Water-soluble thermoformed containers comprising aqueous compositions

Abstract

A process for preparing a water-soluble container which comprises: a) thermoforming a first poly(vinyl alcohol) film having a water content of less than 5 wt % to produce a pocket; b) filling the pocket with a composition; c) placing a second film on top of the filled pocket; and d) scaling the first film and second film together.

1 - 17 . (canceled)  
   
   
       18 . A process for preparing a water-soluble container which comprises: 
 (a) thermoforming a first polyvinyl alcohol film having a water content of less than 2 wt % to produce a pocket;    (b) filling the pocket with a composition;    (c) placing a second film on top of the filled pocket; and    (d) sealing the first film and second film together.    
   
   
       19 . A process according to  claim 18  wherein the composition in step (b) is an aqueous liquid.  
   
   
       20 . A process according to  claim 19  wherein the aqueous liquid comprises at least 8 wt % water based on the total weight of aqueous liquid.  
   
   
       21 . A process according to  claim 18  wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of fabric care compositions, surface care compositions, dishwashing compositions, water-softening compositions, laundry compositions, detergent compositions, disinfectant compositions, antibacterial compositions, antiseptic compositions, agricultural compositions and rinse aid.  
   
   
       22 . A process according to  claim 21  wherein the container is suitable for use in a domestic washing machine.  
   
   
       23 . A process according to  claim 18  wherein the composition is a refill composition for a trigger-type spray.  
   
   
       24 . A process according to  claim 18  wherein the second film is a polyvinyl alcohol film.  
   
   
       25 . A process according to  claim 24  wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol film has a water content of less than 5 wt %.  
   
   
       26 . A process according to  claim 24  wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol film has a water content of at least 6 wt %.  
   
   
       27 . A process according to  claim 18  wherein the first poly (vinyl alcohol) film has a water content of 0.5 to 1 wt %.  
   
   
       28 . A process according to  claim 18  wherein the first polyvinyl alcohol film has a thickness before thermoforming of 20 μm to 500 μm.  
   
   
       29 . A method of preparing a composition comprising packaging the composition with a thermoformed polyvinyl alcohol film comprising less than 2 wt % water.  
   
   
       30 . A method according to  claim 29  wherein the polyvinyl alcohol film has a thickness before thermoforming of 20 μm to 500 μm.  
   
   
       31 . A method of preparing a composition comprising packaging the composition with a polyvinyl alcohol film comprising less than 2 wt % water and comprising 5 to 35 wt % plasticiser based on the total weight of the film.  
   
   
       32 . A method according to  claim 31  wherein the polyvinyl alcohol film has a thickness before thermoforming of 20 μm to 500 μm.