FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the use of a liquid laundry detergent composition
to minimize the adverse effects of rare accidental exposure of the detergent composition
comprised with a liquid laundry detergent composition.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Laundry water-soluble unit dose articles are liked by consumers as they are efficient
and convenient to use. They offer simple unit dosing of laundry detergent composition
to be used in the laundry wash operation removing the need for inconvenient and messy
dosing.
[0003] All laundry detergent compositions have to meet stringent regulatory requirements
and industry standards in order to be placed on the market. However, detergent products,
due to their primary function of cleaning, all have intrinsic hazards and are labeled
as such. On rare occasions accidental misuse or accidental rupture may occur resulting
in the potential for consumers to be exposed to their contents. Given the nature of
the cleaning compositions contained within the unit dose article, in a minority of
instances adverse effects may be associated with these exposures including, but not
limited to, eye irritation. While such unit dose products already meet existing safety
standards and regulatory expectation, there is a desire within the industry to further
reduce the severity or potential of adverse effects associated with these rare accidental
exposures, whilst still providing cleaning performance and other benefits.
[0004] It is known from the prior art, e.g.
WO2016155993, that addition of soil release polymers can reduce the irritation of liquid laundry
compositions. However, this approach requires addition of materials and due to the
compacted nature of water-soluble unit dose articles, there is limited space for the
addition of further ingredients or increasing the overall levels of ingredients.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide alternative means to minimize the adverse effects
of rare accidental exposure of the detergent composition, including reducing the irritation
profile whilst still providing laundry cleaning benefits, especially greasy food stain
cleaning, whiteness and freshness benefits. It is especially preferred to find ways
to reduce the adverse effect from rare accidental exposure to the contents without
the addition of further ingredients.
[0006] It was surprisingly found that a liquid laundry detergent composition according to
the present invention comprised within a water-soluble unit dose article provided
a desired reduction in adverse effects from rare accidental exposures to the contents
of the water-soluble unit dose article whilst providing laundry cleaning, especially
greasy food stain cleaning, and freshness benefits and still maintaining a good whiteness
profile.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention discloses the use of a liquid laundry detergent composition
comprised in a water-soluble unit dose article to provide laundry cleaning benefits
and to minimize potential adverse effects associated with accidental exposure to said
liquid laundry detergent composition contained within the water-soluble unit dose
article,
wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises between 10% and 35%, or
even more preferably between 12% and 35%, most preferably between 15% and 30% or even
between 15% and 25% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of a surfactant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008]
FIG. 1 : Eye irritancy profile of a 30% active surfactant composition with HLAS as
main anionic surfactant
FIG. 2 : Eye irritancy profile of a 30% active surfactant composition with AES as
main anionic surfactant
FIG. 3 : Eye irritancy profile of a 40% active surfactant composition with HLAS as
main anionic surfactant
FIG. 4 : Eye irritancy profile of a 40% active surfactant composition with AES as
main anionic surfactant
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Use
[0009] The present invention is to the use of a liquid laundry detergent composition comprised
in a water-soluble unit dose article to provide laundry cleaning benefits and to minimize
potential adverse effects associated with accidental exposure to said liquid laundry
detergent composition contained within the water-soluble unit dose article.
[0010] The water-soluble unit dose article is described in more detail below. Without wishing
to be bound by theory, water-soluble unit dose articles contain a single dose of a
laundry detergent composition enveloped in a water-soluble film. The consumer places
the entire article into the drum of a washing machine or other wash receptacle together
with fabrics to be washed. Upon application of water, the water-soluble film dissolves
releasing the laundry detergent composition contained within into the water and into
contact with the fabrics. The concept is that the laundry detergent composition remains
contained within the unit dose article until the unit dose article is contacted with
water during use.
[0011] By 'accidental exposure' we herein mean unintentional exposure, for example from
premature rupture of the unit dose article. Such accidental premature rupture is rare,
but given the nature of the cleaning compositions contained within the unit dose article,
in a minority of instances adverse effects may be associated with these exposures
including, but not limited to, eye irritation.
[0012] "Irritation" is herein defined as the production of changes to the body following
the application of test chemical to the anterior surface of the body, which are fully
reversible within 21 days of application. In particular eye irritation is defined
as the production of changes in the eye following the application of test chemical
to the anterior surface of the eye, which are fully reversible within 21 days of application.
The term is interchangeable with "Reversible effects on the Eye" and with "UN GHS
Category 2" (4), and can be assessed following the OECD Guidelines for Testing of
Chemicals, Test No. 438: Isolated Chicken Eye Test Method for Identifying i) Chemicals
Inducing Serious Eye Damage and ii) Chemicals Not Requiring Classification for Eye
Irritation or Serious Eye Damage (Adopted version : 26 July 2013).
[0013] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition minimizes potential adverse
effects associated with accidental exposure to said liquid laundry detergent composition
contained within the water-soluble unit dose article by minimizing potential adverse
effects of the water-soluble unit dose article, preferably reducing skin irritation,
eye irritation or a mixture thereof, most preferably eye irritation, of the water-soluble
unit dose article.
[0014] The liquid laundry detergent composition comprises between 10% and 35%, or even more
preferably between 12% and 35%, most preferably between 15% and 30% or even between
15% and 25% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of a surfactant.
The liquid laundry detergent composition and surfactant and described in more detail
below.
[0015] Without wishing to be bound by theory it is the specific use of the present liquid
laundry detergent composition in a water-soluble unit dose article that minimises
the adverse effects of accidental exposure to said laundry detergent composition.
[0016] The potential adverse effects associated with accidental exposure to said liquid
laundry detergent composition contained within the water-soluble unit dose article
is for example when the water-soluble unit dose article is accidentally prematurely
ruptured and the skin, eye or mixture thereof of the user are contacted with the liquid
laundry detergent composition.
Water-soluble unit dose article
[0017] The water-soluble unit dose article comprises the water-soluble film shaped such
that the unit-dose article comprises at least one internal compartment surrounded
by the water-soluble film. The unit dose article may comprise a first water-soluble
film and a second water-soluble film sealed to one another such to define the internal
compartment. The water-soluble unit dose article is constructed such that the liquid
laundry detergent composition does not leak out of the compartment during storage.
However, upon addition of the water-soluble unit dose article to water, the water-soluble
film dissolves and releases the contents of the internal compartment into the wash
liquor.
[0018] The compartment should be understood as meaning a closed internal space within the
unit dose article, which holds the liquid laundry detergent composition. During manufacture,
a first water-soluble film may be shaped to comprise an open compartment into which
the liquid laundry detergent composition is added. A second water-soluble film is
then laid over the first film in such an orientation as to close the opening of the
compartment. The first and second films are then sealed together along a seal region.
[0019] The water-soluble film is described in more detail below.
[0020] The unit dose article may comprise more than one compartment, even at least two compartments,
or even at least three compartments. The compartments may be arranged in superposed
orientation, i.e. one positioned on top of the other. In such an orientation the unit
dose article will comprise three films, top, middle and bottom. Alternatively, the
compartments may be positioned in a side-by-side orientation, i.e. one orientated
next to the other. The compartments may even be orientated in a 'tyre and rim' arrangement,
i.e. a first compartment is positioned next to a second compartment, but the first
compartment at least partially surrounds the second compartment, but does not completely
enclose the second compartment. Alternatively one compartment may be completely enclosed
within another compartment.
[0021] Wherein the unit dose article comprises at least two compartments, one of the compartments
may be smaller than the other compartment. Wherein the unit dose article comprises
at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third
compartment, and preferably the smaller compartments are superposed on the larger
compartment. The superposed compartments preferably are orientated side-by-side.
[0022] In a multi-compartment orientation, the liquid laundry detergent composition according
to the present invention may be comprised in at least one of the compartments. It
may for example be comprised in just one compartment, or may be comprised in two compartments,
or even in three compartments.
[0023] Each compartment may comprise the same or different compositions. The different compositions
could all be in the same form, or they may be in different forms.
[0024] The water-soluble unit dose article may comprise at least two internal compartments,
wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition is comprised in at least one of the
compartments, preferably wherein the unit dose article comprises at least three compartments,
wherein the detergent composition is comprised in at least one of the compartments.
[0025] Preferably, the water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least two compartments
and the liquid laundry detergent composition is comprised in at least one compartment,
preferably wherein the water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least two compartments
of different sizes and the liquid laundry detergent composition is comprised in at
least the larger compartment.
Water-soluble film
[0026] The film of the present invention is soluble or dispersible in water. The water-soluble
film preferably has a thickness of from 20 to 150 micron, preferably 35 to 125 micron,
even more preferably 50 to 110 micron, most preferably about 76 micron.
[0027] Preferably, the film has a water-solubility of at least 50%, preferably at least
75% or even at least 95%, as measured by the method set out here after using a glass-filter
with a maximum pore size of 20 microns:
5 grams ± 0.1 gram of film material is added in a pre-weighed 3L beaker and 2L ± 5ml
of distilled water is added. This is stirred vigorously on a magnetic stirrer, Labline
model No. 1250 or equivalent and 5 cm magnetic stirrer, set at 600 rpm, for 30 minutes
at 30°C. Then, the mixture is filtered through a folded qualitative sintered-glass
filter with a pore size as defined above (max. 20 micron). The water is dried off
from the collected filtrate by any conventional method, and the weight of the remaining
material is determined (which is the dissolved or dispersed fraction). Then, the percentage
solubility or dispersability can be calculated.
[0028] Preferred film materials are preferably polymeric materials. The film material can,
for example, be obtained by casting, blow-moulding, extrusion or blown extrusion of
the polymeric material, as known in the art.
[0029] Preferred polymers, copolymers or derivatives thereof suitable for use as pouch material
are selected from polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxides,
acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose
amides, polyvinyl acetates, polycarboxylic acids and salts, polyaminoacids or peptides,
polyamides, polyacrylamide, copolymers of maleic/acrylic acids, polysaccharides including
starch and gelatine, natural gums such as xanthum and carragum. More preferred polymers
are selected from polyacrylates and water-soluble acrylate copolymers, methylcellulose,
carboxymethylcellulose sodium, dextrin, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose, maltodextrin, polymethacrylates, and most preferably selected from
polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose
(HPMC), and combinations thereof. Preferably, the level of polymer in the pouch material,
for example a PVA polymer, is at least 60%. The polymer can have any weight average
molecular weight, preferably from about 1000 to 1,000,000, more preferably from about
10,000 to 300,000 yet more preferably from about 20,000 to 150,000.
[0030] Mixtures of polymers and/or copolymers can also be used as the pouch material, especially
mixtures of polyvinylalcohol polymers and/or copolymers, especially mixtures of polyvinylalcohol
homopolymers and/or anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymers preferably selected from sulphonated
and carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymers especially carboxylated anionic
polyvinylalcohol copolymers. Most preferably the water soluble film comprises a blend
of a polyvinylalcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymer.
[0031] Preferred films exhibit good dissolution in cold water, meaning unheated distilled
water. Preferably such films exhibit good dissolution at temperatures of 24°C, even
more preferably at 10°C. By good dissolution it is meant that the film exhibits water-solubility
of at least 50%, preferably at least 75% or even at least 95%, as measured by the
method set out here after using a glass-filter with a maximum pore size of 20 microns,
described above.
[0032] Preferred films are those supplied by Monosol under the trade references M8630, M8900,
M8779, M8310.
[0033] The film may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The film may comprise a printed
area.
[0034] The area of print may be achieved using standard techniques, such as flexographic
printing or inkjet printing.
[0035] The film may comprise an aversive agent, for example a bittering agent. Suitable
bittering agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine
hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof. Any suitable level of aversive
agent may be used in the film. Suitable levels include, but are not limited to, 1
to 5000ppm, or even 100 to 2500ppm, or even 250 to 2000rpm.
[0036] Preferably, the water-soluble unit dose article comprises a water-soluble film, preferably
wherein the water-soluble film comprises polyvinyl alcohol, preferably wherein the
water-soluble film comprises polyvinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, preferably a
blend of polyvinylalcohol polymers and/or polyvinylalcohol copolymers, more preferably
selected from sulphonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymers especially
carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymers, most preferably a blend of a polyvinylalcohol
homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymer.
Liquid laundry detergent composition
[0037] The term 'liquid laundry detergent composition' refers to any laundry detergent composition
comprising a liquid capable of wetting and treating a fabric, and includes, but is
not limited to, liquids, gels, pastes, dispersions and the like. The liquid composition
can include solids or gases in suitably subdivided form, but the liquid composition
excludes forms which are non-fluid overall, such as tablets or granules.
[0038] The liquid laundry detergent composition comprises between 10% and 35%, or even more
preferably between 12% and 35%, most preferably between 15% and 30% or even between
15% and 25% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of a surfactant.
[0039] The surfactant preferably comprises a fatty alcohol ethoxylate non-ionic surfactant,
wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition preferably comprises less than 10%,
preferably between 0% and 9.5%, preferably between 0.01% and 9%, more preferably between
0.1% and 7%, even more preferably between 1% and 5%, most preferably between 1 and
3% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of the fatty alcohol ethoxylate
non-ionic surfactant.
[0040] Suitable alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactants include the condensation products
of aliphatic alcohols with ethylene oxide. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol
can either be straight or branched, substituted or unsubstituted. The starting alcohol
can be naturally derived, e.g. starting from natural oils, or synthetically derived,
e.g. alcohols obtained from for example oxo-, modified oxo- or Fischer-Tropsch processes.
Examples of oxo-process derived alcohols include the Lial and Isalchem alcohols ex
Sasol company and Lutensol alcohols ex BASF company. Examples of modified-oxo process
derived alcohols include the Neodol alcohols ex Shell company. Fischer-Tropsch derived
alcohols include Safol alcohols ex Sasol company. The alkoxylate chain of alcohol
ethoxylates is made up solely of ethoxylate groups.
[0041] Preferably, the fatty alcohol ethoxylate has an average alkyl carbon chain length
of between 5 and 30, preferably between 8 and 18, more preferably between 10 and 16,
most preferably between 12 and 15.
[0042] Preferably, the fatty alcohol ethoxylate has an average degree of ethoxylation of
between 0.5 and 20, preferably between 1 and 15, more preferably between 5 and 12,
even more preferably between 6 and 10, most preferably between 7 and 8.
[0043] Suitable for use herein are the ethoxylated alcohol of the formula R(OC
2H
4)n OH, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals
containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms and the average value of n is from
about 5 to about 22. In one aspect, particularly useful materials are condensation
products of C
9-C
16 alcohols with from about 5 to about 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
In another aspect, particularly useful materials are condensation products of C
12-C
16 alcohols with from about 6 to about 9 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
[0044] Other non-limiting examples of nonionic surfactants may include: C12-C18 alkyl ethoxylates
based on modified oxo alcohols, such as, NEODOL® nonionic surfactants from Shell;
C12-C15 alkyl ethoxylates based on Fischer Tropsch Oxo alcohols, such as, SAFOL® nonionic
surfactants from Sasol; C12-C18 alkyl ethoxylates based on natural or Ziegler alcohols,
such as, Surfonic® nonionic surfactants from Huntsman; C14-C22 mid-chain branched
alcohols ethoxylates, BAE
x, wherein
x is from 1 to 30.
[0045] Preferably, the surfactant comprises a non-soap anionic surfactant, preferably between
10% and 35%, or even more preferably between 12% and 35%, most preferably between
15% and 30% or even more preferably between 15% and 25% by weight of the liquid laundry
detergent composition of the non-soap anionic surfactant.
[0046] The non-soap anionic surfactant may comprise a sulphate or a sulphonate anionic surfactant
or a mixture thereof, preferably linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, alkyl sulphate, alkoxylated
alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof, more preferably a mixture of linear alkylbenzene
sulphonate and alkoxylated alkyl sulphate. Preferably, the ratio of linear alkylbenzene
sulphonate to alkoxylated alkyl sulphate more preferably the ratio of linear alkylbenzene
sulphonate to ethoxylated alkyl sulphate is from 1:2 to 20:1, preferably from 1.1:1
to 15:1, more preferably from 1.2:1 to 10:1, even more preferably from 1.3:1 to 5:1,
most preferably from 1.4:1 to 3:1.
[0047] Preferably, the alkoxylated alkyl sulphate is an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate with
an average degree of ethoxylation of between 0.5 and 7, preferably between 1 and 5,
more preferably between 2 and 4, most preferably about 3. Alternatively, the non-soap
surfactant comprises a mixture of one or more alkoxylated alkyl sulphates, preferably
ethoxylated alkyl sulphates, and optionally an alkyl sulphate, the mixture having
an average degree of ethoxylation of between 0.5 and 7, preferably between 1 and 5,
more preferably between 2 and 4, most preferably about 3. The alkyl sulphate and/or
alkoxylated alkyl sulphate preferably have an alkyl chain comprising on average between
8 and 18 carbon atoms, preferably between 10 and 16 carbons atoms, most preferably
between 12 and 14 carbon atoms. Most preferably the alkoxylated alkyl sulphate is
an ethoxylated alkyl chain comprising on average between 12 and 14 carbon atoms in
its alkyl chain and has an average degree of ethoxylation of about 3. The alkyl chain
of the alkoxylated alkyl sulphate surfactant may be linear or branched or a mixture
thereof.
[0048] The linear alkylbenzene sulphonate may be a C
10-C
16 linear alkylbenzene sulphonate or a C
11-C
14 linear alkylbenzene sulphonate or a mixture thereof.
[0049] Exemplary linear alkylbenzene sulphonates are C
10-C
16 alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, or C
11-C
14 alkyl benzene sulfonic acids. By 'linear', we herein mean the alkyl group is linear.
Alkyl benzene sulfonates are well known in the art.
[0050] Preferably, the weight ratio of non-soap anionic surfactant to fatty alcohol ethoxylate
non-ionic surfactant is between 5:1 and 23:1 preferably between 7:1 and 23:1, more
preferably between 8:1 and 23:1, most preferably between 9:1 and 20:1.
[0051] The surfactant may comprise a fatty acid, neutralised fatty acid soap or a mixture
thereof. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition may comprise less than
10%, preferably less than 8%, more preferably less than 5%, most preferably between
1% and 5% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of fatty acid, neutralised
fatty acid soap or a mixture thereof.
[0052] The neutralised fatty acid soap may be alkali metal neutralised, amine neutralised
or a mixture thereof. The alkali metal may be selected from sodium, potassium, magnesium
or a mixture thereof, preferably sodium. The amine is preferably an alkanolamine,
preferably selected from monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine or a mixture
thereof, more preferably monoethanolamine.
[0053] The fatty acid, neutralised fatty acid soap or mixture thereof may be selected from
palm kernel fatty acid, coconut fatty acid, rapeseed fatty acid, neutralized palm
kernel fatty acid, neutralized coconut fatty acid, neutralized rapeseed fatty acid,
or mixture thereof, preferably neutralized palm kernel fatty acid.
[0054] The liquid laundry detergent composition may comprise between 0.1% and 10%, preferably
between 0.5% and 8%, more preferably between 1% and 7%, even more preferably between
2% and 6%, most preferably between 3% and 5% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent
composition of a soil release polymer, wherein the soil release polymer is preferably
selected from polyester terephthalates, polyethylene glycol containing soil release
polymers and a mixture thereof. An example of a preferred polyethyleneglycol containing
soil release polymer comprises a polyethylene glycol graft polymer comprising a polyethylene
glycol backbone (Pluriol E6000) and hydrophobic vinyl acetate side chains, comprising
40% by weight of the polymer system of a polyethylene glycol backbone polymer and
60% by weight of the polymer system of the grafted vinyl acetate side chains. Polyester
terephtalate soil release polymers are commercially available from Clariant under
the Texcare SRN and SRA tradenames. One particularly preferred polyester terephtalate
soil release polymer is Texcare SRA300.
[0055] The liquid laundry detergent composition may comprise a polyethyleneimine, preferably
an alkoxylated polyethyleneimine, more preferably an ethoxylated polyethyleneimine
and wherein preferably the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises greater
than 0.5%, preferably between 1% and 10%, more preferably between 2% and 7%, most
preferably between 3% and 5% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition
of the polyethyleneimine, preferably ethoxylated polyethyleneimine. An example of
an ethoxylated polyethyleneimine includes an ethoxylated polyethyleneimine with a
polyethyleneimine backbone with a molecular weight of about 600, and comprising on
average about 20 ethoxy units per ethoxylation chain.
[0056] Preferably, the ratio of polyethyleneimine to soil release polymer, more preferably
the ratio of ethoxylated polyethyleneimine to soil release polymer is higher than
1:1, preferably between 1.1:1 and 5:1, more preferably between 1.2:1 and 3:1, most
preferably between 1.3:1 and 2:1.
[0057] The liquid laundry detergent composition may comprise a polysaccharide polymer, a
modified polysaccharide polymer, a polysaccharide derived polymer, or a mixture thereof,
preferably a cellulosic polymer, a modified cellulosic polymer or a mixture thereof,
most preferably a cationically modified cellulosic polymer or a mixture thereof. Most
preferably the polysaccharide polymer is a cationically modified hydroethylcellulose
("Polyquaternium 10).
[0058] Preferably, the water-soluble unit dose article comprises up to 60% preferably up
to 50%, more preferably up to 40% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition
of a non-aqueous solvent, preferably selected from propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,
glycerol, sorbitol, ethanol or a mixture thereof.
[0059] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises less than 2%, preferably
less than 1% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of aminocarboxylate
chelants, aminophosphonate chelants or a mixture thereof.
[0060] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition has a pH from 6 to 10 preferably
from 7 to 9, more preferably from 7 to 8. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent
composition comprises a pH adjusting agent selected from alkanolamines, preferably
monethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine or a mixture thereof, most preferably
monoethanolamine.
[0061] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises an adjunct ingredient
selected from hueing dyes, polymers, builders, dye transfer inhibiting agents, dispersants,
enzymes, enzyme stabilizers, catalytic materials, bleach, bleach activators, polymeric
dispersing agents, anti-redeposition agents, suds suppressors, aesthetic dyes, opacifiers,
perfumes, perfume delivery systems, structurants, hydrotropes, processing aids, pigments,
amphoteric surfactants, cyclic diamines, zwitterionic polyamines, anti-oxidants, preservatives
and mixtures thereof.
[0062] Preferably, the water-soluble unit dose article comprises 15% or less by weight of
the unit dose article of water, preferably the unit dose article comprises between
0.1% and 15%, more preferably between 1% and 12.5% by weight of the unit dose article
of water.
Process of making
[0063] Those skilled in the art will know how to make the unit dose article and laundry
detergent composition of the present invention using known techniques in the art.
[0064] During manufacture, a first water-soluble film may be shaped to comprise an open
compartment into which the detergent composition is added. A second water-soluble
film is then laid over the first film in such an orientation as to close the opening
of the compartment. The first and second films are then sealed together along a seal
region using known sealing means such as solvent, heat or a mixture thereof.
EXAMPLES
Test procedure :
[0065] A design of experiment modeling exercise has been conducted to assess the irritancy
profile, of soluble unit dose laundry formulations. The below formulation space has
been assessed, having formulated 106 compositions within this space, as dictated by
the response surface experimental design. Formulations were prepared through simple
mixing of the individual raw materials.
|
Ingredients in weight % active |
|
MIN |
MAX |
Linear alkyl benzene sulphonate anionic surfactant (LAS) |
0.00 |
35.84 |
C1214 Alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant with an average degree of ethoxylation of
3 (AES) |
0.00 |
24.60 |
C1215EO7 nonionic surfactant (NI) |
1.90 |
22.76 |
DTPK Fatty Acid (FA) |
0.00 |
16.85 |
Ethoxylated polyethyleneimine (PEI600E020)* |
0.00 |
5.60 |
Polyethyleneglycol graft polymer** |
0.00 |
4.19 |
HEDP chelant |
0.00 |
2.50 |
Citric Acid |
0.00 |
0.79 |
Water |
6.40 |
11.50 |
MgCl2 |
0.18 |
0.66 |
pH |
6.90 |
8.60 |
Constant ingredients |
Glycerol |
|
|
K2SO3 |
|
|
Hydrogenated Castor Oil |
|
|
Enzymes (Protease only) |
|
|
Perfume |
|
|
Perfume capsules |
|
|
Brightener |
|
*ethoxylate polyethyleneimine having an average degree of ethoxylation of 20 per EO
chain and a polyethyleneimine backbone with MW of about 600
**polyethylene glycol graft polymer comprising a polyethylene glycol backbone (Pluriol
E6000) and hydrophobic vinyl acetate side chains, comprising 40% by weight of the
polymer system of a polyethylene glycol backbone polymer and 60% by weight of the
polymer system of the grafted vinyl acetate side chains |
[0066] (Although the FIGs refer to 'HLAS' (linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid, in the tests,
the HLAS was neutralized to the corresponding salt, linear alkyl benzene sulphonate)
[0067] Test formulations were assessed for irritancy profile following the OECD Guidelines
for Testing of Chemicals, Test No. 438: Isolated Chicken Eye Test Method for Identifying
i) Chemicals Inducing Serious Eye Damage and ii) Chemicals Not Requiring Classification
for Eye Irritation or Serious Eye Damage (Adopted version : 26 July 2013).
[0068] An irritation index has been calculated according to formula I :
in which CS equals the mean % of corneal swelling, CO equals the maximum mean opacity
score and FR equals the mean fluorescein retention score at 30 minutes after treatment.
A higher irritation index reflects a worse irritancy profile.
[0069] Test results from experiments conducted were fed into a digital test design using
commercially available JMP predictive software package. From this the irritancy formulation
model then got calculated.
Test Results :
[0070] The below Figures 1 to 4 have been extracted from the resulting irritancy formulation
model. The AES data reflect the irritancy index of an AES comprising paste (67.5%
AES + 20% DTPK fatty acid + water/minors). Active surfactant content reflects the
combined % level by weight of the detergent composition of HLAS, AES, FA and NI surfactant.
Values in the X-axis reflect weight fraction of the specific compound relative to
the total detergent formulation.
[0071] From the data the following conclusions can be drawn :
- Within both the main LAS and main AES formulations, lower active surfactant content
formulations have shown a lower irritation index compared to higher active surfactant
content formulations (single variable comparison), eg the irritation index ex FIG
1 (30% active, LAS as main anionic surfactant) is lower (103.5 vs 123.1) compared
to FIG 3 (40% active, LAS as main anionic surfactant), the irritation index ex FIG
2 (30% active, AES as main anionic surfactant) is lower (118.8vs 140.7) compared to
FIG 4 (40% active, AES as main anionic surfactant).
- Across the four formulation spaces exemplified, i.e. 30% or 40% surfactant active
content - LAS or AES as main anionic surfactant, increasing the nonionic surfactant
content beyond 10% would exponentially increase the irritation index, e.g. the irritation
index at a weight fraction of 0.2 (or 20 wt% in formula) is substantially higher than
the irritation index at a weight fraction of 0.1 (or 10 wt% in formula) across the
4 FIGS.
- Within both the 30% and the 40% active surfactant content formulations, LAS is preferred
as a main anionic surfactant compared to AES, i.e. LAS as main anionic surfactant
formulations have shown a lower irritation index compared to equal total surfactant
content formulations with AES as main anionic surfactant (single variable comparison),
eg the irritation index ex FIG 1 (30% active, LAS as main anionic surfactant) is lower
(103.5 vs 123.1) compared to FIG 2 (30% active, AES as main anionic surfactant), the
irritation index ex FIG 3 (40% active, LAS as main anionic surfactant) is lower (117.2
vs 140.7) compared to FIG 4 (40% active, AES as main anionic surfactant).
[0072] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly
limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified,
each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40
mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
1. The use of a liquid laundry detergent composition comprised in a water-soluble unit
dose article to provide laundry cleaning benefits and to minimize potential adverse
effects associated with accidental exposure to said liquid laundry detergent composition
contained within the water-soluble unit dose article,
wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises between 10% and 35%, or
even more preferably between 12% and 35%, most preferably between 15% and 30% or even
between 15% and 25% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of a surfactant.
2. The use according to claim 1 wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition minimizes
potential adverse effects associated with accidental exposure to said liquid laundry
detergent composition contained within the water-soluble unit dose article by minimizing
potential adverse effects of the water-soluble unit dose article, preferably reducing
skin irritation, eye irritation or a mixture thereof, most preferably eye irritation,
of the water-soluble unit dose article.
3. The use according to any preceding claims, wherein the surfactant comprises a fatty
alcohol ethoxylate non-ionic surfactant and wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition
comprises between 0% and 9.5%, preferably between 0.01% and 9%, more preferably between
0.1% and 7%, even more preferably between 1% and 5%, most preferably between 1 and
3% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of the fatty alcohol ethoxylate
non-ionic surfactant.
4. The use according to claim 3 wherein the fatty alcohol ethoxylate has an average alkyl
carbon chain length of between 5 and 30, preferably between 8 and 18, more preferably
between 10 and 16, most preferably between 12 and 15.
5. The use according to claims 3 or 4 wherein the fatty alcohol ethoxylate has an average
degree of ethoxylation of between 0.5 and 20, preferably between 1 and 15, more preferably
between 5 and 12, even more preferably between 6 and 10, most preferably between 7
and 8.
6. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the surfactant comprises a non-soap
anionic surfactant, preferably between 10% and 35%, or even more preferably between
12% and 35%, most preferably between 15% and 30% or even more preferably between 15%
and 25% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of the non-soap anionic
surfactant, wherein preferably the non-soap anionic surfactant comprises linear alkylbenzene
sulphonate, alkoxylated alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof, more preferably a mixture
thereof wherein preferably the ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate to alkoxylated
alkyl sulphate more preferably the ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate to ethoxylated
alkyl sulphate is from 1:2 to 20:1, preferably from 1.1:1 to 15:1, more preferably
from 1.2:1 to 10:1, even more preferably from 1.3:1 to 5:1, most preferably from 1.4:1
to 3:1.
7. The use according to claims 3 to 6 wherein the weight ratio of non-soap anionic surfactant
to fatty alcohol ethoxylate non-ionic surfactant is between 5:1 and 23:1 preferably
between 7:1 and 23:1, more preferably between 8:1 and 23:1, most preferably between
9:1 and 20:1.
8. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the surfactant comprises a fatty
acid, neutralised fatty acid soap or a mixture thereof, preferably wherein the liquid
laundry detergent composition comprises less than 10%, preferably less than 8%, more
preferably less than 5%, most preferably between 1% and 5% by weight of the liquid
laundry detergent composition of fatty acid, neutralised fatty acid soap or a mixture
thereof.
9. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition
comprises between 0.1% and 10%, preferably between 0.5% and 8%, more preferably between
1% and 7%, even more preferably between 2% and 6%, most preferably between 3% and
5% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of a soil release polymer,
wherein the soil release polymer is preferably selected from polyester terephthalates,
polyethylene glycol containing soil release polymers and a mixture thereof.
10. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition
comprises a polyethyleneimine, preferably an ethoxylated polyethyleneimine and wherein
preferably the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises greater than 0.5%, preferably
between 1% and 10%, more preferably between 2% and 7%, most preferably between 3%
and 5% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of the polyethyleneimine,
preferably ethoxylated polyethyleneimine.
11. The use according to any of claims 9-10 wherein the ratio of polyethyleneimine to
soil release polymer, preferably the ratio of ethoxylated polyethyleneimine to soil
release polymer is higher than 1:1, preferably between 1.1:1 and 5:1, more preferably
between 1.2:1 and 3:1, most preferably between 1.3:1 and 2:1.
12. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition
comprises a polysaccharide polymer, a modified polysaccharide polymer, a polysaccharide
derived polymer, or a mixture thereof, preferably a cellulosic polymer, a modified
cellulosic polymer or a mixture thereof, most preferably a cationically modified cellulosic
polymer or a mixture thereof.
13. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the water-soluble unit dose article
comprises a water-soluble film, preferably wherein the water-soluble film comprises
polyvinyl alcohol, preferably wherein the water-soluble film comprises polyvinyl alcohol
polymer or copolymer, preferably a blend of polyvinylalcohol polymers and/or polyvinylalcohol
copolymers, preferably selected from sulphonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol
copolymers especially carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymers, most preferably
a blend of a polyvinylalcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol
copolymer.
14. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the water-soluble unit dose article
comprises up to 60% preferably up to 50%, more preferably up to 40% by weight of the
liquid laundry detergent composition of a non-aqueous solvent, preferably selected
from propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, ethanol or a mixture
thereof.
15. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition
comprises less than 2%, preferably less than 1% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent
composition of aminocarboxylate chelants, aminophosphonate chelants, or a mixture
thereof.
16. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition
has a pH from 6 to 10 preferably from 7 to 9, more preferably from 7 to 8, preferably
wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises a pH adjusting agent selected
from alkanolamines, preferably monethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine or
a mixture thereof, most preferably monoethanolamine.
17. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition
comprises an adjunct ingredient selected from hueing dyes, polymers, builders, dye
transfer inhibiting agents, dispersants, enzymes, enzyme stabilizers, catalytic materials,
bleach, bleach activators, polymeric dispersing agents, anti-redeposition agents,
suds suppressors, aesthetic dyes, opacifiers, perfumes, perfume delivery systems,
structurants, hydrotropes, processing aids, pigments, amphoteric surfactants, cyclic
diamines, zwitterionic polyamines, anti-oxidants, preservatives and mixtures thereof.
18. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the water-soluble unit dose article
comprises 15% or less by weight of the unit dose article of water, preferably the
unit dose article comprises between 0.1% and 15%, more preferably between 1% and 12.5%
by weight of the unit dose article of water.
19. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the potential adverse effects associated
with accidental exposure to said liquid laundry detergent composition contained within
the water-soluble unit dose article is when the water-soluble unit dose article is
accidentally prematurely ruptured and the skin, eye or mixture thereof of the user
is contacted with the liquid laundry detergent composition.
20. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the water-soluble unit dose article
comprises at least two compartments and the liquid laundry detergent composition is
comprised in at least one compartment, preferably wherein the water-soluble unit dose
article comprises at least two compartments of different sizes and the liquid laundry
detergent composition is comprised in at least the larger compartment.