of the alkyl sulphate surfactant comprises an average of from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably from 8 to 16 carbon atoms, still more preferably from 10 to 14 carbon atoms, most preferably from 12 to 14 carbon atoms. R can be substituted or unsubstituted and is preferably unsubstituted. R is substantially

[0150] 20 free of any alkoxylation. M is preferably a cationic of sodium, potassium, or magnesium, and more preferably M is a sodium cation.

[0151] Preferably the alkyl sulphate co-surfactant is branched. Preferably the branched alkyl sulphate surfactant has an average degree of branching of at least 15%, preferably from 15% to 50%,

[0152] 25 more preferably from 20% to 40%. Preferably the branched alkyl sulphate co-surfactant is selected from the group consisting of ethyl hexyl sulphate, octyl hexyl sulphate surfactant and mixtures thereof.

[0153] Preferably the alkyl sulphate co-surfactant can comprise a mixture of linear and branched alkyl sulphate co-surfactant.

[0154] Preferably the solid laundry composition according to the present invention includes sodium lauryl sulphate as the co-surfactant. Preferably the solid laundry composition according to the present invention includes 0.5 wt.% to 20 wt.% LAS, still preferably 0.5 wt.% to less than

[0155] 35 20 wt.% LAS, sodium sulphoacetate foaming agent and sodium lauryl sulphate as the cosurfactant. P0001046 CPL

[0156] 14

[0157] Preferably the solid laundry composition includes from 0.05 wt.% to 10 wt.% alkyl sulphate cosurfactant. Preferably the amount of alkyl sulphate co-surfactant ranges from 0.1 wt.% to 8 wt.%, still preferably from 0.15 wt.% to 6 wt.%, more preferably 0.2 wt.% to 6 wt.%, still more preferably from 0.25 wt.% to 6 wt.%. Preferably the amount of alkyl sulphate co-surfactant in the

[0158] 5 solid laundry composition is not less than 0.05 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.1 wt.%, more preferably not less than 0.15 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 0.25 wt.%, but typically not more than 8 wt.%, preferably not more than 7 wt.% or still preferably not more than 6 wt.%.

[0159] Preferably the solid laundry composition includes from 0.05 wt.% to 5 wt.% alkyl sulphate cosurfactant. Preferably the amount of alkyl sulphate co-surfactant ranges from 0.1 wt.% to 3 wt.%, still preferably from 0.15 wt.% to 3 wt.%, more preferably 0.2 wt.% to 3 wt.%, still more preferably from 0.25 wt.% to 3 wt.%. Preferably the amount of alkyl sulphate co-surfactant in the solid laundry composition is not less than 0.05 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.1 wt.%,

[0160] 15 more preferably not less than 0.15 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 0.25 wt.%, but typically not more than 5 wt.%, preferably not more than 4.5 wt.% or still preferably not more than 3 wt.%.

[0161] Also preferred are solid laundry composition where the alkyl sulphate co-surfactant is present

[0162] 20 preferably in the range from 6 wt.% to 10 wt.%, still preferably from 6 wt.% to 8 wt.%.

[0163] Alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant

[0164] The solid laundry composition comprises a co-surfactant which preferably is an alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant. Preferably the alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant is branched or linear.

[0165] 25

[0166] Preferably the alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant has the generic formula of R-(OCH2CH2)x-O- SO3- M+, where R is branched or linear fatty alcohol comprising Cs to C20 carbon atoms, and wherein x is from 0.5 to 8, and where and M is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or ammonium. More preferably, the R group of the alkyl sulphate surfactant comprises an average of from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably from 8 to 16 carbon atoms, still more preferably from 10 to 14 carbon atoms, most preferably from 12 to 14 carbon atoms. M is preferably a cationic of sodium, potassium, or magnesium, and more preferably M is a sodium cation.

[0167] It is understood that the alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant described herein are typically not

[0168] 35 single compounds as suggested by the formula R1— (OCH2CH2)x — O — SO3M, but rather, alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant comprise a mixture of several homologs having varied polyalkylene P0001046 CPL

[0169] 15 oxide chain length and molecular weight. For example, ethoxylated alcohol sulphate derived from conventional potassium hydroxide-catalyzed ethoxylation of the alcohol with 1 , 2, and 3 moles of ethylene oxide, respectively, is not a single compound containing 1 , 2, or 3 (CH2CH2O) units as the formula may suggest. Instead, the ethoxylated alcohol sulfate is a mixture of

[0170] 5 several homologs whose total ethylene oxide units vary from 0 to 10. It is understood, therefore, that ethoxylated alcohol sulfate may comprise some non-ethoxylated (unreacted) alkyl sulfate. Preferably the composition may comprise a mixture of alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant, where the mixture may have an average (arithmetic mean) carbon chain length within the range of about 12 to about 16 carbon atoms, or an average carbon chain length of about 12 carbon atoms, and an average (arithmetic mean) degree of ethoxylation of from about 1 moles to 7 moles of ethylene oxide, preferably an average (arithmetic mean) degree of ethoxylation of 1 to 3 moles of ethylene oxide, still preferably an average (arithmetic mean) degree of ethoxylation of 1 mole of ethylene oxide.

[0171] 15 Alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant are generally available as salts e.g., sodium alkyl ether sulfates. Commercially available alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant include the CALFOAM® alcohol ether sulphate from Pilot Chemical, the EMAL®, LEVENOL® and LATEMAL® products from Kao Corporation, and the POLYSTEP® products from Stepan, most of these with fairly low EO content (e.g., average 3-EO or 4-EO).

[0172] 20

[0173] Preferably the fatty alcohol portion of the alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant is preferably from a natural source, rather than petroleum derived. Preferably the fatty alcohol portion has distributions of even number carbon chain, for example C12, C14, C16, C18 and higher chain length.

[0174] 25

[0175] Most preferably the alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant is sodium lauryl ether sulphate having 1 to 3 ethylene oxide moieties.

[0176] Preferably the solid laundry composition includes from 0.05 wt.% to 5 wt.% alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant. Preferably the amount of alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant ranges from 0.1 wt.% to 3 wt.%, still preferably from 0.15 wt.% to 3 wt.%, more preferably 0.2 wt.% to 3 wt.%, still more preferably from 0.25 wt.% to 3 wt.%. Preferably the amount of alkyl ether sulphate cosurfactant in the solid laundry composition is not less than 0.05 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.1 wt.%, more preferably not less than 0.15 wt.%, still more preferably not less than

[0177] 35 0.25 wt.%, but typically not more than 5 wt.%, preferably not more than 4.5 wt.% or still preferably not more than 3 wt.%. P0001046 CPL

[0178] 16

[0179] Alkyl isethionate co-surfactant

[0180] According to a first aspect of the present invention the solid laundry composition the cosurfactant is preferably alkyl isethionate co-surfactant.

[0181] 5 The alkyl isethionate co-surfactant comprises a compound of the formula (III): > Formula (III) wherein R1represents a C4 to 36 substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group; each of R2, R3, R4and R5independently represents a hydrogen atom or a Ci to 4 alkyl group and M+represents a cation.

[0182] Preferably R1is selected from a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or alkylaryl group. More preferably R1is selected from a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or alkenyl group. R1may be an alkyl group or an alkenyl group. Preferably R1is an alkyl group. Most preferably

[0183] 15 R1is an unsubstituted alkyl or alkenyl group, especially an unsubstituted alkyl group.

[0184] Preferably R1represents a C5 to 30 alkyl group, preferably a C7 to 24 alkyl group, more preferably a C7 to 21 alkyl group, most preferably a Cs to is alkyl group. Most preferably the alkyl isethionate cosurfactant surfactant is a Csto is isethionate co-surfactant.

[0185] 20

[0186] In some embodiments R2represents a Ci to 4 alkyl group, suitably a Ci to 4 alkyl group in which a propyl or butyl group, when present, is straight-chained. Suitably R2may represent an n-propyl, ethyl or preferably, a methyl group. However, in preferred embodiments R2is hydrogen.

[0187] Preferably R3represents a hydrogen atom.

[0188] In some embodiments R4and R5represents a hydrogen atom and the other represents a hydrogen atom or a Ci to 4 alkyl group. Suitable one of R4and R5represents a hydrogen atom or a Ci to 4 alkyl group in which a propyl or butyl group is straight-chain. Preferably one of R4and

[0189] 30 R5represents an n-propyl, ethyl or methyl group or, most preferably, a hydrogen atom. Most preferably both R4and R5represent hydrogen atoms. P0001046 CPL

[0190] 17

[0191] In especially preferred embodiments each of the R2, R3, R4and R5is hydrogen, and the isethionate compound is of formula R1CO2CH2CH2SO3M.

[0192] Preferably M+represents an optionally substituted ammonium cation or, most preferably, a

[0193] 5 metal cation. Suitable ammonium cations include NH4+and the ammonium cation of triethanolamine or the cation of an organic amine base such as triisopropanolamine, diethanolamine and monoethanolamine. Suitable metal cations include alkali metal cations, for example sodium, lithium and potassium cations, and alkaline earth metal cations, for example calcium and magnesium cations. Preferably M+represents a potassium cation, or, especially, a sodium cation.

[0194] In some embodiments the alkyl isethionate co-surfactant of the present invention may comprise a mixture of fatty acids to form a mixture of compounds of formula (III) in which R1may be different. R1is preferably the residue of a fatty acid. Fatty acids obtained from natural oils often

[0195] 15 include mixtures of fatty acids. For example, the fatty acid obtained from coconut oil contains a mixture of fatty acids including C12 lauric acid, C14 myristic acid, C16 palmitic acid, Cs caprylic acid, and Cis stearic and oleic. R1may include the residue of one or more naturally occurring fatty acids and / or of one or more synthetic fatty acids. In some preferred embodiments R1consists essentially of the residue of a single fatty acid. Examples of carboxylic acids from

[0196] 20 which R1may be derived include caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidic acid, gadoleic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentanoic acid, behenic acid, eruic acid, docosahexanoic lignoceric acid, naturally occurring fatty acids such as those obtained from coconut oil, tallow, palm kernel oil, butterfat, palm oil, olive oil, corn oil, linseed oil, peanut oil, fish oil and rapeseed

[0197] 25 oil; synthetic fatty acids made as chains of a single length or a selected distribution of chain lengths; and mixtures thereof. Most preferably R1comprises the residue of lauric acid, that is a saturated fatty acid having 12 carbon atoms or the residue of mixed fatty acids derived from coconut oil.

[0198] Examples of the alkyl isethionate 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

[0199] 35 diisethionate, hexamidine diisethionate, sodium methyl isethionate, and combinations thereof. P0001046 CPL

[0200] 18

[0201] Most preferably the composition of the present invention comprises sodium lauroyl isethionate and / or sodium cocoyl isethionate. Sodium cocoyl isethionate is especially preferred. In some embodiments the isethionate surfactant may include a mixture of more than one compound of formula (III). The alkyl isethionate co-surfactant may further comprise one or more of sodium

[0202] 5 lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl methyl isethionate and sodium oleoyl methyl isethionate.

[0203] Suitable examples of the commercially available alkyl isethionate co-surfactant includes sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate available under the tradename ISELIIX LQ-CLR from Innospec, Inc., and Sodium cocyl isethionate available under the tradename Pureact SNDT-LO, Pureact I- 78 / 80, Pureact I-85EC, Pureact I-85E Flakes and Pureact I-85C from Innospec, Inc.

[0204] Preferably the solid laundry composition according to the present invention comprises from 0.05 wt.% to 5 wt.% alkyl isethionate co-surfactant. Preferably the solid detergent composition

[0205] 15 comprises at least 0.8 wt.%, preferably at least 0.1 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.15 wt.% and most preferably at least 0.2 wt.%, but typically not more than 4 w.t%, still preferably not more than 3 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 2 wt.% and most preferably not more than 1 wt.%.

[0206] 20 Betaine amphoteric co-surfactant

[0207] Preferably the co-surfactant is a betaine amphoteric co-surfactant. Examples of betaine amphoteric co-surfactant suitable for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, alkyl betaines; alkylamidoalkyl betaines, phosphobetaines and pyrophosphobetaines and mixtures thereof.

[0208] 25

[0209] Preferably the betaine amphoteric co-surfactant is an alkyl betaine. Examples include but is not limited to coco-Betaine, lauryl Betaine and oleyl Betaine.

[0210] Preferably the betaine amphoteric co-surfactant may be an alkylamidoalkyl betaine. Examples includes Cocamidoethyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Myristamidopropyl Betaine (RCOmyristoyl, and x=3), Soyamidopropyl Betaine, and Oleamidopropyl Betaine.

[0211] Preferably the betaine amphoteric surfactant is Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB). The

[0212] 35 cocamidopropyl Betaine is commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc as Mirataine BDJ, Galaxy, Huntsman. P0001046 CPL

[0213] 19

[0214] Preferably the betaine amphoteric surfactant may be alkyl phosphobetaine. Examples includes sodium coco PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate.

[0215] Preferably the amphoteric surfactant may be alkyl sulphobetaine.

[0216] 5

[0217] Most preferably the betaine amphoteric surfactant is a cocam idopropyl betaine (CAPB).

[0218] Preferably betaine amphoteric co-surfactant is present in the solid detergent composition in an amount ranging from 0.01 wt.% to 10 wt.%, 0.01 wt.% to 6 wt.%, 0.01 wt.% to 5 wt.%, still preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 3 wt.% by weight of the composition. Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant

[0219] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the solid laundry composition includes a sulphated ethoxylated alkyl Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant, more preferably the sulphated ethoxylated Cs to C12 Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant, more preferably a sulphated ethoxylated

[0220] 15 C10 Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant.

[0221] Preferably the sulphated ethoxylated Cs to C12 Guerbet alcohol, more preferably the sulphated ethoxylated C10 Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant has a number average degree of ethoxylation in the range of 2.5 to 6, more preferably from 2 to 5, still preferably from 2.5 to 4. Preferably the

[0222] 20 degree of ethoxylation is 4 or 5, still preferably 4.

[0223] Preferably, the sulphated ethoxylated Cs to C12 Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant, has a degree of ethoxylation in the range of 3 to 6, 3 to 5, or 3 to 4.5. Preferably the sulphated ethoxylated Cs to C12 Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sulphated ethoxylated

[0224] 25 Cs to C12 Guerbet alcohol, more preferably the sulphated ethoxylated C10 Guerbet alcohol foaming ingredient with a degree of ethoxylation of 3, 4 or 5.

[0225] Preferably the sulphated ethoxylated Cs to C12 Guerbet alcohol is a mixture of different sulphated ethoxylated Cs to C12 Guerbet alcohol foaming ingredient selected from the group consisting of sulphated ethoxylated Cs to C12 Guerbet alcohol foaming ingredient with a degree of ethoxylation of 3,4 and 5.

[0226] More preferably the co-surfactant is a sulphated ethoxylated C10 Guerbet alcohol which is preferably a mixture of different degree of ethoxylation of 3, 4 and 5. More preferably the

[0227] 35 sulphated ethoxylated C10 Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant has a degree of ethoxylation of 4 or 5. P0001046 CPL

[0228] 20

[0229] More preferably, the sulphated ethoxylated Cw Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant has a degree of ethoxylation of 4.

[0230] Preferably the co-surfactant includes two or more sulphated ethoxylated Cw Guerbet alcohol

[0231] 5 surfactants with a degree of ethoxylation in the range of 2.5 to 6. In other words, the cosurfactant may comprise two or more sulphated ethoxylated Cw Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant, each co-surfactant having a different degree of ethoxylation in the range of 2.5 to 6.

[0232] In the context of the sulphated ethoxylated alkyl Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant used herein, the term “degree of ethoxylation” refers to the number of moles of ethylene oxide reacted with one mole of the alkyl Guerbet alcohol to produce the non-ionic ethoxylated alkyl Guerbet alcohol cosurfactant. It should be recognized that a distribution of ethoxylated reaction products is normally obtained during ethoxylation of, for example, alcohols. Typically, the degree of ethoxylation may therefore be designated as the “average degree of ethoxylation”, namely the average number of moles of ethylene oxide unit per mole of ethoxylated product.

[0233] 15

[0234] Preferably the solid laundry composition according to the present invention comprises from 0.05 wt.% to 5 wt.% sulphated ethoxylated alkyl Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant. Preferably the solid laundry composition comprises at least 0.8 wt.%, preferably at least 0.1 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.15 wt.% and most preferably at least 0.2 wt.%, but typically not more than

[0235] 20 4 w.t%, still preferably not more than 3 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 2 wt.% and most preferably not more than 1 wt.%.

[0236] Guerbet alcohols are known and well-defined p-alkylated dimer alcohols. Specifically, the Cw Guerbet alcohol is also known under the IIIPAC name 2-Propylheptanol. Typically, the sulphated ethoxylated Cw Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant with a degree of ethoxylation in the range of 2.5 to 6 is exemplified by formula (I):

[0237] 30 wherein 4 represents the degree of ethoxylation but can be an integer in the range of 2.5 to 6.

[0238] Preferably the sulphated ethoxylated Cw Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sulphated ethoxylated C Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant with a degree of P0001046 CPL

[0239] 21 ethoxylation of 3, 4 or 5. More preferably the sulphated ethoxylated Cw Guerbet alcohol cosurfactant has a degree of ethoxylation of 4 or 5.

[0240] Preferably the sulphated ethoxylated Cw Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant is a mixture of different

[0241] 5 sulphated ethoxylated Cw Guerbet alcohol surfactants selected from the group consisting of Cw Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant with a degree of ethoxylation of 3, 4 and 5.

[0242] Preferably the composition includes 0.02 wt.% to 3.0 wt.% of the sulphated ethoxylated

[0243] C10 Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant with a degree of ethoxylation in the range of 2.5 to 6 based on the total weight of the composition.

[0244] The sulphated ethoxylated C Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant of the present invention are typically used in their neutralized form, for example as alkali metal salts.

[0245] 15 Nonionic co-surfactant

[0246] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the solid laundry composition preferably includes a non-ionic co-surfactant.

[0247] Preferably the nonionic co-surfactant is an ethoxylated primary alcohol represented by the

[0248] 20 general structure R — (OCH2CH2)x — OH, where R is C to Cw carbon atoms. Preferably R is from natural, non-petroleum sources, x is a value which represents the average moles of ethylene oxide (EO) and ranges from 4 to 12. The ethoxylated primary alcohol non-ionic cosurfactant has an average from 4 to 12 EO per mole of alcohol. Non-limiting examples of nonionic surfactant includes C12 to C14 alcohol ethoxylate-7EO, C12 to C14 alcohol ethoxylate-

[0249] 25 12EO and mixtures thereof.

[0250] Commerically available examples of the nonionic co-surfactant includes Neodol®45-7, Neodol®25-9, Neodol®25-12, from Shell Chemical Company. Combinations of more than one nonionic co-surfactant may be used.

[0251] Preferably the nonionic co-surfactant may include alkyl polyglycoside surfactant. The alkyl polyglycosides (APG), also called alkyl polyglucoside if the saccharide moiety is glucose, are naturally derived nonionic surfactant. Preferably the alkyl polyglycosides useful in the present invention are fatty ester derivatives of saccharides or polysaccharides. The alkyl polyglycosides

[0252] 35 that are preferred for use in the present invention contain a hydrophilic group derived from carbohydrates and is composed of one or more anhydroglucose units. Preferably the alkyl P0001046 CPL

[0253] 22 polyglycoside is represented by the general formula Gx-O-Ri, wherein G is a moiety derived from reducing saccharide containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, Ri is a fatty alkyl group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms; and x is the degree of polymerization of polyglycoside, representing the number of monosaccharide repeating units in the polyglycoside. Preferably x has a value of less

[0254] 5 than 2.5, still preferably from 1 to 2. Preferably the fatty alkyl group is saturated or unsaturated, more preferably saturated.

[0255] Commerically available alkyl polyglycosides are Cs to Ci6 alkyl chains having an average degree of polymerization of from 1 .4 to 1.6.

[0256] Preferably the solid laundry composition according to the present invention comprises from 0.05 wt.% to 5 wt.% nonionic co-surfactant. Preferably the solid laundry composition comprises at least 0.8 wt.%, preferably at least 0.1 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.15 wt.% and most preferably at least 0.2 wt.%, but typically not more than 4 w.t%, still preferably not more than

[0257] 15 3 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 2 wt.% and most preferably not more than 1 wt.% nonionic co-surfactant.

[0258] Preferably the solid laundry composition according to the present invention comprises from 0.05 wt.% to 5 wt.% zwitterionic co-surfactant. Preferably the solid laundry composition

[0259] 20 comprises at least 0.8 wt.%, preferably at least 0.1 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.15 wt.% and most preferably at least 0.2 wt.%, but typically not more than 4 w.t%, still preferably not more than 3 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 2 wt.% and most preferably not more than 1 wt.% zwitterionic co-surfactant.

[0260] 25 Solid laundry composition

[0261] The solid laundry composition according to the first aspect of the present invention preferably has a pH ranging from 5 to 13 as measured in an aqueous solution with distilled water at 25°C.

[0262] More preferably the solid laundry composition at 1 wt.% dilution in deionized water at 25°C has an equilibrium pH ranging from 9 to 12, still more preferably 10 to 12.

[0263] The pH is measured using a pH meter capable of reading to + / - 0.01 pH units, where the temperature is 25°C + / - 2°C.

[0264] 35 The solid laundry composition according to the present invention may include further detergent particles which may be made via a variety of conventional methods known in the art and those P0001046 CPL

[0265] 23 which includes but is not limited to the mixing of ingredients, including dry-mixing, compaction such as agglomerating, extrusion, tabletting, or spray-drying of the various compounds comprised in the detergent component, or mixtures of these techniques, whereby the components herein also can be made by for example compaction, including extrusion and

[0266] 5 agglomerating, or spray-drying. The solid laundry composition may be made by any of the conventional processes, especially preferred is the technique of slurry making and spray drying.

[0267] The compositions 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 or 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

[0268] 15 in a form selected from powder, unit dose or pouch form, 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 the composition is in the form of an agglomerate particle having a

[0269] 20 density of 300 to 1000 g / L, more preferably from 400 to 850 g / L.

[0270] 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.

[0271] 25

[0272] 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. Preferably the phosphate builder includes orthophosphate, preferably sodium orthophosphate.

[0273] 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

[0274] 35 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 P0001046 CPL

[0275] 24 composition is substantially free of bicarbonate salt. Preferably the bicarbonate salt is sodium bicarbonate.

[0276] The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably has from

[0277] 5 0 wt.% to 12 wt.% zeolite builder, more preferably 0 wt.% to 10 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.

[0278] The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably has from 0 wt.% to 17 wt.% alkali metal silicate, more preferably 0 wt.% to 5 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.

[0279] 15

[0280] The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably includes less than 1 wt.% soap, still preferably the solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention is substantially free of soap. Soap as used herein refers to the anionic surfactant with the general chemical formula

[0281] 20 wherein Ri is a Ce to C22 hydrocarbyl group, an alkyl group or combinations thereof, n is 1 or 2, and L is sodium potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, monoethanolammonium, diethanolammonium, triethanolammonium or mixtures thereof.

[0282] The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably has from less than 1 wt.% citric acid, more preferably 0 wt.% to 1 wt.% citric acid. Preferably the solid laundry composition is substantially free of soap.

[0283] 30

[0284] 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 P0001046 CPL

[0285] 25 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.

[0286] Source of the alkyl chain

[0287] 5 The alkyl chain present in any one or more of the alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant, cosurfactant, foaming agent of general formula (I) and / or general formula (II), of the present invention may be preferably obtained from a renewable source, preferably from a triglyceride. A renewable source is one where the material is produced by natural ecological cycle of a living species, preferably by a plant, algae, fungi, yeast, or bacteria, more preferably plants, algae, or yeasts.

[0288] Preferred surfactant

[0289] In addition to the abovementioned ingredients present in the solid laundry composition according to the first aspect of the present invention, the composition may include one or more

[0290] 15 of the further surfactant as provided herein below.

[0291] The additional surfactant may be selected from anionic surfactant (other than those mentioned hereinabove), nonionic surfactant (other than those mentioned hereinabove), cationic surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant (other than those mentioned hereinabove), amphoteric

[0292] 20 surfactant (other than those mentioned hereinabove) and mixtures thereof.

[0293] Preferred ingredients

[0294] The detergent composition of the present invention may preferably include one or more of the optional ingredients selected from the group consisting of cleaning and care ingredients. The

[0295] 25 optional ingredients include one or more adjunct cleaning additives selected from polymers, enzymes, enzyme stabilizer, brightening agents, hueing agent, bleach, chelating agent, humectant, perfume, filler or carrier, an alkalinity system, a buffer, or combinations thereof.

[0296] Polymers’.

[0297] The composition of the present invention may preferably include polymers which provide cleaning or care benefits.

[0298] The cleaning polymer includes but is not limited to soil release polymer, carboxylate polymers, antiredeposition polymers, cellulosic polymers, amphiphilic alkoxylated grease cleaning

[0299] 35 polymers, clay soil cleaning polymers, soil suspending polymers and mixtures thereof. The P0001046 CPL

[0300] 26 polymers providing care benefits includes care polymers, dye-transfer inhibiting polymer and mixtures thereof.

[0301] Suitable carboxylate polymer includes polymers such as a maleate / acrylate random copolymer

[0302] 5 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.

[0303] 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:

[0304] 15 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.

[0305] 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

[0306] 20 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 WO2014 / 019903. Suitable soil release polymers are sold by Clariant under the TexCare® series of polymers, e.g. TexCare® SRN240, TexCare® SRN100,

[0307] 25 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.

[0308] 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%,

[0309] 35 still preferably not more than 13wt%, most preferably not more than 12wt%. P0001046 CPL

[0310] 27

[0311] 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

[0312] 5 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 Sokolan from BASF.

[0313] 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.

[0314] 15 Copolymer acrylic acid and maleic acid or salt thereof.

[0315] 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

[0316] 20 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.

[0317] 25 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.

[0318] 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

[0319] 35 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. P0001046 CPL

[0320] 28

[0321] 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

[0322] 5 6:4.

[0323] 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.

[0324] 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

[0325] 15 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.%.

[0326] 20 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

[0327] 25 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.

[0328] 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

[0329] 35 degree of carboxymethyl substitution from 0.5 to 0.9 and a molecular weight from 100,000 Da to P0001046 CPL

[0330] 29

[0331] 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.

[0332] Examples of suitable sequestering polymers are DEQUEST™, organic phosphonate type

[0333] 5 sequestering polymers sold by Monsanto and alkanehydroxy phosphonates.

[0334] 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.

[0335] 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.

[0336] Enzymes.

[0337] 15 The 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.

[0338] Examples of suitable enzymes include, but are not limited to, hemicellulases, peroxidases,

[0339] 20 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

[0340] 25 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.

[0341] 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

[0342] 35 Esperase® by Novozymes A / S (Denmark), those sold under the tradename Maxatase®, Maxaca®!, Maxapem®, Properase®, Purafect®, Purafect Prime®, Purafect Ox®, FN3®, FN4®, P0001046 CPL

[0343] 30

[0344] 10 Excellase® and Purafect OXP® by Genencor International, those sold under the tradename Opticlean® and Optimase by Solvay Enzymes.

[0345] Suitable commercially available alpha-amylases include DURAMYL®, LIQUEZYME®,

[0346] 5 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.

[0347] Preferred lipases would include those sold under the tradenames Lipex® and Lipolex®.

[0348] 15 Suitable endoglucanases are sold under the tradenames Celluclean® and Whitezyme® (Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark).

[0349] Other preferred enzymes include pectate lyases sold under the tradenames Pectawash®, Pectaway®, Xpect® and mannanases sold under the tradenames Mannaway® (all from

[0350] 20 Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), and Purabrite® (Genencor International Inc., Palo Alto, California).

[0351] 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

[0352] 25 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.

[0353] 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).

[0354] The enzyme may also be formulated in an encapsulate form. The enzyme may be encapsulated

[0355] 35 in a matrix, preferably a water-soluble or water dispersible matrix (e.g., water-soluble polymer P0001046 CPL

[0356] 31 particles), for example as described in WO 2016 / 023685. An example of a water-soluble polymeric matrix is a matrix composition comprising polyvinyl alcohol.

[0357] The enzyme may also be encapsulated in core-shell microcapsules, for example as described

[0358] 5 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.

[0359] 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.

[0360] Enzyme stabilizing system’.

[0361] 15 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,

[0362] 20 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

[0363] 25 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.

[0364] Brightening agents’.

[0365] 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.

[0366] 35 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 P0001046 CPL

[0367] 32

[0368] Corporation. The brighteners may be added in particulate form or as a premix with a suitable solvent, for example nonionic surfactant, monoethanolamine, propane diol.

[0369] Fabric hueing agents’.

[0370] 5 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,

[0371] 15 stilbene, styryl, triarylmethane, triphenylmethane, xanthenes and mixtures thereof. Suitable fabric hueing agents include dyes, dye-clay conjugates, and organic and inorganic pigments.

[0372] 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,

[0373] 20 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.

[0374] Bleach and bleach activator.

[0375] The solid laundry detergent composition preferably includes a bleach system having a bleach

[0376] 25 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

[0377] 35 composition may comprise from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.% disodium 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3- benzene disulfonate. P0001046 CPL

[0378] 33

[0379] Fillers:

[0380] Optionally the solid laundry detergent composition includes fillers such as sodium sulphate, sodium chloride, calcite, dolomite, or mixtures thereof. Preferably the amount of filler in the solid laundry composition ranges from 10 wt.% to 60 wt.%, still preferably from 10 wt.% to 55 wt.%.

[0381] 5

[0382] Preferably the sodium sulphate filler is present in an amount ranging from 10 to 50 wt.%. Preferably the sodium chloride filler is present in an amount ranging from 10 to 50 wt.%. Preferably the calcite filler is present in an amount ranging from 1 to 10 wt.%.

[0383] Preferably the dolomite filler is present in an amount ranging from 1 to 10 wt.%.

[0384] Preferably the filler is selected from sodium sulphate, calcite, sodium chloride and mixtures thereof.

[0385] Non-carbonate builder:

[0386] 15 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

[0387] 20 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 to 2.4 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

[0388] 25 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.

[0389] 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.

[0390] 35 P0001046 CPL

[0391] 34

[0392] Moisture:

[0393] Preferably the spray dried detergent particle includes from 1 wt.% to 3.5 wt.% moisture. Preferably the amount of moisture content present in the spray-dried particle is not less than 2 wt.%, still preferably not less than 2.25 wt.%, more preferably not less than 2.5 wt.%, still

[0394] 5 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.%.

[0395] Chelating agent

[0396] Preferably the solid laundry composition includes a chelating agent. Preferably the chelating agent may contain an amino group and may be, e.g., an amino-polycarboxylate or a phosphonate. It may be a monomeric molecule comprising one, two or three amino groups (typically secondary or tertiary amino groups), and it may contain two, three, four or five carboxyl groups or even more carboxyl groups. The chelating agents may be phosphorus containing or without phosphorus.

[0397] 15

[0398] Suitable chelating agents includes those based on carboxylate groups includes EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetate), NTA (2,2',2"-nitrilotriacetate), citrate, 2-hydroxypropan-l,2,3- tricarboxylate, DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid), MGDA (methylglycinediacetic acid OT N,N'-bis(carboxymethyl)alanine), EGTA (ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid), EDDS

[0399] 20 (ethylenediamine- N,W-disuccinic acid),, GLDA (L-Glutamic acid, N,N-diacetic acid), Polycarboxylates such as PAA [poly(acrylic acid)], PAA / PMA [copoly(acrylic acid / maleic acid)], or mixtures thereof. Especially preferred chelating agent includes diethylenetriamine pentacetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediamine-N, N’-disuccinic acid (EDDS) and 1 ,1 hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid (HEDP) or the alkali metal, potassium, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or

[0400] 25 substituted ammonium salts thereof, or mixtures thereof. Preferably the chelating agent is a phosphonate. HEDP in its acid form or salt form with alkali metal, potassium, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium is a highly preferred chelating agent. Preferably the chelating agent is a gluconate. In the solid laundry composition according to the present invention, the chelating agent is preferably present in an amount from 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, preferably from 0.1 wt.% to 3 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 wt.% to 1 wt.%.

[0401] Fragrance:

[0402] Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition includes a fragrance. Preferably the composition includes a free fragrance, encapsulated fragrance or combination of free fragrance

[0403] 35 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 P0001046 CPL

[0404] 35

[0405] 3 wt.% and furthermore preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 1 wt.%. Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition has an 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.%.

[0406] 5

[0407] By free fragrance is meant fragrance which is not encapsulated as part of a delayed or controlled release mechanism. Preferably the free fragrance is selected from those having a functional group selected from aldehyde, carboxylic acid, esters 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. 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,

[0408] 15 resins, resinoids, balsams, tinctures, and mixtures thereof.

[0409] Preferably the fragrance is an encapsulated fragrance. 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

[0410] 20 fragrance is friable fragrance. Preferably the encapsulated fragrance is a biobased encapsulated fragrance. Preferably the encapsulated fragrance is a microencapsulated fragrance. Preferably the encapsulated fragrance has at least one fragrance encapsulated in an amine-aldehyde resin. More preferably the amine-aldehyde resin is melamine-formaldehyde. Preferably the encapsulated fragrance is a starch-based capsule.

[0411] 25

[0412] 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,

[0413] 35 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. Suitable proteins for use in this P0001046 CPL

[0414] 36 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

[0415] 5 proteins. Particularly preferred polysaccharides include gum arabic, dextrins, starch, 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.

[0416] Examples of suitable polysaccharide derivatives include starch glycolate, carboxymethyl starch, hydroxyalkyl cellulose and cross-linked modified cellulose. Preferably the microencapsulated fragrance has a crosslinking agent. The crosslinking agent includes isocyanate crosslinking, salt bridge cross linking, carbonyl cross linking and internal crosslinking within the microcapsule wall polymer structure. Examples of carbonyl crosslinking agent includes dialdehydes. Polymeric

[0417] 15 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

[0418] 20 suitably be provided at the outer surface of the microparticle by means of covalent bonding, entanglement, or strong adsorption. 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. The

[0419] 25 encapsulated fragrance may include a catalyst. A catalyst is added to induce the interfacial polymerization in the formation of the capsule wall.

[0420] Method of laundering

[0421] According to a second aspect of the present invention provided is a method of treating a textile article.

[0422] Preferably there is also provided a domestic method of treating a textile, the method comprising the step of treating a textile with an aqueous solution of 0.5 g / L to 20 g / L of the detergent composition as described herein, and optionally drying the textile. Preferably, in the domestic

[0423] 35 method the aqueous solution contains 0.1 g / L to 6.0 g / L of the surfactants in the composition. Many of the ingredients used in embodiments of the invention may be obtained from so called P0001046 CPL

[0424] 37 black carbon sources or a more sustainable green source. The following provides a list of alternative sources for several of these ingredients and how they can be made into raw materials described herein.

[0425] 5 Sulphate surfactant

[0426] Primary alkyl sulphate surfactants (PAS) can be obtained from linear alcohols directly by sulphating the linear alcohol.

[0427] The linear alcohols which are suitable as an intermediate step in the manufacture of primary alkyl sulphate surfactant can be obtained from many different sustainable sources. These include:

[0428] Primary sugars: Primary sugars are obtained from cane sugar or sugar beet, etc., and may be fermented to form bioethanol. The bioethanol is then dehydrated to form bio-ethylene which

[0429] 15 then undergoes olefin methathesis to form alkenes. These alkenes are then processed into linear alcohols either by hydroformylation or oxidation. An alternative process also using primary sugars to form linear alcohols can be used and where the primary sugar undergoes microbial conversion by algae to form triglycerides These triglycerides are then hydrolysed to linear fatty acids, and which are then reduced to form the linear alcohols.

[0430] 20

[0431] Biomass: Biomass, for example forestry products, rice husks and straw to name a few may be processed into syngas by gasification. Through a Fischer Tropsch reaction these are processed into alkanes, which in turn are dehydrogenated to form olefins. These olefins may be processed in the same manner as the alkenes described above [primary sugars]. An alternative process

[0432] 25 turns the same biomass into polysaccharides by steam explosion which may be enzymatically degraded into secondary sugars. These secondary sugars are then fermented to form bioethanol which in turn is dehydrated to form bio-ethylene. This bio-ethylene is then processed into linear alcohols as described above [primary sugars].

[0433] Waste Plastics: Waste plastic is pyrolyzed to form pyrolyzed oils. This is then fractioned to form linear alkanes which are dehydrogenated to form alkenes. These alkenes are processed as described above [primary sugars]. Alternatively, the pyrolyzed oils are cracked to form ethylene which is then processed to form the required alkenes by olefin metathesis. These are then processed into linear alcohols as described above [primary sugars].

[0434] 35 P0001046 CPL

[0435] 38

[0436] Municipal Solid Waste: Municipal solid waste is turned into syngas by gasification. From syngas it may be processed as described above [primary sugars] or it may be turned into ethanol by enzymatic processes before being dehydrogenated into ethylene. The ethylene may then be turned into linear alcohols by the Zieg / er Process. The municipal solid waste may also be

[0437] 5 turned into pyrolysis oil by gasification and then fractioned to form alkanes. These alkanes are then dehydrogenated to form olefins and then linear alcohols.

[0438] Marine Carbon: There are various carbon sources from marine flora such as seaweed and kelp. From such marine flora the triglycerides can be separated from the source, and which is then hydrolysed to form the fatty acids which are reduced to linear alcohols in the usual manner Alternatively, the raw material can be separated into polysaccharides which are enzymatically degraded to form secondary sugars. These may be fermented to form bioethanol and then processed as described above [Primary Sugars],

[0439] 15 Waste Oils: Waste oils such as used cooking oil can be physically separated into the triglycerides which are split to form linear fatty acids and then linear alcohols as described above. Alternatively, the used cooking oil may be subjected to the Neste Process whereby the oil is catalytically cracked to form bio-ethylene. This is then processed as described above.

[0440] 20 Methane capture: Methane capture methods capture methane from landfill sites or from fossil fuel production. The methane may be formed into syngas by gasification. The syngas may be processed as described above whereby the syngas is turned into methanol (Fischer Tropsch reaction) and then olefins before being turned into linear alcohols by hydroformylation oxidation. Alternatively, the syngas may be turned into alkanes and then olefins by Fischer Tropsch and

[0441] 25 then dehydrogenation.

[0442] Carbon capture: Carbon dioxide may be captured by any of a variety of processes which are all well known. The carbon dioxide may be turned into carbon monoxide by a reverse water gas shift reaction and which in turn may be turned into syngas using hydrogen gas in an electrolytic reaction. The syngas is then processed as described above and is either turned into methanol and / or alkanes before being reacted to form olefins. Alternatively, the captured carbon dioxide is mixed with hydrogen gas before being enzymatically processed to form ethanol. This is a process which has been developed by Lanzatech. From here the ethanol is turned into ethylene and then processed into olefins and then linear alcohols as described above.

[0443] 35 P0001046 CPL

[0444] 39

[0445] The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. In the examples and throughout this specification, all percentages are by weight based on the total composition, unless indicated otherwise.

[0446] 5 Examples

[0447] Example 1: Evaluation of the foam performance of a solid laundry composition according to the present invention

[0448] Different spray-dried laundry detergent composition were prepared according to the composition provided in table 1. The formulation were then evaluated for the foam height performance.

[0449] Method of measuring foam performance: The level of foam produced by the composition was

[0450] 15 measured using the following method at ambient temperature (25°C).

[0451] In this protocol firstly a known amount of the fully formulated solid laundry composition was added in a beaker containing water to form a 0.5gpl wash liquor. The water had a hardness of 24° FH (Ca: Mg, 2:1). The beaker was placed on a magnetic stirrer for 20 minutes at a speed of

[0452] 20 150 rpm for complete dissolution of the detergent composition in water to form an aqueous liquor.

[0453] 100 mL of the aqueous liquor was added to a 1000 mL graduated glass cylinder with an internal diameter of 29 mm. The starting volume (Vi) was recorded. The cylinder was stoppered and then vigorously shaken vertically for 10 times. The height was measured visually to the nearest 5 mL graduation. The starting volume of solution (Vi = 10 mL) was subtracted from this value to calculate the foam height. The results are shown in the table below for each composition.

[0454] Table 1

[0455] 30 P0001046 CPL

[0456] 40

[0457] The data in table 1 shows that the composition according to the present invention (Ex 1 and Ex 2) having foaming agent (lauryl sulphoacetate) and lowered levels of LAS provides improved foam performance.

[0458] 5 Example 2: Evaluation of solid laundry composition having different co-surfactant.

[0459] Table 2

[0460] The data in table 2 shows that the composition according to the present invention (Ex 3 and Ex

[0461] 4) having foaming agent (lauryl sulphoacetate), co-surfactant and lowered levels of LAS provides improved foam performance.

Claims

P0001046 CPL41CLAIMS1. A solid laundry composition comprising: i. alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant; ii. 5 wt.% to 35 wt.% alkali metal carbonate; and, iii. 0.05 wt.% to 20 wt.% foaming agent selected from the group consisting of: a) an alpha sulphonated alkyl ester with the general formula (IA) or (IB). (IB) wherein:Ri is selected from a straight or branched Cs to C32 hydrocarbyl group; or an alkyl group; or combinations thereof;R2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom; or a straight or branched Ce to C22 hydrocarbyl group; or an alkyl group or combinations thereof,M is hydrogen, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, monoethanolammonium, diethanolammonium, triethanolammonium, or a mixture thereof and / or, b) an alpha sulphonated fatty acid salt with general formula (I I A) or (I IB)P0001046 CPL42> (HB) wherein:R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom; or a straight or branched Ce to C22 hydrocarbyl group; or an alkyl group or combinations thereof,M is hydrogen, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, monoethanolammonium, diethanolammonium, triethanolammonium, or a mixture thereof.

2. A solid laundry composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition comprises an additional co-surfactant.

3. A solid laundry composition according to claim 2 wherein the additional co-surfactant is selected from the group consisting of (i) alkyl sulphate co-surfactant (ii) alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant (iii) alkyl isethionate co-surfactant (iv) betaine amphoteric cosurfactant, sulphated ethoxylated alkyl Guerbet alcohol co-surfactant (v) nonionic cosurfactant (vi) zwitterionic co-surfactant and mixtures thereof.

4. A composition according to claim 3 wherein the additional co-surfactant is an alkyl sulphate co-surfactant represented by the general structure R-O-SCh' M+, where R is branched or linear, un-alkoxylated Ce to C16 alkyl group, and M is a cation of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or ammonium.

5. A composition according to claim 3 wherein the additional co-surfactant is an alkyl ether sulphate co-surfactant represented by the general structure R-(OCH2CH2)x-O-SC>3' M+, where R is branched or linear fatty alcohol comprising Cs to C20 carbon atoms; x is from 0.5 to 8, and where and M is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or ammonium.

6. A solid laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant is present in an amount ranging from 0.05 wt.% to 20 wt.%.

7. A solid laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises an antiredeposition agent.P0001046 CPL438. A solid laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the alpha sulphonated alkyl ester with the general formula (IA) is lauryl sulphoacetate.

9. A solid laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the alkyl sulphoacetate with general formula (IIB) is disodium sulpholaurate.

10. A solid laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises from 0.05 wt.% to 5 wt.% alpha sulphonated alkyl ester with the general formula (IA) or (IB) and / or 0.05 wt.% to 5 wt.% alpha sulphonated fatty acid salt with the general formula (HA) or (IIB).

11. A solid laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the foaming agent with general formula IA, IB, HA or IIB is saturated.

12. A solid laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises from 0.01 wt.% to 10 wt.% co-surfactant, still preferably from 0.01 wt.% to 6 wt.% co-surfactant, more preferably 0.01 wt.% to 5 wt.% co-surfactant.

13. A solid laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises a chelating agent, preferably the chelating agent is an amino carboxylate chelating agent, preferably the chelating agent is MGDA, GLDA, ALDA, EDDS, and mixtures thereof.

14. A solid laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the alpha sulphonated alkyl ester with the general formula (l)and the co-surfactant is present in a weight ratio ranging from 0.35:0.65 to 0.65:0.35.

15. A solid laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises an enzyme, preferably the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of lipase, amylase, mannanase, laccase, cellulase, protease and mixtures thereof.

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