PEG Perfume Particles With Starch Structuring for Laundry Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing perfume particles for laundry lack improved processing characteristics, leading to consumer dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising polyethylene glycol as the primary carrier with a secondary carrier having a specific particle size range of 35 to 75 µm, which provides suitable processing viscosity and structuring, preventing sedimentation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If perfume particles are formulated with polyethylene glycol as carrier, then fragrance delivery is achieved, but processing characteristics are insufficient leading to consumer dissatisfaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance deliveryVSAvoidprocessing characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines polyethylene glycol (primary carrier) with starch granules (secondary carrier) to create a composite particle system. This composite structure integrates the fragrance delivery capabilities of PEG with the processing and structuring benefits of starch, resolving the contradiction between reliable fragrance delivery and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges: starch granule size of 35-75 μm volume average particle size, PEG molecular weight of 4000-12000, and composition ratios (30-95 wt.% PEG, 5-70 wt.% starch). These parameter optimizations ensure both reliable fragrance delivery and improved processing characteristics including suitable viscosity and prevention of sedimentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If secondary carrier particles are added to improve processing viscosity, then structuring is enhanced, but particle size must be precisely controlled to prevent sedimentation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructuringVSAvoidparticle size control
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines a specific particle size range for starch granules (35-75 μm volume average) that balances two requirements: providing sufficient structuring for processing viscosity while remaining small enough to prevent sedimentation in the final product. This precise parameter specification resolves the contradiction between stability and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different quality requirements to different components: the starch granules are specified with a particular size range optimized for their dual function of structuring and preventing sedimentation, while the PEG is specified with molecular weight and composition ranges optimized for fragrance delivery. This localized optimization of properties resolves the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The use of the secondary carrier particle size range results in superior perfume particles with optimal processing characteristics and prevents sedimentation, enhancing consumer satisfaction.

Implementation Method 1

polyethylene glycol is melted and a secondary carrier in the form of particles having a volume average particle size of 35 to 75 μm are dispersed therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

the use of the secondary carrier particle with the specific particle size range, provides a suitable processing viscosity, with sufficient structuring to provide formation of superior particles. Additionally, the particular secondary carrier particle size as described herein will not sediment in the product.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuspension: Suspension

Data Source

PatentEP4110893B1Laundry composition
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 UNILEVER IP HLDG BV

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition comprising a plurality of particles, wherein said particles comprise: 30 to 95 wt.% polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a weight average molecular weight from 4000 to 12000; 0.1 to 60 wt. % secondary carrier, wherein the secondary carrier is provided in the form of particles, the particles having a volume average particle size of 35 to 75 µm; and 0.1 to 30 wt. % perfume materials. The present invention also relates to a method of producing the particles and use of particles the particles.