WO2017018889A1

WO2017018889A1 - Manuka and/or kanuka honey wet wipes and manuka and/or kanuka oil tissues

Info

Publication number: WO2017018889A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2016/050057
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carole DEWHURST; Janine TEAGUE
Original assignee: Imbue Nz Ltd
Priority date: 2015-07-28
Filing date: 2016-04-06
Publication date: 2017-02-02
Also published as: AU2016102389A4; AU2016298711A1

Abstract

A wet or moist wipe or tissue comprises a flexible carrier and additive(s) on and/or within the carrier. The additive(s) comprise water at about 40% to about 99.9% by weight of the total additives(s); and manuka and/or kanuka honey having a methylglyoxal level between 1 and 1000mg/kg, the honey being at about 0.1% to about 60% by weight of the total 5 additives.

Description

TITLE

MANUKA AND/OR KANUKA HONEY WET WIPES AND MANUKA AND/OR KANUKA OILTISSUES FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to wet wipes and tissues containing manuka and/or kanuka honey and dry tissues containing manuka and/or kanuka oil. Tissues may also be formed from manuka wood pulp. BACKGROUND

Wet wipes/tissues can be used to improve personal hygiene by cleansing and hydrating the skin. These products contain water and added chemicals to preserve their look, feel, and scent. Wipes are either individually wrapped or stacked together and packaged in bags or plastic canisters of various sizes. Wipes are usually made of a mix of non-woven materials such as viscose and polyester, cotton, air laid fibres, or wood pulp. 100% wood pulp tissues are usually flushable. Non-woven tissues and wipes or a blend of them with wood pulp are generally non-flushable.

Dry facial tissues are manufactured to aid people with blocked or runny noses and weeping eyes. Dry facial tissues are usually made of wood pulp and may have added chemicals to help nasal decongestion and to preserve their look, feel, and scent. Tissues can be individually wrapped or stacked together and packaged in pocket or wallet sized packs, plastic wraps/bags and/or boxes or canisters of various sizes. Manuka (Leptospormum scoparium) is a unique bushy tree native to New Zealand bearing white to pink flowers. Bees gather nectar from flowers containing a naturally formed methylglyoxal compound, regurgitating it into honeycombs until water has evaporated, forming Manuka honey. Manuka honey is world renowned for its unique levels of antibacterial and antimicrobial medicinal properties, directly attributed to quantities of methylglyoxal content. Each 'batch' of honey is usually tested for authenticity to help prove its 'grade' and/or commercial value by Manuka honey suppliers and associations.

As a natural antimicrobial and antibacterial agent, certified Manuka honey with high levels of methylglyoxal has been well documented and scientifically proven to stimulate wound healing and promote healthy skin. It contains natural acids which help clear dead skin cells and enhance the skin renewal process. It can be used to treat wound infections, in the prevention and healing of acne and other skin conditions, and works well as a gentle cleanser and moisturiser due to its natural humectant properties, leaving the skin looking and feeling rejuvenated.

Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) is a close relative to manuka, also native to New Zealand. A slightly larger tree with smaller flowers kanuka honey has similar properties to that of manuka honey.

Manuka oil is steamed and distilled from leaves and bark. It is world renowned for antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic and anti-histaminic properties. Manuka oil is a natural relaxant and nasal decongestant. In addition to providing respiratory relief from common coughs, colds, and flu, the oils are effective (however not limited to) treatment of rosacea, acne, eczema, nappy rash, bites and stings, scratches, and cold sores treatments.

The wood of the Manuka is hard and straight grained and has traditionally been used to manufacture furniture and tools. It is often used as firewood and has a distinctive aroma, sweet and musky.

It should be understood that throughout this specification a reference to manuka can be understood as referring to either manuka or kanuka. References to kanuka should also be understood as referring to either manuka or kanuka.

It should also be understood that throughout this specification a reference to manuka dry tissues can be understood as referring either to tissues containing manuka oil, or tissues formed from manuka wood pulp, or a blend of wood pulps. Objects and advantages of the invention should not be seen as limiting. The object of the invention per se is to provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In broad terms in one aspect the invention comprises a wet or moist wipe or tissue comprising • a flexible carrier; and

• additive(s) on and/or within the carrier, the additive(s) comprising:

o water at about 40% to about 99.9% by weight of the total additives(s); and o manuka and/or kanuka honey having a methylglyoxal level between 1 and 1000mg/kg, the honey being at about 0.1% to about 60% by weight of the total additives.

Optionally the additive comprises a formulation of the water and manuka and/or kanuka honey applied to the carrier.

Optionally the carrier is a sheet.

Optionally the honey is between 2% and 55% by weight of the total additives. Optionally the honey is between 4% and 35% by weight of the total additives.

Optionally the manuka and/or kanuka honey has a methylglyoxal level of between 150 mg/kg and 550 mg/kg. Optionally the manuka and/or kanuka honey has a methylglyoxal level of between 250 and 350 mg/kg.

Optionally the honey is between 0.1 and 30% by weight of the total additives and has a methylglyoxal level of more than about 263 mg/kg.

Optionally the additives also include at least one of:

• between about 0.01 percent to about 0.2 percent citric acid

• between 0.01 percent to about 1 percent tocopherol (vitamin E)

• between 0.001 percent to about 2 percent vanilla essence

· between 0.1 percent to 5 percent rosemary extract, and

• between 0.001 percent to about 2 percent cinnamon extract.

Optionally the additives also includes between about 0.01 percent to about 0.6 percent potassium sorbate. Optionally the additives also includes between about 0,01 percent to about 0.6 percent Geogard 221™ or Microcare DB™. Geogard 221 and Microcare DB are similar in composition and made up of about 7.7 - 8.3 percent dehydroacetic acid, about 85 - 89 percent benzyl alcohol, and about 4 percent water.

Optionally the additives also includes between 0.01 percent to about 1 percent phenoxyethanol.

Optionally at least some of the ingredients in the additives are organic.

In broad terms in another aspect the invention comprises dry tissues formed from wood pulp infused with manuka and/or kanuka oil between about 0.001 percent and 30 percent by weight. The manuka and/or kanuka oil may be between 25 percent and 100 percent in purity and/or strength and optionally mixed with water of between 0.1 percent and 75 percent.

Optionally the dry tissues contain between 0.01 percent and 10 percent by weight of manuka and/or kanuka oil.

The invention also comprises wet wipes/tissues and dry tissues formed from 100% manuka and/or kanuka wood pulp.

Optionally the manuka and/or kanuka wood pulp wet wipes/tissues or dry tissues may also contain between 10 percent to 90 percent viscose.

Optionally the manuka and/or kanuka wood pulp wet wipes/tissues or dry tissues may also contain between 10 percent to 90 percent cotton. Optionally the manuka and/or kanuka wood pulp wet wipes/tissues or dry tissues may also contain between 10 percent to 90 percent air laid fibres.

Optionally the manuka and/or kanuka wood pulp wet wipes/tissues or dry tissues may also contain between 10 percent to 90 percent polyester. Optionally the manuka/kanuka wood pulp wet wipes/tissues or dry tissues may also contain between 10 percent and 90 percent of other wood pulp, for example virgin wood pulp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some preferred forms of the invention will now be described by way of example. It should be understood that these are not intended to limit the scope of the invention but rather to illustrate optional embodiments. In preferred embodiments, wet wipes/tissues are made of a mix of non-woven materials such as viscose and polyester, cotton, air laid fibres (or wood pulp) and impregnated with manuka honey, can be used on the face and all over body of babies, children and adults to help improve personal hygiene by gently cleansing and hydrating the skin. Manuka honey acts as a natural humectant, and to some degree, preservative. In preferred embodiments, minimal chemicals are used.

Alternatively the wet wipes/tissues can be made of woven material(s).

In preferred embodiments, benefits of using manuka honey wipes/tissues include (but are not limited to): gently cleansing, rejuvenation and hydration of the skin with levels of antimicrobial activity which may be present containing antiviral, antibacterial, antiinflammatory properties, and minerals: copper, iron, zinc, and potassium with vitamins B and C all of which contribute towards skin repair and promoting new skin growth. To ensure purity, quality and authenticity of proven manuka honey, certified or 'graded' methylglyoxal compound levels are impregnated into tissues/wipes. The higher the methylglyoxal number, the more antimicrobial and antibacterial properties are present in the honey. Methylglyoxal certified compound levels present in manuka/kanuka honey containing antibacterial and antimicrobial properties are:

· <200mg/kg minimal levels

• 300 mg/kg moderate levels

• 500 mg/kg high levels

• 600 mg/kg very high levels

• >800 mg/kg superior levels. Minimal to moderately high levels of methyiglyoxal manuka honey are expected to be impregnated into wet wipes/tissues. Alternatively high to superior levels of methyiglyoxal manuka honey may be impregnated. Examples

Example 1

A wet wipe is formed from 50% polyester and 50% cotton containing:

• 5% by weight of manuka honey with methyiglyoxal levels of at least 300 mg/kg · 0.1 % of citric acid

• 0.4% of potassium sorbate

• 0.2% of Geogard 221

• 0.9% of vanilla essence

• with the balance being purified water.

Example 2

A wet wipe is formed from 70% polyester and 30% cotton containing;

• 3% by weight of manuka honey with methyiglyoxal levels of at least 200 mg/kg

• 0.1 % of citric acid

· 0.5% of potassium sorbate

• 0.25% of Geogard 221

• 0.05% of tocopherol (vitamin E)

• with the balance being purified water. Example 3

A wet wipe is formed from 50% polyester and 50% cotton containing;

• 5% by weight of manuka honey with methyiglyoxal levels of at least 300 mg/kg

• 0.1 % of citric acid

• 0.5% of potassium sorbate

· 0.3% of Geogard 221

• 1.2% of vanilla essence

• 0.05% of tocopherol (vitamin E)

• with the balance being purified water. Example 4 A wet wipe is formed from 50% polyester and 50% cotton containing;

• 50% by weight of manuka honey with methylglyoxal levels of at least 500 mg/kg

• 0.1 % of citric acid

• 0.5% of potassium sorbate

• 0.6% of Geogard 221

• 1.5% of vanilla essence

• 0.2% of tocopherol (vitamin E)

• 1% phenoxyethanol

• with the balance being purified water.

Example 5

A wet tissue is formed from 100% manuka wood pulp containing;

• 3% by weight of manuka honey with methylglyoxal levels of at least 200 mg/kg

• 0.1% of citric acid

• 0.5% of potassium sorbate

• 0.2% of Geogard 221

• 0.05% of tocopherol (vitamin E)

• with the balance being purified water.

Example 6

A wet tissue is formed from 100% manuka wood pulp containing;

• 5% by weight of manuka honey with methylglyoxal levels of at least 300 mg/kg

• 0.1 % of citric acid

• 0.5% of potassium sorbate

• 0.3% of Geogard 221

• 0.1 % of tocopherol (vitamin E)

• with the balance being purified water.

Example 7

A wet tissue is formed from 50% manuka wood pulp and 50% cotton containing;

• 30% by weight of manuka honey with methylglyoxal levels of at least 500 mg/kg

• 0.1 %) of citric acid

• 0.5% of potassium sorbate

• 0.25% of Geogard 221

• 0.1%) of tocopherol (vitamin E) • 0.45% of phenoxyethanol

• with the balance being purified water.

Example 8

A dry tissue is formed from 100% manuka wood pulp containing no added chemicals except during the pulp and tissue paper manufacturing process, for example optionally a tissue bleach to whiten the tissue paper.

Example 9

A dry tissue is formed from 100% manuka wood pulp containing no added chemicals except during the pulp and tissue paper manufacturing process, for example optionally a bleach to whiten the tissue paper and optionally added;

• 0.001 % by weight of pure manuka oil at 100% strength and purity. Example 10

• 0.01 % by weight of pure manuka oil at 25% strength and purity and mixed with 50% water.

Manuka or kanuka honey or a mixture of the two may be used in levels between 0.1 and 60% by weight with methylglyoxal levels between 1 mg/kg and 1 ,000 mg/kg. In preferred embodiments at least 3% by weight of manuka honey is used. In preferred embodiments the methylglyoxal levels are at least 200mg/kg.

When present, citric acid is used in levels between 0.01% and 0.2%. Potassium sorbate is used in levels between 0.01% and 0.6% when used. Geogard 221 and/or Microcare DB may be used in amounts between 0.01 and 0.6%. Geogard 221 and Microcare DB are made up of between 7.7 and 8.3% dehydroacetic acid, 85 and 89 % benzyl alcohol and 4 % water.

When present, phenoxyethanol is used in levels between 0.01 % and 1 %. Additional extracts may include tocopherol (vitamin E) in levels between 0.01 and 1%, vanilla essence in levels between 0.001 and 2%, rosemary extract between 0.1 and 5% and cinnamon extract between 0.001 and 2%. These ingredients may be organic.

Manuka or kanuka honey wet wipes/tissues may be packaged individually or stacked together and packaged in plastic bags or plastic canisters of various sizes.

Manuka oils may contain antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic and anti-histaminic curative properties. In preferred embodiments manuka oil is a natural relaxant and nasal decongestant. In addition to providing respiratory relief from common coughs, cold, and flu in preferred embodiments the oils are effective (however not limited to) treatment of rosacea, acne, eczema, nappy rash, bites and stings, scratches, and cold sores treatments.

Dry tissues may be infused with manuka and/or kanuka oil, between 0.001 % and 30% by weight. The manuka/kanuka oil may be between 25% and 100% purity and may be mixed with between 0.1% and 75% water.

Manuka oil tissues may be packaged and wrapped individually or stacked together and packaged in bags/boxes or plastic canisters/boxes of various sizes. In preferred embodiments, manuka honey wet wipes/tissues can be used for personal hygiene to cleanse and hydrate the skin. Manuka dry tissues containing manuka oil or formed from manuka wood pulp may provide nasal decongestant and respiratory relief from common coughs, colds, and flu. Manuka honey wipes/tissues and manuka dry facial tissues may or may not be combined within same packaging.

The manuka honey wet wipes or manuka tissues may be formed from wood pulp and in some embodiments are formed from 100% manuka wood pulp. Alternative materials include viscose, cotton, air laid fibres, polyester and wood pulp from other woods. These materials may form between 10 and 90% of the wet wipes/tissue. Wet wipes and tissues formed from 100% wood pulp may be flushable but wet wipes/tissues formed with a combination of wood pulp and other materials are not generally flushable.

The benefits of using manuka wood pulp may include (but are not limited to): antiviral, antiseptic and anti-histaminic properties acting as a natural relaxant and nasal decongestant. With its sweet and musky aromas, manuka wood and bark aides in providing respiratory relief from common coughs, colds, and flu. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variation such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A wet or moist wipe or tissue comprising

• a flexible carrier; and

• additive(s) on and/or within the carrier, the additive(s) comprising:

o water at about 40% to about 99.9% by weight of the total additives(s); and o manuka and/or kanuka honey having a methylglyoxal level between 1 and

1000mg/kg, the honey being at about 0,1% to about 60% by weight of the total additives.

2. A wet or moist wipe or tissue as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the additive comprises a formulation of the water and manuka and/or kanuka honey applied to the carrier.

3. A wet or moist wipe or tissue as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the carrier is a sheet.

4. A wet or moist wipe or tissues as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the honey is between 2% and 55% by weight of the total additives.

5. A wet or moist wipe or tissues as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the honey is between 4% and 35% by weight of the total additives.

6. A wet or moist wipe or tissue as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the manuka and/or kanuka honey has a methylglyoxal level of between 150 mg/kg and 550 mg/kg.

7. A wet or moist wipe or tissue as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the manuka and/or kanuka honey has a methylglyoxal level of between 250 mg/kg and 350 mg/kg.

8. A wet or moist wipe or tissue as claimed in claim 1 wherein the honey is between 0.1 and 30% by weight of the total additives and has a methylglyoxal level of more than about 263 mg/kg.

9. A wet or moist wipe or tissue as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the additives also includes at least one of

• between about 0.01 percent to about 0.2 percent citric acid

• between 0.01 percent to about 1 percent tocopherol (vitamin E)

• between 0.001 percent to about 2 percent vanilla essence

· between 0.1 percent to 5 percent rosemary extract, and

• between 0.001 percent to about 2 percent cinnamon extract.

10. A wet or moist wipe or tissue as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the additives includes between about 0.01 percent to about 0.6 percent potassium sorbate.

11. A wet or moist wipe or tissue as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the additives also includes between about 0.01 percent to about 0.6 percent of a combination of about 7.7 - 8.3 percent dehydroacetic acid, about 85 - 89 percent benzyl alcohol and about 4 percent water.

12. A wet or moist wipe or tissue as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 1 1 wherein the additives includes between 0.01 percent to about 1 percent phenoxyethanol.

13. A wet or moist wipe or tissue as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least one of the ingredients in the additives are organic.

14. Dry tissues formed from wood pulp infused with manuka and/or kanuka oil between about 0.001 percent and 30 percent by weight.

15. Dry tissues as claimed in claim 14 wherein the manuka and/or kanuka oil is between 0.01 and 10 percent by weight.

16. Dry tissues as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the manuka and/or kanuka oil is between 25 percent and 100 percent in purity and/or strength and mixed with between 0.1 percent and 75 percent water.

17. Wet wipes/tissues and dry tissues formed from 100% manuka and/or kanuka wood pulp.

18. Wet wipes/tissues and dry tissues as claimed in claim 1 or claim 14 formed from 100% manuka and/or kanuka wood pulp.

19. Wet wipes/tissues and dry tissues as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the manuka and/or kanuka wood pulp wet wipes/tissues or dry tissues contains one or more of:

• between 10 percent to 90 percent viscose,

• between 10 percent to 90 percent cotton,

• between 10 percent to 90 percent air laid fibres,

• between 10 percent to 90 percent polyester,

• between 10 percent to 90 percent other wood pulp.