ES2644555T3 - Packaging and distribution of detergent compositions - Google Patents

Description

Packaging and distribution of detergent compositions

The present invention relates to the dosage and distribution of concentrated detergent compositions, in particular a packaged product according to the preamble of claim 1. The concentrated detergent compositions offer enormous potential benefits derived from the reduced package size, which has consequent reductions in transport savings and environmental benefits. However, with highly concentrated products, such savings can be quickly compensated by an incorrect dosage. Even very small amounts of waste from highly concentrated products can lead to substantial amounts of chemicals when considering the large number of consumers who conduct laundry operations on a regular basis. A problem with some highly concentrated liquids is that the liquids adhere to the surface of the dosing device, so that the surface of the dosing device will retain a certain amount of product after the liquid has been poured from said device. One solution would be to place the dosing device directly in the wash liquor. However, this then requires a separate dosing and closing device, if the packaging must be closed again during the washing procedure. Known particulate products may leave less product residue, in the form of fines. However, this remains undesirable.

US 4269722 describes a concentrated detergent product packaged according to the preamble of claim 1.

Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide a packaged concentrated detergent product that eliminates or at least reduces the "lost" product that remains locked in the packaging without rinsing.

According to one aspect of the invention, a packaged product according to claim 1 is provided. The combination according to the invention is advantageous in that the closure is the dosing device and two separate devices are not needed. These are provided by a single common device. The reduced amount of material involved in a single device is substantial. The large particles of the invention do not form a film on the reservoir. The coating reduces the stickiness of the hygroscopic surfactant core to a point where particles flow freely through a surface. This, together with the particle size, means that any composition remaining in the packaging after dumping / pouring, etc., is present in localized quantities. A soft tap releases them if visible, localized, totally removable waste remains.

The invention is highly advantageous for compositions that are dosed through machine dispensing devices, such as the machine drawer of most automatic front-loading washing machines; or for those washing procedures in which the composition is dosed directly in the washing liquor.

The provision of a single dosing and closing device is especially advantageous with packages that have a narrow distribution opening. Then, this requires only a smaller closure size, so that the dosing and closing device can be easily handled, in one hand. This allows agile handling during filling of the machine's dosing device, such as filling the washing machine drawer in a laundry wash procedure.

Accordingly, the packaging preferably comprises a narrow distribution opening.

Normally, a narrow distribution opening in a package for conventional particle laundry compositions would not be desirable. However, the reliable and predictable flow of the particle composition of the invention allows it. The flow can continue without the blockages normally associated with known washing powders flowing through narrow distribution openings.

Reliable, slow and constant flow is provided by the coated particles. From experiments with consumers, it has been determined that this beneficial flow behavior is due to the way in which the particles continue to flow even after any tamping or squeezing applied to the container. The large format of the particles reduces the impact of tackiness since the number of potential bridging points is reduced and the force exerted by each particle when trying to move is much greater than a conventional powder because the mass of each particle is of approximately 25 times higher. In this way, the particles can be described as high mass particles. Accordingly, according to one aspect, the invention comprises a packaged product according to claim 1. The narrow distribution opening is preferably 2-5 cm in diameter.

The packaging may comprise an elongated vertical container for storing the composition; For example, a bottle.

Of course, other packages with the invention, such as wide plastic containers, can be used, and these preferably comprise a narrow distribution opening.

The closing mechanism prevents the flow properties from being affected by the entry of large amounts of moisture, which could lead to stickiness or adhesion. The closing mechanism may comprise a threaded mechanism to ensure proper closure. Alternatively, the closing mechanism may comprise a pressure adjustment mechanism, preferably with audible feedback to positively indicate to the consumer that the packaging is closed. Due to the properties of the particles, a smooth coating of the reservoir is not essential. Artifacts, such as flanges necessary by the molding process for plastic closures, do not represent a major problem, which would not be the case for a known powder or liquid detergent composition.

The narrow distribution opening may be flexible and / or may comprise a flexible material so as to allow the opening to flex.

Preferably, the narrow distribution opening may comprise a spout.

Preferably, the narrow distribution opening, for example, the nozzle, is provided by cutting / tearing the package or removing a part of the package, for example, along a line of weakening. For example, the opening can be provided by a tear strip defined by perforations in the packaging material. In embodiments comprising a tapered part, this can only be evident after the removal of a part of the packaging.

In this application, unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all percentages be percentages by weight.

The single closing and dosing device is preferably of material or construction sufficiently rigid so that a part, for example, a base or a side wall, can be struck to move the particles inside the device. Preferably, said striking creates an audible feedback for the user to guide it in regard to the passage of the particles. For this purpose, a rigid device is advantageous.

Preferably, the or each package comprises at least one transparent part. This provides positive feedback to the consumer of the proper emptying of the dosing and closing device.

With regard to packaging, "transparent" means that its light transmittance is greater than 25% at a wavelength of approximately 410-800 nm.

The transparent layer of the packaging according to the invention preferably has a transmittance of more than 25%, more preferably more than 30%, more preferably more than 40%, more preferably more than 50% in the visible part of the spectrum (approximately 410-800 nm ).

Alternatively, the absorbency of the transparent layer can be measured as less than 0.6 (approximately equivalent to 25% transmission) or with a transmittance greater than 25% in which the% transmittance is equal to:

In contrast, the absorbency of the opaque layer can be measured as more than 0.6. For the purposes of the invention, as long as a wavelength in the range of visible light has a transmittance greater than 25% the container is considered transparent.

Alternatively, the absorbency of a bottle can be measured as less than 0.6 (approximately equivalent to 25% transmission) or with a transmittance greater than 25% in which the% transmittance is equal to: 1 10 Absorbance X 100% and the corresponding absorbency levels for the remaining preferred levels indicated above.

Suitable materials for packaging include, but are not limited to: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamides (PA) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC); and polystyrene (PS). The container can be formed by extrusion, molding, for example, blow molding from a preform or by heat formation or by injection molding.

Preferably, the composition comprises more than 50% by weight of detergent surfactant. Preferably, the core mainly comprises surfactant. Preferably, the packed particles have substantially the same shape and size.

Advantageously, the amount of coating on each coated particle is 10 to 45, more preferably 20 to 35% by weight of the particles.

The percentage in number of the packaged particle composition comprising the core and the coating is preferably at least 85%.

Preferably, the coating comprises water soluble inorganic salt. The coated particles preferably comprise 0.001 to 3% by weight of perfume.

The core of the coated particles preferably comprises less than 5% by weight, even more preferably less than 2.5% by weight of inorganic materials.

The coating is preferably sodium carbonate, optionally mixed with a smaller amount of SCMC and also optionally mixed with one or more of sodium silicate, water soluble fluorescent agent, pigment

or water soluble or dispersible dye. Each particle has perpendicular dimensions x, yyz, where x is 0.2 to 2 mm, and is 2.5 to 8 mm (preferably 3 to 8 mm) and z is 2.5 to 8 mm (preferably 3 to 8 mm). Ideally, the particles are flattened or flattened spheroids with a diameter of 3 to 6 mm and a thickness of 1 to 2

10 mm

At least some particles, and preferably a greater part in number thereof, may have a color other than white, since this facilitates their vision to determine that the required dose level has been reached. It has been found that multi-colored particles, for example, some blue and some white, still provide greater visual appeal.

In documents PCT / EP2010 / 055256 and PCT / EP2010 / 055257 a method of manufacturing detergent particles is described comprising the steps of:

a) forming a mixture of liquid surfactants comprising a major amount of surfactant and a minor amount of water, in which the surfactant portion comprises at least 51% by weight of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate and at least one co-surfactant, wherein the surfactant mixture comprises as

20 maximum 20% by weight of non-ionic surfactant;

b) drying the mixture of liquid surfactants from step (a) in an evaporator or dryer to a moisture content of less than 1.5% by weight and cooling the outlet from the evaporator or dryer;

c) feeding the cooled material, whose output comprises at least 93% by weight of surfactant mixture with a main part of LAS, to an extruder, optionally together with less than 10% by weight of other materials, such

25 as perfume, fluorescent agent and extrude the mixture of surfactants to form an extrudate while the extrudate is periodically cut to form hard detergent particles with a diameter through the extruder of more than 2 mm and a thickness along the axis of the extruder of more than 0.2 mm, provided that the diameter is greater than the thickness;

d) optionally, coating the extruded hard detergent particles with up to 30% by weight of coating material, preferably selected from inorganic material and mixtures of said non-ionic material and material with a melting point in the range of 40 at 90 ° C.

To facilitate extrusion, it may be advantageous for the outlet to be dried and cooled from the evaporator or the drying stage.

(b) comprises at least 95% by weight, preferably 96% by weight, more preferably 97% by weight, more

preferably 98% by weight of surfactant to be transferred to a mill and to be ground into particles of average diameter of less than 1.5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm before being fed to the extrusion stage (c).

To modify the properties of the ground material, a powder flow adjuvant, such as Aerosil®, Alusil® or Microsil®, with a particle diameter of 0.1 to 10 μm, can be added to the mill in an amount of 0.5 to 5%, preferably 0.5 to 3% by weight (based on the output from the mill) and mixed in the particles during grinding.

The output of stage b, or the intermediate grinding stage, if used, is fed to the extruder, optionally together with smaller amounts (less than 10% by total weight) of other materials, such as perfume and / or fluorescent agent , and the mixture of materials fed to the extruder is extruded to form an extruded material with a diameter greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm, more preferably greater than 4 mm and preferably with a diameter of less than 7 mm, more preferably smaller 5 mm, while periodically cutting the extruded product to

45 forming hard detergent particles with a maximum thickness greater than 0.2 mm and less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1.5 mm and greater than 0.5 mm, even 0.7 mm . Although the preferred extruded material has circular cross section, the invention also encompasses other cross sections, such as triangular, rectangular and even complex cross sections, such as one that mimics a flower with petals with rotational symmetry. In fact, the invention can be practiced on any extruded material.

50 that can be forced through a hole in the extruder or in the extruder plate; in which the key is that the average thickness of the extruded material should be kept below the level at which the dissolution will be slow. As discussed above, this is a thickness of approximately 2 mm. Ideally, multiple extrusions are performed simultaneously and all of them can have the same cross section or can have different sections

transversal. Normally, they will all have the same length when cut by the blade. The cutting blade should be as thin as possible to allow high-speed extrusion and minimal distortion of extruded material during cutting. The extrusion should preferably take place at a temperature of less than 45 ° C, more preferably less than 40 ° C to avoid stickiness and to facilitate cutting. The extrudates according to the present process are cut so that their main dimension is through the extruder and the smaller dimension is along the axis of the extruder. This is the opposite of normal extrusion of surfactants. Cutting in this way increases the surface area that is a "cut" surface. It also allows the extruded particle to expand considerably along its axis after cutting, while maintaining a relatively high surface to volume ratio, which is believed to increase its solubility and also results in an attractive biconvex or lentil appearance. Elsewhere, this form is referred to as a flattened or flattened spheroid. This is essentially a rotation of an ellipse around its minor axis.

It is surprising that, at very low water contents, mixtures of surfactants containing LAS can be extruded to form solid detergent particles that are hard enough to be used without being structured by inorganic or other structuring materials as commonly found. in the extruded detergent particles of the prior art. In this way, the amount of surfactant in the detergent particle can be much higher and the amount of improver in the detergent particle can be much lower.

Preferably, the mixture in step (a) comprises at least about 60% by weight, more preferably at least about 70% by weight of surfactant and preferably at most about 40% by weight, more preferably at most 30% by weight of water, wherein the surfactant part comprises at least 51% by weight of linear alkylbenzenesulfonate salt (LAS) and at least one co-surfactant;

Preferably, the co-surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: SLES, and non-ionic material, together with optional soap and mixtures thereof. The only condition is that, when a non-ionic material is used, it has been found that the upper limit for the amount of non-ionic surfactant is 20% by weight of the total surfactant to prevent the dry material from being too soft and cohesive to be extruded because it has a hardness value less than 0.5 MPa.

Preferably, the surfactant mixture is dried in step (b) at a moisture content of less than 1.2% by weight, more preferably less than 1.1% by weight and more preferably less than 1% by weight.

Suitably, drying can be carried out using a clean film evaporator or a Chemithon Turbo Tube® dryer.

The extruded hard detergent particles can be coated by transferring them to a fluid bed and spraying up to 40% by weight (based on the coated detergent particle) of inorganic material in aqueous solution and drying the water.

If the coating material does not contribute to the washing performance of the composition, then it is desirable to keep the coating level as low as possible, preferably less than 35% by weight, even less than 30% by weight, especially for more extruded particles. large with a surface area to volume ratio greater than 4 mm

.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the appearance of the coated particles in a package is very pleasant. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that this high quality coating appearance is due to the softness of the extruded and cut underlying particle. Starting from a smooth surface, it has unexpectedly been found that it was easy to obtain a high quality coating finish (according to light reflectance and softness measurements) using simple coating techniques.

The invention also provides a detergent composition comprising at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 85% by weight of coated particles prepared using the method according to the invention. However, compositions with up to 100% by weight of the particles are possible when basic additives are incorporated into the extruded particles or their coating. The composition may also comprise, for example, an antifoam granule.

When the particle is coated, it is preferred that the coating be colored. Particles of different mixed colors can be used, or they can be mixed with contrast powder. Of course, particles of the same color can also be used to form a complete composition. As described above, the coating quality and appearance are very good due to the excellent surface of the cut extrudates on which the coating is applied in association with the large particle size and the S / V ratios of the preferred particles.

It is particularly preferred that the detergent particles comprise perfume. The perfume can be added to the extruder or it can be pre-mixed with the surfactant mixture in the mill or in a mixer placed

after the mill, either in liquid form or as encapsulated perfume particles. In an alternative procedure, the perfume can be mixed with a non-ionic material and mixed. Alternatively, said mixture can be applied by coating the extruded particles, for example, by spraying it mixed with molten non-ionic surfactant. The perfume can also be introduced into the composition by means of a separate perfume granule and then it is not necessary for the detergent particle to comprise any perfume.

The surfactant mixture

Preferably, the composition comprises more than 50% by weight of detergent surfactant. Preferred are mixtures of surfactants that do not require builders to be present for effective detergency in hard water. Such mixtures are called mixtures of calcium tolerant surfactants if they pass the test described below. In this way, it may be advantageous for the extruded core to be prepared using a mixture of calcium tolerant surfactants according to the assay described herein. However, the invention may also be useful for washing with soft water, either natural or prepared using a water softener. In this case, calcium tolerance is no longer important and mixtures other than calcium tolerant can be used.

The LAS may be replaced at least partially by MES, or, less preferably, may be partially substituted by up to 20% by weight of PAS.

Mixed

The surfactants are mixed together before being introduced into the dryer. Conventional mixing equipment is used.

Drying

To achieve the very low moisture content of the surfactant mixture, scraped film devices can be used. A preferred form of scraped film device is a clean film evaporator. One such suitable clean film evaporator is the "Dryex system" based on a clean film evaporator available from Ballestra S.p.A. An alternative drying equipment includes tube dryers, such as a Chemithon Turbo Tube® dryer, and soap dryers.

Cooling and tempering

The hot material that comes out of the scraped film dryer is cooled and subsequently divided into pieces of adequate size to feed the extruder. Conveniently, cooling and simultaneous flaking can be carried out using a cooling roller. If the flakes leaving from the cooling roller are not suitable for direct feeding to the extruder, then they can be ground in a grinding apparatus and / or mixed with other liquid or solid ingredients in a mixing and grinding apparatus, such as A tape mill. Ideally, said ground or mixed material has a particle size of 1 mm or less for feeding the extruder.

It is particularly advantageous to add a grinding aid at this point in the process. A particulate material with an average particle size of 10 nm to 10 μm is preferred for use as a grinding aid. Among such materials, there may be mentioned, by way of example: aerosil®, alusil® and microsil®.

Extrusion and cutting

The extruder provides additional opportunities to mix in ingredients other than surfactants, or even to add other surfactants. However, it is generally preferred that all anionic surfactant, or other surfactant supplied mixed with water; that is, as a paste or as a solution, it is added to the dryer to then ensure that the water content can be reduced and the material fed to and through the extruder is sufficiently dry. Additional materials that can be mixed in the extruder are, thus, mainly those that are used at very low levels in a detergent composition: such as fluorescent agent, shading dyes, enzymes, perfumes, silicone defoamers, polymeric additives and preservatives. It has been found that the limit of said additional materials mixed in extruder is approximately 10% by weight, but for the quality of the product to be ideal it is preferred that the limit be maintained at a maximum of 5% by weight. Generally, solid additives are preferred. Liquids, such as perfume, can be added at levels up to 2.5% by weight, preferably up to 1.5% by weight. Preferably, no solid particle structuring materials or builders (liquid absorbers), such as zeolite, carbonate, silicate, are added to the mixture to be extruded. These materials are not necessary due to the self-structuring properties of the LAS-based, very dry food material. If any is used, the total amount should be less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 4% by weight, more preferably less than 3% by weight. At these levels no significant structuring occurs and the inorganic particulate material is added for a different purpose, for example, as a flow aid to improve the feeding of particles to the extruder.

The output from the extruder is formed by the matrix plate used. The extruded material has a tendency to swell in the center relative to the periphery. It has been found that if a cylindrical extrudate is cut regularly as it exits from the extruder, the resulting shapes are short cylinders with two convex ends. These particles are described herein as flattened or flattened spheroids, or lentils. This form is visually pleasing.

Coating

An advantageous variant of the process takes the extruded and cut particles and covers them. This allows the particles to be easily colored. It also further reduces the stickiness of the hygroscopic surfactant core to a point where particles flow freely. The coating makes them more suitable for use in detergent compositions that can be exposed to high humidity for long periods of time.

When coating said large extruded particles, the thickness of the coating obtainable by using a coating level, for example, 5% by weight, is much greater than that which would be achieved on detergent granules of typical size (diameter sphere 0.5-2 mm).

Extruded particles can be considered as flattened or flattened spheroids with a major "a" radius and a smaller "b" radius. Therefore, the ratio of surface area (S) to volume (V) can be calculated as:

When is the eccentricity of the particle.

For optimal dissolution properties, this surface to volume ratio should be greater than 3 mm-1. However, the coating thickness is inversely proportional to this coefficient and, therefore, for the coating the ratio "surface area of coated particle" divided by "Volume of coated particle" should be less than 15 mm-1.

Although the person skilled in the art can assume that any known coating, for example, organic, including polymer, can be used, it has been found to be particularly advantageous to use an inorganic coating deposited by crystallization from an aqueous solution, as this seems to provide benefits of positive solution and the coating provides a good color to the detergent particle, even at lower coating levels. An aqueous spray of the coating solution in a fluid bed can also generate a slight additional rounding of the detergent particles during the fluidization process.

Suitable inorganic coating solutions include sodium carbonate, possibly mixed with sodium sulfate, and sodium chloride. Food dyes, shading dyes, fluorescent agents and other optical modifiers can be added to the coating by dissolving them in the spray solution or dispersion. The use of a construction salt, such as sodium carbonate, is particularly advantageous since it allows the detergent particle to perform even better by buffering the system in use at an ideal pH for maximum detergency of the anionic surfactant system. It also increases ionic strength, which is known to improve cleanliness in hard water, and is compatible with other detergent ingredients that can be mixed with coated extruded detergent particles. If a fluid bed is used to apply the coating solution, the expert will know how to adjust the spray conditions in terms of the number of Stokes and possibly the number of Akkermans (FNm) so that the particles are coated and do not agglomerate significantly . Appropriate teaching to help in this regard can be found in documents EP1187903, EP993505 and Powder techonology 65 (1991) 257-272 (Ennis).

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that multi-layer coatings of the same or different coating materials could be applied, but a single coating layer is preferred, for the sake of simplicity of operation, and to maximize the thickness of the coating. The amount of coating should be in the range of 3 to 50% by weight of the particle, preferably 20 to 40% by weight to obtain the best results in terms of anti-caking properties of the detergent particles.

The extruded particulate detergent composition

The coated particles dissolve easily in water and leave a very low or no residue level when dissolved, due to the absence of insoluble structuring materials, such as zeolite. The coated particles have an exceptional visual appearance, due to the smoothness of the coating coupled with the softness of the underlying particles, which is also believed to be the result of the lack of particulate structuring material in the extruded particles.

The coated detergent particle is curved. The coated detergent particle is preferably lenticular (with 7

completely dried lentil form), a flattened or flattened ellipsoid, in which z e y are the equatorial diameters and x is the polar diameter; preferably y = z. The size is such that y and z are at least 3 mm, preferably 4 mm, more preferably 5 mm, and x is in the range of 1 to 2 mm.

The coated detergent particle may have a disk shape.

The core is mainly surfactant. It may also include detergency additives, such as perfume, shading dye, enzymes, cleaning polymers and dirt release polymers.

TENSIOACTIVE

The coated detergent particle comprises between 50 and 90% by weight of a surfactant, more preferably between 70 and 90% by weight. In general, the nonionic and anionic surfactants of the surfactant system may be selected from among the surfactants described "Surface Active Agents" Vol. 1, by Schwartz & Perry, Interscience 1949, Vol. 2 by Schwartz, Perry & Berch, Interscience 1958, in the current edition of "McCutcheon's Emulsifiers and Detergents" published by Manufacturing Confectioners Company or in "Tenside Taschenbuch", H. Stache, 2nd ed., Carl Hauser Verlag, 1981. Preferably, the surfactants used are saturated.

1) Anionic surfactants

Suitable anionic detergent compounds that can be used are normally water soluble alkali metal salts of organic sulfates and sulphonates having alkyl radicals containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, wherein the term "alkyl" includes the alkyl radical part upper acyl. Examples of suitable synthetic anionic detergent compounds are sodium and potassium alkyl sulfates, especially those obtained by sulfation of higher C8 to C18 alcohols, produced for example from tallow or coconut oil, C9 to C20 alkyl sodium and potassium benzenesulfonates , particularly C10 to C15 alkyl linear secondary sodium benzenesulfonates; and sodium alkyl glyceryl ether sulfates, especially those ethers of higher alcohols derived from tallow or coconut oil and synthetic alcohols derived from petroleum. The most preferred anionic surfactants are sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), particularly preferably with 1 to 3 ethoxy groups, C10 to C15 alkyl sodium benzenesulfonates and C12 to C18 alkyl sulfates. Also applicable are surfactants such as those described in EP-A-328 177 (Unilever), which show salinization resistance, alkyl polyglycoside surfactants described in EP-A-070 074, and alkyl monoglycosides. The chains of the surfactants can be branched or linear.

Soaps may also be present. The fatty acid soap used preferably contains from about 16 to about 22 carbon atoms, preferably in a linear chain configuration. The anionic contribution of soap can be from 0 to 30% by weight of the total anionic material. The use of more than 10% by weight of soap is not preferred.

Preferably, at least 50% by weight of the anionic surfactant is selected from: C11 to C15 alkyl sodium benzene sulfonates; and C12 to C18 alkyl sodium sulfates.

Preferably, the anionic surfactant is present in the coated detergent particle at levels between 15 and 85% by weight, more preferably between 50 and 80% by weight.

2) Nonionic surfactants

Suitable non-ionic detergent compounds that can be used include, in particular, the reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom, for example, aliphatic alcohols, acids, amides or alkylphenols with alkylene oxides, especially oxide of ethylene alone or with propylene oxide. Preferred non-ionic detergent compounds are condensates of C6 to C22 alkyl ethylene phenol, generally 5 to 25 EO, that is, 5 to 25 units of ethylene oxide per molecule and condensation products of C8 to C18 aliphatic alcohols , primary or secondary, linear or branched, with ethylene oxide, generally 5 to 50 EO. Preferably, the non-ionic material is 10 to 50 EO, more preferably 20 to 35 EO. Alkyl ethoxylates are particularly preferred.

Preferably, the nonionic surfactant is present in the coated detergent particle at levels between 5 and 75% by weight, more preferably between 10 and 40% by weight.

A cationic surfactant may be present as a minor ingredient at levels preferably between 0 and 5% by weight.

Preferably, all surfactants are mixed together before being dried. Conventional mixing equipment can be used. The surfactant core of the detergent particle can be formed by roller compaction and subsequently coated with an inorganic salt.

Calcium tolerant surfactant system

In another aspect, the core is calcium tolerant and this is a preferred aspect since this reduces the need for a builder.

Surfactant mixtures that do not require the presence of builders to obtain an effective detergency in hard water are preferred. Such mixtures are called mixtures of calcium tolerant surfactants if they pass the test described below. However, the invention may also be useful for washing with soft, natural or prepared water using a water softener. In this case, calcium tolerance is no longer important and mixtures other than calcium tolerant can be used.

The calcium tolerance of the surfactant mixture is tested as follows:

The mixture of surfactants in question is prepared at a concentration of 0.7 g of surfactant solids per liter of water containing enough calcium ions to provide a hardness in French grades of 40 (4 x 10-3 molar Ca2 +). Other hardness free ion electrolytes such as sodium chloride, sodium sulfate and sodium hydroxide are added to the solution to adjust the ionic strength to 0.05 M and the pH to 10. Adsorption of wavelength light from 540 nm to through 4 mm of sample is measured 15 minutes after sample preparation. Ten measurements are made and an average value is calculated. Samples that provide an absorption value of less than 0.08 are considered calcium tolerant.

Examples of surfactant mixtures that satisfy the above calcium tolerance test include those that have a major portion of LAS surfactant (which is not, in itself, calcium tolerant) mixed with one or more other surfactants (co-surfactants) which are calcium tolerant to provide a mixture that is sufficiently tolerant to calcium to be used with a small or zero amount of builder and which is passed in the test provided. Suitable calcium tolerant co-surfactants include SLES 1-7EO and nonionic alkyl ethoxylated surfactants, particularly those with melting points below 40 ° C.

A mixture of LAS / SLES surfactants has a foam profile superior to that of a mixture of non-ionic LAS surfactant and is therefore preferred for handwash formulations that require high levels of foam. SLES can be used at levels up to 30%.

A mixture of LAS / NI surfactants provides a harder particle and its lower foam profile makes it more suitable for use in automatic washing machines.

THE COATING

The main component of the coating is the water-soluble inorganic salt. Other water compatible ingredients may be included in the coating. For example, fluorescent agent, SCMC, shader dye, silicate, pigments and dyes.

Water soluble inorganic salts

The water-soluble inorganic salts are preferably selected from sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, sodium silicate and sodium sulfate, or mixtures thereof, more preferably from 70 to 100% by weight of sodium carbonate. The water soluble inorganic salt is present as a coating on the particle. The water-soluble inorganic salt is preferably present at a level that reduces the stickiness of the detergent particle to a point where the particles flow freely.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that multi-layer coatings of the same or different coating materials can be applied, but a single coating layer is preferred, for the sake of simplicity of operation, and to maximize the thickness of the coating. The amount of coating should be in the range of 1 to 40% by weight of the particle, preferably 20 to 40% by weight, even more preferably 25 to 35% by weight to obtain the best results in terms of anti properties - caking of detergent particles.

The coating is applied to the surface of the surfactant core, by crystallization from an aqueous solution of the water-soluble inorganic salt. The aqueous solution preferably contains more than 50 g / l, more preferably 200 g / l of the salt. It has been found that an aqueous spray of the coating solution in a fluid bed provides good results and can also generate a slight rounding of the detergent particles during the fluidization process. Drying and / or cooling may be necessary to complete the procedure.

When coating the large detergent particles of the present invention, the thickness of the coating obtainable by using a coating level, for example, 5% by weight is much greater than that which would be achieved on detergent granules of typical size (sphere 0.5-2 mm in diameter).

To obtain optimal dissolution properties, this surface area to volume ratio must be greater than 3 mm-1. However, the thickness of the coating is inversely proportional to this coefficient and, therefore, for the coating, the ratio "Surface area of the coated particle" divided by "Volume of the coated particle" should be less than 15 mm-1 .

A preferred calcium tolerant coated detergent particle comprises 15 to 100% by weight of anionic surfactant, of which 20 to 30% by weight is sodium lauryl ether sulfate.

Colorant

The dye can be advantageously added to the coating, as indicated above, it can also be added to the mixture of surfactants in the core. In that case, preferably the dye dissolves in the surfactant before the core is formed.

The dyes are described in Industrial Dyes edited by K. Hunger 2003 Wiley-VCH ISBN 3-527-30426-6.

The dyes are selected from anionic and non-ionic dyes. Anionic dyes are negatively charged in an aqueous medium at pH 7. Examples of anionic dyes are found in the acid and direct dye classes in the Color Index (Society of Dyers and Colourists and American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists). The anionic dyes preferably contain at least one sulfonate group or a carboxylate group. Non-ionic dyes are not charged in an aqueous medium at pH 7, examples are found in the class of dyes dispersed in the Color Index.

The dyes may be alkoxylated. The alkoxylated dyes are preferably in the following generic form: Colorant-NR1R2. The NR1 R2 group is attached to an aromatic ring of the dye. R1 and R2 are independently selected from polyoxyalkylene chains having 2 or more repeated units and preferably having 2 to 20 repeated units. Examples of polyoxyalkylene chains include ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, glycidol oxide, butylene oxide and mixtures thereof.

A preferred polyoxyalkylene chain is [(CH2CR3HO) x (CH2CR4HO) and R5) in which x + y ≤ 5 in which y ≥ 1 and z = 0 to 5, R3 is selected from: H; CH3; CH2O (CH2CH2O) zH and mixtures thereof; R4 is selected from: H; CH2O (CH2CH2O) zH and mixtures thereof; and R5 is selected from: H; and CH3.

A preferred alkoxylated dye for use in the invention is:

Preferably, the dye is selected from acid dyes, dispersed dyes and alkoxylated dyes.

More preferably, the dye is a non-ionic dye.

Preferably, the dye is selected from those that have: anthraquinone; mono-azo; bis-azo; xanthene; phthalocyanine; and phenazine chromophores. More preferably, the dye is selected from those that have: anthraquinone and mono-azo chromophores.

In a preferred procedure, the dye is added to the coating suspension and stirred before applying it to the core of the particle. The application can be by any suitable procedure, preferably by spraying on the core particle as detailed above.

The dye can be any color, preferably the dye is blue, violet, green or red. More preferably, the dye is blue or violet.

Preferably, the dye is selected from: acid blue 80, acid blue 62, acid violet 43, acid green 25, direct blue 86, acid blue 59, acid blue 98, direct violet 9, direct violet 99, direct violet 35, violet Direct 51 Acid Violet 50, Acid Yellow 3, Acid Red 94, Acid Red 51, Acid Red 95, Acid Red 92, Acid Red 98, Acid Red 87, Acid Yellow 73, Acid Red 50, Acid Violet 9, Acid Red 52, food black 1, food black 2, acid red 163, acid black 1,

Acid Orange 24, Acid Yellow 23, Acid Yellow 40, Acid Yellow 11, Acid Red 180, Acid Red 155, Acid Red 1, Acid Red 33, Acid Red 41, Acid Red 19, Acid Orange 10, Acid Red 27, Acid Red 27, acid red 26, acid orange 20, acid orange 6, sulfonated phthalocyanines of Al and Zn, solvent violet 13, dispersed violet 26, dispersed violet 28, solvent green 3, solvent blue 63, dispersed blue 56, dispersed violet 27, yellow solvent 33, dispersed blue 79: 1.

The dye is preferably a shading dye to impart a perception of whiteness to a textile detergent.

The dye can covalently bind to polymeric species.

A combination of dyes can be used.

The coated detergent particle

Preferably, the coated detergent particle comprises 70 to 100% by weight, more preferably 85 to 90% by weight, of a detergent composition in a package.

Preferably, the coated detergent particles have substantially the same shape and the same size, this means that at least 90 to 100% of the coated detergent particles in the dimensions x, y and z are comprised within a 20% variable, preferably 10% from the largest coated detergent particle to the smallest in the corresponding dimension.

Water content

Preferably, the particle comprises from 0 to 15% by weight of water, more preferably from 0 to 10% by weight, more preferably from 1 to 5% by weight of water, at 293 K and 50% relative humidity. This facilitates the storage stability of the particle and its mechanical properties.

Other ingredients

The ingredients described below may be present in the coating or in the core.

Fluorescent agent

The coated detergent particle preferably comprises a fluorescent agent (optical brightener). Fluorescent agents are well known and many such fluorescent agents are commercially available. Normally, these fluorescent agents are supplied and used in the form of their alkali metal salts, for example, sodium salts. The total amount of the fluorescent agent or agents used in the composition is generally 0.005 to 2% by weight, more preferably 0.01 to 0.1% by weight. Fluorescent agents suitable for use in the invention are described in Chapter 7 of Industrial Dyes edited by K. Hunger 2003 Wiley-VCH ISBN 3-52730426-6.

Preferred fluorescent agents are selected from the classes of distyrylbiphenyls, triacinylamino stilbenes, bis (1,2,3-triazol-2-yl) stilbenes, bis (benzo [b] furan-2-yl) biphenyls, 1,3-diphenyl -2-pyrazolines and coumarins. The fluorescent agent is preferably sulfonated.

Preferred classes of fluorescent agents are: di-styryl-biphenyl compounds, for example, Tinopal (registered trademark) CBS-X, di-amine-stilbene-di-sulfonic acid compounds, for example Tinopal DMS pure Xtra and Blankophor ( trade mark) HRH, and pyrazoline compounds, for example Blankophor SN. Preferred fluorescent agents are 2- (4-styryl-3-sulfophenyl) -2H-naphthol [1,2-d] triazole sodium, 4,4'-bis {[(4-anilin-6- (N methyl- N-2-hydroxyethyl) amino 1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)] amino} stilbene-2-2 disulfonate disodium, 4,4'-bis {[(4-anilin-6-morpholino-1 , 3,5-triazin-2-yl)] amino} stilbene-2-2 'disodium disulfonate and 4,4'-bis (2-sulfoestyryl) biphenyl disodium.

Tinopal® DMS is the disodium salt of 4,4'-bis {[(4-anilin-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)] amino} stilbene-2-2 'disodium disulfonate. Tinopal® CBS is the disodium salt of 4,4'-bis (2-sulfostriyl) biphenyl disodium.

Fragrance

Preferably, the composition comprises a perfume. The perfume is preferably in the range of 0.001 to 3% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 1% by weight. Many examples of suitable perfumes are provided in the CTFA (Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association) 1992 International Buyers Guide, published by CFTA Publications and OPD 1993 Chemicals Buyers Directory 80th Annual Edition, published by Schnell Publishing Co.

It is normal for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a formulation. In the compositions of the present invention, it is anticipated that there will be four or more, preferably five or more, more preferably six or more,

or even seven or more different perfume components. eleven

In perfume mixtures, preferably 15 to 25% by weight are higher notes. Poucher (Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists 6 (2): 80 [1955]) defines the upper grades. Preferred top notes are selected from citrus oils, linalool, linalyl acetate, lavender, dihydromyrcenol, rose oxide and cis-3-hexanol.

It is preferred that the coated detergent particles do not contain a peroxygen bleach, for example, sodium percarbonate, sodium perborate and peracid.

Polymers

The composition may comprise one or more additional polymers. Examples are carboxymethyl cellulose, poly (ethylene glycol), polyvinyl alcohol, polyethyleneimines, ethoxylated polyethyleneimines, polycarboxylates of water-soluble polyester polymers such as polyacrylates, maleic / acrylic acid copolymers and lauryl / acrylic acid copolymers.

Enzymes

Preferably, one or more enzymes are present in the composition.

Preferably, the level of each enzyme is 0.0001% by weight to 0.5% by weight protein.

Especially contemplated enzymes include proteases, alpha-amylases, cellulases, lipases, peroxidases / oxidases, pectate liases and mananases or mixtures thereof.

Suitable lipases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or artificial protein modified mutants are included. Examples of useful lipases include Humicola lipases (synonym Thermomyces), for example, of H. lanuginosa (T. lanuginosus) as described in EP 258 068 and EP 305 216 O of H. insolens as described in WO 96/13580, a lipase from Pseudomonas, for example, from P. alkalgenes or P. pseudoalcaligenes (EP 218 272), P. cepacia (EP 331,376), P. stutzeri (GB 1,372,034) , P. fluorescens, Pseudomonas sp. strain SD 705 (WO 95/06720 and WO 96/27002), P. wisconsinensis (WO 96/12012), a Bacillus lipase, for example of B. subtilis (Dartois et al. (1993), Biochemica and Biophysica Acta, 1131, 253-360), B. stearothermophilus (JP 64/744992) or B. pumilus (WO 91/16422).

Other examples are lipase variants such as those described in WO 92/05249, WO 94/01541, EP 407 225, EP 260 105, WO 95/35381, WO 96/00292, WO 95/30744, WO 94/25578 , WO 95/14783, WO 95/22615, WO 97/04079 and WO 97/07202, WO 00/60063, WO 09/107091 and WO09 / 111258.

Preferred lipase enzymes include Lipolase ™ and Lipolase Ultra ™, Lipex ™ (Novozymes A / S) and Lipoclean ™.

The process of the invention can be carried out in the presence of phospholipase classified as EC 3.1.1.4 and / or EC

3.1.1.32. As used herein, the term phospholipase is an enzyme that has activity towards phospholipids.

Phospholipids, such as lecithin or phosphatidylcholine, consist of glycerol esterified with two fatty acids in an external position (sn-1) and the middle position (sn-2) and esterified with phosphoric acid in the third position; Phosphoric acid, in turn, can be esterified in an amino alcohol. Phospholipases are enzymes that participate in the hydrolysis of phospholipids. Several types of phospholipase activities can be distinguished, including phospholipases A1 and A2 that hydrolyse a fatty acyl group (in the sn-1 and sn-2 position, respectively) to form lysophospholipid; and lysophospholipase (or phospholipase B) which can hydrolyze the remaining fatty acyl group in lysophospholipid. Phospholipase C and phospholipase D (phosphodiesterases) release diacylglycerol or phosphatidic acid, respectively.

Suitable proteases include those of animal, plant or microbial origin. The microbial origin is preferred. Chemically modified or artificial protein modified mutants are included. The protease may be a serine protease or a metalloase protease, preferably an alkaline microbial protease or a trypsin-like protease. Suitable protease enzymes include Alcalase ™, Savinase ™, Primase ™, Duralase ™, Dyrazym ™, Esperase ™, Everlase ™, Polarzyme ™ and Kannase ™, (Novozymes A / S), Maxatase ™, Maxacal ™, Maxapem ™, Properase ™, Purafect ™, Purafect OxP ™, FN2 ™ and FN3 ™ (Genencor International Inc.).

The process of the invention can be carried out in the presence of cutinase. classified in CE 3.1.1.74. The cutinase used according to the invention can be of any origin. Preferably, the cutinases are of microbial origin, in particular of bacterial, fungal or yeast origin.

Suitable amylases (alpha and / or beta) include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or artificial protein modified mutants are included. Amylases include, for example, alpha-amylases obtained from Bacillus, for example, a special strain of B. licheniformis, described in more detail in the document

GB 1,296,839, or the Bacillus sp. Described in WO 95/026397 or WO 00/060060. Suitable amylases are Duramyl ™, Termamyl ™, Termamyl Ultra ™, Natalase ™, Stainzyme ™, Fungamyl ™ and BAN ™ (Novozymes A / S), Rapidase ™ and Purastar ™ (from Genencor International Inc.).

Suitable cellulases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or artificial protein modified mutants are included. Suitable cellulases include cellulases of the genus Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Humicola, Fusarium, Thielavia, Acremonium, for example, fungal cellulases produced from Humicola insolens, Thielavia terrestris, Myceliophthora thermophila and Fusarium oxysporum described in the documents30, 30730, 304, 307.30 documents30 in the documents described in US 5,648,263, US 5,691,178, US 5,776,757, WO 89/09259, WO 96/029397 and WO 98/012307. Cellulases include Celluzyme ™, Carezyme ™, Endolase ™, Renozyme ™ (Novozymes A / S), Clazinase ™ and Puradax HA ™ (Genencor International Inc.) and KAC-500 (B) ™ (Kao Corporation).

Suitable peroxidases / oxidases include those of plant, bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or artificial protein modified mutants are included. Examples of useful peroxidases include Coprinus peroxidases, for example, from C. cinereus, and their variants such as those described in WO 93/24618, WO 95/10602 and WO 98/15257. Peroxidases include Guardzyme ™ and Novozym ™ 51004 (Novozymes A / S).

Other suitable enzymes are described in WO2009 / 087524, WO2009 / 090576, WO2009 / 148983 and WO2008 / 007318.

Enzyme stabilizers

Any enzyme present in the composition can be stabilized using conventional stabilizing agents, for example, a polyol such as propylene glycol or glycerol, a sugar or sugar alcohol, lactic acid, boric acid or a boric acid derivative, for example, an ester of aromatic borate, or a phenyl boronic acid derivative such as 4-formylphenylboronic acid, and the composition can be formulated as described, for example, in WO 92/19709 and WO 92/19708.

Sequestrants may be present in the detergent particles.

The invention will be further described with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

Examples

In Example 1, large coated detergent particles are manufactured, following the procedure in PCT / EP2010 / 055256.

Example 1 Preparation of the coated particles

The surfactant raw materials were mixed together to provide a 67% by weight active paste comprising 85 parts of LAS (linear alkyl benzene sulphonate), 15 parts of non-ionic surfactant. The raw materials used were:

LAS: Unger Ufasan 65

Non-ionic: BASF Lutensol AO30

The paste was previously heated to the feed temperature and fed to the top of a clean film evaporator to reduce moisture content and to produce a mixture of solid intimate surfactants, which passed the calcium tolerance test. The conditions used to produce this LAS / NI mixture are provided in the Table.

one.

Table 1

Temp. jacketed bowl

81 ° C

Feeding

Rated performance 55 kg / hr

Temperature

59 ° C

Density

1.08 kg / l

Product

Humidity (KF *) 0.85%

Free NaOH

0.06%

* analyzed by the Karl Fischer procedure

Upon leaving the base of the clean film evaporator, the dry surfactant mixture fell on a cooling roller, where it was cooled to less than 30 ° C.

After exiting the cooling roller, the particles of the dried and cooled surfactant mixture were ground 5 using a hammer mill, 2% Alusil® was also added to the hammer mill as a grinding aid. The resulting ground material is hygroscopic and, therefore, was stored in sealed containers.

The cooled dry milled composition was fed to a co-rotating, twin-screw extruder, equipped with a shaped orifice plate and a cutting blade. Other components were also dosed in the extruder, as shown in Table 2.

10 Table 2

Example 1

Extruder

Parts (final particle = 100)

LAS / N mix

64.3

SCMC

1.0

Fragrance

0.75

The average particle diameter and the thickness of the samples of the extruded particles were found to be 4.46 mm and 1.13 mm, respectively. The standard deviation was acceptably low.

The particles were then coated using a Strea 1 fluid bed. The coating was added as an aqueous solution and the coating was completed under the conditions indicated in Table 3. The weight percentage of the coating is based on the weight of the particle. coated.

Table 3

Example

one

Mass solid [kg]

1.25

Coating solution

Sodium Carbonate (30%)

Mass coating solution [kg]

0.263

Air inlet temperature [ºC]

80

Air outlet temperature [ºC]

38

Coating feed rate [g / min]

16

Coating feed temperature [ºC]

55

The composition of the coated particles is provided in Table 4. Table 4

Extruder

Parts (final particle = 100)

LAS / N mix

64.30

SCMC

1.00

Fragrance

0.75

Fluid bed

Carbonate

28.25

Secondary elements / Humidity

5.70

Coated extruded particles have an excellent appearance due to their great surface smoothness. Without pretending to be limited by theory, it is believed that this is because the uncoated particles are larger and flattened than the usual detergent particles and that their core has a much lower solids content of

The normal (in fact, it is free of solid structuring materials, unlike the coated extruded particles of the prior art).

Example 2

The ratio of batted BD to measured BD was measured for the coated particles of Example 1 (flattened or flattened spheroids) and two conventional powder detergents. The results are provided in Table 5.

10 BD spillage - The apparent density of the entire detergent composition in the aerated, non-compacted (not struck) form, determined by measuring the weight gain due to the pouring of the composition to fill a 1-liter container. In fact, the container is overfilled and then the excess dust is removed by moving a straight edge over the flange to leave the level content at the maximum height of the container.

BD hit - The BD container was equipped with a removable collar to extend the height of the container. This vessel

15 extended was then filled by the pouring BD technique. Then, the extended vessel was placed in a Retsch Sieve Shaker shaker and allowed to vibrate / strike for 5 minutes using the 0.2 mm / g setting on the instrument. Next, the collar was removed and the excess dust was leveled according to the standard BD measurement, the mass of the vessel was measured and the battered BD was calculated in the usual manner.

Table 5

Particle

BD spilled: BD hit

Large flattened spheroids, coated *

1.10

Powder composition 1 of the prior art brand "OMO"

1.10

Powder composition 2 of the prior art: "Ariel" brand

1.15

* extruded 5 mm in diameter and cut to 1 mm thick before spray coating with sodium carbonate solution to provide a particle having 30% by weight of sodium carbonate coating which is a flattened spheroid with slightly flattened sides that It results from extrusion.

As can be seen in Table 1, the largest coated particles of the invention settle very similarly to that of the prior art powders. The small difference in the relationships of BD spilled to inclined DB is not significant.

Example 3

25 The sedimentation volume was measured after striking for 1 minute using the Retsch sieve shaker with a setting of 0.2 mm / ”g”. The results are provided in Table 6.

Table 6

Sample

Initial volume Final volume

Large flattened spheroids, coated *

500 ml 480 ml

Powder composition 1 of the prior art brand "OMO"

500 ml 470 ml

Powder composition 2 of the prior art: "Ariel" brand

500 ml 445 ml

Only the crystals flowed freely from the measuring cylinder after this experiment. On the contrary, both prior art powders were compacted and the cylinder needed to be struck to get them to flow.

Example 4

5 Standard DFR (dynamic flow) was measured in ml / s using a cylindrical glass tube that had an inner diameter of 35 mm and a length of 600 mm. The tube is firmly secured with its vertical longitudinal axis. Its lower end is terminated by means of a smooth polyvinyl chloride cone that has an internal angle of 15 degrees and a bottom outlet hole of 22.5 mm diameter. A beam sensor is positioned 150 mm above the output and a second beam sensor is positioned 250 mm above the first sensor.

10 To determine the dynamic flow of a sample of detergent composition, the outlet orifice is temporarily closed, for example, by covering it with a piece of cardboard and the detergent composition is poured into the upper part of the cylinder until the level of the detergent composition is approximately 100 mm above the upper sensor. The output is then opened and the time t (seconds) necessary for the level of the detergent composition to fall from the upper sensor to the lower sensor is measured electronically. DFR is the volume of the tube between

15 sensors, divided by the measured time. This equipment was mounted on the sieve shaker with a setting of 0.2mm / "g" for 1 min. Performing agitation or vibration after filling the cylinder and before opening the outlet. A "push" was given to each sample after vibration to start the flow since the outlet was narrow and tended to block with all dusts. If a "push" was insufficient to start the flow, then a zero flow was recorded. The results are provided in table 7.

20 Table 7

Sample

DFR discharged ml / s DFR hit ml / s

Large flattened spheroids, coated *

98 99

Powder composition 1 of the prior art brand "OMO"

114 0

Powder composition 2 of the prior art: "Ariel" brand

51 0

From Table 7, it can be seen that the crystals have a greatly improved retention of their flow properties under these conditions - it was determined to determine whether this better flow retention for the crystals was due to their larger size, non-spherical shape or coating (assuming spherical powders were not coated).

Example 5

Table 8

DFR discharged ml / s

DFR hit ml / s

Coated granule of the prior art (small sphere of ~ 500 µm and coated)

160 152

Large uncoated flat spheroids

134 124

The DFR of the uncoated crystals was worse than the smaller spherical coated particles in both trials (hit and not hit). However, uncoated crystals flow much better than uncoated powders of the prior art. In this way, it is possible to use a small proportion of uncoated crystals in the composition, for example, up to 30% of the total particles, preferably up to 15% in number.

Surprisingly, from Table 8, the coated crystals, despite their superior appearance with respect to the uncoated crystals, have a lower DFR than the uncoated ones, whereby the coating improves the appearance,

But not the flow. However, coated crystals have a very consistent DFR, as seen in Table 3 (in fact, they seem to flow in the same reliable way regardless of their history).

In the following, various non-limiting embodiments of the invention will be described more particularly with reference to the following figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a packaged product according to an aspect of the invention; Y

Figure 2 shows the packaged product of Figure 1 in perspective.

With reference to the drawings, there is shown a packaged product 1 comprising a combination of a concentrated detergent composition 5 (as described herein, including any of the previous examples of the invention) and a package 3, said package 3 comprising a unit dosing device and a closure 9. The package comprises a vertical elongate container 7 for storing the composition. In this embodiment, the packaging is a bottle 5.

The packaging has a narrow distribution opening 19, approximately 2-5 cm in diameter, here approximately 3-4 cm.

The closing mechanism prevents the flow properties from being affected by the entry of large amounts of moisture, which could lead to stickiness. The closing mechanism may comprise a threaded mechanism to ensure proper closure. Alternatively, the closing mechanism may comprise a pressure adjustment mechanism, preferably with audible feedback to positively indicate to the consumer that the packaging is closed. Due to the properties of the particles, a smooth coating of the reservoir is not essential. Artifacts, such as flanges, which are necessary for the molding process for plastic closures, do not present a major problem, which would not be the case for a known concentrated powder or liquid detergent composition.

The only dosing and closing device is a sufficiently rigid material or construction, so that a part, for example, a base or a side wall, can be struck to move the particles inside the device. Such hitting creates an audible feedback for the user to guide him in relation to the passage of the particles. The packaged product comprises a sample containing a particulate detergent composition 5.

The circular shaped opening 19 allows pouring from any angle. Bottle 5 is transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), while the dosage closure is polypropylene (PP).

The metering closure mechanism 9 prevents the flow properties from being affected by the entry of large amounts of moisture, which could lead to stickiness. The closing mechanism comprises a screw mechanism or a pressure adjustment mechanism. It includes audible feedback to positively indicate to the consumer that the package is closed.

The packaging, including the dosing closure device, is transparent, providing a positive feedback to the consumer of the benefits described above. With regard to packaging, "transparent" means that its light transmittance is greater than 25% at a wavelength of approximately 410-800 nm. The transparent layer of the packaging according to the invention preferably has a transmittance of more than 25%, more preferably more than 30%, more preferably more than 40%, more preferably more than 50% in the visible part of the spectrum (approximately 410-800 nm ).

Alternatively, the absorbency of the transparent layer can be measured as less than 0.6 (approximately equivalent to 25% transmission) or as having a transmittance greater than 25%, in which the% transmittance is equal to:

In contrast, the absorbency of the opaque layer can be measured as more than 0.6.

For the purposes of the invention, provided that a wavelength in the range of visible light has a transmittance greater than 25%, the container is considered transparent. Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages are intended to be percentages by weight. Suitable materials for packaging include, but are not limited to: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE),

polycarbonate (PC), polyamides (PA) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC); and polystyrene (PS). The container can be formed by extrusion, molding, for example, blow molding from a preform or by thermoforming or by injection molding.

Alternatively, the absorbency of the bottle can be measured as less than 0.6 (equivalent to approximately 5 25% transmission) or as having a transmittance greater than 25% in which the% transmittance is equal to: 1

10 Absorbency

X 100% and corresponds to absorbency levels for the previous preferred remaining levels. Suitable materials for packaging and their dosage / closure member also include, but are not limited to: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamides (PA) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) , polyvinylchloride (PV); and polystyrene (PS). The container can be formed by extrusion, molding, for example, blow molding at

10 from a preform or by heat formation or by injection molding.

Of course, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the previous embodiment that are described by way of example only.

Claims (4)

1. A packaged product comprising a combination of a concentrated particulate detergent composition, and a package, wherein said package comprises a unit dosage device and a closure, comprising a narrow distribution opening and comprising at least one transparent part characterized because the The packaged product is adapted for use with the machine drawer of most automatic front-loading washing machines, in which at least 70% in number of particles of the composition comprises a core with a high level of surfactant and a hard coating and each particle has perpendicular dimensions x, yyz in which x is 0.2 to 2 mm, and is 2.5 to 8 mm and z is 2.5 to 8 mm, and in which the opening of Narrow distribution is preferably 2-5 cm in diameter. 2. Packaged product according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging comprises an elongated vertical container, such as a bottle.

3.

Packaged product according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging has a wide container and a narrow distribution opening.

Four.

Packaged product according to any preceding claim, wherein the single closing and dosing device is

15 preferably of sufficiently rigid material or construction, so that a part, for example, a base or a side wall, can be struck to move the particles inside the device. 5. Packaged product according to claim 4, wherein the beating creates an audible feedback for the user to guide it as regards the passage of the particles.