PACKAGING SYSTEM HAVING A FRAGRANCE COMPOSITION CARRIER

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging system comprising a closable container for receiving a plurality of water-soluble film pouches and at least one scent composition carrier that can be freely positioned in the container, at least one first group of water-soluble film pouches that stores at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation containing a scent composition.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a packaging system for water-soluble film pouches containing a scent composition-containing washing and cleaning agent preparation as well as a scent composition carrier. The present invention also relates to a method for packaging and storing water-soluble film pouches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of washing and cleaning agents a number of different presentation forms for corresponding products are known. Liquid, granular and/or powdered preparations that can be freely metered have become established above all. However, there are also portioned presentation forms such as tablets or film pouches, for example.

Film pouches filled with washing and cleaning agent are frequently formed using water-soluble films; this has the advantage for the consumer that a corresponding pouch can be introduced into a washing machine, for example, without the need to open it.

From the area of the freely meterable preparation the consumer is accustomed to discerning the scent of the preparation, which usually contains scent compositions, on opening the package containing the preparation. As the concentration of scent composition in these freely meterable preparations is usually very high, the scent impression is generally discerned by the consumer as intense, frequently also as so intense that the consumer perceives it to be unpleasant. The comparatively high concentration of scent composition in washing and cleaning agents is however necessary in order to leave a scent impression on the washed or laundered items that is still discernable to the consumer. It is precisely the scent impression on the freshly washed or laundered item that is perceived by consumers as an essential quality criterion of a washing and cleaning agent. In the case of freely meterable washing and cleaning agents it therefore almost goes without saying that the scent impression or scent intensity of the product and that of the items treated therewith are significantly different.

Water-soluble portion pouches usually have the property that scent compositions from the preparations stored inside them are released to the environment poorly through the water-soluble film or are not released at all. Thus the scent impression of such preparations stored in water-soluble portion pouches cannot be discerned by a user. Since such water-soluble portion pouches usually have an unpleasant inherent odor, the scent impression of the portion pouches is regularly even perceived by the consumer as repellent.

It is therefore desirable to design water-soluble portion pouches of the type described in the introduction such that the inherent odor of the portion pouches is masked and the scent impression of a portion pouch substantially corresponds to the scent impression of an item freshly washed with the preparation stored in the water-soluble film pouch.

The object of the present invention is therefore to produce in a water-soluble film pouch a scent impression which substantially corresponds to the scent impression of an item freshly washed with the preparation stored in the water-soluble film pouch.

Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A packaging system comprising a closable container for receiving a plurality of water-soluble film pouches and at least one scent composition carrier that can be freely positioned in the container; at least one first group of water-soluble film pouches that stores at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation containing a scent composition, wherein the scent composition is present in the washing or cleaning agent preparation in a concentration from 0.1 to 5 wt. %, preferably 0.2 to 3 wt. %, particularly preferably 0.3 to 2 wt. %; at least one scent composition carrier that can be positioned in the container, wherein the scent composition in and/or on the scent composition carrier and the scent composition in at least the first group of water-soluble film pouches are substantially olfactometrically identical, the surface ratio of film pouch to scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to 200, the weight ratio between the scent composition in the washing or cleaning agent preparation of a film pouch and the scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to 300, preferably 1 to 50, in particular preferably 1 to 10, the ratio of volume of the container to free volume between the film pouches is in the range from 1 to 5, preferably 2 to 4, particularly preferably 2.7 to 3.4.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and

FIG. 1 shows a plastic box for receiving water-soluble film pouches; and

FIG. 2 shows a plastic box filled with water-soluble film pouches and a scent composition carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the invention.

The packaging system according to the invention comprises

• • a closable container for receiving a plurality of water-soluble film pouches and at least one scent composition carrier that can be freely positioned in the container,
  • at least one first group of water-soluble film pouches that stores at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation containing a scent composition,
    • wherein the scent composition is present in the washing or cleaning agent preparation in a concentration from 0.1 to 5 wt. %, preferably 0.2 to 3 wt. %, particularly preferably 0.3 to 2 wt. %,
  • at least one scent composition carrier that can be positioned in the container, wherein
    • the scent composition in and/or on the scent composition carrier and the scent composition in at least the first group of water-soluble film pouches are substantially olfactometrically identical,
    • the surface ratio of film pouch to scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to 200,
    • the weight ratio between the scent composition in the washing or cleaning agent preparation of a film pouch and the scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to 300, preferably 1 to 50, in particular preferably 1 to 10,
    • the ratio of volume of the container to free volume between the film pouches is in the range from 1 to 5, preferably 2 to 4, particularly preferably 2.7 to 3.4.

It has been found that through the use of the packaging system according to the invention the water-soluble film pouches produce a scent impression which substantially corresponds to the scent impression of an item freshly washed with the preparation stored in the water-soluble film pouch.

This is achieved through the addition of a scent composition carrier in a container filled with water-soluble film pouches, by means of which the surfaces of the water-soluble film pouches inside the container are scented, such that a scent impression is produced on the film pouches which substantially corresponds to the scent impression of an item freshly washed with the preparation stored in the water-soluble film pouch.

In a preferred embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention the scent composition is defined as follows:

• a. less than 25% of the scent composition has a c log P>4 and a boiling point>250° C.,
• b. less than 70% of the scent composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling point>200° C.,
• c. more than 30% of the scent composition has an odor detection threshold (ODT)<50 μg/m³.

This scent composition has proved particularly suitable for bringing about a readily discernable transfer of scent firstly from the scent composition carrier to the film pouches and secondly from the washing or cleaning agent preparation to the surfaces, in particular fabric surfaces, to be cleaned, such that a scent impression is produced in a water-soluble film pouch which substantially corresponds to the scent impression of an item freshly washed with the preparation stored in the water-soluble film pouch.

In this context it is moreover particularly preferable for the scent composition of the scent composition carrier to be defined as follows:

• a. less than 25% of the scent composition has a c log P>4 and a boiling point>250° C.,
• b. less than 70% of the scent composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling point>200° C.,
• c. more than 10% of the scent composition has a c log P<2 and
• d. more than 30% of the scent composition has an odor detection threshold (ODT)<50 μg/m³.

It is moreover preferable in particular for the scent composition of the washing and cleaning preparations stored in the film pouches to be defined as follows:

• a. less than 25% of the scent composition has a c log P>4 and a boiling point>250° C.,
• b. less than 70% of the scent composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling point>200° C.,
• c. less than 10% of the scent composition has a c log P<2 and
• d. more than 30% of the scent composition has an odor detection threshold (ODT)<50 μg/m³.

To ensure a controlled transfer of scent from the scent composition carrier to the film pouches it is advantageous for there to be little or no scent release from the film pouch. It is therefore preferable for a water-soluble film pouch to have a scent composition permeability of <0.01 g/m² h. It is moreover particularly preferable for the water-soluble film pouch to be manufactured from a PVA film.

It has been found that certain surface roughness values offer advantages with regard to scent release kinetics and to the packaging of the scent composition carriers in automatic packing plants. In this context it is particularly preferable for the scent composition carrier to have a Bendtsen surface roughness of between 100 and 5000 ml/min, preferably between 200 and 2000 ml/min. It is most particularly preferable for the scent composition carrier to be formed from a pulp-based material.

The packaging system according to the invention consists of a closable container for receiving a plurality of water-soluble film pouches, at least a first group of water-soluble film pouches that stores at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation containing a scent composition and at least one scent composition carrier that can be freely positioned in the container. These constituents of the packaging system according to the invention are described in more detail below.

Container

The packaging system according to the invention comprises a closable container that is designed to receive a plurality of water-soluble film pouches and at least one scent composition carrier that can be freely positioned in the container.

A container within the meaning of this application is a device that is intended to enclose a plurality of water-soluble film pouches in such a way that they are capable of being shipped, stored and/or sold.

The container conventionally has a floor and an enveloping surface, by means of which a volume for receiving the film pouches is formed. Moreover, the container regularly has an opening for removing the film pouches from the container, said opening being closable by means of a closure.

As mentioned in the introduction, the water-soluble film pouches are arranged in a closable container. The container is designed in particular in such a way that in the closed state there is no scent release from the container to the environment.

The container for receiving the water-soluble film pouches preferably has as low a water vapor permeability as possible, in order to protect the water-soluble film pouches stored inside it from unwanted exposure to water vapor.

According to a first preferred embodiment the container is designed as a dimensionally stable container, for example in the form of a closable box, can, bottle or carton.

It is also possible in principle to design the container as a non-dimensionally stable container, for example as a pouch or bag. In this context it is advantageous in particular to design the non-dimensionally stable container as a stand-up pouch.

The container is preferably formed from a plastic. It is also possible to form the container from a pulp-containing material such as paper, card or board. The container can of course also be produced from multilayer materials comprising plastics, pulp-containing materials and/or metallic materials. Composite materials consisting of a pulp-containing carrier material laminated with plastic and/or metallic films are suitable here.

Cans in particular can be a drawn and wall-ironed can, ring-pull can, plug lid can, threaded can, seamed-lid can, seamed-lid can with fill holes, seamed can, drawn can, piston can, spiral-wound can, pull-tab can, crimped seam can, slip lid can or stepped rim can.

A bottle can be designed for example as a transparent bottle, shouldered bottle, flattened ellipsoid bottle, bulb-neck bottle, hock-style bottle, steinie bottle, stubby bottle, Vichy-style bottle, wide-neck bottle, also MegaPlast bottle, squeeze bottle, dropper bottle, or as a packaging bottle such as a flask.

A flexible container within the meaning of this application is a packaging means that even under a slight load when used in the intended manner substantially changes its shape. In particular the flexible packaging means is designed as a bag.

The bag can be selected for example from the group comprising flat-bottom bags, flat-top bags, block bags, block-bottom bags, self-opening bags, stand-up bags, bottom-gusseted bags, cross-bottom bags, round-bottom bags, upright bags, double bags, window bags, flat-bottom bags, folding bags, fold-top bags, conical bags, pillow bags, side-gusseted bags, gusseted bags, sealed-edge bags, three-side-seal bags, two-seam bags, slip-top bags, carry bags and/or valve bags.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the container can also be designed as a two-chamber or multi-chamber container. The chambers then advantageously each contain mutually different products. Thus for example it is possible to store a first group of water-soluble film pouches in one chamber and a second group of water-soluble film pouches in a further chamber. Further possible combinations are listed in the table below:

	Second group		Second group		Second group
First group of	of water-	First group of	of water-	First group of	of water-
water-soluble	soluble film	water-soluble	soluble film	water-soluble	soluble film
film pouches	pouches	film pouches	pouches	film pouches	pouches
containing	containing	containing	containing	containing	containing
Liquid	Liquid	Liquid	Solid washing	Solid washing	Solid washing
washing agent A	washing agent B	washing agent A	agent B	agent A	agent B
Liquid	Liquid	Liquid	Solid washing	Solid	Solid washing
washing agent	conditioner	conditioner	agent	conditioner	agent
Liquid	Liquid bleach	Liquid bleach	Solid washing	Solid bleach	Solid washing
washing agent			agent		agent
Liquid	Liquid	Liquid rinse	Solid	Solid bleach	Solid
dishwashing	dishwashing	aid	dishwashing		dishwashing
agent A	agent B		agent		agent
Liquid	Liquid bleach	Liquid bleach	Solid	Solid	Solid
dishwashing			dishwashing	dishwashing	dishwashing
agent			agent	agent A	agent B
Liquid	Liquid	Liquid	Solid	Solid cleaning	Solid cleaning
cleaning agent A	cleaning agent B	washing agent	conditioner	agent A	agent B

In this context liquid means that the corresponding preparations are free-flowing liquids, pastes or gels. Solid means moreover that the corresponding preparations are present in solid form, in powder form or as granules.

Within the meaning of this application it is understood that the various groups of water-soluble film pouches can store washing or cleaning agent preparations having the same or mutually different scent compositions. If mutually different scent compositions are present in the various groups of water-soluble film pouches, the corresponding scent composition carriers are allocated in each case to the corresponding chambers of the container.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the container has a scent composition permeability of <0.01 g/m² h. It is preferable in particular for the container to be impermeable to the scent composition of the scent composition carrier. An unwanted release of the scent composition from the closed container is prevented in this way. This is important because an uncontrolled scent release into the environment of the container is regularly perceived by users as unpleasant, in particular when buying and transporting such a package together with foodstuffs. Moreover, this ensures that as large as possible and as consistent as possible an amount of scent composition is available to scent the water-soluble film pouches.

In order to ensure firstly an adequate concentration of scent preparation in the gas phase of the internal container volume and secondly an adequate flow and/or diffusion of the scent preparation in the gas phase and hence dispersal in the internal container volume, the ratio of internal volume of the container to free volume between the film pouches is 1 to 5, preferably 2 to 4, particularly preferably 2.7 to 3.4. The free volume between the film pouches is calculated from the volume of the container less the sum of the volumes of the individual film pouches inside the container.

The water-soluble film pouches are advantageously arranged as a loose packing in the container. This ensures that as large a surface as possible of the film pouches is in uncovered contact with the gas phase of the internal container volume and the contact surfaces between the film pouches and between the film pouches and the interior container wall are as small as possible. In this context substantially dimensionally stable spherical and pillow-shaped designs of the film pouches having a circular, elliptical, square or rectangular basic shape have proved to be most particularly preferable.

Water-Soluble Film Pouches

The packaging system according to the invention moreover comprises at least a first group of water-soluble film pouches that stores at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation containing a scent composition, wherein the at least first group of water-soluble film pouches is positioned in a closable container.

A water-soluble film pouch according to the present invention has a scent composition permeability of <0.01 g/m² h. It is preferable in particular for the film pouch to be impermeable to the scent composition of the washing or cleaning agent preparation. This ensures that the scent composition stored in a water-soluble film pouch is not released to the environment of the film pouch or is released only in amounts that are not normally olfactometrically discernible to a user and that the scent impression of the film pouch is thus determined substantially by the emission of the scent preparation from the scent preparation carrier and the deposition of this scent preparation on the film pouch.

According to the invention a water-soluble film pouch consists of one or more enclosure(s) comprising one or more water-soluble material(s), preferably polymer material(s), which at least partially or completely encloses the washing or cleaning agent preparation.

It is possible for a water-soluble film pouch to contain an enclosure comprising one or more water-soluble polymer material(s) or for it to contain a plurality of enclosures. In the context of the present invention the presence of one enclosure is preferred, which offers advantages in terms of material choice and also in respect of the need for the water-soluble polymer material to dissolve without residue in the washing or cleaning liquor.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the water-soluble polymer material partially or completely enclosing the at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation is a water-soluble film pouch. This is understood to be a flat part which partially or completely encloses a washing or cleaning agent preparation. The exact shape of such a film pouch is not critical and can be widely adapted to the usage conditions. For example, plastic films or sheets worked or processed into various shapes (such as tubes, pillows, cylinders, bottles, disks, etc.) capsules and other conceivable shapes are possible. Films which are adhesively bonded and/or sealed for example to form packages such as tubes, pillows, etc. after being filled with washing and/or cleaning agent preparation are particularly preferred according to the invention.

All polymer materials which are capable of dissolving completely in the aqueous phase under the specified conditions (temperature, pH, concentration of active washing components) are suitable in principle as water-soluble polymer materials.

The polymer materials can particularly preferably belong to the groups of (acetalated) polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, gelatin, cellulose and derivatives thereof and mixtures of the cited materials.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films are particularly preferred according to the invention as the enclosure in the form of a pouch for the at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation.

PVA films which are soluble at a temperature in a range corresponding to the temperature range of a washing or cleaning cycle in which at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation is to be used are particularly preferred. By way of example only and in a non-limiting manner these are for example in washing cycles temperatures of approximately ≦25° C. for the prewash, temperatures of approximately ≦90° C. for the main wash and temperatures of approximately ≦30° C. for the rinse or conditioning cycle and for example in cleaning or dishwashing cycles temperatures of approximately ≦20° C. for the prewash cycle, temperatures of approximately ≦55° C. for the main wash cycle and temperatures of approximately ≦65° C. for the rinse or final rinse cycle.

The water-soluble film M8630 from Mono-Sol has proved to be most particularly preferred.

Scent Composition

Scents are added to the washing or cleaning agent preparations to improve the aesthetic overall impression of the products and to provide the consumer with, in addition to technical performance (e.g. conditioning result), a sensorially characteristic and unmistakable product.

Individual compounds, for example the synthetic products of the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol and hydrocarbon type, can be used as scents. Fragrance compounds of the ester type are for example benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, p-tert-butyl cyclohexyl acetate, linalyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, phenylethyl acetate, linalyl benzoate, benzyl formate, ethyl methylphenylglycinate, allylcyclohexyl propionate, styrallyl propionate and benzyl salicylate. The ethers include for example benzyl ethyl ethers. The aldehydes include for example linear alkanals having 8 to 18 C atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellyl oxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, lileal and bourgeonal. The ketones include for example the ionones, α-isomethyl ionone and methyl cedryl ketone. The alcohols include for example anethol, citronellol, eugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenyl ethyl alcohol and terpineol. The hydrocarbons include primarily terpenes such as limonene and pinene.

Scent compositions of various scents are preferably used which are matched to one another such that together they produce an appealing scent note. Such scent compositions can also contain natural scent mixtures such as are available from plant sources. Examples are pine, citrus, jasmine, patchouli, rose or ylang-ylang oil. Likewise suitable are muscatel oil, sage oil, chamomile oil, clove oil, melissa oil, mint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, lime blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil and laudanum oil as well as orange blossom oil, neroli oil, orange peel oil and sandalwood oil.

The scent composition is present in the washing or cleaning agent preparation in a concentration from 0.1 to 5 wt. %, preferably 0.2 to 3 wt. %, particularly preferably 0.3 to 2 wt. %, it being particularly preferable for the scent composition to be defined as follows:

• a. less than 25% of the scent composition has a c log P>4 and a boiling point>250° C.,
• b. less than 70% of the scent composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling point>200° C.,
• c. less than 10% of the scent composition has a c log P<2 and
• d. more than 30% of the scent composition has an odor detection threshold (ODT)<50 μg/m³.

The scent compositions can be incorporated directly into the washing or cleaning agent preparations; however, it can also be advantageous to apply the scents to carriers, which strengthen the adhesion of the scents to the laundry and ensure that the fabrics have a long-lasting scent due to a slower scent release. Cyclodextrins for example have proved themselves as such carrier materials. The cyclodextrin-perfume complexes can additionally also be coated with further auxiliary substances.

Washing or Cleaning Agent Preparation

Numerous washing or cleaning agent preparations take the form of powders, powder blends or particulate bodies, for example spheres or granules, so it is appropriate to provide film pouches as single-portion packs or packs of combinations of powdered or particulate components, for example as combinations of powdered or particulate components in film pouches having one or more chambers or layers or as individual portions or combinations of powdered components in capsules. According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention the solid, for example powdered, components can be processed into granules or beads and packed in the form of granules or beads—similarly to powders—into film pouches having a plurality of layers or chambers or into capsules, in which form they are then used directly for washing or cleaning.

Corresponding to a further preferred embodiment of the invention the washing or cleaning agent preparations can also take the form of solids molded into bodies of any shape; shaped bodies of this type (such as tablets, blocks, briquettes, rings, etc.) are known from the prior art and can also be used in the context of the present invention. In particular, such shaped bodies can also have recesses, cavities, incisions, etc., which serve special purposes of accommodating individual active washing preparations. Naturally, shaped bodies in combination with powders, in combination with liquids (in the latter case then for example in a closed enclosure made from a water-soluble material) or in combination with an active washing preparation embedded in a meltable matrix also come within the scope of the present invention.

Washing and cleaning agent preparations in liquid form, i.e. in the form of solutions, gels, suspensions or dispersions, are just as possible and are included in the invention; they can be provided on their own, combined with other liquid active washing preparations or with solid active washing preparations in an individual enclosure or in a combination of a plurality of optionally interconnected enclosures.

The washing or cleaning agent preparations according to the invention contain one or more substances from the group of surfactants, surfactant compounds, builders, bleaching agents, bleach activators, enzymes, foam inhibitors, dyes and scents and also—if the washing or cleaning agent preparations are at least partly in the form of shaped bodies—binding and disintegrating agents.

Scent Composition Carrier

According to the invention at least one scent composition carrier is positioned in the container.

The scent composition carrier is arranged freely in the container, i.e. it can be removed from the container by a user if necessary.

The scent composition carrier is preferably arranged on the floor of the container. This can be done for example by introducing the scent composition carrier into the container first and then filling the container with the film pouches.

The scent composition carrier has a Bendtsen surface roughness of between 100 and 5000 ml/min, preferably between 200 and 2000 ml/min. The Bendtsen surface roughness is determined in accordance with DIN 53108. It has been found that a scent composition carrier having these surface roughness values has a particularly favorable scent composition release profile and kinetics. Furthermore, an automatic feed of a scent composition carrier having such a configuration is possible, since the individual scent composition carriers still have adequate frictional characteristics in respect of one another. This is important in the case of automatic high-speed packing processes in particular, in which the scent composition carriers are stacked on top of one another and introduced separately into the containers, in order to provide an adequate security against blockages or the undesired introduction of multiple scent composition carriers. Furthermore, with Bendtsen surface roughness values of more than 5000 ml/min it has been found that where scent composition carriers are stacked together in aforementioned packaging processes, abrasion occurs at the scent composition carriers as they slide against one another, wherein the resulting dust has a negative influence on the mechanical operating reliability of the packaging process and can also give rise to a possible problem in respect of explosion prevention.

In this context it is preferable for the scent composition of the scent composition carrier to be defined as follows:

• a. less than 25% of the scent composition has a c log P>4 and a boiling point>250° C.,
• b. less than 70% of the scent composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling point>200° C.,
• c. more than 10% of the scent composition has a c log P<2 and
• d. more than 30% of the scent composition has an odor detection threshold (ODT)<50 μg/m³,
  wherein this scent composition has a high enough “volatility” to pass into the gas phase and to be available to scent the film pouches.

The scent composition in and/or on the scent composition carrier and the scent composition in at least the first group of water-soluble film pouches are substantially olfactometrically identical.

The surface ratio of film pouch to scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to 200, preferably 1 to 100, particularly preferably 1 to 50, in particular preferably 1 to 20.

The weight ratio between the scent composition in the washing or cleaning agent preparation of a film pouch and the scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to 300, preferably 1 to 200, most particularly preferably 1 to 100, in particular preferably 1 to 50.

The scent composition carrier can assume any physical shape. It is however preferable for the scent composition carrier to be designed in the form of a sheet. The base of a sheet-like scent composition carrier can in particular be square, rectangular, triangular, circular or elliptical in shape. It is moreover possible for the sheet-like scent composition carrier to have a decorative shape, e.g. in the form of a flower or a laundry item.

It is moreover advantageous in particular to provide any corners of a scent composition carrier with a radius of >1 mm, preferably >2 mm, to prevent the film pouches from being damaged by sharp-edged corners of the scent composition carrier.

The in particular sheet-like scent composition carrier can moreover be printed on one and/or both sides.

The scent composition carrier can consist of an absorbent or non-absorbent material.

The scent composition carrier is in particular preferably formed from an absorbent material, as the absorbency of the scent carrier allows it to be scented in a particularly easy and controlled manner without the influence of heat. A pulp-based material such as paper, board or card is suitable in particular as the absorbent material. It is also possible to use laminates of different papers, boards and/or cards, which can also include layers of plastic films and/or metal foils.

The absorbent scent composition carrier can be treated with a scent composition by spraying, dipping, dropping or knife application, for example. During a possible intermediate storage of the scented, absorbent scent composition carriers, which can last for up to several weeks, the applied scent composition becomes evenly distributed in the absorbent carrier material.

The weight per unit area of such pulp-based materials is preferably 200 to 2000 g/m², in particular preferably 250 to 1000 g/m², most particularly preferably 275 to 750 g/m².

In principle, however, it is also possible to form the scent composition carrier from a non-absorbent material, for example from a scented plastic or similar.

The invention is explained in more detail by reference to the following figures, which merely show particular embodiment examples of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a plastic box for receiving water-soluble film pouches

FIG. 2 shows a plastic box filled with water-soluble film pouches and a scent composition carrier

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a first preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a closable container without water-soluble film pouches and FIG. 2 shows the container known from FIG. 1 filled with water-soluble film pouches. The figures show a transparent container 1 having an oval molding in the front view for placement of a label. The container 1 is molded from a plastic, such as for example PP, PE or PET, and in respect of the scent composition that is used in the scent composition carrier (not shown) has a scent composition permeability of <0.01 g/m² h.

The container 1 has an internal volume of 1.9 liters, wherein water-soluble film pouches 2 having an individual volume of 35 ml are stored in the container interior 20. The film pouches 2 are pillow-shaped and have a rectangular basic shape measuring approximately 55×40 mm.

The film pouches 2 are manufactured from a film based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). A particularly suitable PVA film is for example M8630 from Monosol.

A water-soluble film pouch 2 has a scent composition permeability of <0.01 g/m² h in respect of the scent composition that is used.

The internal pressure of the film pouches, which are filled with a liquid to gel-type washing or cleaning agent preparation, is chosen such that the film pouches 2 are substantially dimensionally stable. The film pouches 2 are loosely packed inside the container 1, as is clearly shown in FIG. 2.

The ratio of volume of the container 1 to free volume between the film pouches 2 in this preferred embodiment example is approximately 2.7.

The washing or cleaning agent preparation stored in the water-soluble film pouches 2 has a scent composition content of 0.6 wt. %, the scent composition being defined as follows:

• a. less than 25% of the scent composition has a c log P>4 and a boiling point>250° C.,
• b. less than 70% of the scent composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling point>200° C.,
• c. less than 10% of the scent composition has a c log P<2 and
• d. more than 30% of the scent composition has an odor detection threshold (ODT)<50 μg/m³.

On the floor of the container there is a sheet-like scent composition carrier (not visible), which is formed from a pulp-based laminate. The laminate consists of a pulp-based core, on the outer top layers of which bleached, pulp-based layers are arranged. The scent composition carrier has a Bendtsen surface roughness of between 200 and 2000 ml/min.

The scent composition of the scent composition carrier is defined as follows:

• a. less than 25% of the scent composition has a c log P>4 and a boiling point>250° C.,
• b. less than 70% of the scent composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling point>200° C.,
• c. more than 10% of the scent composition has a c log P<2 and
• d. more than 30% of the scent composition has an odor detection threshold (ODT)<50 μg/m³.

The scent composition in and/or on the scent composition carrier and the scent composition in at least the first group of water-soluble film pouches are thus substantially olfactometrically identical.

The weight ratio between the scent composition in the washing or cleaning agent preparation of a film pouch and the scent composition carrier in this preferred embodiment is approximately 4.2.

The scent composition carrier is sheet-like in design, wherein the scent composition carrier has a square, rectangular, circular or oval basic shape. The single-sided base area of the scent composition carrier is preferably between 9 and 25 cm².

The scent composition carrier is preferably introduced into the container 1 before it is filled with the film pouches 2. The scent composition carrier is not fixed to the container, so it can be removed by a user and used as a room fragrancer for example.

The method for packaging and storing water-soluble film pouches in a packaging system is described below, by means of which a scent impression is produced in a water-soluble film pouch which substantially corresponds to the scent impression of an item freshly washed with the preparation stored in the water-soluble film pouch.

The method according to the invention comprises a packaging system of the type described in the introduction having

• • a closable container for receiving a plurality of water-soluble film pouches and at least one scent composition carrier that can be freely positioned in the container,
  • at least one first group of water-soluble film pouches that stores at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation containing a scent composition,
    • wherein the scent composition is present in the washing or cleaning agent preparation in a concentration from 0.1 to 5 wt. %, preferably 0.2 to 3 wt. %, particularly preferably 0.3 to 2 wt. %,
  • at least one scent composition carrier that can be positioned in the container, wherein
    • the scent composition in and/or on the scent composition carrier and the scent composition in at least the first group of water-soluble film pouches are substantially olfactometrically identical,
    • the surface ratio of film pouch to scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to 200,
    • the weight ratio between the scent composition in the washing or cleaning agent preparation of a film pouch and the scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to 300, preferably 1 to 50, in particular preferably 1 to 10,
    • the ratio of volume of the container to free volume between the film pouches is in the range from 1 to 5, preferably 2 to 4, particularly preferably 2.7 to 3.4,
      comprising the following process steps:
• (a.) filling the container with at least the first group of water-soluble film pouches,
• (b.) positioning the at least one scent composition carrier in the container, wherein process steps (a.) and (b.) can be performed in any order,
• (c.) closing the container,
• (d.) storing the closed container for at least 24 hours, preferably at least 48 hours, in particular preferably at least 72 hours.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A packaging system comprising

a closable container for receiving a plurality of water-soluble film pouches and at least one scent composition carrier that can be freely positioned in the container,

at least one first group of water-soluble film pouches that stores at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation containing a scent composition, wherein the scent composition is present in the washing or cleaning agent preparation in a concentration from 0.1 to 5 wt. %,

at least one scent composition carrier that can be positioned in the container, wherein the scent composition in and/or on the scent composition carrier and the scent composition in at least the first group of water-soluble film pouches are substantially olfactometrically identical, the surface ratio of film pouch to scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to 200, the weight ratio between the scent composition in the washing or cleaning agent preparation of a film pouch and the scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to 300, the ratio of volume of the container to free volume between the film pouches is in the range from 1 to 5.

2. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scent composition is defined as follows:

a. less than 25% of the scent composition has a c log P>4 and a boiling point>250° C.,

b. less than 70% of the scent composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling point>200° C.,

c. more than 30% of the scent composition has an odor detection threshold (ODT)<50 μg/m3.

3. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein a water-soluble film pouch has a scent composition permeability of <0.01 g/m2 h.

4. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scent composition of the scent composition carrier is defined as follows:

a. less than 25% of the scent composition has a c log P>4 and a boiling point>250° C.,

b. less than 70% of the scent composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling point>200° C.,

c. more than 10% of the scent composition has a c log P<2 and

d. more than 30% of the scent composition has an odor detection threshold (ODT)<50 μg/m3.

5. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scent composition of the washing and cleaning agent composition is defined as follows:

a. less than 25% of the scent composition has a c log P>4 and a boiling point>250° C.,

b. less than 70% of the scent composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling point>200° C.,

c. less than 10% of the scent composition has a c log P<2 and

d. more than 30% of the scent composition has an odor detection threshold (ODT)<50 μg/m3.

6. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scent composition carrier has a Bendtsen surface roughness of between 100 and 5000 ml/min.

7. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble film pouch is manufactured from a PVA film.

8. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scent composition carrier is formed from a pulp-based material.

9. A method for packaging and storing water-soluble film pouches in a packaging system, in particular according to claim 1, wherein the packaging system comprises:

a closable container for receiving a plurality of water-soluble film pouches and at least one scent composition carrier that can be freely positioned in the container,

at least one first group of water-soluble film pouches that stores at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation containing a scent composition, wherein the scent composition is present in the washing or cleaning agent preparation in a concentration from 0.1 to 5 wt. %,

at least one scent composition carrier that can be positioned in the container, wherein the scent composition in and/or on the scent composition carrier and the scent composition in at least the first group of water-soluble film pouches are substantially olfactometrically identical, the surface ratio of film pouch to scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to 200, the weight ratio between the scent composition in the washing or cleaning agent preparation of a film pouch and the scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to 300, the ratio of volume of the container to free volume between the film pouches is in the range from 1 to 5,

comprising the following process steps:

(a.) filling the container with at least the first group of water-soluble film pouches,

(b.) positioning the at least one scent composition carrier in the container, wherein process steps (a.) and (b.) can be performed in any order,

(c.) closing the container,

(d.) storing the closed container for at least 24 hours.