Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the preservation and/or dyeing of plant material including cut flowers. According to the invention, the treated plant material has the color and texture of fresh plant material and is substantially free from curling or distortion. The method may comprise five steps including a first step of substantially removing the protective wax coating from flowers and other plant material without adversely affecting the strength of the plant material; a second step comprising a mild oxidative bleach to remove excess color from the plant material; a third step comprising a mild reductive bleach to neutralize any residual oxidative bleach and to stabilize the color; a fourth step comprising the simultaneous preservation and dyeing of the plant material, and a fifth and last step comprising the rinsing and drying of the preserved and dyed material. This may be followed by a 2nd preservation and dyeing step and a rinsing and drying. The product can then be rewaxed and stored.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the preservation and/or dyeing of plant material including cut flowers. According to the invention, the treated plant material has the colour and texture of fresh plant material and is substantially free from curling or distortion. The method may comprise five steps including a first step of substantially removing the protective wax coating from flowers and other plant material without adversely affecting the strength of the plant material; a second step comprising a mild oxidative bleach to remove excess colour from the plant material; a third step comprising a mild reductive bleach to neutralize any residual oxidative bleach and to stabilize the colour; a fourth step comprising the simultaneous preservation and dyeing of the plant material, and a fifth and last step comprising the rinsing and drying of the preserved and dyed material. This may be followed by a 2nd preservation and dyeing step and a rinsing and drying. The product can then be rewaxed and stored.

Abstract: An insect repellent composition containing 3,8-p-menthane-diol and benzylbenzoate as active compounds is described. Typically, the active compounds are each present in the composition in an amount which is less than an amount of the compound required to be effective as an insect repellent by itself. The composition may additionally include one or more additional active compounds selected from the group consisting of 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-ethyl-1,3hexanediol and 5-N-butylacetanilide. One or more promoters, carriers, diluents, dispersants, solvents, emollients, emulsifiers, colouring agents, fragrances or thickening agents may also be included in the composition.