Packaged detergent GEL compositions
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- RECKITT BENCKISER FINISH BV
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
Smart Images
Figure IMGF000005_0001 
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Abstract
Description
[0001] PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0002] 1
[0003] PACKAGED DETERGENT GEL COMPOSITIONS
[0004] Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to packaged detergent gel compositions, preferably automatic dishwashing detergent gel compositions. In particular, the invention relates to packaged detergent gel compositions comprising at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid builder, or the salts thereof, wherein the detergent gel composition has a pH of at least 8.
[0006] The invention further relates to methods of producing the packaged detergent gel compositions, methods of washing kitchenware or tableware and uses of the packaged detergent gel compositions.
[0007] Background to the Invention
[0008] Automatic dishwashing (ADW) detergent gel compositions with a pleasing aesthetic profile, i.e., having a smooth, continuous visual appearance, are significantly more appealing to consumers than compositions purely in a granular, powder or tablet form. Gel compositions are often used in a multi-compartment product, in which the gel composition is present in one compartment, and one or more powders, tablets or granules are present in one or more further compartments. Such a product may provide a staggered release of cleaning actives, as any cleaning actives located within the gel compartment may dissolve into the wash liquor at a different time to cleaning actives located in other compartments.
[0009] The alkalinity during the wash cycle of an automatic dishwashing process is important for the raw materials in the detergent formula. Certain enzymes used in automatic dishwashing detergents have an alkaline optimum pH, meaning thatPAT15856-WO-PCT
[0010] 2
[0011] they exhibit optimum activity at an alkaline pH during a washing cycle. For example, subtilisin A supplied by Sigma Aldrich is suggested for use at pH 8 to 10 when the temperature is maintained at 45-50°C (datasheet from Sigma Aldrich, “Protease from Bacillus lichenformis” , Catalog Number P5459, CAS RN 9014-01-1, EC 3.4.21.62, 2019).
[0012] An alkaline wash liquor additionally provides benefits for bleaching and removal of grease stains via swelling and hydrolysis of ester bonds. An example of a bleachable stain is a black tea stain. Calcium ions in hard water and tannins in tea link up to form chemical bonds that stain mugs, cups and teapots. The alkalinity breaks down these tannin stains by raising the pH of the solution to neutralise the acidic components.
[0013] Multi-compartment dishwashing detergents wherein the overall pH of the detergent formula is alkaline are known, for example from WO2012 / 025740. Alkaline gel detergent compositions as self-standing gels that may be used for automatic dishwashing are also known, for example from WO2018 / 037082.
[0014] There are benefits to having an alkaline gel compartment in addition to an alkaline powder compartment in a multi-compartment formulation, for example in a PVOH-wrapped thermoformed mono-dose detergent pouch.
[0015] First, an alkaline gel formulation would be expected to disintegrate more slowly during the wash cycle compared to an alkaline powder formulation. It is postulated that gels usually have a slower disintegration profile in water compared to a powder mixture due to their highly viscous character. This would lead to a later release of the components from the gel during the wash cycle compared to the powder. Having an alkaline gel compartment in a packaged detergent composition is predicted to improve the overall alkalinity during the wash cycle. Stabilising the alkalinity and the buffering capacity throughout the wash cycle would be expected to provide the optimum environment for the formula, especially the enzymes, to work best on stains. This also enables thePAT15856-WO-PCT
[0016] 3
[0017] formula to work on acidic food residues, such as black tea stains, throughout the wash cycle.
[0018] Secondly, having multiple alkaline detergent compositions in a multicompartment product would be beneficial compared to having one strongly alkaline detergent composition which may require more stringent warning symbols and hazard classifications, for example as a corrosive substance.
[0019] However, a challenge with alkaline gel formulations is their stability and compatibility with water-soluble containers, for example thermoformed PVOH foils, as well as the rest of the formula compartments of a mono-dose ADW detergent. Alkaline gel detergent formulations may be highly hygroscopic, which affects the humidity intake of the pouch. Over time, this may affect the stability of the PVOH foil and / or lead to the migration of chemicals into / onto the pouch.
[0020] An object of the invention is to provide an alkaline detergent gel composition that can co-exist in the same mono-dose formulation as an alkaline powder formulation, in order to stabilise the alkalinity and buffer capacity throughout the wash cycle and avoid the need for stringent hazard labels or classifications.
[0021] Summary of the Invention
[0022] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, comprising at least one aminocarboxylic acid builder, or the salts thereof, and at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid builder, or the salts thereof, wherein the detergent gel composition has a pH of at least 8, wherein the detergent gel composition is contained within a water-soluble container;
[0023] wherein the total amount of builders is no more than 70 wt% based on the total weight of the detergent gel composition; and wherein the weight ratio ofPAT15856-WO-PCT
[0024] 4
[0025] aminocarboxylic acid builder to hydroxycarboxylic acid builder is from 10:1 to 1:10.
[0026] The alkalinity of the gel supports the removal of grease and other food stains by supporting the detergent to work more effectively. The high alkalinity provides benefits to bleaching and removal of grease stains via swelling and hydrolysation of ester bonds. It also acts as a buffering agent to maintain the pH of the washing liquid during the wash cycle, where acidic stains are introduced via dissolution of soil when the water is pumped in.
[0027] Aminocarboxylates such as methyl glycine diacetic acid (MGDA) also provide benefits in relation to cleaning black tea stains. Calcium ions in water bind with tannins to form an insoluble material that deposits on mugs, cups and teapots. Aminocarboxylates such as MGDA are “strong” builders, meaning it has a strong complexing coefficient and it is effective at binding, sequestering and removing metal ions like calcium in hard water. This means that less calcium is available in the wash liquor to bind with tannins.
[0028] It is therefore desirable to include aminocarboxylic acids or their salts thereof in the detergent gel composition. However, it has been found that the proportion of aminocarboxylic acid builder and hydroxycarboxylic acid builder in the gel compartment in the packaged detergent gel composition needs to be controlled in order to minimise the overall hygroscopicity of the product and maintain the stability of the water-soluble container.
[0029] Preferably, the aminocarboxylic acid builder is selected from methyl glycine diacetic acid (MGDA), or N,N-dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid (GLDA), or the salts thereof, preferably MGDA.
[0030] Preferably, the hydroxycarboxylic acid builder is a citrate salt, preferably trisodium citrate.
[0031] Preferably, the weight ratio of aminocarboxylic acid builder to hydroxycarboxylic acid builder is from 2:1 to 1 :2.PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0032] 5
[0033] Preferably, the detergent gel composition further comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant which is a modified polyglycol ether according to formula (I):
[0034]
[0035] wherein
[0036] n = 0-5 and m =10-50;
[0037] or formula (II)
[0038] R1O(AlkO)xM(OAIk)yOR2(II)
[0039] wherein R1and R2are independently a branched or straight chain, saturated or unsaturated, and possibly hydroxylated, alkyl radicals with 4 to 22 carbon atoms;
[0040] wherein Aik is a branched or unbranched alkyl radical with 2-4 carbon atoms;
[0041] wherein x and y are independently an integer between 1 and 70; and wherein M is an alkyl radical selected from the group consisting of CH2, CHR3, CR3R4, CH2CHR3, CHR3CHR4,
[0042] wherein R3and R4are independently a branched or straight chain saturated or unsaturated, alkyl radicals with 1 to 18 carbon atoms.
[0043] Preferably, the modified polyglycol ether is present in the composition between 0.5 and 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the detergent gel composition.
[0044] Preferably, the packaged detergent gel composition further comprises at least one optionally end capped alkyl alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant.PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0045] 6
[0046] Preferably, the detergent gel composition is substantially free of tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED).
[0047] Preferably, the detergent gel composition is substantially free of water.
[0048] Preferably, the water-soluble container is a multi-compartment water-soluble container comprising at least a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein said at least first compartment is separated from said at least second compartment; wherein the detergent gel composition is located within the first compartment; and wherein said at least second compartment is at least partially filled with a powder detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing powder detergent composition. Preferably, at least one cleaning active is located within the second compartment, preferably wherein the at least one cleaning active is a bleaching system. Preferably, at least one builder is located within the second compartment. Preferably, the multi-compartment water-soluble container comprises a third compartment within which is located at least one liquid cleaning active.
[0049] Preferably, the water-soluble container is a water-soluble film, which is preferably rigid or flexible at room temperature.
[0050] Preferably, the water-soluble container comprises or is a poly(vinyl alcohol); wherein preferably the container comprises a thermoformed poly(vinyl alcohol) film.
[0051] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, comprising at least one builder selected from the group consisting of carbonate salts, phosphonic acids or the salts thereof and combinations thereof, and at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid co-builder, or the salts thereof, wherein the detergent gel composition has a pH of at least 8, wherein the detergent gel composition is contained within a water-soluble container;PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0052] 7
[0053] wherein the total amount of builders is no more than 70 wt% based on the total weight of the detergent gel composition.
[0054] As for the first aspect, the alkalinity of the gel supports the removal of grease and other food stains by supporting the detergent to work more effectively. The high alkalinity provides benefits to bleaching and removal of grease stains via swelling and hydrolysation of ester bonds. It also acts as a buffering agent to maintain the pH of the washing liquid during the wash cycle, where acidic stains are introduced via dissolution of soil when the water is pumped in.
[0055] Carbonate salts such as sodium carbonate are alkaline sources, supporting the removal of grease and other food stains by supporting the detergent to work more effectively.
[0056] HEDP can react with metal ions in water, such as calcium, which results in good corrosion inhibition and antiscaling effects. HEDP shows excellent scale and corrosion inhibition effects at temperatures below 250°C and has good chemical stability at high pH values. Accordingly, it would be expected to be beneficial for HEDP to be included in an alkali gel compartment which releases HEDP into the wash at a later point in the wash cycle.
[0057] The inclusion of at least one builder selected from the group consisting of carbonate salts, phosphonic acids or the salts thereof and combinations thereof, enables the release of these components at a later time due to slower disintegration of gels compared to other components of a mono-dose formulation such as the powder compartment. Therefore, the alkalinity and buffering capacity of the formula is further improved resulting in a better cleaning performance.
[0058] Preferably, the carbonate salt is sodium carbonate.
[0059] Preferably, the phosphonic acid builder is 1-hydroxyethylidene-1 ,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), or a salt thereof.PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0060] 8
[0061] Preferably, the hydroxycarboxylic acid co-builder is a citrate salt, preferably trisodium citrate.
[0062] Preferably, the detergent gel composition further comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant which is a modified polyglycol ether according to formula (I):
[0063]
[0064] wherein
[0065] n = 0-5 and m =10-50;
[0066] or formula (II)
[0067] R1O(AlkO)xM(OAIk)yOR2(II)
[0068] wherein R1and R2are independently a branched or straight chain, saturated or unsaturated, and possibly hydroxylated, alkyl radicals with 4 to 22 carbon atoms;
[0069] wherein Aik is a branched or unbranched alkyl radical with 2-4 carbon atoms;
[0070] wherein x and y are independently an integer between 1 and 70; and wherein M is an alkyl radical selected from the group consisting of CH2, CHR3, CR3R4, CH2CHR3, CHR3CHR4,
[0071] wherein R3and R4are independently a branched or straight chain saturated or unsaturated, alkyl radicals with 1 to 18 carbon atoms.
[0072] Preferably, the modified polyglycol ether is present in the composition between 0.5 and 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the detergent composition.PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0073] 9
[0074] Preferably, the packaged detergent composition further comprises at least one optionally end capped alkyl alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant.
[0075] Preferably, the water-soluble container is a multi-compartment water-soluble container comprising at least a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein said at least first compartment is separated from said at least second compartment; wherein the detergent gel composition is located within the first compartment; and wherein said at least second compartment is at least partially filled with a powder detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing powder detergent composition. Preferably, at least one cleaning active is located within the second compartment, preferably wherein the at least one cleaning active is a bleaching system. Preferably, at least one builder is located within the second compartment. Preferably, the multi-compartment water-soluble container comprises a third compartment within which is located at least one liquid cleaning active.
[0076] Preferably, the water-soluble container is a water-soluble film, which is preferably rigid or flexible at room temperature.
[0077] Preferably, the water-soluble container comprises or is a poly(vinyl alcohol); wherein preferably the container comprises a thermoformed poly(vinyl alcohol) film.
[0078] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of producing a packaged detergent gel composition according to the first or second aspects, which method comprises the addition of a hydroxycarboxylic acid builder to at least one ingredient of the composition, forming a detergent gel composition; and adding the composition to a water-soluble container.
[0079] The invention according to the third aspect may optionally include any of the features of the invention according to the first or second aspects.
[0080] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a packaged detergent gel composition according to the first or second aspects ofPAT15856-WO-PCT
[0081] 10
[0082] the invention for washing soiled kitchenware, hard surface cleaning, laundry cleaning or fabric treatment.
[0083] The kitchenware may comprise tableware, such as, for example, crockery, cutlery and the like.
[0084] The invention according to the fourth aspect may optionally include any of the features of the invention according to the first or second aspects.
[0085] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for washing kitchenware in an automatic dishwashing machine, wherein a packaged detergent gel composition of the first or second aspects of the invention is added to the automatic dishwashing machine. The packaged detergent gel composition may be added to the automatic dishwashing machine at the start of a main wash cycle or at the start of a pre-wash cycle. The packaged detergent gel composition may be added to a dosing basket or a dosing chamber within the automatic dishwashing machine. The packaged detergent gel composition may be placed on a floor of the automatic dishwashing machine.
[0086] The invention according to the fifth aspect may optionally include any of the optional features of the invention according to the first or second aspects.
[0087] Brief Description of the Tables
[0088] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will also become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the tables, in which:
[0089] Table 1 exhibits an example packaged detergent gel composition according to the first aspect of the invention (Example 1).
[0090] Table 2 exhibits the alkaline reserve and buffer capacity of the detergent gel composition of Example 1.PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0091] 11
[0092] Table 3 exhibits example packaged detergent gel compositions according to the second aspect of the invention (Examples 2 and 3).
[0093] Table 4 exhibits the buffer capacity of the gel detergent compositions in Example 2 and Example 3.
[0094] Definitions
[0095] Gels are generally defined as a non-fluid colloidal network or polymer network that is expanded throughout its whole volume by a fluid, with hydrogels having water as the expanding or swelling agent. Herein, the term gel is not limited to a strictly colloidal composition and for the purposes of the present invention the term gel may be also considered to be a thickened liquid. The term ‘gel-like’ may refer to a combination of liquid and solid, or a suspension of solid-in-liquid, that has the appearance and / or consistency of a gel. A gel or gel-like material may have a viscosity at low shear rates (i.e. 0.1 s'1) of greater than 3.5 Pa s at 25°C and atmospheric pressure; for example as recorded on a research rheometer with a Brookfield V73 vane in a small concentric cylinder system.
[0096] By the term “water-soluble container” as used herein, it is meant a container which at least partially dissolves in water or disperses in water at 20 °C within 10 minutes to allow for egress of the contents of the package into the surrounding water.
[0097] By ‘mono-dose’, also referred to as ‘unit-dose’, it is meant that the product comprises one or more compositions in the quantity required for a single wash cycle of a machine dishwasher.
[0098] The expression “substantially free” means in the context of the present invention a concentration of less than 5 wt%, preferably less than 3 wt%, and more preferably less than 0.5 wt%.PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0099] 12
[0100] The pH of the compositions as referred to herein is the pH of the composition at room temperature, for example 21 °C ±1°C, and measured as a 1% w / w aqueous solution, unless specified otherwise.
[0101] Description
[0102] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, comprising at least one aminocarboxylic acid builder, or the salts thereof, and at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid builder, or the salts thereof, wherein the detergent gel composition has a pH of at least 8, wherein the detergent gel composition is contained within a water-soluble container;
[0103] wherein the total amount of builders is no more than 70 wt% based on the total weight of the detergent gel composition; and wherein the weight ratio of aminocarboxylic acid builder to hydroxycarboxylic acid builder is from 10:1 to 1:10.
[0104] When the detergent gel is an automatic dishwashing detergent gel, preferably the pH of the gel is at least 8 and no more than 11.5.
[0105] Preferably, the detergent gel composition is substantially free of water.
[0106] Preferably, the aminocarboxylic acid builder is selected from methyl glycine diacetic acid (MGDA), or N,N-dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid (GLDA), or the salts thereof.
[0107] In one embodiment, the total amount of aminocarboxylic acid builders may be between about 5 to 60 wt%, preferably 10 to 50 wt%, and more preferably 15 to 30 wt%.
[0108] Preferably, the hydroxycarboxylic acid builder is a citrate salt, preferably trisodium citrate. The trisodium citrate may be anhydrous or in a hydrated form e.g. a dihydrate.PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0109] 13
[0110] In one embodiment, the total amount of hydroxycarboxylic acid builders may be between about 5 to 60 wt%, preferably 10 to 50 wt%, and more preferably 15 to 25 wt%.
[0111] The weight ratio of aminocarboxylic acid builder to hydroxycarboxylic acid builder is from 10:1 to 1:10. Preferably the weight ratio is from 8:1 to 1:8, preferably 6:1 to 1:6, preferably 4:1 to 1:4, preferably 2:1 to 1:2. It is desirable to maximise the proportion of strong builders in the composition, for the purpose of an improvement in cleaning performance, whilst maintaining the stability and integrity of the detergent gel compositions and the overall water-soluble container.
[0112] The total amount of builders is no more than 70 wt% based on the total weight of the detergent gel composition. The builders may be present in an amount of greater than 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, 35 wt%, 40 wt%, 45 wt%, or greater than 50 wt%. The builder may be present in an amount between about 30 and about 70 wt%, between about 35 wt% and about 60 wt%, or between about 40 wt% and about 55 wt%.
[0113] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, comprising at least one builder selected from the group consisting of carbonate salts, phosphonic acids or the salts thereof and combinations thereof, and at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid co-builder, or the salts thereof, wherein the detergent gel composition has a pH of at least 8, wherein the detergent gel composition is contained within a water-soluble container;
[0114] wherein the total amount of builders is no more than 70 wt% based on the total weight of the detergent gel composition.
[0115] When the detergent gel is an automatic dishwashing detergent gel, preferably the pH of the gel is at least 8 and no more than 11.5.PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0116] 14
[0117] Preferably, the detergent gel composition is substantially free of water.
[0118] Preferably, the carbonate salt builder is sodium carbonate.
[0119] In one embodiment, the total amount of sodium carbonate may be between about 5 to 60 wt%, preferably 10 to 50 wt%, and more preferably 15 to 30 wt%.
[0120] Preferably, the phosphonic acid builder is 1-hydroxyethylidene-1 ,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), or a salt thereof. HEDP can react with metal ions in water, such as calcium, which results in good corrosion inhibition and antiscaling effects. HEDP shows excellent scale and corrosion inhibition effects at temperatures below 250°C and has good chemical stability at high pH values. For these reasons, it would be expected to be beneficial to include HEDP in the gel composition to prolong the release of HEDP in wash due to the higher viscosity of the gel.
[0121] In one embodiment, the total amount of phosphonic acid builder, or the salts thereof, may be between about 5 to 60 wt%, preferably 7 to 40 wt%, and more preferably 10 to 30 wt%.
[0122] Preferably, the hydroxycarboxylic acid co-builder is a citrate salt, preferably trisodium citrate. The trisodium citrate may be anhydrous or in a hydrated form e.g. a dihydrate.
[0123] In one embodiment, the total amount of hydroxycarboxylic acid builders may be between about 5 to 60 wt%, preferably 10 to 50 wt%, and more preferably 15 to 45 wt%.
[0124] The total amount of builders is no more than 70 wt% based on the total weight of the detergent gel composition. The builders may be present in an amount of greater than 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, 35 wt%, 40 wt%, 45 wt%, or greater than 50 wt%. The builder may be present in an amount between about 30 and about 70 wt%, between about 35 wt% and about 60 wt%, or between about 40 wt% and about 55 wt%.PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0125] 15
[0126] According to the first and second aspects of the invention, the detergent gel composition may comprise a builder selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acid amines (such as iminodisuccinic acid (IDS)), phosphates (such as tripolyphosphate), a phosphonate (such as 1-hydroxyethylidene-1 ,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP) or a salt thereof) or a polymer. Alternatively, the gel detergent composition may be free of phosphate builder.
[0127] The detergent gel composition may comprise at least one polymer, preferably at least one polycarboxylate. By the term ‘polycarboxylate’, we mean any polymeric species comprising a carboxylic acid or carboxylate groups available for chelation. The polycarboxylate polymer may be a homopolymer and / or a copolymer and / or a terpolymer.
[0128] The polymer may be a polycarboxylate polymer comprising an acrylic acid homopolymer. The homopolymer may have a molecular weight of between about 2,000 and about 10,000, between about 3,000 and about 9,000, or between about 4,000 and about 8,000.
[0129] The at least one polycarboxylate may comprise a sulphonic acid monomer. The sulphonic acid monomer may be present in an amount of from about 4 to about 14 wt%, from about 5 to about 13 wt%, from about 6 to about 12 wt% or from about 7 to about 11 wt% based on the total weight of the at least one polycarboxylate.
[0130] Preferred monomers containing sulphonic acid groups are those of the formula:
[0131] R1(R2)C=C(R3)-X-SO3H
[0132] in which R1to R3mutually independently denote -CH3 , a straight-chain or branched saturated alkyl residue with 2 to 12 carbon atoms, a straight-chain or
[0133] branched, mono- or polyunsaturated alkenyl residue with 2 to 12 carbon atoms, alkyl or alkenyl residues substituted with -NH2 , -OH or-COOH, or denotePAT15856-WO-PCT
[0134] 16
[0135] -COOH or -COOR4, R4being a saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon residue with 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and X denotes an optionally present spacer group which is selected from -(CH2)n- with n=0 to 4, -COO-(CH2)k- with k=1 to 6, -C(O)-NH-C(CH3)2- and CH(CH2CH3)-.
[0136] Preferred monomers of the above formula include, for example, those of the formulae:
[0137] H2C=CH-X-SO3H
[0138] H2C=C(CH3)-X-SO3H
[0139] HO3S-X-(R5)C=C(R6)-X-SO3H
[0140] in which R5and R6are mutually independently selected from -H, -CH3, -CH2CH3, -CH2CH2CH3, -CH(CH3)2 and X denotes an optionally present spacer group which is selected from-(CH2)n-with n= 0 to 4, -COO-(CH2)k with k=1 to 6, -C(O)-NH-C(CH3)2- and -C(O)-NH-CH(CH2CH3)-.
[0141] Preferred monomers containing sulphonic acid groups are here 1-acrylamido-1-propanesulphonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-propanesulphonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1 -propanesulphonic acid, 2-methacrylamido-2-methyl-1 -propanesulphonic acid, 3-methacrylamido-2-hydroxypropane-sulphonic acid, allylsulphonic acid, methallylsulphonic acid, allyloxybenzenesulphonic acid, methallyloxybenzenesulphonic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-(2-propenyloxy)propanesulphonic acid, 2-methyl-2-propene-1 -sulphonic acid, styrenesulphonicacid, vinylsulphonicacid, 3-sulphopropyl acrylate, 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate, sulphomethacrylamide, sulphomethylmethacrylamide and mixtures of the stated acids or the water-soluble salts thereof. Particularly preferred is 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1 -propanesulphonic acid.
[0142] The sulphonic acid groups may be present in the polymers entirely or in part in neutralized form, i.e. the acidic hydrogen atom of the sulphonic acid group may be replaced in some or all of the sulphonic acid groups with metal ions,PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0143] 17
[0144] preferably alkali metal ions and in particular with sodium ions. It is preferred according to the invention to use copolymers containing partially or completely neutralized sulphonic acid groups.
[0145] The polymer may comprise polyepoxysuccinic acid (PESA) or derivatives thereof. Polyepoxysuccinic acid is also known as epoxysuccinic acid homopolymer, polyoxirane-2,3-dicarboxylic acid, 2,3-oxiranedicarboxylic acid homopolymer, or poly(1 -oxacyclopropane-2, 3-dicarboxylic acid); and has the general structure:
[0146]
[0147] and where the derivatives thereof have the general structure:
[0148]
[0149] where R may be hydrogen or any organic chain (but preferably an ester such as C1-4 alkyl) and where M may be any cation (preferably Na+, H+, K+, and / or NH4+).
[0150] All references to PESA hereafter are to be taken to refer to polyepoxysuccinic acid or derivatives thereof, unless otherwise stated.PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0151] 18
[0152] The PESA may have a molecular weight (Mw) of from about 100 to about 10,000 g mol-1, from about 400 to about 2000 g mol'1, from about 1000 to about 1800 g mol'1. The PESA may have from about 2 to about 100 repeating monomer units, such as from about 2 to about 50, about 2 to about 45, about 2 to about 20 or from about 2 to about 10 repeating monomer units.
[0153] The detergent gel composition according to the first and second aspects of the invention may comprise silver and / or copper corrosion inhibitors as anticorrosion agents. Preferred silver / copper corrosion inhibitors are benzotriazole (BTA) or bis-benzotriazole and substituted derivatives thereof. Other suitable inhibitors are organic, preferably nitrogen-containing heterocycles; and / or inorganic redox-active substances and paraffin oil. Benzotriazole derivatives are those compounds in which the available substitution sites on the aromatic ring are partially or completely substituted. Suitable substituents are linear or branchchain C1-20 alkyl groups and hydroxyl, thio, phenyl or halogen such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. A preferred substituted benzotriazole is tolyltriazole.
[0154] In an alternative embodiment, the detergent gel composition may be substantially free of BTA. In this case, preferably, the detergent gel composition is substantially free of tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED). Where a dye is included in the gel, it has been observed that the inclusion of TAED may reduce the colour stability of the gel, particularly when BTA is absent.
[0155] According to the first and second aspects of the invention, the detergent gel composition may further comprise one or more surfactant(s). Any of nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surface active agents or suitable mixtures thereof may be used. Many such suitable surfactants are described in Kirk Othmer's Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd Ed., Vol.
[0156] 22, pp. 360-379, "Surfactants and Detersive Systems", incorporated by reference herein.PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0157] 19
[0158] In the case of automatic dishwashing compositions, it is preferred to minimise the amount of anionic surfactant. Accordingly, preferably the composition comprises no more than about 5 wt%, no more than about 4 wt%, no more than about 3 wt%, no more than about 2 wt%, no more than about 1 wt%, or no, or substantially none, anionic surfactant. Preferably the composition comprises no more than about 5 wt%, no more than about 4 wt%, no more than about 3 wt%, no more than about 2 wt%, no more than about 1 wt%, or no, or substantially none, ionic surfactant of any type.
[0159] Non-ionic surfactants are preferred for automatic dishwashing products. The composition may comprise from about 5 to about 70 wt%, from about 10 to about 65 wt%, or from about 15 to about 55 wt%, of one or more non-ionic surfactants.
[0160] According to the first and second aspects of the invention, the detergent gel composition may further comprise at least one non-ionic surfactant which is a modified polyglycol ether according to formula (I):
[0161]
[0162] wherein
[0163] n = 0-5 and m =10-50;
[0164] or formula (II)
[0165] R1O(AlkO)xM(OAIk)yOR2 (II)PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0166] 20
[0167] wherein R1 and R2 are independently a branched or straight chain, saturated or unsaturated, and possibly hydroxylated, alkyl radicals with 4 to 22 carbon atoms;
[0168] wherein Aik is a branched or unbranched alkyl radical with 2-4 carbon atoms;
[0169] wherein x and y are independently an integer between 1 and 70; and
[0170] wherein M is an alkyl radical selected from the group consisting of CH2, CHR3, CR3R4, CH2CHR3, CHR3CHR4,
[0171] wherein R3 and R4 are independently a branched or straight chain saturated or unsaturated, alkyl radicals with 1 to 18 carbon atoms.
[0172] The inclusion of a surfactant according to formula (I) and / or formula (II) has been found to lead to a gel with better stability and processibility. Examples of such non-ionic surfactants include Dehypon GRA™ and Dehypon E127™, available from BASF.
[0173] Each surfactant from formula (I) or formula (II) may be present from between 0.5 and 25% by weight of the detergent composition. Preferably each surfactant may be present between 1 and 20 %, more preferably between 5 and 15 % by weight of the detergent gel composition.
[0174] According to the first and second aspects of the invention, the detergent gel composition may further comprise at least one optionally end capped alkyl alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant.
[0175] A preferred class of non-ionic surfactants are ethoxylated non-ionic surfactants prepared by the reaction of a monohydroxy alkanol or alkyl phenol with 6 to 20 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred non-ionic surfactants are the non-ionics from a linear chain fatty alcohol with 10-20 carbon atoms and at least 5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. The non-ionic surfactant may comprise propylene oxide (PO) units in the molecule. The PO units mayPAT15856-WO-PCT
[0176] 21
[0177] constitute up to 40 wt%, 35 wt%, 30 wt%, 25 wt%, 20 wt% or up to 15 wt% of the overall molecular weight of the non-ionic surfactant.
[0178] The non-ionic surfactant may be an optionally end capped alkyl alkoxylate. A preferred class of non-ionic surfactants are ethoxylated non-ionic surfactants prepared by the reaction of a monohydroxy alkanol or alkyl phenol with 6 to 20 carbon atoms. Preferably the surfactants have at least 12 moles per mole of alcohol or alkyl phenol. Particularly preferred non-ionic surfactants are the nonionics from a linear chain fatty alcohol with 10-20 carbon atoms and at least 5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. The non-ionic surfactant may comprise propylene oxide (PO) units in the molecule. The PO units may constitute up to 40 wt%, 35 wt%, 30 wt%, 25 wt%, 20 wt% or up to 15 wt% of the overall molecular weight of the non-ionic surfactant.
[0179] Preferably, the detergent gel composition comprises one or more non-ionic surfactants comprising a mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactant, preferably comprising a greater number of moles of the lower alkoxylate group than of the higher alkoxylate group in the molecule. Preferably the mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactant comprises at least two of ethoxylate (EO), propoxylate (PO) or butoxylate (BO) groups and most preferably only EO and PO groups.
[0180] By the term ‘higher alkoxylate’ it is meant the alkoxylate group having the greatest number of carbon atoms in that alkoxylate group. By the term ‘lower alkoxylate’ it is meant the alkoxylate group having the lowest number of carbon atoms in that alkoxylate group. Thus, for a mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol comprising EO and PO groups, the EO is the lower alkoxylate and the PO is the higher alkoxylate. Thus, the detergent compositions of the invention comprise mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohols comprising a greater number of EO groups than PO groups. The same applies to other mixed alkoxylates such as those containing EO and BO or even PO and BO groups.PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0181] 22
[0182] The mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactant preferably has a mole ratio of the lower alkoxylate group to the higher alkoxylate group is at least 1.1:1, most preferably of at least 1.8:1, especially at least 2:1. It is also preferred that the mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactant comprises between 3 to 5 moles of the higher alkoxylate group and between 6 to 10 moles of the higher lower group, preferably 4 or 5 moles of PO and 7 or 8 moles of EO and most preferably 4 moles of PO and 8 moles of EO.
[0183] Preferably the mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactant has 12-18 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain.
[0184] The mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactant may comprise at least two of EO, PO or BO groups and especially a mixture of EO and PO groups, preferably EO and PO groups only.
[0185] The mole ratio of the lower alkoxylate group to the higher alkoxylate group may be at least 1.1:1, more preferably at least 1.5:1, and most preferably at least 1.8:1, such as at least 2:1 or at least 3: 1.
[0186] The mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactant may comprise between 3 to 5 moles of the higher alkoxylate group and between 6 to 10 moles of the lower group, or 4 or 5 moles of the higher alkoxylate group and 7 or 8 moles of the lower alkoxylate group. The mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactant may have 4 or 5 PO moles and 7 or 8 EO moles, or 4 PO moles and 8 EO moles.
[0187] The mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactant may be C12-15 8EO / 4PO.
[0188] Surfactants of the above type which are ethoxylated mono-hydroxy alkanols or alkylphenols which additionally comprise poly-oxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer units may be used. The alcohol or alkylphenol portion of such surfactants constitutes more than 30%, more than 40%, morePAT15856-WO-PCT
[0189] 23
[0190] than 50%, more than 60%, or more than 70% by weight of the overall molecular weight of the non-ionic surfactant.
[0191] The mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactants used in the compositions of the invention may be prepared by the reaction of suitable monohydroxy alkanols or alkylphenols with 6 to 20 carbon atoms. Preferably the surfactants have at least 8 moles, particularly preferred at least 10 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of alcohol or alkylphenol.
[0192] The liquid mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactants may be one or more of those from a linear chain fatty alcohol with 12-18 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 15 carbon atoms, and at least 10 moles, or at least 12 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
[0193] When PO units are used, they preferably constitute up to 25% by weight, preferably up to 20% by weight and still more preferably up to 15% by weight of the over-all molecular weight of the non-ionic surfactant.
[0194] The mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactants, in particular, the C12-15 fatty alcohol 8EO.4PO surfactant, exhibit: excellent wetting of plastic, glass, ceramic and stainless steel; excellent temperature stability up to 90 °C for processing; good compatibility with thickeners typically used in the detergent compositions (e.g. PEG); and stability in alkaline conditions.
[0195] Examples of suitable mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactants include Genapol EP 2584 supplied by Clariant and Rokanol L5P5 manufactured by PCC Exol SA.
[0196] Alternatively or in addition, glucamide surfactants prepared from sugars and natural oils, may be used. A preferred example is oleyl glucamide. Also suitable are alkyl polyglycosides (APGs), which are plant-derived from sugars, these surfactants are usually glucose and fatty alcohol derivatives.PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0197] 24
[0198] The use of a mixture of any of the aforementioned nonionic surfactants is suitable in compositions of the present invention.
[0199] According to the first aspect and the second aspect, the water-soluble container may comprise or be a water-soluble film. The water-soluble film may be rigid or flexible at room temperature.
[0200] Preferably, the water-soluble container comprises or is made of a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) film. The PVOH film may be partially or fully alcoholised or hydrolysed, for example, it may be from 40 to 100%, preferably 70 to 92%, most preferably about 85% to about 92%, alcoholised or hydrolysed, polyvinyl acetate film. The degree of hydrolysis is known to influence the temperature at which the PVOH starts to dissolve in water. 88% hydrolysis corresponds to a film soluble in cold (i.e. room temperature) water, whereas 92% hydrolysis corresponds to a film soluble in warm water. The film may be cast, blown or extruded. It may further be unoriented, mono-axially oriented or bi-axially oriented.
[0201] The PVOH film may be a thermoformed PVOH film.
[0202] The water-soluble container may be a multi-compartment water-soluble container. The multi-compartment water-soluble container may comprise two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more separated compartments. Each of the compartments may be arranged side-by-side, concentrically, as sectors of a circle or in any suitable random or organised pattern. The container may comprise a first PVOH film comprising a pocket and a surrounding flange, and a second PVOH film, applied as a cover across the pocket and sealed across the flange. The container may comprise a first PVOH film comprising more than one pocket, for example two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more pockets, and a surrounding flange, and a second PVOH film, applied as a cover across each pocket and sealed across the flange. In some embodiments there are three or four pockets.PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0203] 25
[0204] Beneficially, a multi-compartment container allows compositions of different forms (i.e. solid form, liquid form or gel form) to be located within different compartments. Such a container is aesthetically more appealing to consumers.
[0205] The multi-compartment water-soluble container may comprise at least a first compartment and a second compartment. The multi-compartment water-soluble container may comprise at least a first compartment, a second compartment and a third compartment. In addition to the detergent gel composition according to the first aspect or the second aspect of the invention, the multi-compartment water-soluble container may comprise at least one further composition in the form of a solid, liquid, gel or paste, for example a powder detergent composition, preferably a dishwashing powder detergent composition. The at least one further composition in the form of a solid, liquid, gel or paste may comprise one or more cleaning actives selected from the list containing a builder, surfactant, alkalinity source, acidity source, enzyme, polymer, anti-corrosion agent, bleaching agent or care agent, or a mixture thereof.
[0206] The multi-compartment water-soluble container may comprise at least a first compartment and a second compartment, and the detergent gel composition may be located within the first compartment. The multi-compartment water-soluble container may further comprise one or more of a solid, such as a powder composition, a gel, a gel comprising a suspension of a powder or granules, and a liquid, in addition to the detergent gel composition of the invention. Each further composition may be located in its own separate compartment, or two or more further compositions may be co-located in at least one further compartment, for example.
[0207] Any traditional cleaning ingredients may be used as part of the detergent gel composition, or any further compositions located in any compartment of a multi-compartment container. The levels given are weight percent and refer to the total composition (excluding the water-soluble container). The detergent gel composition may be free of phosphate builder and comprise one or more detergent active components which may be selected from surfactants, alkalinityPAT15856-WO-PCT
[0208] 26
[0209] sources, acidity sources, enzymes, polymers, anti-corrosion agents and care agents.
[0210] The container may comprise at least one liquid cleaning active located within a second compartment and / or a third compartment. The at least one liquid cleaning active may be a bleaching system. The bleaching system may comprise a bleaching agent, for example a percarbonate, for example sodium percarbonate, a bleach booster, for example tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), and / or a bleach catalyst, for example a manganese complex comprising triazacyclononane (TACN), or any derivatives of a TACN ligand, for example 1,4,7-trimethyl-TACN, or manganese oxalate, manganese acetate ora dinuclear manganese complex, for example a dinuclear manganese complex comprising TACN or any derivatives of a TACN ligand, for example 1 ,4,7-trimethyl-TACN.
[0211] The container may comprise at least one solid cleaning active located within a second compartment. The at least one solid cleaning active may be a bleaching system. The solid bleaching system may be in the form of a powdered solid. The solid, or powdered solid, bleaching system may be in the form of a coated granule or co-granule with one or more cleaning actives. The bleaching system may comprise a bleaching agent, for example a percarbonate, for example sodium percarbonate, a bleach booster, for example tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), and / or a bleach catalyst, for example a manganese complex comprising 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TACN), or any derivatives of a TACN ligand, for example 1,4,7-trimethyl-TACN, or manganese oxalate, manganese acetate or a dinuclear manganese complex, for example a dinuclear manganese complex comprising TACN or any derivatives of a TACN ligand, for example 1,4,7-trimethyl-TACN.
[0212] Examples
[0213] The following non-limiting examples are provided to illustrate anPAT15856-WO-PCT
[0214] 27
[0215] embodiment of the present invention and to facilitate understanding of the invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims appended hereto.
[0216] One multi-compartment composition was prepared according to the following formulation set out in Table 1. An automatic dishwashing water-soluble container made of a thermoformed water-soluble film comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) has been used. The water-soluble container comprises a detergent gel composition located in one compartment of the container.
[0217] Table 1. Packaged detergent gel formulation according to the first aspect of the invention.
[0218]
[0219] PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0220] 28
[0221]
[0222] The alkali reserve and the buffer capacity of the gel detergent composition of Example 1 was measured. The results are shown below.
[0223] Table 2. Alkali reserve and buffer capacity of the gel detergent composition in Example i.
[0224]
[0225] The storage stability of a PVOH pouch including the gel detergent composition according to Table 1 was measured after 12 weeks storage at 30°C, 65% relative humidity. The PVOH pouch included the detergent gel composition according to table 1 in a first chamber, a detergent powder composition located in a second chamber and a detergent liquid composition located in a third chamber. The formulations in all chambers of the pouch remained stable and the PVOH film maintained its properties and continued to work as a barrier to the formulation without any leakage.
[0226] The storage stability of a PVOH pouch including a gel detergent composition according to Table 1 was measured after 12 weeks storage at 40°C,PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0227] 29
[0228] 75% relative humidity. The PVOH pouch included the detergent gel composition according to table 1 in a first chamber, a detergent powder composition located in a second chamber and a detergent liquid composition located in a third chamber. The powder and liquid compositions were the same as used in the previous stability tests. Again, the formulations in all three chambers of the pouch remained stable and the PVOH film maintained its properties and continued to work as a barrier to the formulation without any leakage.
[0229] Two multi-compartment compositions were prepared including a gel detergent composition according to the second aspect of the invention. An automatic dishwashing water-soluble container made of a thermoformed water-soluble film comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) has been used. The first compartment is filled with a detergent gel composition. The composition of each gel detergent composition is shown below in Table 3. The amounts are weight percentages based on the total weight of the raw materials, unless otherwise indicated.
[0230] Table 3. Packaged detergent gel formulations according to the second aspect of the invention.
[0231] > >
[0232]
[0233] PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0234] 30
[0235]
[0236] The buffer capacity of the gel detergent compositions of Examples 2 and 3 were measured. The results are shown below.
[0237] Table 4. Buffer capacity of the Example 2 and Example 3 gel detergent compositions.
[0238]
[0239] PAT15856-WO-PCT
[0240] 31
[0241] While the principles of the invention have been explained in relation to certain particular embodiments, and are provided for purposes of illustration, it is to be understood that various modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention disclosed herein is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
PAT15856-WO-PCT321. A packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, comprising at least one aminocarboxylic acid builder, or the salts thereof, and at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid builder, or the salts thereof, wherein the detergent gel composition has a pH of at least 8, wherein the detergent gel composition is contained within a water-soluble container; wherein the total amount of builders is no more than 70 wt% based on the total weight of the detergent gel composition; andwherein the weight ratio of aminocarboxylic acid builder to hydroxycarboxylic acid builder is from 10:1 to 1:10.
2. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to claim 1, wherein the aminocarboxylic acid builder is selected from methyl glycine diacetic acid (MGDA), or N,N-dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid (GLDA), or the salts thereof, preferably MGDA.
3. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hydroxycarboxylic acid builder is a citrate salt, preferably trisodium citrate.
4. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to any preceding claim, wherein the weight ratio of aminocarboxylic acid builder to hydroxycarboxylic acid builder is from 2:1 to 1 :2.
5. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to any preceding claim, wherein the detergent gel composition further comprises atPAT15856-WO-PCTleast one non-ionic surfactant which is a modified polyglycol ether according to formula (I):whereinn = 0-5 and m =10-50;or formula (II)R1O(AlkO)xM(OAIk)yOR2(II)wherein R1and R2are independently a branched or straight chain, saturated or unsaturated, and possibly hydroxylated, alkyl radicals with 4 to 22 carbon atoms;wherein Aik is a branched or unbranched alkyl radical with 2-4 carbon atoms;wherein x and y are independently an integer between 1 and 70; and wherein M is an alkyl radical selected from the group consisting of CH2, CHR3, CR3R4, CH2CHR3, CHR3CHR4,wherein R3and R4are independently a branched or straight chain saturated or unsaturated, alkyl radicals with 1 to 18 carbon atoms.
6. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to claim 5, wherein the modified polyglycol ether is present in the composition between 0.5 and 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the detergent gel composition.
7. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to any precedingPAT15856-WO-PCT34claim, wherein the packaged detergent gel composition further comprises at least one optionally end capped alkyl alkoxylate nonionic surfactant.
8. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to any preceding claim, wherein the detergent gel composition is substantially free of water.
9. A packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, comprising at least one builder selected from the group consisting of carbonate salts, phosphonic acids or the salts thereof and combinations thereof, and at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid co-builder, or the salts thereof, wherein the detergent gel composition has a pH of at least 8, wherein the detergent gel composition is contained within a water-soluble container;wherein the total amount of builders is no more than 70 wt% based on the total weight of the detergent gel composition.
10. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to claim 9, wherein the carbonate salt is sodium carbonate.
11. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the phosphonic acid builder is 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1- diphosphonic acid (HEDP), or a salt thereof.PAT15856-WO-PCT12. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to any of claims 9- 11, wherein the hydroxycarboxylic acid builder is a citrate salt, preferably trisodium citrate.
13. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to any of claims 9- 12, wherein the detergent gel composition further comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant which is a modified polyglycol ether according to formula (I):whereinn = 0-5 and m =10-50;or formula (II)R1O(AlkO)xM(OAIk)yOR2(II)wherein R1and R2are independently a branched or straight chain, saturated or unsaturated, and possibly hydroxylated, alkyl radicals with 4 to 22 carbon atoms;wherein Aik is a branched or unbranched alkyl radical with 2-4 carbon atoms;wherein x and y are independently an integer between 1 and 70; and wherein M is an alkyl radical selected from the group consisting of CH2, CHR3, CR3R4, CH2CHR3, CHR3CHR4,wherein R3and R4are independently a branched or straight chain saturated or unsaturated, alkyl radicals with 1 to 18 carbon atoms.PAT15856-WO-PCT3614. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to claim 13, wherein the modified polyglycol ether is present in the composition between 0.5 and 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the detergent gel composition.
15. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to any of claims 9- 14, wherein the packaged detergent composition further comprises at least one optionally end capped alkyl alkoxylate non-ionic surfactant.
16. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to any of claims 9- 15, wherein the detergent gel composition is substantially free of water.
17. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to any of claims 1- 8, or the packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to any of claims 9- 16, wherein the water-soluble container is a multi-compartment water- soluble container comprising at least a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein said at least first compartment is separated from said at least second compartment; wherein the detergent gel composition is located within the first compartment; and wherein said at least second compartment is at least partially filled with a powder detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing powder detergent composition.PAT15856-WO-PCT3718. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to claim 17, wherein at least one cleaning active is located within the second compartment, preferably wherein the at least one cleaning active is a bleaching system.
19. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein at least one builder is located within the second compartment.
20. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the multi-compartment water-soluble container comprises a third compartment within which is located at least one liquid cleaning active.
21. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to any preceding claim, wherein the water-soluble container is a water-soluble film, which is preferably rigid or flexible at room temperature.
22. The packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to any preceding claim, wherein the water-soluble container comprises a poly(vinyl alcohol); wherein preferably the container comprises a thermoformed poly(vinyl alcohol) film.
23. A method of producing a packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to any of claims 1 to 22, which method comprises the addition of a hydroxycarboxylic acid builder to at least one ingredientPAT15856-WO-PCT38of the composition, forming a detergent gel composition; and adding the composition to a water-soluble container.
24. Use of a packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, according to any of claims 1 to 22, for washing soiled kitchenware or for cleaning of hard surfaces, laundry cleaning or fabric treatment.
25. A method for washing kitchenware in an automatic dishwashing machine wherein the packaged detergent gel composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent gel composition, of any of claims 1 to 22 is added to the automatic dishwashing machine at the start of a wash cycle.