Abstract: Disclosed herein are sealing solutions for sealing water-soluble films, in particular aqueous mixtures including one or more polymeric solvents such as polyols. Aqueous sealing solutions including a relatively dilute solvent for one or more polymeric components of the water-soluble film (e.g., water-soluble polymeric components thereof, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)) can exhibit one or more benefits, including a reduction in dissolution of the film by the sealing solution and an increase in seal strength. Also disclosed are sealed articles formed with the sealing solutions, for example water-soluble packets containing various liquid or solid compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pouch having at least one sealed compartment containing a first composition. At least one wall of the at least one sealed compartment is made from a water-soluble film having any suitable thickness. The water-soluble film comprises PVOH polymer such that when the film has a thickness of about 76 microns the film is characterized by a Dissolution Index of about 620 to about 920, or of about 665 to about 920, or about 710 to about 920; and a Stress Index of about 145 to about 626, or about 155 to about 480, or about 165 to about 325.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are sealing solutions for sealing water-soluble films, in particular aqueous mixtures including one or more polymeric solvents such as polyols. Aqueous sealing solutions including a relatively dilute solvent for one or more polymeric components of the water-soluble film (e.g., water-soluble polymeric components thereof, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)) can exhibit one or more benefits, including a reduction in dissolution of the film by the sealing solution and an increase in seal strength. Also disclosed are sealed articles formed with the sealing solutions, for example water-soluble packets containing various liquid or solid compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are water-soluble films and resulting packets including a water soluble film, wherein the water-soluble film includes a water-soluble mixture of polyvinyl alcohol, a compatibilizing agent, and a sugar alcohol plasticizer that is a solid at room temperature, wherein the water-soluble film is substantially transparent.

Abstract: Water-soluble articles such as films, which can be made resistant to contact with small amounts of water, and methods of making the same are disclosed. The water-soluble article is formed from a water-soluble film-forming composition, such as polyvinyl alcohol, and includes a salt that is distributed more closely to at least one of the surfaces than throughout its thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are water-soluble films and resulting packets including a water-soluble film coated by a powder, wherein the powder includes a mixture of a powdered lubricant and an active agent. Optionally, the active agent may be encapsulated, e.g. microencapsulated, for release of the active agent through mechanisms including, but not limited to, mechanical rupture, melt, ablation, dissolution, diffusion, biodegradation, or pH-controlled release. Active ingredients described include enzymes, oils, flavors, colorants, odor absorbers, fragrances, pesticides, fertilizers, activators, acid catalysts, metal catalysts, ion scavengers, bleaches, bleach components, fabric softeners and combinations thereof. Examples of packet fills include laundry detergents, bleach and laundry additives, fabric care, dishwashing, hard surface cleaning, beauty care, skin care, other personal care, and foodstuffs.

Abstract: A film-forming composition made from a mixture of PVOH, chitosan, an alkali metal or ammonium bisulfite or metabi sulfite, and optional ingredients such as plasticizers, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, surfactants, crosslinking agents, lubricants, and extenders, is disclosed. Also disclosed are a method of making a film from the composition, a resulting film, and a packet made from the film and containing a cleaning composition such as a rinse additive. The composition can be formulated to yield an article such as a film which is soluble only below a predetermined pH threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed are plasticized, water-soluble films having favorable cold-water solubility, wet handling, and thermoforming characteristics, and which can include a PVOH resin made up of blend of two or more PVOH polymers each having a monomodal molecular weight distribution, and the PVOH resin characterized by a viscosity in a range of about 13.5 cP to about 20 cP (or a corresponding weight average molecular weight), a degree of hydrolysis of about 84% to about 92%, a polydispersity index value in a range of about 1 to about 5, a residual water content of about 4 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, and a Resin Selection Index value in a range of 0.255 to 0.315; methods of making the films; compositions including PVOH resins for making the films; and pouch and packet articles made from the films.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pouch having at least one sealed compartment containing a first composition. At least one wall of the at least one sealed compartment is made from a water-soluble film having any suitable thickness. The water-soluble film comprises PVOH polymer such that when the film has a thickness of about 76 microns the film is characterized by a Dissolution Index of about 620 to about 920, or of about 665 to about 920, or about 710 to about 920; and a Stress Index of about 145 to about 626, or about 155 to about 480, or about 165 to about 325.

Abstract: A water-soluble, halogen-resistant film-forming composition useful for packaging water treatment products is disclosed. The film can include an acid-stable, water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol polymer, an oxidizable organic material, a chelating agent, a free radical scavenger, and secondary additives such as plasticizers, lubricants, and surfactants. The resulting film has favorable solubility properties after having been exposed to halogenated (e.g., chlorinated and brominated) compositions such as water treatment and agricultural products for prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: A film-forming composition made from a mixture of PVOH, chitosan, an alkali metal or ammonium bisulfite or metabi sulfite, and optional ingredients such as plasticizers, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, surfactants, crosslinking agents, lubricants, and extenders, is disclosed. Also disclosed are a method of making a film from the composition, a resulting film, and a packet made from the film and containing a cleaning composition such as a rinse additive. The composition can be formulated to yield an article such as a film which is soluble only below a predetermined pH threshold.

Abstract: Generally speaking, the present invention is a water-soluble copolymer film comprising a hydrolyzed copolymer of vinyl acetate and a second monomer, the resultant polyvinyl alcohol copolymer having a degree of hydrolysis, expressed as a percentage of vinyl acetate units converted to vinyl alcohol units, of from about 90% to 100%. The second monomer is preferably selected from the group of monomers having carboxylate functionality or sulfonate functionality. The resulting water-soluble copolymer film is disclosed for use in making pouches to contain a unit dose of liquid detergent, such as a liquid laundry detergent. However, it is an aspect of the copolymer film that film solubility is not significantly affected adversely by the detergent. Such film produces pouches having a greater storage shelf-life over prior art water-soluble film.

Abstract: A method of dust abatement, including applying and reapplying to a surface having particulate material a single-phase solution including a water-soluble polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, at a rate of 0.1 g/m to 6 g/m2, on a dry basis, and suitable solutions for the method optionally including surfactants, plasticizers, tackifying agents, and nanoclays, are disclosed.

Abstract: An edible film useful for packaging food additives is disclosed. The film generally includes an edible film-forming resin, a plasticizer, a compatibilizer, and optional secondary additives. The resulting edible film has favorable heat seal properties, being able to form an acceptable heat seal over temperature ranges of at least about 10° C.

Abstract: Generally speaking, the present invention is a water-soluble copolymer film comprising a hydrolyzed copolymer of vinyl acetate and a second monomer, the resultant polyvinyl alcohol copolymer having a degree of hydrolysis, expressed as a percentage of vinyl acetate units converted to vinyl alcohol units, of from about 90% to 100%. The second monomer is preferably selected from the group of monomers having carboxylate functionality or sulfonate functionality. The resulting water-soluble copolymer film is disclosed for use in making pouches to contain a unit dose of liquid detergent, such as a liquid laundry detergent. However, it is an aspect of the copolymer film that film solubility is not significantly affected adversely by the detergent. Such film produces pouches having a greater storage shelf-life over prior art water-soluble film.

Abstract: A water-soluble film for packaging a non-liquid product is disclosed. The film is made from a hydrolyzed copolymer of vinyl acetate and methyl acrylate in the range of from about 30 to about 95 percent by weight, modified starch in the range of from about 8 to about 30 percent by weight, plasticizer in the range of from about 5 to about 30 percent by weight, lubricant/release agent in the range of from about 0.0 to about 1.5 percent by weight, and surfactant in the range of from about 0.01 to about 1.5 percent by weight. The increased starch content of the resultant film lowers production cost, but creates physical incompatibilities for use with liquid products.

Abstract: Generally speaking, the present invention is a water-soluble copolymer film comprising a hydrolyzed copolymer of vinyl acetate and a second monomer, the resultant polyvinyl alcohol copolymer having a degree of hydrolysis, expressed as a percentage of vinyl acetate units converted to vinyl alcohol units, of from about 90% to 100%. The second monomer is preferably selected from the group of monomers having carboxylate functionality or sulfonate functionality. The resulting water-soluble copolymer film is disclosed for use in making pouches to contain a unit dose of liquid detergent, such as a liquid laundry detergent. However, it is an aspect of the copolymer film that film solubility is not significantly affected adversely by the detergent. Such film produces pouches having a greater storage shelf-life over prior art water-soluble film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bag packaging system composed of a bag sealable to contain a liquid, in which the bag is composed of a continuous outer water soluble film and an inner continuous protective film layer that allows storage therein of a liquid that would chemically or physically react with the water soluble film but is prevented from doing so by the presence of the continuous protective film layer on the inner portion of the bag.