Water-soluble containers
The present invention relates to a water-soluble container comprising at least one compartment prepared from a thermoformed sheet of hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and to a process for preparing such a container.
1 . A water-soluble container comprising at least one compartment prepared from a thermoformed film of hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC).
2 . A water-soluble container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one compartment contains a fabric care, surface care or dishwashing composition.
3 . A water-soluble container according to claim 1 wherein the at least one compartment is prepared from a laminated water-soluble film comprising at least one film of HPMC.
4 . A water-soluble container according to claim 1 wherein the thickness of the HPMC film is 40 to 300 μm.
5 . A process for preparing a water-soluble container comprising at least one compartment which process comprises:
a. feeding at least one HPMC film into a thermoforming machine;
b. heating the at least one HPMC film to a temperature of 120 to 140° C., for 1 to 10 seconds;
c. simultaneously or subsequently forming the at least one heated HPMC film into a mould;
d. filling the formed film pocket with at least one liquid or solid composition; and
e. sealing the formed and filled film pocket with a water-soluble film.
6 . A process according to claim 5 wherein the at least one HPMC film is heated to a temperature of 125 to 135° C. for 2 to 6 seconds.
7 . A process according to claim 5 wherein the mould is cooled.
8 . A process according to claim 7 wherein the mould is cooled below room temperature.
9 . A process claim 8 wherein the mould is cooled below 20° C.
10 . A process according to claim 6 wherein the water-soluble used in sealing the formed and filled film pocket is a HPMC film.