WO2008129028A1

WO2008129028A1 - Perfumed dispensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2008129028A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/054794
Authority: WO
Inventors: Panos Kotsakis; Craig Warren Jones; Mansur Sultan Mohammadi; Glyn Roberts; Philip Michael Ryan
Original assignee: Unilever Plc; Unilever N.V.; Hindustan Unilever Limited
Priority date: 2007-04-24
Filing date: 2008-04-21
Publication date: 2008-10-30

Abstract

A bi-functional device comprising at least one low soluble perfume carrier comprising both a perfume and a conditioning agent for dispensing there of during multiple wash cycles. A process for treating laundry fabrics in a washing machine by employing said device.

Description

PERFUMED DISPENSING DEVICE

The invention relates to a dispensing device for use in washing and fragrancing fabric in a washing machine.

Dispensing devices for fragrancing laundry fabrics are known .

EP1526876 discloses a fragrance release system with a container and a plurality of particles which preferably comprise a polymer carrier material as well as at least one scent and are received in the receiving space of the container. The receiving space has a crescent-like cross- sectional shape with an outwardly curved front wall. The receiving space is completely filled with particles.

An objective of the present invention is to provide an improved device which can be used for improved fragrancing and conditioning the laundry fabrics in a washing machine.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a bi-functional dispensing device containing a low soluble perfume carrier comprising both perfume and a conditioning agent for dispensing during multiple wash cycles.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a process for conditioning and fragrancing laundry fabrics in a washing machine by employing the dispensing device of the first aspect, inserting the dispensing device into the washing machine drum together with the laundry fabrics and then performing a laundry treatment operation.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a dispensing device according to the first aspect of the invention and instructions for use according to the method of the second aspect of the invention.

With the arrangement of the invention, the perfume is automatically and separately dosed throughout the washing process (due to low solubility) . The carrier also performs an additional conditioning function and so the invention provides minimal or no waste in terms of non-functional perfume delivery ingredients. The decoupling of perfume and conditioning from the dispensing of main wash composition allows for enhanced fragrance and conditioning delivery during e.g. the rinse cycle where detergent concentration is low. Perfume deposition drops dramatically with increase in surfactant concentration and so release of the perfume during e.g. the rinse cycle enables greatly improved perfume delivery. A further advantage is that the device allows delivery of certain perfumes which are incompatible with main wash detergent ingredients, such as hydrolysing and pH- sensitive perfumes.

When washing is left in the drum for extended periods of time (as can happen when consumers are too busy to take out the washing for drying or simply forget) , severe malodour builds up. This malodour is often so intense that a second wash is necessary. The perfume delivery of the invention, being in the drum with the washing, continually releases perfume and can prevent or at least reduce such malodour problems .

The low solubility (in water) of the perfume carrier provides slow release of perfume so that the device is reusable over multiple wash cycles in so far as perfume delivery is concerned.

The perfume is preferably bound in a solid form, which can further control the perfume delivery in water.

The solubility limits may be selected per wash cycle depending how much perfume is to be delivered. The amount of carrier dissolved depends on the length of the wash and the temperature of the wash. Advantageously delivery levels per standard load wash lie in the range 0.05 to 0.5g. This sets the solubility limits of the carrier to between 0.2g to 2g per wash for a carrier containing 20% by weight perfume and a 4O⁰C wash programme. Advantageously, the delivery level per standard load wash are in the range of 0.5 to 5 g per wash, since this provides conditioning sufficient to counter act the harshening effect of the main wash detergent and for conditioning the fabrics. Accordingly the solubility of the perfume carrier conditioner is preferably defined as rate of weight loss in a 100ml Linirig pot test at 4O⁰C and is in the range of 10-35% of the total composition .

The perfume carrier may comprise soaps, clays, silicones or waxes or combinations thereof. The carrier should be selected for low solubility, optimum hardness and have no negative minimal/no effect on perfume perception. Auxiliary components such as non ionic surfactants may be used to control solubility etc.

The device may comprise the perfume carrier such that the carrier is contained within at least a part of the device such as a housing receptacle, pouch etc. The device may comprise any suitable insoluble plastic able to withstand normal washing temperatures. The device preferably has apertures to allow release of the perfume carrier and conditioning agent into the wash.

The perfume carrier may comprise a three-dimensional shape and may be a sphere, hemisphere or "stretched sphere" in the form of an ellipse. Further possible shapes are cubes, cuboids and corresponding three-dimensional elements having flat side surfaces, and also in particular cylindrical embodiments with circular or oval cross section. Further possible three-dimensional shapes are regular polyhedra, for example tetrahedra, hexahedra, octahedra, dodecahedra, icosahedra. Also conceivable are decorative shapes of sea shells, fruits, and flowers.

The perfume carrier may be a shaped body, which shape is achieved by moulding and/or stamping; extrusion, injection molding or spraying to give granules. Stamping is advantageous for its contribution to increasing hardness of the composition which in turn allows control of solubility.

The carrier may be moulded, adhered (e.g. by heat sealing, water-insoluble adhesive) etc. to/in/as part of the device. There may be a plurality of perfume carrier bodies.

In the context of the present application, the carrier has a generally solid consistency at room temperature, i.e. dimensionally stable and not free-flowing.

For shaped bodies, in the case of material which erodes/dissolves in the wash over time, the mass needs to be selected so that repeated use is allowed. Accordingly the shaped body/bodies may be lmm-lOcm diameter and preferably 3-7 cm diameter. Where pluralities of shaped bodies are used, these may have uniform diameter or alternatively they may be differently sized but within the above ranges.

The device may be a flexible or rigid device.

The device may comprise a mesh or net-like material providing dispensing apertures for passage there through of dissolved, eroded carrier into the wash liquor. The dispensing apertures may be from 0.5mm to 20mm. The device may comprise a flexible bag.

The device may be rigid or semi-rigid or at least be self supporting.

The material of the device may be any suitable material such as polyester (ideally suitable for net/mesh constructions) and other plastics. The net/mesh may also be made e.g extruded or woven from fibres extruded from the polymeric carrier of the invention perfume. Preferably the dispensing device is re-usable, and is produced from a material capable of withstanding temperatures for the machine washing or drying of laundry, especially up to 150⁰C. With regard to the net material one example is sold under the trade name NETLON. However other materials capable of withstanding the above temperatures are envisaged.

In the context of the present invention, the perfume oils or fragrances used may be individual odorant compounds, for example the synthetic products of the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol and hydrocarbon type. Odorant compounds of the ester type are, for example, benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, p-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, linalyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, phenylethyl acetate, linalyl benzoate, benzyl formate, ethyl methylphenylglycinate, allyl cyclohexylpropionate, styrallyl propionate and benzyl salicylate. The ethers include, for example, benzyl ethyl ether; the aldehydes include, for example, the linear alkanals having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, lilial and bourgeonal; the ketones include, for example, the ionones, α-isomethylionone and methyl cedryl ketone; the alcohols include anethol, citronellol, eugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol and terpineol; the hydrocarbons include primarily the terpenes, such as limonene and pinene. However, preference is given to using mixtures of different odorants which together generate a pleasing fragrance note. Such perfume oils may also contain natural odorant mixtures, as obtainable from vegetable sources, e.g. pine oil, citrus oil, jasmine oil, patchouli oil, rose oil and ylang-ylang oil. Likewise suitable are muscatel, sage oil, chamomile oil, oil of cloves, melissa oil, mint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, lime blossom oil, juniperberry oil, vetiver oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil and labdanum oil, and orange blossom oil, neroliol, orange peel oil and sandalwood oil. The general description of the perfumes which can be used (see above) is a general representation of the different classes of odorant substances.

In order to be perceptible, an odorant must be volatile, for which an important role is played not only by the nature of the functional groups and by the structure of the chemical compound but also by the molar mass. Thus, the majority of odorants have molar masses of up to about 200 daltons, while molar masses of 300 daltons or more tend to be an exception. On the basis of the different volatility of odorants there is a change in the odour of a perfume or fragrance composed of two or more odorants during its evaporation, and the perceived odours are divided into top note, middle note or body, and end note or dryout . Since the perception of odour is to a large extent also based on the odour intensity, the top note of a perfume or fragrance mixture does not consist only of volatile compounds, whereas the base note consists for the most part of less volatile odorants, i.e., odorants which adhere firmly. In the composition of perfumes it is possible for more volatile odorants, for example, to be bound to certain fixatives, which prevent them from evaporating too rapidly. The subsequent classification of the odorants into "more volatile" and "firmly adhering" odorants, therefore, states nothing about the perceived odour and about whether the odorant in question is perceived as a top note or as a middle note.

An appropriate selection of the fragrances and perfume oils mentioned can in this way allows both the product odour directly on opening the brand new composition and the use fragrance, for example when used in a washing machine, for the inventive composition to be influenced. These perceived fragrances may of course be the same but they may also be different. It is advantageous to use more firmly adhering odorants for the latter perceived odour, while more volatile odorants can also be used to fragrance the product. Examples of firmly adhering odorants which can be used in the context of the present invention are the essential oils such as angelica root oil, anise oil, arnica blossom oil, basil oil, bay oil, bergamot oil, champaca blossom oil, noble fir oil, noble fir cone oil, elemi oil, eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, spruce needle oil, galbanum oil, geranium oil, ginger grass oil, guaiacwood oil, gurjun balsam oil, helichrysum oil, ho oil, ginger oil, iris oil, cajeput oil, calamus oil, chamomile oil, camphor oil, canaga oil, cardamom oil, cassia oil, pine needle oil, copaiva balsam oil, coriander oil, spearmint oil, caraway oil, cumin oil, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, lime oil, mandarin oil, melissa oil, musk seed oil, myrrh oil, oil of cloves, neroli oil, niaouli oil, olibanum oil, orange oil, origanum oil, palmarosa oil, patchouli oil, Peru balsam oil, petitgrain oil, pepper oil, peppermint oil, pimento oil, pine oil, rose oil, rosemary oil, sandalwood oil, celery oil, spike oil, star anise oil, turpentine oil, thuja oil, thyme oil, verbena oil, vetiver oil, juniperberry oil, wormwood oil, wintergreen oil, ylang-ylang oil, hyssop oil, cinnamon oil, cinnamon leaf oil, citronellol, lemon oil and cypress oil. However, the higher-boiling or solid odorants of natural or synthetic origin may also be used in the context of the present invention as firmly adhering odorants or odorant mixtures, i.e. fragrances. These compounds include the following compounds and mixtures thereof: ambrettolide, α- amylcinnamaldehyde, anethole, anisaldehyde, anisyl alcohol, anisole, methyl anthranilate, acetophenone, benzylacetone, benzaldehyde, ethyl benzoate, benzophenone, benzyl alcohol, benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl formate, benzyl valerate, borneol, bornyl acetate, α-bromostyrene, n-decyl aldehyde, n-dodecylaldehyde, eugenol, eugenol methyl ether, eucalyptol, farnesol, fenchone, fenchyl acetate, geranyl acetate, geranyl formate, heliotropin, methyl heptynecarboxylate, heptaldehyde, hydroquinone dimethyl ether, hydroxycinnamaldehyde, hydroxycinnamyl alcohol, indole, irone, isoeugenol, isoeugenol methyl ether, isosafrol, jasmone, camphor, carvacrol, carvone, p-cresol methyl ether, coumarin, p-methoxyacetophenone, methyl n-amyl ketone, methyl methylanthranilate, p-methylacetophenone, methylchavicol, p-methylquinoline, methyl β-naphthyl ketone, methyl-n-nonylacetaldehyde, methyl n-nonyl ketone, muscone, β-naphthol ethyl ether, β-naphthol methyl ether, nerol, nitrobenzene, n-nonylaldehyde, nonyl alcohol, n- octylaldehyde, p-oxyacetophenone, pentadecanolide, β- phenylethyl alcohol, phenylacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal, phenylacetic acid, pulegone, safrol, isoamyl salicylate, methyl salicylate, hexyl salicylate, cyclohexyl salicylate, santalol, skatole, terpineol, thymene, thymol, γ- undecalactone, vanillin, veratrum aldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamic acid, ethyl cinnamate, benzyl cinnamate. The more volatile odorants include in particular the lower-boiling odorants of natural or synthetic origin, which may be used alone or in mixtures. Examples of more volatile odorants are alkyl isothiocyanates (alkyl mustard oils) , butanedione, limonene, linalool, linalyl acetate and linalyl propionate, menthol, menthone, methyl-n-heptenone, phellandrene, phenylacetaldehyde, terpinyl acetate, citral, citronellal .

The perfume and carrier material can be mixed, whilst the carrier is in the molten state and left to cool e.g. in a mould or cooled and then stamped. The temperature should, though, be below the melting or decomposition temperature of the carrier material and also below the flashpoint of the perfume oil.

The perfume carrier may comprise a visual perfume level indicator such as a dye which changes colour or depletes over time to indicate perfume level to the consumer. As the perfume becomes depleted, the carrier may show less colouration and/or increased transparency. In this way the consumer knows when to replace the device. Hydrolysable dyes may be used for this purpose. The dyes should be suitable for colouring the carrier material.

The dye may be selected according to the fragrance used for example, a lemon fragrance having a yellow colour or a green color for particles having an apple or herb fragrance. The main wash composition may comprise perfume but it may comprise no perfume or minimal amounts. This has the advantage of reducing costs of the main wash detergent whilst still enable improved delivery of perfume.

Perfume Carrier and Conditioner Examples

Examples 1-4

*: The TN Accord is a perfume composed of only top-note volatile ingredients. Magician PP is a full perfume. *: Silicon wax (ex Dow Corning) is a polyorganosiloxane as disclosed in WO2005/102261A1.

*: Stepantex UL85 is a hard tallow TEA quat softener with 15% IPA solvent. Stepantex VK90 is a soft tallow TEA quat softener with 10% IPA.

Preparation of perfume carrier The carrier material (s) was melted and while cooling the perfume added and sample transferred to a bottle to cool on a roller mixer. All Examples in Table 1 had a solid consistency at room temperature. The samples were then stamped into a cylindrical block of 3 cm diameter and 0.9 cm height. For the evaluation of perfume performance each block placed in a semi-spherical plastic device and the device placed in or attached to the drum of the washing machine. The device had a diameter of 56 mm and its surface had 39 perforations with 3 to 4 mm in diameter on the surfaces to allow the material to be washed out. After every wash cycle the device was removed, weighed and replaced before the start of the next wash cycle.

Examples 5-8

*: Ethylene/vinyl acetate co-polymer is pellets containing 40% vinyl acetate.

*: Atlas G-1726 is a polyoxyethylene (20) beewax derivative *: Emannon SCR-PK is a sucrose ester with an average of four ester linkage based on palm kernel oil. It is a soft solid at room temperature and contains some 8% of fatty acid and soap impurities.

*: Janguar is a cationic guar gum polymer powder used as a deposition aid. The cationic softener Stepantex acts both as a matrix and as a deposition aid.

*: The examples in this table were stamped into a tablet and housed in the semi-spherical device for testing as described earlier. Exemplary liquid detergent formulation L-P (- without perfume) .

Material Weight %

LAS 6

Neodol 25-7E [nonionic] 7

SLES 3EO [sodium lauryl ether sulphate] 3

NaOH (100%) 0.9

Dequest 2066 0.7

NaCl 0.5 fluorescer 0.01 preservative 0.01 water to 100

The perfumed variant L+P used in the examples, is as above but with 0.48% perfume Magician PP (ex Givaudan) .

Testing of the Dispensing Device - experimental protocol

• A 2.5 kg mixed fabric load with a composition of 15% Terry Towelling, 16% Cotton Sheeting, 21% Polycotton, 22% Cotton Interlock, 26% Polyester was used as ballast with four small 20x20 cm monitors from each fabric. The monitors were removed after every wash and evaluated for wet and dry perfume (after line drying for 24 hours) by an expert panel of 12 people. In every batch of test one control sample was present for comparison.

* The perfume intensity scores are between 5, very strong, to 0 no perfum) * A 4O⁰C washing programme (programme C - Cotton, nonfast coloured) on Zanussi Jet System washing machine. Programme C involves an approximately 50 minutes wash at 40 ⁰C and three rinses. The control products were either 100 or 75 ml dosage of the L+P or the L-P liquid ( with added perfume ) or 2x tablets of composition T. The liquids were delivered via a shuttle as in fig. 2 and the Tablets used in a normal net. The Control was L-P contained either TN Accord or Magician PP perfume (ex Givaudan) .

The perfumed dosing articles were evaluated using 100 or 75 ml dosage of un-perfumed liquid L-P. Therefore the only perfume available was that released from the perfume device .

Average Wet Perfume Results

Table 1. The average wet perfume scores of a liquid L+P v liquid L-P used with a perfume block (top note perfume accord in Table 1) .

* Scores of 3, 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0 can be described as strong, moderate, week, very weak and no perfume (clean cloth) .

The Control example in Table 1 typifies the perfume delivery from a fabric washing detergent where all the perfume is present at the wash stage. Measurements confirm that hallf of the perfume that is deposited in the wash is rinsed off by the third rinse. When perfume matrix is present the small amount of perfume that is released during the rinse stages results in the perfume boost seen in Table 1.

Top note perfume ingredients provide a strongly preferred energetic and fresh perfume quality. However the deposition of top notes due to their more hydrophilic nature is the most challenging aspect of perfume delivery as the Control example shows. The perfume carriers show surprising improvement in wet intensities which and preferred by the panel. The panel however perceived weak or very weak perfume on dry monitors when they were line dried over night. This is to be expected from a perfume blend comprising only volatile perfume ingredients.

Table 2. The average wet perfume scores of a L+P liquid v

* : Nm = not measured

*:Control is L-P liquid with 0.7% of TN Accord perfume.

*:Examples use 100 ml of unperfumed L-P liquid. In Table 3 the performance of silicone wax perfume matrix with a full perfume is contrasted with that of L+P liquid for a standard dosage of 75 ml. The average wet perfume scores of a L+P liquid v L-P liquid used with a perfume block.

Table 3. Silicone wax with full perfume.

The dry perfume intensities were weak to very weak on these monitors in spite of using a fully formulated perfume (containing top, middle and base notes) .

The Examples show that perfume delivery and wet perfume impact can be greatly enhanced at lower perfume levels with the compositions of the invention.

The delivery levels of the compositions can be controlled by the surface area of the port holes on the device, consistency of the compositions, and the compression level of the tablets. The release from the multi-wash examples indicate that depending on the matrix material between 5 to 5Og of perfume carrier-conditioning material is sufficient for about 20 wash cycles.

The table below provides further non-limiting examples of the invention which includes an effective lubricant and softening agent, Amihope LL.

Castorwax MP80 = a hydrogenated castor oil. Amihope LL is an amino acid (L-lysine) surfactant particulate lubricant insoluble in water. Atlas G-1726 = polyoxyethylene (20) beewax derivative. Lanete C18 = stearyl fatty alcohol.

Examples 10, 13 and 14 were soft solids and too soft to tablet. Examples 11, 12 and 15 had a solid consistency and lent themselves to stamping in the form of solid blocks.

The table below summarises their wet perfume performance. The Control was similar to that in Table 1. The good perfume intensity on polyester we believe is attributed to the presence of hydrophobic Amihope LL particles.

When delivered in sufficient amount the Amihope LL containing compositions gave a silky softness feeling to the fabrics (noticeable in Example 13 wash 1) . - Ii

Solubility of perfume compositions

The hardness of the perfume carrier compositions determines their inherent solubility and hence the perfume and softness performances. To determine the inherent solubility the compositions in Table 7 were prepared by melting the components together at 8O⁰C and letting it cool to 65⁰C before adding the perfume followed by melt casting into a cylindrical block of 30 mm diameter and 12 mm height and letting it solidify naturally at room temperature - no pressure was applied to the blocks.

Table 4. Melt cast compositions for solubility determination .

* FOI = Fragrance oils Internationa LTD,

Atlas G-1726 = polyoxyethylene (20) beewax derivative

Emanon SCR-PK = a sucrose ester with an average of four ester linkage based on palm kernel oil. It is a soft solid at room temperature and contains some 8% of fatty acid and soap impurities.

Emanon SCR-HT = a sucrose ester with an average of four ester linkage based on harden tallow. It is a solid at room temperature and contains some 8% of fatty acid and soap impurities. Lanete C18 = stearyl fatty alcohol.

Stenol 16/18 = a fatty alcohol with a mixed C16 and CIS chains .

Castorwax MP80 = a hydrogenated castor oil.

Estol E04DS = PEG 8 distearate.

The hardness of these blocks was measured using a Lasplant PNRlO Penetrometer with a needle weight of 5Og (47.5g shaft + 2.5g needle and 5 second drop time) . The solubility or rate of wear of these tablets was measured in a Linirig pot (Rotawash) with one piece of 20x20 cm terry towelling and 100 ml of water at 40 ⁰C and agitated for 60 minutes. The tablets were removed after this simulated wash process allowed to dry then weighed. The ^λsolubility' was obtained from the difference in original and used weights, see Table 5.

Table 5. Rate of weight loss of compositions in a simulated wash process.

* The average of five penetration tests.

We see from the table that replacing a soft SPE, example 13, with a solid SPE, Example 14, reduces the amount of dissolved tablet per wash. Type of perfume can affect solubility of the blocks as replacing a full perfume, Example 14, with a perfume composed of top notes (log P ~ 3) increases the solubility of the block. There is a reasonable correlation between solubility and hardness.

The device of the invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :-

Figures Ia and Ib show front and side views of a dispensing device according to one embodiment of the invention; and Figures 2 & 3 are perspective views of dispensing devices according to other embodiments of the invention, incorporating a receptacle for main wash detergent.

Common reference numbers are used to indicate corresponding figures in the drawings.

Referring to figure 1, the device 1 shown comprises a rigid, moulded, plastic receptacle 2 which houses a perfume carrier 21 according to any of the above described examples.

Apertures 25 allow dissolved carrier material to enter the wash liquor during the wash cycle.

Referring figure 2, the device 1 shown has a receptacle 2 and comprises a rigid plastic PE moulded shuttle having truncated spherical form and a single filling/dispensing opening 20. This is especially advantageous for dispensing of liquid detergent compositions (not shown) in combination with the perfume/perfume carrier. The device has false floor 50 (which can be a mesh or aperture planar member) covering chamber containing the perfume carrier (not shown) Figure 3 shows a further dispensing device 1 according to the invention, comprising a receptacle 2 for laundry tablets (not shown) in the form of a flexible, loosely fitting polyester net bag 2 having hexagonal mesh structure. Alternatively other e.g, diamond or square mesh structures are suitable. The receptacle 2 comprises an upper region 7 having dispensing apertures having an average size of approximately 5mm.

The device also has a base 9 comprising the lower portions of the two side walls, (only one 11 shown) . The base 9 is separated from the region 7 by a seam and has apertures approx 3 mm.

The device has a filling opening 20 includes a closure device 35 which consists solely of a generally cylindrical ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam body through which drawstring 37 runs to open/close the device. The dimensions (12cm x 15cm) provide a bag of manageable size but which is loose fitting for two tablets (each about 4.5 cm diameter and 1.5 cm height) .

Both devices incorporate perfume carrier 21 according to the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a dome shaped shell dispenser which is solely for delivery of the perfume carrier without the main wash detergent. It is insoluble with apertures approx 3mm for release of dissolved carrier into the wash. The above embodiments of the present invention have been described by way of example only and various alternative features or modifications from what has been specifically described and illustrated can be made within the scope of the invention, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A bi-functional device comprising at least one low soluble perfume carrier comprising both a perfume and a conditioning agent for dispensing there of during multiple wash cycles.

2. A dispensing device according to the claim 1 of the invention in combination with a packaged laundry detergent composition, whereby the dispensing device provides olfactory and visual cues to the perfume of the product.

3. A dispensing device according to any preceding claim wherein the carrier solubility is defined as weight loss in a 100ml Linirig test at 4O⁰C and is the range of 10-35%.

4. A dispensing device according to any preceding claim wherein the perfume carrier comprises a sucrose polyester that is solid or soft solid at room temperature.

5. A dispensing device according to any preceding claim wherein the perfume carrier comprises a wax.

6. A dispensing device according to any preceding claim wherein the perfume carrier comprises a silicone.

7. A dispensing device according to any preceding claim wherein the perfume carrier comprises a clay.

8. A dispensing device according to any preceding claim wherein the perfume carrier comprises a cationic softener .

9. A process for treating laundry fabrics in a washing machine by employing the dispensing device of any preceding claim comprising the step of inserting the dispensing device into the washing machine drum together with the laundry fabrics to be treated and then performing a laundry treatment option.

10. A dispensing device according to any of claims 1-7 in combination with a laundry product and instructions for use according to the method of claim 8.

11. A dispensing device and/or method of washing using such device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings .