Bio-based thermoplastic polymer films

Abstract

The present invention relates to bio-based thermoplastic polymer films, the production of said bio-based thermoplastic polymer films, and the use of these films for packaging a product in said film and further the product packed by said film. The thermoplastic polymer films comprise a. 10 to 75% by weight of at least one polysaccharide gum as a component A comprising one or more structural units of D-galactopyranose, where the component A is a mixture of at least one carrageenan as component A1 with at least one further polysaccharide gum as component A2 which is selected from pectins, locust bean gum, and combinations thereof, b. 20 to 85% by weight of at least one organic plasticizer as a component B and c. 5 to 70% by weight of at least one filler as a component C. where all amounts given in % by weight are based on the total weight of the components A, B and C.

Description

[0001] 210465W001

[0002] 1

[0003] Bio-based thermoplastic polymer films

[0004] The present invention relates to bio-based thermoplastic polymer films, the production of said bio-based thermoplastic polymer films, and the use of these films for packaging a product in said film and further the product packed by said film.

[0005] It is known to use polymer films of water-soluble polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid and copolymers of acrylic acid, for packaging products, especially for portion-wise packaging of liquid, gel or solid detergents compositions and cleaners for washing and cleaning processes. However, most of these water-soluble polymers are made from fossil-based starting materials. In addition, the biodegradability of these polymers is often poor and leads to an increased release of microplastics into the environment. With the increasing pollution caused by poorly degradable polymers, there is growing interest in environmentally friendly and biodegradable alternatives, preferably from biological sources.

[0006] In the field of plastic films biodegradable materials are presently developed which can be made from naturally occurring polymers, for example polysaccharides from plant and seaweed or microbial polysaccharides (see e.g. M.G.A. Vieira, M.A. da Silva, L.O. dos Santos, M.M. Beppu, Eur. Polym. J. 2011, 47, 254-263 and the references cited therein).

[0007] US 2021 / 0079223 describes a biobased film composition made from casein comprising more than 50% casein, water, a plasticizer, a hydrophobic agent and a surfactant. These films are suggested for the packaging various products, including detergents compositions.

[0008] W0202065270 and WO2018172781 describe bio-based film formulations containing alginates and polysaccharide gums or starch as thickeners. The films are suggested for the packaging various products.

[0009] WO 2023 / 072546 discloses water-soluble films comprising carrageenan, a non-ionic polysaccharide from the group of pullulan, pullan derivatives, dextran and dextran derivatives, a polyol plasticizer and a zwitterionic surfactant. The films are difficult to produce because carrageenan results in a high viscosity of the aqueous solutions used for film formation.

[0010] US 7,807,194 discloses soft capsules for pharmaceuticals made of kappa-2- carrageenan, a second film forming agent, such as starch, starch derivatives, starch hydrolysate, cellulose gums, iota carrageenan, alginates, gellan, pullulan, guar gum and alkylcellulose ether, sodium cations and a pH controlling agent. 210465W001

[0011] 2

[0012] US 2019 / 211189 discloses compositions for producing capsules comprising iota- carrageenan and a non-ionic star and a plasticizer. Again, the aqueous compositions suffer from the high viscosities and are difficult to process.

[0013] Wu Pengfei et al, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, vol. 277 (2024) 133574 (https: / / doi.org / 10.1016 / jJjbiomac.2024.133574) describes edible films based on kappa-carrageenan, carboxymethyl starch and gum gatti that rapidly dissolve in water. The films are not useful for packaging detergent products as they rapidly dissolve in water.

[0014] Unfortunately, the bio-based films described in the art are often not very flexible and can only be prepared from very dilute aqueous solutions, which makes the production of these films uneconomical, especially for non-pharmaceutical applications. In addition, some of these bio-based films are not stable against liquid formulations, which containing water and or organic polyols, in particular liquid laundry detergent formulations, such as laundry pod formulations which are rich in glycerol.

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide polymer films made of biodegradable polymers, which are in particular polymers of natural origin, which overcome the disadvantages of the films known from prior art.

[0016] It was surprisingly found that these objectives are met by the polymer films described herein, which are based on a combination of at least one polysaccharide gum comprising one or more structural units of D-galactopyranose, at least one organic plasticizer and at least one filler in specific relative amounts, provided that the polysaccharide gum is a combination of a carrageenan and at least on further polysaccharide gum which is selected from pectin and locust bean gum. In particular, the present invention relates to thermoplastic polymer films comprising a. 10 to 75% by weight, in particular 15 to 50% by weight, especially 15 to 50% by weight, of at least one polysaccharide gum as a component A comprising one or more structural units of D-galactopyranose, where the component A is a mixture of at least one carrageenan as component A1 with at least one further polysaccharide gum as component A2 which is selected from pectins, locust bean gum, and combinations thereof, b. 20 to 85% by weight, in particular 30 to 70% by weight, especially 30 to 65% by weight, of at least one organic plasticizer as a component B and c. 5 to 70% by weight, in particular 10 to 60% by weight, especially 15 to 55% by weight, of at least one filler as a component C. where all amounts given in % by weight are based on the total weight of the components A, B and C. 210465W001

[0017] 3

[0018] The present invention also relates to a combination of the components A, B and C and the use of the combination for producing thermoplastic polymer films, where the combination, where the combination comprises: d. 10 to 75% by weight, in particular 15 to 50% by weight, especially 15 to 40% by weight, of at least one polysaccharide gum as a component A comprising one or more structural units of D-galactopyranose, where the component A is a mixture of at least one carrageenan as component A1 with at least one further polysaccharide gum as component A2 which is selected from pectins, locust bean gum, and combinations thereof, e. 20 to 85% by weight, in particular 30 to 70% by weight, especially 30 to 65% by weight, of at least one organic plasticizer as a component B and f. 5 to 70% by weight, in particular 10 to 60% by weight, especially 15 to 55% by weight, of at least one filler as a component C. where all amounts given in % by weight are based on the total weight of the components A, B and C.

[0019] The present invention relates to the production of the thermoplastic films described herein, which comprises the steps of a) providing a plasticized mixture of the combination of components A, B and C as defined herein and b) forming a film from the plasticized mixture.

[0020] Yet a further aspect of the present invention relates to a process for producing a packed product comprising the steps of

[0021] (i) forming an open pouch from a first polymer film (1);

[0022] (ii) filling the pouch with a product to be packaged;

[0023] (iii) covering the filled pouch with a second polymer film (2) and

[0024] (iv) sealing the first film (1) with the second polymer film (2), wherein at least one of the polymer films (1) and (2) and in particular both polymer films are thermoplastic polymer films according to the present invention.

[0025] Yet a further aspect of the present invention relates to packaged products characterized in that a film according to the invention wraps around the product to be packaged to from a packaged product.

[0026] The polymer film of the present invention is associated with several benefits:

[0027] As the component A is a combination polysaccharide gums A1 and A2, which are biosourced polysaccharides, the thermoplastic polymer film of the present invention is to be considered as bio-based. The combination of the polysaccharide gums A1 and A2 alllow for the production of aqueous solutions having high solids contents with acceptable viscosities. Due to the polysaccharide nature of the component A the thermoplastic polymer film is bio-degradable. In combination with the components B and C the component A provides improved flexibility and good mechanical strength to 210465W001

[0028] 4 the thermoplastic polymer film, which is therefore suitable for technical application, such as packaging materials. The film according to the invention is stable to detergents and also water-soluble and thus can be used for the packaging of liquids containing detergents such as detergent pods. Moreover, the combinations of the components A, B and C according to the present invention is processable at higher concentrations. Last but not least the component A is edible and therefore, the films can be used for products that are ingested by humans or non-human animals.

[0029] In the context of the present invention, the terms “bio-based” and “bio-sourced” are understood to mean a material or chemical which is wholly or partly derived from biological resources or materials of biological origin.

[0030] In the context of the present invention, the term “thermoplastic” is understood to mean, for example, a material, which becomes malleable, pliable, or mouldable above a given temperature but which below this temperature again solidifies and where these transitions are reversible.

[0031] In the context of the present invention, the term “polymer film” refers to a flat structure which has an essentially two-dimensional extension. In other words, the thickness of the polymer films of the invention is small in relation to the length and width. In particular, the thickness of the polymer films is smaller by a factor of at least 10, more preferably of at least 20 or at least 50 and especially of at least 100 or at least 200 or at least 500 than the length of the greatest longitudinal axis of the polymer film. The thickness of the polymer films according to the invention is typically in the range of 0.5 pm to 20 mm, in particular in the range of 1 pm to 10 mm, more particularly in the range of 5 pm to 5000 pm, especially in the range of 10 pm to 2000 pm or 10 pm to 1000 pm. The polymer films of the invention can be produced, for example, in the form of film rolls, where the greatest length may even be in the region of 100 m or higher. The polymer films of the invention can be in form of single layer films or multilayer films, where in case of multilayer films at least one of the layers comprises a combination of the components A, B and C as described herein.

[0032] In the context of the present invention, the term “water soluble” means a solubility of the respective compound in deionized water at 20°C and 1 bar of at least 50 g / L.

[0033] In the context of the present invention, the feature “biodegradable” is fulfilled for a substance or a mixture of substances when said substance or the mixture of substances has a percentage degree of biodegradability of at least 90% according to DIN EN 13432.

[0034] According to the invention, component A is at least one polysaccharide gum comprising one or more structural units of D-galactopyranose. A skilled person knows “polysaccharide gums” and “polysaccharide hydrocolloids” refer to a certain naturally 210465W001

[0035] 5 occurring polysaccharides, which are commercially available for use in food and nonfood industries and are also called “hydrocolloids” or “gums”. Polysaccharides gums comprising one or more structural units of D-galcatopyranose refer to linear or branched polysaccharides with the repeating unit D-galactopyranose in polysaccharide backbone and / or in side chains, in case of branched polysaccharides. In the context of the present invention, the terms “D-galactopyranose” and “galactose” may be used interchangeably, wherein in the context of polysaccharide gums the terms are understood to mean the monosaccharide galactose in its cyclic form, forming a sixmembered ring.

[0036] Polysaccharide gums of the component A are typically plant-based polysaccharide gums, seaweed-based polysaccharide gums and microbial polysaccharide gums comprising one or more structural units of D-galactopyranose.

[0037] According to the invention, the component A comprises a component A1, which is selected from one or more carrageenans. The carrageenan can be a kappa- carrageenan, a iota-carrageenan, a lambda-carrageenan or a mixture thereof.

[0038] The component A further comprises a component A2, which is selected from pectins, locust bean gum, which is also termed carob gum or carbob bean gum, and mixtures of said polysaccharide gums A2.

[0039] The weight ratio of the two different polysaccharide gums A1 and A2 of component A is typically in the range of 5:95 to 95:5, in particular in the range of 10:90 to 90:10 and even more preferred in the range of 20:80 to 80:20.

[0040] According to the invention, the component A may essentially consist of said components A1 and A2 or may contain a certain amount of disaccharides, such as saccharose, lactose, mannose or a combination thereof. Typically, the amount of disaccharides will not exceed 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the component A. In particular, the amount of disaccharides will not exceed 20 weight % and may be in the range from 0 to 30% by weight, in particular 0 to 20% by weight, e.g. 1 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the component A.

[0041] The polymer films and the combinations of the present invention generally contain the component A in an amount in the range of 10 to 75% by weight, in particular in the range of 15 to 50% by weight, especially in the range of 15 to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the components A, B and C.

[0042] According to the invention, component B is at least one organic plasticizer. In the context of the present invention, the term “plasticiser” is understood to mean a substance which is capable of lowering the glass transition temperature or inhibiting the 210465W001

[0043] 6 glass transition temperature Tg of the component A or reducing its tendency to form crystalline phases.

[0044] Suitable plasticizers compounds are in particular compounds which are liquid at a temperature of 30°C or which are miscible with the polysaccharides of the component A. Preferred plasticizers have a solubility in deionized water of at least 50 g / L at 20°C and 1 bar. Preferred plasticizers have a boiling point of at least 200°C at 1 bar.

[0045] Typically, the compounds that are suitable as plasticizers have at least one polar functional group, selected from hydroxyl groups, carboxylic ester groups, and carbonate groups or combinations thereof.

[0046] Preferably, the plasticizer of the component B is selected from water soluble polyols, water soluble carbonates, water soluble carboxamides and mixtures thereof.

[0047] Examples of particularly preferred plasticizers for the purpose of the invention include but are not limited to

[0048] - water soluble aliphatic polyols and water soluble alicyclic polyols, such as butandiol, in particular 1 ,4-butanidol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, butyldiglyol, glycerol, diglycerol, triglycerol, trimethylolpropane, polyethylene glycols having a number average molecular weight of about 100 to 1000 g / mol, glucose and mixtures thereof;

[0049] - water soluble aliphatic and alicyclic carboxamides, such as 2- hydroxyethylpyrrolidone, dimethylacetamide and mixtures thereof;

[0050] - water soluble carbonates, in particular water soluble cyclic carbonates, such as ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate, and mixtures thereof; as well as mixtures of the aforementioned compounds.

[0051] Preferably, the component B is selected from plasticizers from the group of water soluble aliphatic polyols and water soluble alicyclic polyols and combinations thereof.

[0052] In particular, the component B comprises glycerol. In this context glycerol may be the sole plasticizer or the component B may be a combination of glycerol and at least one further plasticizers, in particular a further plasticizer from the group of water soluble aliphatic polyols and water soluble alicyclic polyols.

[0053] The polymer films and the combinations of the present invention generally contain the component B in an amount in the range of 20 to 85% by weight or in the range of 30 to 80% by weight, in particular in the range of 25 to 75% by weight, more particularly in the range of 30 to 70 especially in the range of 30 to 65% by weight, based on the total weight of the components A, B and C. 210465W001

[0054] 7

[0055] According to the invention, the polymer film and the combination of the present invention comprise at least one component C which is at least one filler. In the context of the present invention, the term “filler” is understood to mean a particulate material which is not miscible with the other components of the polymer film. The filler typically affects the plasticity and / or flexibility of the polymer film.

[0056] The fillers may be selected from organic particulate substances, inorganic particulate substances and combinations thereof. The term filler includes in particular non pigment fillers and pigments, in particular inorganic pigments.

[0057] Typical fillers have a mean particle diameter in the range of 0.5 to 100 pm, in particular in the range of 1 to 50 pm. The term "particle size" refers to the mean particle size of the fillers, as determined by laser diffraction in accordance to ISO 13320:2009.

[0058] Suitable fillers include, but are not limited to organic fillers, such as native starches, including waxy starches, modified starches, cellulose, including microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose derivatives, in particular anionic cellulose derivatives, such as carboxylmethyl cellulose, and inorganic fillers, such as chalk, precipitated calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, silicon dioxide, silicates, such as wollastonite, mica, montmorillonite and talc, and combinations thereof.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the component C comprises an organic filler, which is selected from starches, including native starches and modified starches, cellulose and cellulose derivatives, such as cellulose ethers. Typical cellulose ethers include hydroxymethyl celluloses, hydroxyethyl celluloses, hydroxypropyl celluloses, hydroxymethylpropyl celluloses and carboxyalkyl celluloses, such as carboxymethyl cellulose. In particular the filler comprises carboxyl methyl cellulose or a mixture of carboxymethylcellulose and a native or modified starch.

[0060] Principally any carboxymethylcellulose is suitable. In particular, the carboxymethylcellulose as its sodium salt has a weight average molecular weight Mw in the range from 10000 to 1500000 Dalton, in particular in the range from 15000 to 1000000 Dalton, especially in the range from 20000 to 500000 Dalton. The number average molecular mass MN of the sodium salt such a carboxymethylcellulose is typically in the range from 3000 to 250000, in particular in the range from 4000 to 200000 and especially in the range from 5000 to 180000. The polydispersity, i.e. the ratio of MW / MN, is usually in the range from 3 to 15, in particular in the range from 4 to 12. The molecular weights given here refer to the values as determined by field flow fractionation of a 0.5 % by weight solution of the carboxymethylcellulose in a 0.1 M solution of NaNOs in deionized water at 25°C.

[0061] Usually, the carboxymethylcellulose is characterized in that 2 % by weight solution of its sodium salt in deionized water has a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 210465W001

[0062] 8

[0063] 20000 mPas, in particular in the range from 15 to 10000 mPas, especially in the range from 20 to 5000 mPas. The viscosity values herein refer to the values determined by a Brookfield rotational viscometer according to DIN ISO 2555:2018-09 at 25°C and rotational speed of 20 rotations per minute using spindle RV5.

[0064] Usually, the carboxymethylcellulose has a degree of anionic substitution in the range from 0.5 to 1.5, in particular in the range from 0.6 to 1.3 and especially in the range from 0.6 to 1.0. The degree of substation relates to the number average of carboxymethyl groups, i.e. groups of the formula CH2COOH, per glucose repeating unit of the carboxymethylcellulose.

[0065] Carboxymethylcellulose having the aforementioned properties is well known and can be prepared from cellulose by polymer analogue reaction comprising an alkali hydroxide treatment, also termed mercerization, followed by reaction with monochloroacetic acid and subsequent removal of the by-products (see e.g. Rdmpp Lexikon Chemie, Band 1, 10. Auflage, Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart 1996 - 1999, and the references cited therein; A. Nussinovitch, Hydrcolloid Applications, Sprincer- Science + Business Media, B.V, Dordrecht, 1997, pp. 112 - 123 and the references cited therein). Suitable carboxymethylcellulose is also commercially available. Examples of commercially available carboxymethylcellulose are the carboxymethylcellulose products available under the following brand names: Finnfix® grades 5, 10, 30, 150, 300, 700, 2000, 4000, 10000 and the Cekol® grades 5, 10, 30, 300, 700, 2000, 4000, 10000 of Kelco and the Walocel® grades CRT 100, CRT 1000, CRT 2000, CRT 10000 and CRT 20000 of Dupont.

[0066] In principle, all starches and modified starches are suitable, including native starches, such as corn starch or maize starch, potato starch and tapioca starch, and the corresponding waxy starches, such as waxy maize starch and waxy potato starch and modified starches, in particular alkyl succinate modified starches and alkenyl succinate modified starches.

[0067] Amongst the modified starches, particular preference is given to alkyl or alkenyl succinate starches, where the alkyl or alkenyl has 4 to 18 carbon atoms in particular 4 to 12 carbon atoms, such as octenyl succinate starch, in particular an octenyl succinate starch of a waxy maize starch. In particular, the octenyl succinate starch has a degree of substitution in the range 1.5-2.5 %. and a weight average molecular weight in the range of 20,000 to 300,000 g / mol, especially 80,000-120,000 g / mol as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) e. g. using i) a Suprema GPC column from the company Polymer Standards Service GmbH and ii) a MALS- as well as a Rl detector. Examples of octenyl succinate starches include the commercial products, such as the CAPSUL® grades of National Starch, such as CAPSUL® HF, HiCap® 100 of Ingredion, PurityGum® Grades of National Starch, such as PurityGum® 2000, EmCap grades of Cargill, such as EmCap 12633 and EmCap 12635, and the Cleargum® 210465W001

[0068] 9 grades of Roquette, such as Cleargum® CO 01, Cleargum® CO A1 or Cleargum® CO03.

[0069] Preferably, the component C of the films and combinations of the present invention comprises at least one anionic cellulose derivative, e. g. 1, 2, or 3 anionic cellulose derivatives. The anionic cellulose derivative(s) is (are) in particular carboxylmethylcelluloses. The anionic cellulose derivative may be the sole filler or is combined with one or more other fillers, which are in particular selected from a polysaccharides, in particular from non-ionic polysaccharides. Preferred non-ionic polysaccharides include but are not limited to native starches and modified starches, in particular native starches or an alkyl or alkenyl succinate modified starch, such as octenyl succinate starch.

[0070] The polymer films and the combinations of the present invention generally contain the component C in an amount in the range of 5 to 70% by weight or 5 to 65% by weight or 5 to 60% by weight, in preferably in the range of 10 to 65% bey weight or 10 to 60% by weight, especially in the range of 15 to 60% by weight or 15 to 55% by weight, based on the total weight of the components A, B and C.

[0071] The present invention relates in particular to thermoplastic polymer films and combinations comprising a. 10 to 75% by weight, in particular 15 to 50% by weight, especially 15 to 40% by weight, of the component A as described herein; b. 20 to 85% by weight or 25 to 85% by weight or 30 to 85 % by weight, in particular 20 to 75% by weight or 25 to 75% by weight or 30 to 75% by weight, and especially 30 to 75% by weight or 30 to 70% by weight of the component B as described herein; c. 5 to 70% by weight, in particular 5 to 65% or 5 to 60% by weight, preferably 10 to 65% bey weight or 10 to 60% by weight, especially 15 to 60% by weight or 15 to 55% by weight of the component C as described herein; where all amounts given in % by weight are based on the total weight of the components A, B and C.

[0072] Preferably, the total amount of components A and C in the film and in the combinations is in the range of 30 to 70% by weight, in particular 35 to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the components A, B and C.

[0073] Preferably, the total amount of the components A, B and C is at least 90% by weight, in particular at least 95% by weight based on the weight of the film or of the combination.

[0074] In addition to the components A, B and C, the polymer film and the combinations of the present invention may contain further ingredients conventionally used in polymer films, such as stabilizers, antioxidants, defoamers, dyes, fragrances, electrolytes, 210465W001

[0075] 10 antimicrobial agents, UV absorbers and water. Typically, the total amount of the components A, B and C is at least 90% by weight, based on the total dry weight of the polymer film.

[0076] Here the dry weight of the polymer film relates to the total weight of the components except for water. The total dry weight can be determined by heating the polymer film to a temperature of 120°C at a pressure of less than 10 mbar for at last 48 h.

[0077] The polymer films can be produced by analogy to the well known process for producing films from water-soluble polymers. Generally, the process comprises the plastification or solution of a mixture of the components forming the polymer film, i. e. a mixture comprising the components A, B and C and optionally further components and form a film from the plasticized mixture.

[0078] The plastification of the mixture can be achieved by heating and / or by the addition of water. In particular, plastification is carried out by dissolving the components A, B and C and optionally further components of the polymer film in water. Typically, the mixture plasticized by water has a solids content of at least 3% by weight, in particular at least 5% by weight, e. g. in the range of 3 to 50% by weight or 5 to 50% by weight. Here, here the term solids content refers to the total weight of all components present in the plasticized mixture, except for water, based the total weight of the plasticized mixture. Typically, the solids content of the plasticized mixture is in the range of 3 to 50 % by weight, in particular in the range of 5 to 50 % by weight, preferably in the range of 5 to 30% by weight especially in the range of 5 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the plasticized mixture.

[0079] The polymer films can be single layer films and multilayer films. A multilayer film may have 2 to 20 layers, in particular 2 to 15 layers and especially 2 to 10 layers. These specifically include multilayer films consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 layers. The sequence of the layers of the multilayer films of the invention is guided by the desired end use. According to the invention at least one layer is comprises a combination of the components A, B and C. The other layers may be distinct from this layer by using other film-forming polymers or other ratios of the components A, B and C and / or other types of the components A, B and C.

[0080] Other film forming polymers include principally any water soluble polymer which is capable of film formation Suitable polymers are e.g. oligosaccharides and polysaccharides other than components A, e. g. plasticized starches, degraded starches (maltodextrins), cellulose ethers, specifically hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylethylcellulose, inulin, alginic acid, alginates, xanthan gum, guar gum, gelatin, and agar-agar, 210465W001

[0081] 11

[0082] - water soluble polymers based on non-carbohydrate monomers, such as polyethyleneimines, alkoxylated, in particular ethoxylated polyethyleneimines, graft polymers of vinyl acetate on polyalkylene glycols, in particular on polyethylene glycols, homopolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone, copolymers of N- vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone with vinyl acetate and with vinylcaprolactam, polyalkylene oxides, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohols with fractions of nonhydrolyzed vinyl acetate, and mixtures thereof.

[0083] In principle, the production of the polymer film is not subject to any particular limitations and the person skilled in the art can apply any desired production process known to him on account of his specialist knowledge while using the plasticized composition of the invention as described above or below or an aqueous composition comprising the components A, B and C and optionally further components as described above or below. Suitable processes for producing single layer and multilayer films from water- soluble polymers have been described e. g. in WO 2015 / 000970, WO 2018 / 109200, WO 2019 / 048474 A1 and the reference cited therein and can be applied by analogy to the plasticized compositions comprising components A, B and C.

[0084] For example, single layer films can be prepared by casting processes and extrusion processes.

[0085] For the production of a single layer film by extrusion, an aqueous composition or melt containing the components A, B and C as described above for extruded and blown in a blowing process or is extruded and formed in a thermoforming process to give a film.

[0086] For the production of a single layer film by casting, a mixture of the components A, B and C is melted or dissolved in a water or a mixture of water and a volatile, water- soluble organic solvent to obtain a flowable or pourable liquid polymer composition.

[0087] The thus obtained flowable or pourable polymer composition is cast on a carrier to give a film and the water or water / solvent mixture is removed by evaporation. The water miscible solvent is preferably selected from ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol.

[0088] The viscosity of the free-flowing or pourable composition is matched to the technical demands of the production method and is determined by factors including the concentration of the components capable of film formation, the solvent content (water), the additives added and the temperature.

[0089] The flowable or pourable polymer composition can be applied to the carrier by standard methods, for example by pre-metered and self-metered methods selected from airblade coating, doctor blade coating, knife coating, airknife coating, squeegee coating, impregnation coating, dip coating, reverse roll coating, transfer roll coating, 210465W001

[0090] 12 gravure coating, kiss coating, flow coating, cascade flow coating, slide coating, curtain coating, mono- and multilaminar slot die coating, spray coating, spin coating, or printing methods such as The application can also be continuous or semicontinuous, for example when the carrier material is moving, for example a permanently or intermittently moving belt or a rotating cylinder.

[0091] It is a particular advantage of the present invention that the composition of the components A, B and C can be used for producing plasticized mixtures, i. e. flowable or pourable polymer compositions, having a high solids contents of at least 3% by weight % by weight, in particular at least 5% by weight, e. g. in the range of 3 to 50 % by weight, in particular in the range of 5 to 50% by weight, preferably in the range of 5 to 30% by weight, especially in the range of 5 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the flowable or pourable composition.

[0092] Solids contents of at least 3% by weight % by weight, in particular at least 5% by weight, e. g. in the range of 3 to 50 % by weight, in particular in the range of 5 to 50% by weight, preferably in the range of 5 to 30% by weight, especially in the range of 5 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the flowable or pourable composition, are beneficial, if the coating is applied to a carrier via a doctor blade coating process.

[0093] Consequently, a particular embodiment of the process for producing the film from the plasticized mixture includes the coating of the plasticized mixture by a doctor blade coating process. The doctor blade coating process is a well established technique for producing thin films on a carrier. The process includes applying a flowable or pourable composition onto a carrier and removing the excess of the flowable or pourable composition by means of a blade, i. e. a doctor blade. Thereby, films of uniform thickness, in particular thin films of uniform thickness can be produced. There, the term “thin films” refers to films having a thickens of not more than 5000 pm, in particular not more than 2000 pm, especially not more than 2000 pm, e. g. in the range of 5 pm to 5000 pm, especially in the range of 10 pm to 2000 pm or 10 pm to 1000 pm. The term “uniform thickness” means that the actual thickness does not deviate more than 10% of the value of the average thickness. The average thickness refers to the arithmetic average of at least 4 measurement points. The film thickness can be determined by conventional methods used for determining the thickness of polymer films, e. g. mechanically as described in DIN ISO 4593:2019, or optically, e. g. by the method described in ISO (EN) 2808:2019. Film thickness is determined on dry films equilibrated in a climate cabinet at 23°C with relative humidity of 25%.

[0094] Suitable carrier materials are firstly all materials which enable simple detachment of the finished polymer film. Examples of these include glass, metals such as galvanized steel sheet or stainless steel, polymers such as silicones or polyethylene terephthalate, polymer-coated paper, such as silicone paper, etc. Suitable carrier materials are 210465W001

[0095] 13 secondly monolaminar or multilaminar polymer films which remain as film layers in the multilayer film of the invention.

[0096] To produce film portions, the film material can be confectioned in a suitable manner, e.g. by cutting into a suitable size and / or folding to form compartments. Then the edges can be sealed by customary sealing processes, such as hot sealing, liquid sealing or pressure sealing.

[0097] Multilayer films can be produced e.g. by a lamination method. Lamination methods in which two or more film layers are bonded to one another over their area are known to those skilled in the art. Lamination involves pressing two or more than two films together under elevated pressure and / or at elevated temperature. Multilayer films can also be produced by a wet-on-wet application method. In addition, multilayer films can also be produced by using combinations of the aforementioned production methods and the application method described hereinafter.

[0098] The process for producing a multilayer film preferably comprises the steps of

[0099] 1) a first free-flowing or pourable composition capable of film formation is applied to a carrier material to obtain a first layer,

[0100] 2) the first layer applied to the carrier material is optionally subjected to an increase in viscosity,

[0101] 3) a second free-flowing or pourable composition capable of film formation is applied to the first layer obtained in step 1) or in step 2) to obtain a second layer,

[0102] 4) the second layer is optionally subjected to an increase in viscosity,

[0103] 5) step 3) is optionally repeated with a further composition capable of film formation to obtain a further layer and step 4) is optionally then repeated, it being possible to repeat steps 3) and 4) once or more than once,

[0104] 6) the layers applied to the carrier material are optionally subjected to a further increase in viscosity,

[0105] 7) the multilayer film obtained is optionally detached from the carrier material, with the proviso that the free-flowing or pourable compositions each comprise a component which is capable of film formation and at least one of the free- flowing or pourable compositions comprise a combination of the components A, B and C.

[0106] In a specific embodiment, the application of two or more than two of the pourable compositions can also be applied partly or fully simultaneously. For this purpose, for example, the application of the (n+1)th composition can be commenced before the application of the nth composition has completely ended.

[0107] The increase in viscosity in steps 2), 4) and 6) can be effected by means of standard methods and generally depends on the form in which pourable compositions capable of 210465W001

[0108] 14 film formation have been applied in steps 1), 3) and 5). If they have been applied as a melt, for example, there is generally already an increase in viscosity in the course of cooling. The cooling can be effected by simply leaving the carrier material to stand or by active cooling, such as cooling of the carrier material, jetting with a cool gas (jet), cooling in a cold room / refrigerator and the like. If the free-flowing composition capable of film formation has been applied in the form of a solution, it is generally necessary to remove at least some of the solvent, which can be effected, for example, by simply leaving the carrier material to stand, drying with an air jet or hot air jet, drying in drying cabinets, heating of the carrier material, application of a reduced pressure, optionally with simultaneous supply of heat, IR irradiation, microwave radiation, for example in a corresponding oven, and the like.

[0109] In a specific embodiment, the pourable compositions capable of film formation for two or more than two of the layers that form the multilayer film are applied by a wet-on-wet application method. The application in steps 3), 5) etc. is thus effected wet-on-wet, meaning that the next layer can also be applied to the layer applied in step 1), 3) and / or 5) without an explicit step for increasing viscosity is carried out beforehand. For example, if the layer to which the next polymer layer is applied is sufficiently thin, it will solidify sufficiently even without being explicitly left to stand, dried, heated, etc. before the next layer is applied, and there is no complete mixing with the components of the next layer. This is also true when the two layers, i.e. those to which application is effected, and the layer applied subsequently do not have any strong tendency to mix, for example because one layer is based on an aqueous polymer solution / dispersion and the other on a hydrophobic organic solution / dispersion or a hydrophobic melt.

[0110] The application of these layers may also be followed by a step of increasing the viscosity, or the next layer can be applied wet-on-wet. The statements made above apply analogously.

[0111] The process of the invention allows the production of multilayer films without a complex lamination method in which the individual films have to be bonded to one another. It will be appreciated that the multilayer films of the invention can also be produced, as described above, by bonding two or more than two film layers to one another by laminating. For instance, multilaminar polymer films which serve as carrier material for application of further film layers may be provided by bonding two or more than two film layers to one another by laminating.

[0112] The first layer of the multilayer film can be applied to a steel belt or a heated roller using single or multi-layer casting or coating tools such as slot nozzles, doctor blade, curtain coating, cascade casting, etc. In this case, one or more layers can be applied simultaneously and the other layers optionally on a different position of the steel strip or the roller. In another embodiment, another layer can be applied in a post-drying step on 210465W001

[0113] 15 the freestanding film after detaching from the carrier material (steel strip or roller). Roller-based coating processes are particularly suitable for this subsequent coating.

[0114] It is also possible to combine a plurality of steel strip or roller-dryer installations in such a way that two separately produced single-layer or multilayer films are connected to one another directly in a lamination step. This step can also be carried out with a previously prepared or commercially available film. The laminating step of the films may be carried out before detaching a film, immediately after detaching the film and before drying of the freestanding film, during the drying of the freestanding film or after the drying, but before the winding. A separate lamination of two films is also possible. In all variants of the lamination, lamination is possible solely by means of a targeted adjustment of the residual moisture in the film and correspondingly selected line loads.

[0115] According to the present invention, the multilayer film comprises at least one layer that containing the components A, B and C as described above. Accordingly, at least one of the free-flowing or pourable compositions used in steps 1), 3), and optionally 5) comprise a combination of the components A, B and C.

[0116] The other layers of the multilayer polymer film may also compose the components A, B and C or may be formed from other film forming polymers as described above.

[0117] The present invention relates to a process for producing a packed product comprising the steps of

[0118] (i) forming an open pouch from a first polymer film (1);

[0119] (ii) filling the pouch with a product to be packaged;

[0120] (iii) covering the filled pouch with a second polymer film (2) and

[0121] (iv) sealing the first film (1) with the second polymer film (2), wherein at least one of the polymer films (1) and (2) and in particular both polymer films are thermoplastic polymer films according to the present invention.

[0122] In a first step a first polymer film is provided for forming an open pouch. Said first film can be any kind of polymer film suitable for forming a film, such as a mono-layered polymer film or a multi-layered polymer film according to the invention or any other polymer film.

[0123] Preferably the first polymer film is a thermoplastic polymer film according to the present invention comprising the components A, B and C. In particular, the second polymer film is also a thermoplastic polymer film according to the present invention comprising the components A, B and C.

[0124] The first polymer film can also be based on water soluble polymers different from the component A, e. g. polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxides, copolymers of acrylamide, copolymers of acrylic acid, plasticized starches, cellulose 210465W001

[0125] 16 ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetates, polycarboxylic acids and salts thereof, polyamino acids or peptides, such as casein, polyamides, polyacrylamide, copolymers of maleic acids / acrylic acids, polysaccharides including starch and gelatin, natural gums such as xanthan gum. It is apparent that the first polymer film should be plasticized or thermoplastic.

[0126] Preferably, the open pouch is formed by deep drawing the first film into a cavity.

[0127] The deep drawing can be performed by means of vacuum-forming in which the first polymer film is placed over and into the cavity of a form and then a vacuum is applied which sucks the first polymer film into the cavity. The vacuum-forming typically involves the step of applying a (partial) vacuum or reduced pressure on the cavity which sucks the first polymer film into the cavity and ensures that the first polymer film adopts the shape of the cavity. First heating the film and then applying reduced pressure, e.g. (partial vacuum), may also do the pouch forming process. It is apparent that the form may have a single cavity or a plurality of cavities.

[0128] The first polymer film is preferably deep drawn into the cavity at a reduced pressure of from -0.1 bar to -1 bar, more preferably of from -0.2 bar to -1.0 bar and most preferably of from -0.5 bar to -1.0 bar.

[0129] The deep drawing can also be performed by means of thermo-forming, in which the first polymer film is placed over and into the cavity and then pressure is applied on the first polymer film which presses the first film into the cavity of the form. It is apparent that the form may have a single cavity or a plurality of cavities.

[0130] The thermoforming thereby involves the step of applying heat to the first polymer film which softens the film so that the polymer film can be easily pressed into the cavity. The heat can either be applied before placing the film over and into the cavity or after the film is placed over and into the cavity. In practice, especially of a continuous process for producing the container, the first polymer film usually heated before placing the film over and into the cavity by passing a means of heating such as e.g. a preheating roller.

[0131] The first polymer film is preferably formed into the cavity at a temperature of from 20°C to 160°C, more preferably of from 50°C to 150°C, still more preferably of from 70°C to 140°C and most preferably of from 80°C to 130°C.

[0132] The first polymer film is preferably deep drawn into the cavity at a pressure of from 60 kPa to 150 kPa, more preferably of from 70 kPa to 140 kPa and most preferably of from 80 kPa to 130 kPa. 210465W001

[0133] 17

[0134] Preferably, the first polymer film is deep drawn into the cavity with a dwell time of from 2.0 sec to 15 sec, more preferably of from 3.5 sec to 12.5 sec and most preferably of from 5.0 sec to 11 sec.

[0135] Preferably after forming the cavity a part of the first polymer film is protruding from the cavity which protruding part is suitable from contacting the second film at a later stage of the process.

[0136] As soon as the open pouch is formed the open pouch is filled with a product described in detail below.

[0137] Preferably, the filling level of the open pouch with the product is from 10 to 95 vol%, more preferably of from 25 to 90 vol%, still more preferably of from 50 to 85 vol% and most preferably of from 65 to 80 vol%, based on the total volume of the open pouch.

[0138] After filling the open pouch with the product, the filled pouch is covered with a second polymer film.

[0139] The second polymer film can be any kind of polymer film suitable for forming a polymer film, such as a mono-layered polymer film or a multi-layered polymer film according to the invention or any other polymer film, e. g. a polymer film as described in the context of the first polymer film. Preferably the second polymer film is a polymer film according to the present invention comprising the components A, B and C.

[0140] Preferably, the second polymer film covers the filled pouch such that the second polymer film is in contact with the protruding parts of the first polymer film. After covering the filled pouch with the second polymer film the filled pouch is closed by sealing the first polymer film of the filled pouch with the second polymer film.

[0141] Preferably, the first polymer film of the filled pouch is sealed with the second polymer film by means of heat sealing, infra-red sealing, radio-frequency sealing, ultrasonic sealing, laser sealing, solvent sealing, vibration sealing, electromagnetic sealing, hot gas sealing, hot plate sealing, insert bonding, fraction sealing or spin welding.

[0142] Especially preferred is heat sealing.

[0143] It is preferred that the first polymer film of the filled pouch is sealed with the second polymer film by means of heat sealing at a temperature of from 40°C to 160°C, more preferably of from 80°C to 150°c and most preferably of from 100°C to 140°C. It is further preferred that the first polymer film of the filled pouch is sealed with the second polymer film by means of heat sealing at a pressure of from 250 kPa to 800 kPa, more preferably of from 300 kPa to 700 kPa and most preferably of from 400 kPa to 600 kPa. Thereby, preferably the first polymer film of the filled pouch is sealed with the second 210465W001

[0144] 18 polymer film by means of heat sealing with a dwell time of 0.4 to 2.5 sec, more preferably of from 0.6 sec to 2.0 sec and most preferably of from 0.8 sec to 1.8 sec.

[0145] Preferably, the sealing step is carried out by contacting the filled pouched covered with the second polymer film with a means for sealing which is heated to the sealing temperature as described above and which applies the pressure onto the second polymer film as described above. A suitable means for sealing is a sealing roller.

[0146] In the sealing step the first polymer film and the second polymer film are preferably sealed in the areas in which the second polymer film is in contact with the protruding parts of the first filled with the product film. As a consequence it is preferred that in the sealing step seal seams of the first and second polymer films are obtained.

[0147] It is preferred that the width of the seal seam of the first film of the filled pouch and the second film is within the range of from 2 to 8 mm, more preferably within the range of from 3 to 6 mm.

[0148] The process for producing packaged products as described herein can be used for producing containers having a single compartment filled with the product. The container with the single compartment is preferably released from the cavity after the sealing step and cut into shape by cutting along the seal seam.

[0149] The process for producing packaged products as described herein is also suitable for producing containers with two or more compartments, wherein the different compartments are filled with the same product or with different products.

[0150] If the multiple compartments are in the same plane, the process can be carried out as described above or below using a cavity for forming the open pouch, which already includes two or more compartments.

[0151] In another embodiment for producing the two or more compartments process steps (i) to (iv) as described above or below are repeated one for producing a container with two compartments or more often for producing a container with more than two compartments. Afterwards, the container with two or more compartments is preferably released from the cavity after the sealing step and cut into shape by cutting along the seal seam.

[0152] Both embodiments also can be combined to produce a container with three or more compartments such as e.g. two or more compartments are produced using a cavity for forming the open pouch, which already includes two or more compartments and then one or more compartments are added by repeating process steps (i) to (iv). 210465W001

[0153] 19

[0154] With the process of the present invention a single container can be produced.

[0155] However, for the sake of efficiency more than one container is preferably produced with the process of the present invention simultaneously. This can be done by providing a template with a multitude of cavities into which the first polymer film is deep drawn to produce a multitude of pouches. The multitude of pouches are then filled with the composition and covered with the second polymer film.

[0156] In an embodiment the container obtained by the process described above comprises one compartment which is filled with one product. The product suitably is solid, liquid, gel-like or any combination thereof.

[0157] In another embodiment, the container obtained by the process described above comprises two or more compartments, which are filled with only one product but preferably are filled with different products. The products suitably are solid, liquid, gellike or any combination thereof. In the case that the two or more compartments are filled with different products it is preferred that one product is filled in one compartment. The product is described in detail below.

[0158] In principle the container can have any kind of dimensions and shapes.

[0159] Preferably the container has a maximum dimension in each direction of not more than 13 cm.

[0160] The container preferably has a seal strength of at least 30 kg, more preferably of at least 50 kg, still more preferably of at least 65 kg, and most preferably of at least 80 kg, determined according to the test method of ASTM F3159, A12.4. The upper limit of the seal strength is usually not higher than 250 kg.

[0161] The invention also relates to a packaged product characterized on that a film according to the present invention wraps around a product to form a packaged product.

[0162] Preferably the product is packed by the processes described below, however, the processes described above are not intended to be limiting.

[0163] The product to be packaged can be solid, liquid, gel-like or any combination thereof. In one group of embodiments of the invention the product to be packaged is a detergent composition.

[0164] The detergent composition preferably is a cleaning or washing composition, more preferably a laundry composition or dishwashing composition, including fabric care compositions, pre-treatment or soaking compositions and rinse additive compositions. The detergent composition may also be a personal care composition, such as a shampoo or a shower gel. 210465W001

[0165] 20

[0166] The detergent composition preferably comprises at least one active cleaning ingredient such as chelating agents, builders, bases, enzymes, perfumes, bleaches, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, fabric softeners, fabric conditioners, surfactants, polymeric dispersants, fabric care agents, soil release polymers, soil repellant polymers, dye transfer inhibitors, thickeners, rheology modifier, anti-corrosion agents, antibacterial agents, effervescence sources, brighteners, photo-bleaches or mixtures thereof. Laundry compositions and especially fabric care compositions preferably comprise at least one or more softening agents such as quaternary ammonium compounds and / or softening clays, and preferably additional agents such as anti-wrinkling aids, perfumes and chelating agents.

[0167] In one group of embodiments of the invention the detergent composition is a liquid or gel-form detergent composition. In a particular specific embodiment of the invention the liquid or gel detergent composition is a shampoo. In yet a further particular specific embodiment of the invention the liquid detergent composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition.

[0168] A further advantage of the present polymer films is the fact that they are stable against liquid detergent compositions, in particular against liquid detergent compositions containing one or more aliphatic polyol compounds, such as butandiol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, butyldiglyol, glycerol, diglycerol, triglycerol, trimethylolpropane, polyethylene glycols having a number average molecular weight of about 100 to 1000 g / mol. Such liquid laundry detergent compositions contain in particular glycerol. Therefore, a particular embodiment of the invention relates to such liquid detergent compositions which contain one or more aliphatic polyol compounds.

[0169] In particular, the polymer films are stable against liquid laundry detergent formulations, containing such polyol compounds and having a water content in the range of 5 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation, such as laundry pod formulations which are rich in polyols, such as butandiol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, butyldiglyol, glycerol, diglycerol, triglycerol, trimethylolpropane, polyethylene glycols having a number average molecular weight of about 100 to 1000 g / mol. Such liquid laundry detergent compositions contain in particular glycerol. Therefore, a particular embodiment of the invention relates to such liquid detergent compositions which contain one or more aliphatic polyol compounds and which a water content in the range of 5 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0170] In another embodiment of the invention the product to be packaged is a pharmaceutical product, in particular a product which is intended for peroral administration. Such a product typically contains one or more pharmaceutically active compounds and a 210465W001

[0171] 21 suitable excipient. Depending on the type of excipient, the pharmaceutical product may be solid, liquid or a gel.

[0172] The following examples shall further illustrate the present invention.

[0173] The evaluation and characterization of films can be divided into 3 categories: (1) stability of films when exposed to surfactant solutions, (2) solubility in water and (3) mechanical properties.

[0174] Solutions of the components A, B and C in water were prepared at 70°C, if necessary, formulations were degassed and casted at room temperature using a PET frame (34cmx23cm). Further film manufacturing methods based on flowable liquid formulations are self-metered coating methods like blade coating or pre-metered coating methods like slot die coating. The flowable application solution is coated by doctor blade onto a carrier material such as a polymer film (i.e. PET, oPP) and the final film thickness is adjusted by selecting the appropriate blade gap. After application of the wet film, the film is dryer by hot air and forced convection of 80°C. After drying up to a residual moisture of about 8-10wt% the film is delaminated from the carrier material. The type and relative amounts of components A, B and C are summarized in Table 1. It should be noted that the components A1 and A2 contain saccharose, which is a plasticizer. The solids content SC given in table 1 refers to the total amount of the components A, B and C as calculated from the amount of components A, B and C and the amount of water for dissolution of the components.

[0175] The stability of the obtained films against the surfactant solutions were evaluated using the following method. 10mL of laundry pod solution was introduced in a 20mL vial. The 20mL vial was sealed with the formulated film using a rubber band. The vial was stored upside down to bring the surfactant solution and the film into contact. The vial was stored in this position at room temperature until the film was solubilized or until the film looked wet. All the films presented in Table 1 showed more than 6 months of stability at room temperature (experiment still ongoing).

[0176] The solubility of the films was evaluated using the following method [Standard Test Method for Solubility of MonoSol® Water Soluble Film (MSTM-205) when contained within a Plastic Holder], The film was held in a plastic frame and immersed in a beaker of water at 21OC±1°C. The solid content of the polysaccharide solution, the formulation of the tested films, the thickness of the tested film, the temperature at which the experiment was carried out, the time taken for the film to disintegrate and to dissolve completely are summarized in Table 2.

[0177] The mechanical properties of the films were evaluated by measuring the stress-strain curve (Norm ISO 527-2, Geometry DIN 53504 S3A, temperature 23°C). The solid content of the polysaccharide solution, the formulation of the tested films, the thickness 210465W001

[0178] 22 of the tested film, the Young modulus and the stress and strain at the fracture point are summarized in Table 3.

[0179] The following components were used:

[0180] Component A1 : Commercial mixture of carrageenan, pectin and saccharose (Genutine 100 of Kelco)

[0181] Component A2: Commercial mixture of carrageenan, locust bean gum and saccharose Genutine 400-C of Keiko)

[0182] Component B1 : Glycerol

[0183] Component C1 : Carboxylmethylcellulose Finnfix 30 of Nouryon

[0184] Component C2: Carboxylmethylcellulose Finnfix 150 of Nouryon

[0185] Component C3: Carboxylmethylcellulose Finnfix 300 of Nouryon

[0186] Component C4: Octenyl succinate modified waxy maize starch Capsul HF of Roquette

[0187] Component C5: Native waxy maize starch N200 of Roquette

[0188] Table 1 : Compositions 1-2 for producing the polymer film

[0189] Comp = Component: SC = Solids content; % bw = percent by weight

[0190] Table 2: Dissolution / Disintegration experiments 210465W001

[0191] 23

[0192] Table 3: Mechanical Properties

[0193] 2) Production of the pods from polymer films

[0194] For the production of unit dose pods made from polymer films of the present invention a machine of the type Hydroforma 660 (Cloud Packaging Solutions) was used at 23°C and 50% relative humidity controlled ambient conditions. The water soluble polymer films described in tables 4 and 5 were used for producing the pods.

[0195] After mounting both film rolls for top and bottom film for producing a single chamber pod design the polymer film is threaded up at slow speed. Afterwards the machine is set to a production speed of 600 pods / min (equivalent to about 4.2m / min) with cavity dimensions of 65mm x 50mm x 15mm. Before the bottom film undergoes deep drawing the film passes a pre-heating roller which was adjusted to 130°C. The hot film is guided to a rotating drum carrying the deep drawing cavities where vacuum is applied to deep draw the bottom film.

[0196] At 12 o’clock position of the rotating drum the liquid detergent is dosed into the deep drawn bottom film having the shape of an open pouch. Subsequently the pouch is 210465W001

[0197] 24 closed by sealing with a top film which is the same multi-layered film as used for the bottom film.

[0198] The top film was wetted with a wetting roller before contacting the top film with the pouch. The wetting roller loaded water from a water bath having a water level of 50% at a velocity setting of 4.5% (0.81 rounds per minute).

[0199] The temperature of the sealing roller which laminated bottom and top film together was 130°C.

[0200] The cutting unit was also set to a temperature of 130°C.

[0201] Pods produced by these parameters had a seal seam width of 5mm and a seal strength measured according to the compression test method ASTM F3159, A12.4 of larger than 100 kg.

[0202] Table 4 and Table 5 show the composition of two example films which were used in a laundry pod formulation

[0203] Table 4: Example of film 1

[0204] Table 5: Example of film 1

Claims

210465W00125Claims1. A thermoplastic polymer film comprising a. 10 to 75% by weight of at least one polysaccharide gum as a component A comprising one or more structural units of D-galactopyranose, where the component A is a mixture of at least one carrageenan as component A1 with at least one further polysaccharide gum as component A2 which is selected from pectins, locust bean gum, and combinations thereof, b. 20 to 85% by weight of at least one organic plasticizer as a component B and c. 5 to 70% by weight of at least one filler as a component C. where all amounts given in % by weight are based on the total weight of the components A, B and C.

2. The film according to claim 1 , where the total amount of components A and C is in the range of 30 to 70% by weight, in particular 35 to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the components A, B and C.

3. The film according to any of the preceding claims, where the total amount of the components A, B and C is at least 90% by weight, based on the weight of the film.

4. The film according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises a. 15 to 50% by weight, in particular 15 to 40% by weight of the component A; b. 30 to 75% by weight, in particular 30 to 70% by weight of the component B; c. 10 to 60% by weight, in particular 15 to 55% by weight of the component C. where all amounts given in % by weight are based on the total weight of the components A, B and C.

5. The film according to any of the preceding claims, wherein component A2 is pectin.

6. The film according to any of the preceding claims, wherein component A2 is locust bean gum.

7. The film according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of the carrageenan A1 to the further polysaccharide gum A2 is in particular in the range of 1:9 to 9:1.

8. The film according to any of the preceding claims, wherein component B is selected from water soluble polyols, water soluble carbonates, water soluble carboxamides and mixtures thereof, where the component B is in particular210465W00126 selected from aliphatic and alicyclic polyols, such as butandiol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, butyldiglyol, glycerol, diglycerol, triglycerol, trimethylolpropane, polyethylene glycols having a number average molecular weight of about 100 to 1000 g / mol, 2-hydroxyethyl-2- pyrolidone, dimethylacetamide, lactic acid dimethylamide, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, glucose and mixtures thereof..

9. The film according to claim 8, wherein component B comprises glycerol.

10. The film according to any of the preceding claims, wherein component C is selected from cellulose, derivatives of cellulose, starch, modified starches, silicon dioxides, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, silicates and mixtures thereof.

11. The film according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the component C comprises an anionic cellulose derivative, in particular carboxylmethylcellulose.

12. The film according to any of the preceding claims, wherein component C comprises at least two different fillers, comprising an anionic cellulose derivative and a second polysaccharide selected from starch, modified starches and cellulose derivatives, especially a mixture comprising carboxymethylcellulose and a further polysaccharide selected from native starch, modified starch and a further carboxymethylcellulose.

13. The use of the combination of at least one polysaccharide gum, at least one filler and at least one plasticizer for producing a thermoplastic polymer film, where the combination comprises. a. 10 to 75% by weight of at least one polysaccharide gum as a component A comprising one or more structural units of D-galactopyranose, where the component A is a mixture of at least one carrageenan as component A1 with at least one further polysaccharide gum as component A2 which is selected from pectins, locust bean gum, and combinations thereof, b. 20 to 85% by weight of at least one organic plasticizer as a component B and c. 5 to 70% by weight of at least one filler as a component C. where all amounts given in % by weight are based on the total weight of the components A, B and C.

14. The use of claim 13, where the combination has at least one of the features of any one of claims 2 to 12.

15. A process for the production of a film according to any of claims 1 to 12 which comprises the steps of providing a plasticized mixture of the components A, B and C by dissolving them in an aqueous medium and forming a film from the210465W00127 plasticized mixture, where the plasticized mixture has in particular a solids content in the range of 10 to 50 % by weight, based on the total weight of the plasticized mixture.

16. A process for producing a packaged product comprising the steps of(i) forming an open pouch from a first film (1);(ii) filling the pouch with a product to be packaged;(iii) covering the filled pouch with a second polymer film (2) and(iv) sealing the first film (1) with the second polymer film (2), wherein at least one of the polymer films (1) and (2) is a film according to any of the claims 1 to 12.

17. A packaged product characterised in that a film according to any of the claims 1 to 12 wraps around the product to be packaged to form a packaged product, where the packaged product is in particular a product obtained by the process of claim 16.

18. The packaged product according to claim 17 where the product to be packaged is a detergent composition where the detergent composition is in particular a liquid detergent composition, particular a shampoo or a liquid laundry detergent solution,19. The packaged product according to claim 17 where the product to be packaged is a pharmaceutical product or a nutritional product.

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