Liquid containing carboxymethylcellulose

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to liquids comprising carboxymethylcellulose that are compatible with water-soluble films, and preparation methods thereof.

Description

[0001] 364.1714PC

[0002] LIQUID CONTAINING CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to liquids comprising carboxymethylcellulose that are compatible with water-soluble films (e.g., PVOH films), and preparation methods thereof.

[0005] Background

[0006] In the field of laundry detergents, consumers like water-soluble unit dose products (more commonly referred to as “laundry capsules”) because they offer convenience to the laundry process. In addition to excellent cleaning ability, consumers also expect excellent dissolution in washing. Residues of a poorly dissolved capsule can remain on fabrics if the capsules do not dissolve effectively in the wash, in which circumstances the consumer feels the need to wash the fabrics again, which is time-consuming, expensive and wasteful of resources.

[0007] The liquid unit dose detergent formulations typically contain 1 - 15 % by weight of the detergent of water and between 10 % and 40 % by weight of the detergent of a non-aqueous solvent. The composition of the solvent matrix is important for the integrity of the water- soluble film these capsules are packed in; non-aqueous solvents are required in the solvent matrix to maintain the integrity of the water-soluble film.

[0008] Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is widely used as an anti-redeposition agent in powdered laundry detergents. The drawback of CMC is that, to date, it has been essentially impossible to incorporate it into these low-water unit-dose liquid formulations, as CMC generally requires an abundance of water to be fully hydrated. CMC thus tends to crash out of the unit-dose solvent matrix.

[0009] To avoid the stability issues in the solvent matrix, the CMC in theory could be included as a powder in a separate compartment in a multi-compartment water-soluble pouch (e.g., those disclosed in EP3441445). This approach, however, was found to be impractical because including CMC in powder form inside a water-soluble film led to severe dissolution problems during use (when the unit dose article was contacted with water, the powder-form CMC and the water-soluble film together formed a globular gel that was almost water-insoluble). Alternatively, CMC in theory could be included as a pre-dissolved liquid. That approach, however, is impracticable, because CMC requires too much water to be hydrated and thus form a solution thereof; the minimum water content in these CMC solutions is about 80 wt.%, 364.1714PC which is a problem because it has been found that the integrity of the water-soluble film is compromised at a solvent matrix water content of above about 70 wt.% (it was found that such CMC solutions compromised the integrity of the water-soluble film in less than a day). As another alternative, a non-dissolved CMC slurry in theory could be mixed directly into an optimized unit-dose non-aqueous solvent matrix. Again, this approach was found to be impractical because it led to poor dissolution and gelling similar to the dry powder option. These issues were even observed when using the more recently developed ultra-low molecular weight (ULMw) carboxymethylcelluloses (as described in WO 2018 / 060262), despite those ULMw CMCs being compatible with regular and compact water-based liquid detergent formulations.

[0010] Despite trying numerous different approaches to including CMC in liquid detergent formulations suitable for water-soluble unit-dose products, it was concluded that it would likely not be possible to successfully add a CMC to a liquid that would be suitable for use in a water-soluble unit-dose laundry product.

[0011] US 2017 / 166840 discloses in the examples a “second liquid” comprising 67g hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose, 101g carboxymethylcellulose, and 252g alcohol. However, it has been found that this combination of components yields a filmincompatible slurry of mostly undissolved CMC (hence why US 2017 / 166840 also requires the additional “first liquid” to make a film-compatible liquid comprising ca. 10 wt.% CMC).

[0012] In view of the known effectiveness of CMC as an anti-redeposition agent, however, there remains a desire to use CMC in unit-dose laundry products. Per the above, this means finding a way to make a liquid with non-aqueous solvents and low water content to maintain the integrity of the water-soluble film, whilst simultaneously containing a sufficiently high concentration of dissolved CMC to provide effective anti-redeposition properties, and whilst also ensuring fast and complete dispersion of the CMC during use.

[0013] To the best of the inventors’ knowledge, the present disclosure constitutes the first complete solution to this multifaceted problem.

[0014] Summary

[0015] In that respect, the inventors unexpectedly found that in-situ enzymatic degradation of CMC in the presence of a unit dose solvent matrix yielded a homogeneous liquid that was storage stable (CMC did not crash out of the liquid over time) and comprised a high dissolved CMC 364.1714PC content (>20 wt.%), a non-aqueous solvent, and a low water content (<70 wt.%). This liquid was found to be compatible with a water-soluble film (it did not compromise the film integrity upon storage), and a unit-dose article comprising the liquid was found to dissolve quickly and completely when contacted with water.

[0016] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a liquid comprising a nonaqueous solvent and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), wherein the liquid has a CMC content of at least 20 wt.% and a water content of less than 70 wt.%, wherein wt.% is relative to the total weight of the liquid, and wherein the CMC is substantially dissolved in the liquid.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for preparing the liquid of the first aspect, the method comprising: a) dissolving a first amount of a first carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in a solvent, wherein the weight ratio of the first amount of CMC to the solvent is from about 1 :99 to about 10:90, and wherein the solvent is a mixture of water and at least one non-aqueous solvent; b) adding a cellulase enzyme to the solution of step a) to obtain a first mixture; c) adding a second amount of a second CMC to the first mixture to obtain a second mixture, wherein a sum of the first amount of CMC and the second amount of CMC is at least 20 wt.% relative to the total weight of the second mixture; d) stirring the second mixture for a period of at least 30 minutes; and e) deactivating the cellulase enzyme after completion of step d).

[0018] In a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to a detergent composition comprising the liquid of the first aspect.

[0019] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a detergent composition of the third aspect.

[0020] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure relates to the use of the liquid of the first aspect as an anti-redeposition agent

[0021] In a sixth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of washing a soiled fabric comprising contacting said soiled fabric with a wash liquor comprising a detergent composition according to the third aspect or a water-soluble unit dose article according to the fourth aspect. 364.1714PC

[0022] Figures

[0023] Figure 1 is a photograph of a unit-dose article prepared in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0024] Detailed Description

[0025] Liquids comprising carboxymethylcellulose that are compatible with water-soluble films (e.g., PVOH films), and preparation methods thereof, are disclosed herein.

[0026] As used herein, molecular weight (Mw) is the weight average molecular weight as determined by GPC using suitable reference standards. For example, Mw and, if applicable, Mp (molecular weight peak), may be determined using a GPCmax VE GPC solvent / sample module (Viscotek), column oven, 270 Dual Detector and Shodex RI-71 using a narrow standard Pullulan to calibrate the system. A detailed methodology is provided in “Protocol 1 ” of WO 2018 / 060262, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0027] As used herein, the term “the carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is substantially dissolved in the liquid” means >95wt.% of the CMC solids in the liquid is dissolved in the liquid, preferably >96wt.% of the CMC solids is dissolved in the liquid, preferably >97wt.% of the CMC solids is dissolved in the liquid, preferably >98wt.% of the CMC solids is dissolved in the liquid, and more preferably >99wt.% of the CMC solids is dissolved in the liquid. Most preferably, the CMC is completely dissolved in the liquid.

[0028] Values or ranges may be expressed herein as “about”, from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such values or ranges are expressed, other aspects disclosed include the specific value recited, from the one particular value, and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that there are a number of values disclosed therein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. In aspects, “about” can be used to mean, for example, within 10% of the recited value, within 5% of the recited value, or within 2% of the recited.

[0029] The liquid of the present disclosure comprises a non-aqueous solvent and carboxymethylcellulose, wherein the liquid has a carboxymethylcellulose content of at least 20 wt.%, relative to the total weight of the liquid, and a water content of less than 70 wt.%, 364.1714PC relative to the total weight of the liquid, wherein the CMC is substantially dissolved in the liquid. The liquid of the present disclosure is suitable for use in a unit-dose article comprising a water-soluble film.

[0030] Accordingly, the liquid of the present disclosure requires, as a first component, a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC).

[0031] In one embodiment, the carboxymethyl cellulose component may have a molecular weight of from 1 ,000 Daltons (Da) to 300,000 Da, such as from 1 ,000 Da to 250,000 Da, or 1 ,000 Da to 200,000 Da, or 1 ,000 Da to 150,000 Da, or 1 ,000 Da to 100,000 Da. Alternatively, the carboxymethylcellulose may have a molecular weight of from 10,000 Da to 300,000 Da, such as from 50,000 Da to 250,000 Da, or from 100,000 Da to 200,000 Da.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the carboxymethyl cellulose component is an “ultra-low molecular weight” carboxymethyl cellulose having a molecular weight of from about 1 ,000 Da to 80,000 Da, such as from about 1 ,000 Da to about 40,000 Da, or from about 1 ,000 Da to about 30,000 Da, or from about 1 ,000 Da to about 15,000 Da. For example, the ultra-low molecular weight CMC may have a molecular weight of 1 ,000 Da, 2,000 Da, 3,000 Da, 4,000 Da, 5,000, Da, 6,000 Da, 7,000 Da, 8,000 Da, 9,000 Da, 10,000 Da, 11 ,000 Da, 12,000 Da, 13,000 Da, 14,000, Da, 15,000 Da, 16,000 Da, 17,000 Da, 18,000 Da, 19,000 Da, 20,000 Da, 21 ,000 Da, 22,000 Da, 23,000 Da, 24,000 Da, 25,000 Da, 26,000 Da, 27,000 Da, 28,000 Da, 29,000 Da, 30,000 Da, 31 ,000 Da, 32,000 Da, 33,000 Da, 34,000 Da, 35,000 Da, 36,000 Da, 37,000 Da, 38,000 Da, 39,000 Da, 40,000 Da, 41 ,000 Da, 42,000 Da, 43,000 Da, 44,000 Da, 45,000 Da, 46,000 Da, 47,000 Da, 48,000 Da, 49,000 Da, 50,000 Da, 51 ,000 Da, 52,000 Da, 53,000 Da, 54,000 Da, 55,000 Da, 56,000 Da, 57,000 Da, 58,000 Da, 59,000 Da, 60,000 Da, 61 ,000 Da, 62,000 Da, 63,000 Da, 64,000 Da, 65,000 Da, 66,000 Da, 67,000 Da, 68,000 Da, 69,000 Da, 70,000 Da, 71 ,000 Da, 72,000 Da, 73,000 Da, 74,000 Da, 75,000 Da, 76,000 Da, 77,000 Da, 78,000 Da, 79,000 Da, or 80,000 Da. The ultra-low molecular weight CMC may also have a molecular weight between any of these recited molecular weights. The ultra-low molecular weight CMC component may have a molecular weight distribution that is unimodal, bimodal, or multimodal and in each case the molecular weight peaks (Mp) are no greater than 80,000 Da. For example, the molecular weight peaks may be from about 750 to 60,000 Da.

[0033] In any one of the above embodiments, the carboxymethyl cellulose component of the liquid may be a combination of smaller molecular weight and larger molecular weight carboxymethyl celluloses so that a bimodal or multimodal molecular weight distribution is 364.1714PC achieved. For example, the carboxymethyl cellulose component may have a bimodal molecular weight distribution, wherein the first molecular weight modal has a peak in the range of from 1 ,000 Da to 80,000 Da, and wherein the second molecular weight modal has a peak in the range of from 100,000 Da to 300,000 Da.

[0034] In any one of the above embodiments, the carboxymethyl cellulose component may have a degree of substitution (DS) of no more than 1.5, preferably about 1.0 or less, more preferably about 0.8 or less. In one embodiment, the CMC component may have a DS of from about 0.2 to about 1 .5. For example, the CMC component may have a DS from about 0.2 to about 1.0. In a preferred embodiment, the CMC component has a DS of from about 0.3 to about 0.8. The term “degree of substitution" or "DS" means the average number of substituted ring sites of the beta-anhydroglucose rings of the cellulose derivative. Since there are three hydroxyl groups (R) on each anhydroglucose ring of the cellulose that are available for substitution, the maximum value of DS is 3.0. For carboxymethyl cellulose, each R group will comprise either Ra or Rb (see above formula) with the 'degree of substitution' being defined as the average number of R groups per repeating cellulose unit that comprise Rb. Generally, the degree of substitution may be measured by any techniques known in the art. For example, the degree of substitution, including those disclosed herein, may be measured by the following analysis method: a sample of CMC at a known weight was burned to ash, i.e., heated for 45 minutes at 650 °C, then cooled to 25 °C; the cooled sample was then dissolved in distilled water having a temperature of 80 °C to form a sample mixture; the sample mixture was then cooled to 70 °C, and thereafter titrated by 0.1 N sulphuric acid by using methyl red as the indicator. The degree of substitution (DS) is calculated by the following formula, where b is the amount of acid consumption (mL) and G is the weight of the sample (grams):

[0035] 0.162 * 0.1 (^)

[0036] Degree of Substitution DS) = - - r-

[0037] / b\ \

[0038] 1 - 0.08 * 0.1

[0039] \ J

[0040] In any one of the above embodiments, the carboxymethyl cellulose may have a degree of substitution (DS) in the range of from 0.01 to 0.99 and a degree of blockiness (DB) such that the sum of DS+DB is at least 0.30, or at least 0.40, or at least 0.50, or at least 0.60, or at least 0.70, or at least 0.80, or at least 0.90, or at least 1.00, or at least 1.05, or at least 1.10, or at least 1.15, or at least 1.20, or at least 1.25, or at least 1.30, or at least 1.35, or at least 1 .40, or at least 1 .45, or at least 1 .50. The carboxymethyl cellulose may have a degree of substitution (DS) in the range of from 0.01 to 0.99 and a degree of blockiness (DB) such that the sum of DB+2DS-DS2is at least 1 .00, or at least 1.10, or at least 1 .20, or at least 1 .25, or 364.1714PC at least 1 .30, or at least 1 .35, or at least 1 .40, or at least 1 .45, or at least 1 .50. In one embodiment, the carboxymethyl cellulose is a hydrophobically modified carboxymethylcellulose having a degree of substitution (DS) of from 0.01 to 0.99 and a degree of blockiness (DB) such that either DS+DB is of at least 1 .00 and / or DB+2DS-DS2is at least 1 .20. Method to determine degree of blockiness (DB) of a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC): In the case of a substituted cellulose, the DB may correspond to the amount (A) of non-substituted glucose units released after a specific enzymatic hydrolysis with the commercial endoglucanase enzyme (Econase CE, AB Enzymes, Darmstadt, Germany) divided by the total amount of non-substituted glucose units released after acid hydrolysis (A+B). The enzymatic activity is specific to non-substituted glucose units in the polymer chain that are directly bounded to another non-substituted glucose unit. The enzymatic degradation is performed using the enzyme (Econase CE) in a buffer at pH 4.8 at 50°C for 3 days. To 25 ml of substituted cellulose sample, 250 mL of enzyme is used. The degradation is stopped by heating the samples to 90°C and keeping them hot for 15 minutes. The acid hydrolysis for both substitution pattern and blockiness is carried out in perchloric acid (15 min in 70% HCIO4 at room temperature and 3 hours in 6.4% HCIO4 at 120°C). The samples are analysed using Anion Exchange Chromatography with Pulsed Amperiometric Detection (PAD detector: BioLC50 (Dionex, Sunnyvale, California, USA)). The HPAEC / PAD system is calibrated with 13C NMR. The monosaccharides are separated at 35°C using a flow rate of 0.2ml / min on a PA-1 analytical column using 100mM NaOH as eluent with increasing sodium acetate (from 0 to 1 M sodium acetate in 30 mins). Each sample is analysed three to five times and an average is calculated. The number of unsubstituted glucose that were directly linked to at least one substituted glucose (A), and the number of unsubstituted glucose that were not directly linked to a substituted glucose (B) are deduced and the DB of the substituted cellulose sample is calculated: DB = B / (A+B).

[0041] The CMC component is present in the liquid in an amount of at least 20 wt.% relative to the total weight of the liquid. Preferably, the CMC component is present in the liquid in an amount of from 20 wt.% to 60 wt.% relative to the total weight of the liquid, preferably from about 25 wt.% to about 55 wt.%, such as from about 30 wt.% to about 40 wt.%. For example, the CMC component may be present in the liquid in an amount of 20 wt.%, 21 wt.%, 22 wt.%, 23 wt.%, 24 wt.%, 25 wt.%, 26 wt.%, 27 wt.%, 28 wt.%, 29 wt.%, 30 wt.%, 31 wt.%, 32 wt.%, 33 wt.%, 34 wt.%, 35 wt.%, 36 wt.%, 37 wt.%, 38 wt.%, 39 wt.%, 40 wt.%, 41 wt.%, 42 wt.%, 43 wt.%, 44 wt.%, 45 wt.%, 46 wt.%, 47 wt.%, 48 wt.%, 49 wt.%, 50 wt.%, 51 wt.%, 52 wt.%, 53 wt.%, 54 wt.%, 55 wt.%, 56 wt.%, 57 wt.%, 58 wt.%, 59 wt.%, or 60 wt.% relative to the total weight of the liquid. The CMC component may also be present in the liquid in an amount between any of these recited percentages. 364.1714PC

[0042] The liquid of the present disclosure requires, as a second component, a non-aqueous solvent, preferably an organic solvent. In view of the method for producing the CMC- containing liquid of the present disclosure requiring the use of cellulase enzyme, it should be understood that the non-aqueous solvent must be compatible with the cellulase enzyme, e.g., solvents which deactivate cellulase enzyme are evidently not suitable solvents in this instance. Routine solvent screening would easily determine which solvents would be suitable and which solvents would not be suitable.

[0043] Preferred non-aqueous solvents are cellulase-compatible organic solvents, such as, polyhydric alcohols, preferably C2-C15 polyhydric alcohols, preferably C3-C12 polyhydric alcohols. Non-limiting examples of preferred polyhydric alcohols include 1 ,2-propanediol, glycerol, sorbitol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, or a mixture thereof. This class of non-aqueous solvent tends to show a high degree of compatibility with water-soluble films, such as polyvinylalcohol (PVOH) films.

[0044] The non-aqueous solvent component is preferably present in the liquid in an amount of from about 1 wt.% to about to 40 wt.% relative to the total weight of the liquid. More preferably, the non-aqueous solvent component is present in the liquid in an amount of from about 3 wt.% to about 35 wt.% relative to the total weight of the liquid. For example, the nonaqueous solvent component may be present in the liquid in an amount of 1 wt.%, 2 wt.%, 3 wt.%, 4 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 6 wt.%, 7 wt.%, 8 wt.%, 9 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 11 wt.%, 12 wt.%, 13 wt.%, 14 wt.%, 15 wt.%, 16 wt.%, 17 wt.%, 18 wt.%, 19 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 21 wt.%, 22 wt.%, 23 wt.%,

[0045] 24 wt.%, 25 wt.%, 26 wt.%, 27 wt.%, 28 wt.%, 29 wt.%, 30 wt.%, 31 wt.%, 32 wt.%, 33 wt.%,

[0046] 34 wt.%, 35 wt.%, 36 wt.%, 37 wt.%, 38 wt.%, 39 wt.%, or 40 wt.% relative to the total weight of the liquid. The non-aqueous solvent component may also be present in the liquid in an amount between any of these recited percentages.

[0047] The liquid of the present disclosure contains water in an amount of less than 70 wt.%, preferably in an amount of less than about 60 wt.%, such as in an amount of from about 20 wt.% to about 70 wt.%, preferably about 25 wt.% to about 60 wt.%, preferably about 30 wt.% to about 55 wt.%.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid comprises a non-aqueous solvent and carboxymethylcellulose, wherein the liquid has a carboxymethylcellulose content of at least 20 wt.% and a water content of less than 70 wt.%, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose has a weight-average molecular weight of from 1 ,000 Da to 80,000 Da (Pullulan standards, GPC), 364.1714PC wherein the CMC is substantially dissolved in the liquid, and wherein wt.% is relative to the total weight of the liquid.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment, the liquid comprises a non-aqueous solvent and carboxymethylcellulose, wherein the liquid has a carboxymethylcellulose content of at least 20 wt.%, a water content of less than 70 wt.%, and a non-aqueous solvent content of from 1wt.% to 40 wt.%, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose has a weight-average molecular weight of from 1 ,000 Da to 80,000 Da (Pullulan standards, GPC), wherein the CMC is substantially dissolved in the liquid, and wherein wt.% is relative to the total weight of the liquid.

[0050] In another preferred embodiment, the liquid comprises a polyhydric alcohol and carboxymethylcellulose, wherein the liquid has a carboxymethylcellulose content of at least 20 wt.%, a water content of less than 70 wt.%, and a polyhydric alcohol content of from 1wt.% to 40 wt.%, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose has a weight-average molecular weight of from 1 ,000 Da to 80,000 Da (Pullulan standards, GPC), wherein the CMC is substantially dissolved in the liquid, and wherein wt.% is relative to the total weight of the liquid.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment, the liquid comprises a polyhydric alcohol and carboxymethylcellulose, wherein the liquid has a carboxymethylcellulose content of at least 20 wt.%, a water content of less than 70 wt.%, and a polyhydric alcohol content of from 1wt.% to 40 wt.%, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose has a weight-average molecular weight of from 1 ,000 Da to 80,000 Da (Pullulan standards, GPC), wherein the polyhydric alcohol is selected from C2-C15 polyhydric alcohols, wherein the CMC is substantially dissolved in the liquid, and wherein wt.% is relative to the total weight of the liquid.

[0052] In another preferred embodiment, the liquid comprises a polyhydric alcohol and carboxymethylcellulose, wherein the liquid has a carboxymethylcellulose content of at least 20 wt.%, a water content of less than 70 wt.%, and a polyhydric alcohol content of from 1wt.% to 40 wt.%, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose has a weight-average molecular weight of from 1 ,000 Da to 80,000 Da (Pullulan standards, GPC) and a DS of from about 0.2 to about 1 .5, wherein the polyhydric alcohol is selected from 1 ,2-propanediol, glycerol, sorbitol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, or a mixture thereof, wherein the CMC is substantially dissolved in the liquid, and wherein wt.% is relative to the total weight of the liquid. 364.1714PC

[0053] The liquid of the present disclosure as described above is prepared by a method comprising: a) dissolving a first amount of a first carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in a solvent, wherein the weight ratio of the first amount of CMC to the solvent is from about 1 :99 to about 10:90, and wherein the solvent is a mixture of water and at least one non-aqueous solvent; b) adding a cellulase enzyme to the solution of step a) to obtain a first mixture; c) adding a second amount of a second CMC to the first mixture to obtain a second mixture, wherein a sum of the first amount of CMC and the second amount of CMC is at least 20 wt.% relative to the total weight of the second mixture; d) stirring the second mixture for a period of at least 30 minutes; and e) deactivating the cellulase enzyme after completion of step d).

[0054] Step a)

[0055] The first and second CMC each preferably have a weight-average molecular weight of from 25,000 Da to 500,000 Da (GPC), more preferably from 25,000 Da to 300,000 Da, and more preferably from 25,000 Da to 100,000 Da, such as from 25,000 Da to 80,000 Da. The first and second CMC each preferably have a DS of from about 0.2 to about 1 .5, such as from about 0.2 to about 1 .0, such as from about 0.3 to about 0.8. The first and second CMCs may be the same or they may be different.

[0056] The amount of water in the solvent is selected to ensure that the amount of water in the final liquid is less than 70 wt.%. Preferably, the ratio of water to non-aqueous solvent in the solvent mixture is 85:15 or less, preferably from about 75:25 to 25:75.

[0057] It is preferable to perform step a) at elevated temperatures (i.e., above room temperature), preferably about 40-70°C, more preferably about 50-60 °C. The temperature of the reactor may be controlled by any suitable means, such as an external heated water bath or heating jacket.

[0058] Step b)

[0059] Cellulase enzymes are well known in the art and commercially available from a wide range of suppliers, such as AB Enzymes (e.g., under the trade name “EcoPulp®”), and for that reason are not explained in extensive detail herein. The type of cellulase used in step b) is not considered particularly limiting in the present disclosure, however cellulase enzymes comprising endocellulase activity are preferred. The cellulase enzyme used in the worked examples that follow goes by the trade name EcoPulp® CL commercially available from AB 364.1714PC

[0060] Enzymes. It is within the routine capabilities of persons skilled in the field to select a suitable amount of cellulase enzyme for use in step b) (e.g., about 1 -60 FPU / g substrate is typical). If necessary, the pH of the reaction mixture may be adjusted to accommodate the enzyme (which is also within the routine capabilities of persons skilled in the field).

[0061] It is preferable to use cellulase enzymes that are enzymatically active (i.e., maintain their enzymatic activity) at elevated temperatures, such as those used in step a) (about 40-70°C, more preferably about 50-60 °C).

[0062] Step c)

[0063] In a preferred embodiment the sum of the first amount of CMC and the second amount of CMC is at least 30 wt.% relative to the total weight of the second mixture, preferably 30 wt.% to 55 wt.% relative to the total weight of the second mixture.

[0064] It is preferable that in step c) the second amount of CMC is added gradually to the first mixture, preferably over a period of from about 30 to about 90 minutes, preferably about 40 to about 80 minutes.

[0065] Again, it is preferable to perform step c) at elevated temperatures, preferably about 40-70°C, more preferably about 50-60 °C.

[0066] Step d)

[0067] The second mixture obtained in step c) is stirred for a period of at least 30 minutes, preferably about 30 to about 90 minutes, preferably about 40 to about 80 minutes, to provide the cellulase enzyme with sufficient time to digest the CMC and form the CMC liquid of the present disclosure.

[0068] Again, it is preferable to perform step d) at elevated temperatures, preferably about 40-70°C, more preferably about 50-60 °C.

[0069] Step e)

[0070] The cellulase enzyme can be deactivated by any known enzyme deactivation processes, such as by increasing the pH (e.g., to pH>10), using hydrogen peroxide, or denaturing the enzyme by substantially increasing the temperature (e.g., to >80°C). 364.1714PC

[0071] As enzymes are generally available in high purity form and used in very low quantities, it is not considered necessary to remove the deactivated enzyme from the final liquid.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises: a) dissolving a first amount of a first carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in a solvent, wherein the first CMC has a weight-average molecular weight of from 25,000 Da to 500,000 Da (GPC), wherein the weight ratio of the first amount of CMC to the solvent is from about 1 :99 to about 10:90, and wherein the solvent is a mixture of water and at least one non-aqueous solvent; b) adding a cellulase enzyme to the solution of step a) to obtain a first mixture; c) adding a second amount of a second CMC to the first mixture over a period of from about 30 to about 90 minutes to obtain a second mixture, wherein the second CMC has a weight-average molecular weight of from 25,000 Da to 500,000 Da (GPC), and wherein a sum of the first amount of CMC and the second amount of CMC is at least 20 wt.% relative to the total weight of the second mixture; d) stirring the second mixture for a period of at least 30 minutes; and e) deactivating the cellulase enzyme after completion of step d).

[0073] In another preferred embodiment, the method comprises: a) dissolving a first amount of a first carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in a solvent, wherein the first CMC has a weight-average molecular weight of from 25,000 Da to 500,000 Da (GPC), wherein the weight ratio of the first amount of CMC to the solvent is from about 1 :99 to about 10:90, and wherein the solvent is a mixture of water and at least one C2-C15 polyhydric alcohol; b) adding a cellulase enzyme to the solution of step a) to obtain a first mixture; c) adding a second amount of a second CMC to the first mixture over a period of from about 40 to about 80 minutes to obtain a second mixture, wherein the second CMC has a weight-average molecular weight of from 25,000 Da to 500,000 Da (GPC), and wherein a sum of the first amount of CMC and the second amount of CMC is at least 20 wt.% relative to the total weight of the second mixture; d) stirring the second mixture for a period of from about 40 to about 80 minutes; and e) deactivating the cellulase enzyme after completion of step d).

[0074] In another preferred embodiment, the method comprises: 364.1714PC a) dissolving a first amount of a first carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in a solvent, wherein the first CMC has a weight-average molecular weight of from 25,000 Da to 500,000 Da (GPC), wherein the weight ratio of the first amount of CMC to the solvent is from about 1 :99 to about 10:90, wherein the solvent is a mixture of water and at least one C2-C15 polyhydric alcohol, and wherein step a) is performed at a temperature of from about 40-70°C; b) adding to the solution of step a) a cellulase enzyme that is enzymatically active at a temperature of from about 40-70°C to obtain a first mixture; c) adding a second amount of a second CMC to the first mixture over a period of from about 40 to about 80 minutes to obtain a second mixture, wherein the second CMC has a weight-average molecular weight of from 25,000 Da to 500,000 Da (GPC), wherein a sum of the first amount of CMC and the second amount of CMC is at least 20 wt.% relative to the total weight of the second mixture, and wherein step c) is performed at a temperature of from about 40- 70°C; d) stirring the second mixture for a period of from about 40 to about 80 minutes and at a temperature of from about 40-70°C; and e) deactivating the cellulase enzyme after completion of step d) by increasing the temperature to at least 85°C.

[0075] In another preferred embodiment, the method comprises: a) dissolving a first amount of a first carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in a solvent, wherein the first CMC has a weight-average molecular weight of from 25,000 Da to 500,000 Da (GPC), wherein the weight ratio of the first amount of CMC to the solvent is from about 1 :99 to about 10:90, wherein the solvent is a mixture of water and at least one C2-C15 polyhydric alcohol, wherein the ratio of water to the at least one C2-C15 polyhydric alcohol is from 85:15 to 15:85, and wherein step a) is performed at a temperature of from about 50-60°C; b) adding to the solution of step a) a cellulase enzyme that is enzymatically active at a temperature of from about 50-60°C to obtain a first mixture; c) adding a second amount of a second CMC to the first mixture over a period of from about 40 to about 80 minutes to obtain a second mixture, wherein the second CMC has a weight-average molecular weight of from 25,000 Da to 500,000 Da (GPC), wherein a sum of the first amount of CMC and the second amount of CMC is at least 20 wt.% relative to the total weight of the second mixture, and wherein step c) is performed at a temperature of from about 50- 60°C; 364.1714PC d) stirring the second mixture for a period of from about 40 to about 80 minutes and at a temperature of from about 50-60°C; and e) deactivating the cellulase enzyme after completion of step d) by increasing the temperature to at least 85°C.

[0076] The liquid of the present disclosure as described above may be used in a detergent composition. As such, in a preferred embodiment the present disclosure relates to a liquid detergent composition comprising the liquid as described above. The term 'liquid laundry detergent composition' refers to any laundry detergent composition comprising a liquid capable of wetting and treating a fabric, and includes, but is not limited to, liquids, gels, pastes, dispersions and the like. Detergent compositions typically comprise a surfactant system at a concentration from about 0.01% to about 70% by weight of the detergent composition. For example, the surfactant system may be present in the detergent composition at a concentration from about 1% to about 40% by weight of the detergent composition. Or, the surfactant system may be present in the detergent composition at a concentration from about 10% to about 40% by weight of the detergent composition. For example, the surfactant system may be present in the detergent composition at a concentration of 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%,

[0077] 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%,

[0078] 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%,

[0079] 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%,

[0080] 67%, 68%, 69%, or 70% by weight of the detergent composition. The surfactant system can also be present in the detergent composition at a concentration between any of these recited percentages.

[0081] Surfactant systems for detergent compositions are well known in the field of laundry detergents and for that reason are not explained in extensive detail herein. Preferred surfactant systems of the present disclosure comprise an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, or a combination of the anionic surfactant and the nonionic surfactant. Where the surfactant system comprises a combination of anionic and nonionic surfactants, the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the nonionic surfactant in the surfactant system is preferably from about 30:1 to about 1 :1 .

[0082] Non-limiting examples of suitable anionic surfactants include aliphatic sulphates, aliphatic sulfonates (e.g., C8 to C22 sulfonate or disulfonate), aromatic sulfonates (e.g., alkyl benzene sulfonates), alkyl sulfoccinates, alkyl and acyl taurates, alkyl and acyl sarcosinates, 364.1714PC sulfoacetates, alkyl phosphates, carboxylates, isethionates, fatty acids (e.g., C8-C30 fatty acids, such as C8-C18 fatty acids) and any combination thereof. Anionic surfactants are typically used in salt form, such as their respective alkali salt, e.g., sodium salt, but may also be neutralised with an amine, such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the anionic surfactant comprises linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, alkoxylated alkyl sulphate, fatty acid, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant is a mixture of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate and alkoxylated alkyl sulphate, more preferably a mixture of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate and ethoxylated alkyl sulphate. In some embodiments, the detergent composition may comprise up to 50%, preferably between 5% and 50%, more preferably between 7.5% and 45%, even more preferably between 10% and 40% by weight of the detergent composition of one or more anionic surfactants.

[0083] Non-limiting examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include aliphatic alcohols, acids, amides or alkyl phenols with alkylene oxides, sugar amides, alkyl polysaccharides, and the like, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the non-ionic surfactant is selected from alcohol alkoxylate, an oxo-synthesised alcohol alkoxylate, Guerbet alcohol alkoxylates, alkyl phenol alcohol alkoxylates or a mixture thereof. Preferred are alcohol ethoxylates. In some embodiments, the detergent composition may comprise 0% to 10%, preferably 0.01% to 8%, more preferably 0.1% to 6% of a one or more non-ionic surfactants.

[0084] The surfactant system may also include cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, or combinations thereof. Or, the surfactant system may not include cationic surfactants. The surfactant system may include anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants. It is also contemplated that the surfactant system does not include any other surfactants other than anionic and / or nonionic surfactants.

[0085] The detergent composition may further comprise an adjunct ingredient selected from further polymers, builders, dye transfer inhibiting agents, dispersants, enzymes, enzyme stabilizers, catalytic materials, bleach, bleach activators, polymeric dispersing agents, suds suppressors, aesthetic dyes, opacifiers, perfumes, perfume delivery systems, structurants, hydrotropes, processing aids, pigments and mixtures thereof. Such conventional detergent additives may be included in the detergent composition in their conventional amounts, or may be omitted from the detergent composition.

[0086] The present disclosure also relates to a water-soluble unit dose article comprising the liquid disclosed herein or a detergent composition comprising the liquid disclosed herein. Water- 364.1714PC soluble unit dose articles are well known in the field of laundry detergents, e.g., EP3441445, and for that reason are not explained in extensive detail herein. A water-soluble unit dose article comprises a water-soluble film (e.g., polyvinylalcohol [PVOH] film) shaped such that the unit-dose article comprises at least one internal compartment surrounded by the water- soluble film. The unit dose article may comprise a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film sealed to one another such to define the internal compartment. The water- soluble unit dose article is constructed such that the detergent composition does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, upon addition of the water-soluble unit dose article to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and releases the contents of the internal compartment into the wash liquor. The compartment should be understood as meaning a closed internal space within the unit dose article, which holds the detergent composition. During manufacture, a first water-soluble film may be shaped to comprise an open compartment into which the detergent composition is added. A second water-soluble film is then laid over the first film in such an orientation as to close the opening of the compartment. The first and second films are then sealed together along a seal region.

[0087] The unit dose article may comprise more than one compartment, even at least two compartments, or even at least three compartments. The compartments may be arranged in superposed orientation, i.e. one positioned on top of the other. In such an orientation the unit dose article will comprise three films, top, middle and bottom. Alternatively, the compartments may be positioned in a side-by-side orientation, i.e. one orientated next to the other. The compartments may even be orientated in a 'tyre and rim' arrangement, i.e. a first compartment is positioned next to a second compartment, but the first compartment at least partially surrounds the second compartment, but does not completely enclose the second compartment. Alternatively one compartment may be completely enclosed within another compartment.

[0088] In a multi-compartment orientation, a liquid detergent composition comprising the liquid disclosed herein may be comprised in at least one of the compartments. Alternatively, the liquid of the present disclosure may be comprised in a first compartment and, separate to the liquid of the present disclosure, a conventional liquid detergent composition may be comprised in a second compartment.

[0089] A further aspect of the present disclosure is a process for washing synthetic fabrics comprising the steps of; 364.1714PC a. Combining the liquid according to the present disclosure with sufficient water to dilute the detergent composition by a factor of between 300 and 3000 fold, preferably between 300 and 800 fold to form a wash liquor; b. Combining the wash liquor with at least one synthetic fabric to be washed.

[0090] The process may be a hand wash operation or may be used in an automatic machine synthetic fabric wash operation.

[0091] Another aspect of the present disclosure is the use of a liquid as disclosed herein as an antiredeposition agent for synthetic fibers. Preferably, the liquid is used as an anti-redeposition agent in a liquid laundry detergent.

[0092] It is noted that various elements of the present disclosure, including but not limited to preferred ranges for the various parameters, can be combined unless they are mutually exclusive.

[0093] Worked Examples

[0094] The present disclosure will be elucidated by the following examples without being limited thereto or thereby.

[0095] Preparation of liquid CMC composition

[0096] To a 3-liter glass reactor equipped with an overhead stirrer and an external water bath set at 57°C was added water (822g) and glycerol (822g). A first portion of CMC (60g, Mw 35000 Da, DS 0.8) was added to the reactor and dissolved in the solvent by stirring the CMC / solvent mixture for 40 minutes, maintaining the water bath temperature at 57°C. After adjusting the pH from pH 5.6 to pH 5.0 (15g of 10% aqueous citric acid), 7.4 mL Ecopulp CL (cellulase enzyme) was added to the reactor and the mixture stirred for 5 minutes. A second portion of CMC (740g, Mw 35000 Da, DS 0.8) was then gradually fed to the reactor over a period of 45 minutes, and once the entire second portion of CMC had been fed to the reactor the resulting mixture was stirred for 60 minutes, maintaining the water bath at 57°C. The water bath temperature was then raised to 90°C and held at that temperature for 15 minutes to deactivate the cellulase enzyme (thermal denaturing), after which time stirring was stopped and the reactor allowed to cool. The cooled reaction mixture was a stable homogeneous liquid containing 33.3 wt.% glycerol, 34.3 wt.% water, and 32.4 wt.% ULMw CMC. 364.1714PC

[0097] Further liquid CMC compositions containing different quantities of components in the final homogeneous liquid were successfully prepared using the same method but changing the non-aqueous solvent / water ratio and / or CMC / solvent ratio. The Mw of the ULMw CMC in the obtained liquid CMC compositions was 3000-7000 Da (GPC).

[0098] Film compatibility testing

[0099] Unit dose articles containing liquid CMC compositions were prepared using the following water-soluble film: polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), Film Gauge: 28 microns, Width: 106 mm. The liquid CMC compositions are set out in Table 1 .

[0100] Table 1. liquid CMC compositions

[0101] Unit dose articles comprising a water-soluble PVOH film and the liquid CMC compositions of Examples 1 -6 were successfully produced. Figure 1 is a photograph of the unit dose article obtained with Example 2 after being stored at ambient temperature and humidity for a few days (the film integrity is still intact; no film softening, swelling, or rupturing).

[0102] Unit dose dissolution testing

[0103] Each of the unit dose articles obtained with Examples 1 -6 were subjected to dissolution testing. Solubility in water was determined by adding the unit dose article to a 1 L beaker with 800 mL water with magnetic stirrer.

[0104] All six of the unit dose articles dissolved rapidly and completely. No residues or gels were observed.

[0105] Storage Stability 364.1714PC

[0106] Further unit dose articles were prepared with the liquid CMC compositions of Examples 1 and 2 and then stored at ambient temperature and humidity for 2.5 months. After the 2.5- month storage period, the water-soluble film integrity was still intact (no film softening, swelling or rupturing) and the liquid remained homogeneous (CMC had not crashed out of the solvent matrix). The unit dose articles were then subjected to the above dissolution test. Even after 2.5 months of storage, the unit dose articles dissolved rapidly and completely (no residues or gels were observed).

[0107] Summary of results

[0108] The present disclosure provides a way to make a liquid with non-aqueous solvents and low water content (<70 wt.%) that does not impact upon the integrity of the water-soluble film whilst simultaneously providing fast and complete dissolution of the CMC. This is a substantial technical development in the field of CMC anti-redeposition products.

[0109] In this specification, unless expressly otherwise indicated, the word ‘or’ is used in the sense of an operator that returns a true value when either or both of the stated conditions is met, as opposed to the operator ‘exclusive or’ which requires that only one of the conditions is met. The word ‘comprising’ is used in the sense of ‘including’ rather than to mean ‘consisting of’. All prior teachings acknowledged above are hereby incorporated by reference. No acknowledgement of any prior published document herein should be taken to be an admission or representation that the teaching thereof was common general knowledge in Europe or elsewhere at the date hereof.

[0110] The present disclosure may be further described by the following Aspects.

[0111] Aspect 1 . A liquid comprising a non-aqueous solvent and carboxymethylcellulose, wherein the liquid has a carboxymethylcellulose content of at least 20 wt.%, relative to the total weight of the liquid, and a water content of less than 70 wt.%, relative to the total weight of the liquid, wherein the CMC is substantially dissolved in the liquid.

[0112] Aspect 2. The liquid of Aspect 1 , wherein the carboxymethylcellulose has a weightaverage molecular weight of from about 1 ,000 Da to about 80,000 Da (Pullulan standards, GPC).

[0113] Aspect 3. The liquid of Aspect 1 , wherein the carboxymethylcellulose has a weightaverage molecular weight of from about 1 ,000 Da to about 40,000 Da (Pullulan standards, GPC).

[0114] Aspect 4. The liquid of Aspect 1 , wherein the carboxymethylcellulose has a weightaverage molecular weight of from about 1 ,000 Da to about 30,000 Da (Pullulan standards, GPC). 364.1714PC

[0115] Aspect 5. The liquid of Aspect 1 , wherein the carboxymethylcellulose has a weightaverage molecular weight of from about 1 ,000 Da to about 15,000 Da (Pullulan standards, GPC).

[0116] Aspect 6. The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-5, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose has a degree of substitution (DS) of less than about 1 .5.

[0117] Aspect 7. The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-5, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose has a degree of substitution (DS) of less than about 1 .0.

[0118] Aspect 8. The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-6, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose has a degree of substitution (DS) of from about 0.3 to about 0.8.

[0119] Aspect 9. The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-8, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose has a degree of substitution (DS) in the range of from 0.01 to 0.99 and a degree of blockiness (DB) such that the sum of DS+DB is at least 0.30.

[0120] Aspect 10. The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-8, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose has a degree of substitution (DS) in the range of from 0.01 to 0.99 and a degree of blockiness (DB) such that the sum of DB+2DS-DS2is at least 1 .00.

[0121] Aspect 11 . The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-10, wherein the water content is less than 60 wt.%.

[0122] Aspect 12. The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-11 , wherein the water content is 55 wt.% or less.

[0123] Aspect 13. The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-12, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose content is at least 25 wt.%.

[0124] Aspect 14. The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-13, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose content is at least 30 wt.%.

[0125] Aspect 15. The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-14, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose content is from 30 wt.% to 60 wt.%.

[0126] Aspect 16. The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-15, wherein the water content is less than 60 wt.%, and wherein the carboxymethylcellulose content is from 30 wt.% to 60 wt.%.

[0127] Aspect 17. The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-16, wherein the non-aqueous solvent comprises or consists of at least one polyhydric alcohol.

[0128] Aspect 18. The liquid of Aspect 17, wherein the at least one polyhydric alcohol is selected from C2-C15 polyhydric alcohols.

[0129] Aspect 19. The liquid of Aspect 17, wherein the at least one polyhydric alcohol is selected from C3-C12 polyhydric alcohols

[0130] Aspect 20. The liquid of Aspect 17, wherein the at least one polyhydric alcohol is selected from 1 ,2-propanediol, glycerol, sorbitol, dipropylene glycol, tripropyleneglycol, or a mixture thereof. 364.1714PC

[0131] Aspect 21. The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-20, wherein the liquid has a non-aqueous solvent content of from 1 to 40 wt.%, relative to the total weight of the liquid.

[0132] Aspect 22. The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-21 , wherein the liquid has a non-aqueous solvent content of from 3 to 40 wt.%, relative to the total weight of the liquid.

[0133] Aspect 23. The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-22, wherein the liquid has a non-aqueous solvent content of from 3 to 35 wt.%, relative to the total weight of the liquid.

[0134] Aspect 24. The liquid of any one of Aspects 1-23, wherein the liquid is a homogeneous liquid.

[0135] Aspect 25. A process for preparing a liquid according to any one of Aspects 1-24, the process comprising: a) dissolving a first amount of a first carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in a solvent, wherein the weight ratio of the first amount of CMC to the solvent is from about 1 :99 to about 10:90, and wherein the solvent is a mixture of water and at least one nonaqueous solvent; b) adding a cellulase enzyme to the solution of step a) to obtain a first mixture; c) adding a second amount of a second CMC to the first mixture to obtain a second mixture, wherein a sum of the first amount of CMC and the second amount of CMC is at least 20 wt.% relative to the total weight of the second mixture; d) stirring the second mixture for a period of at least 30 minutes; and e) deactivating the cellulase enzyme after completion of step d).

[0136] Aspect 26. The process of Aspect 25, wherein the first CMC and the second CMC each independently have a weight-average molecular weight of from 25,000 Da to 500,000 Da (GPC).

[0137] Aspect 27. The process of Aspects 25 or 26, wherein the first CMC and the second CMC each independently have a degree of substitution (DS) of less than about 1 .5.

[0138] Aspect 28. The process of Aspects 25 or 26, wherein the first CMC and the second CMC each independently have a degree of substitution (DS) of less than about 1 .0.

[0139] Aspect 29. The process of Aspects 25 or 26, wherein the first CMC and the second CMC each independently have a degree of substitution (DS) of from about 0.3 to about 0.8. Aspect 30. The process of any one of Aspects 25-29, wherein the first CMC and the second CMC each independently have a degree of substitution (DS) in the range of from 0.01 to 0.99 and a degree of blockiness (DB) such that the sum of DS+DB is at least 0.30. Aspect 31. The process of any one of Aspects 25-29, wherein the first CMC and the second CMC each independently have a degree of substitution (DS) in the range of from 0.01 to 0.99 and a degree of blockiness (DB) such that the sum of DB+2DS-DS2is at least 1.00. 364.1714PC

[0140] Aspect 32. The process of any one of Aspects 25-31 , wherein the solvent is a mixture of water and at least one C2-C15 polyhydric alcohol.

[0141] Aspect 33. The process of Aspect 32, wherein the at least one polyhydric alcohol is selected from 1 ,2-propanediol, glycerol, sorbitol, dipropylene glycol, tripropyleneglycol, or a mixture thereof

[0142] Aspect 34. The process of any one of Aspects 25-33, wherein the second amount of the second CMC is added to the first mixture over a period of from about 40 to about 80 minutes to obtain the second mixture.

[0143] Aspect 35. The process of any one of Aspects 25-34, wherein in step d) the second mixture is stirred for a period of from about 40 to about 80 minutes.

[0144] Aspect 36. The process of any one of Aspects 25-35, wherein steps a)-d) are performed at a temperature of from about 40-70°C, and wherein the cellulase enzyme is enzymatically active at a temperature of from about 40-70°C.

[0145] Aspect 37. The process of any one of Aspects 25-36, wherein in step e) the cellulase enzyme is deactivated by increasing the temperature to at least 85°C.

[0146] Aspect 38. The process of any one of Aspects 25-37, wherein in step a) the ratio of water to the at least one non-aqueous solvent is from 85:15 to 15:85.

[0147] Aspect 39. The process of any one of Aspects 25-38, wherein the cellulase enzyme comprises endocellulase activity.

[0148] Aspect 40. A liquid detergent composition comprising a liquid according to any one of Aspects 1-24.

[0149] Aspect 41. The liquid detergent composition of Aspect 40, wherein the liquid detergent composition comprises a surfactant system.

[0150] Aspect 42. The liquid detergent composition of Aspect 41 , wherein the surfactant system comprises an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactants, an amphoteric surfactants, or combinations thereof.

[0151] Aspect 43. The liquid detergent composition of Aspect 42, wherein the surfactant system comprises a combination of the anionic surfactant and the nonionic surfactant.

[0152] Aspect 44. The liquid detergent composition of Aspect 43, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the nonionic surfactant in the surfactant system is from about 30:1 to about 1 :1 .

[0153] Aspect 45. The liquid detergent composition of any one of Aspects 41 -45, wherein the liquid detergent composition comprises the surfactant system at a concentration from about 0.01% to about 70% by weight of the liquid detergent composition.

[0154] Aspect 46. A water-soluble unit dose article comprising a water-soluble film and a liquid according to any one of Aspects 1-24 or a liquid detergent composition according to any one of Aspects 40-45 364.1714PC

[0155] Aspect 47. The water-soluble unit dose article of Aspect 46, wherein the water-soluble film is a polyvinyl alcohol film.

[0156] Aspect 48. The water-soluble unit dose article of Aspects 46 or 47, wherein the water- soluble unit dose article comprises more than one compartment. Aspect 49. Use of a liquid according to any one of Aspects 1 -24 as an anti-redeposition agent.

[0157] Aspect 50. A method of washing a soiled fabric comprising contacting said soiled fabric with a wash liquor comprising a liquid according to any one of Aspects 1 -24, a detergent composition according to any one of Aspects 40-45, or a water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of Aspects 46-48.

Claims

364. 1714PCClaims1 . A liquid comprising a non-aqueous solvent and carboxymethylcellulose, wherein the liquid has a carboxymethylcellulose content of at least 20 wt.%, relative to the total weight of the liquid, and a water content of less than 70 wt.%, relative to the total weight of the liquid, and wherein the carboxymethylcellulose is substantially dissolved in the liquid.

2. The liquid of claim 1 , wherein the carboxymethylcellulose has a weight-average molecular weight of from 1 ,000 Da to 80,000 Da (Pullulan standards, GPC), preferably from 1 ,000 Da to 40,000 Da, preferably from 1 ,000 Da to 30,000 Da, preferably from 1 ,000 Da to 15,000 Da.

3. The liquid of claims 1 or 2, wherein the water content is less than 60 wt.%, preferably 55 wt.% or less.

4. The liquid of any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose content is at least 25 wt.%.

5. The liquid of any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose content is at least 30 wt.%.

6. The liquid of any one of claims 1 -5, wherein the carboxymethylcellulose content is from 30 wt.% to 60 wt.%.

7. The liquid of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the water content is less than 60 wt.%, and wherein the carboxymethylcellulose content is from 30 wt.% to 60 wt.%.

8. The liquid of any one of claims 1 -7, wherein the non-aqueous solvent comprises or consists of at least one polyhydric alcohol.

9. The liquid of claim 8, wherein the at least one polyhydric alcohol is 1 ,2-propanediol, glycerol, sorbitol, dipropylene glycol, tripropyleneglycol, or a mixture thereof.

10. The liquid of any one of claims 1 -9, wherein the liquid has a non-aqueous solvent content of from 1 to 40 wt.%, relative to the total weight of the liquid.364.1714PC11. A process for preparing a liquid according to any one of claims 1 -10, the process comprising: a) dissolving a first amount of a first carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in a solvent, wherein the weight ratio of the first amount of CMC to the solvent is from about 1 :99 to about 10:90, and wherein the solvent is a mixture of water and at least one non-aqueous solvent; b) adding a cellulase enzyme to the solution of step a) to obtain a first mixture; c) adding a second amount of a second CMC to the first mixture to obtain a second mixture, wherein a sum of the first amount of CMC and the second amount of CMC is at least 20 wt.% relative to the total weight of the second mixture; d) stirring the second mixture for a period of at least 30 minutes; and e) deactivating the cellulase enzyme after completion of step d).

12. A liquid detergent composition comprising a liquid according to any one of claims 1 - 10.

13. A water-soluble unit dose article comprising a water-soluble film and a liquid according to any one of claims 1 -10 or a liquid detergent composition according to claim 12.

14. Use of a liquid according to any one of claims 1 -10 as an anti-redeposition agent.

15. A method of washing a soiled fabric comprising contacting said soiled fabric with a wash liquor comprising a liquid according to any one of claims 1 -10, a detergent composition according to claim 12, or a water-soluble unit dose article according to claim 13.

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