FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present disclosure broadly relates to the field of perfumery compositions. Particularly, the present disclosure provides a fragrance composition, an air refresher product comprising the fragrance composition, and methods thereof.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[002] In recent times occupants of closed environments, such as residential, hospital, and commercial settings are demanding a healthy and relaxed environment for their wellbeing. Several products have been deployed by the air care industry that diffuse fragrances that mask the unpleasant odor in the surrounding air or products that diffuse sanitizing agents to disinfect the surrounding air.

[003] The fragrance diffusing products are of several types, such as gels, aerosol sprays, solutions, or scented candles. Among these, gels are the common choice for consumers due to their ease of use, performance, and cost. Air freshener gels can be classified as slow-release fresheners since the fragrance components that are embedded in a polymeric matrix are released in a slow and controlled manner. Air freshener gels are marketed in a variety of containers, such as cans, cups, jars, trays made of plastic/ glass, and pouches/sachets made of paper, and aluminum sheets. Air freshener gel pouches are preferred over other containers for their portability and convenience of use.

[004] Despite the widespread use of gel refreshers, there are several limitations that need to be addressed concerning the manufacturing of gel, its packaging, the pouches used, and the stability of the finished product. The strength of the polymeric gel matrix that embeds the fragrance component is a critical factor controlling the performance of the air refresher gel. [005] Also, shortcomings in the flow properties of the gel, and the prolonged duration of gel-setting, scale up issues at large scale production of the air refresher gels. Further, this leads to fragrance leakage while packing the containers with the gel. A weak gel matrix could result in such rapid fragrance release rates.

[006] Wetting of the packing material or the container that holds the gel is yet another issue that needs to be addressed. The lack of product stability over a long period of time at varying temperatures leads to the wetting issue, which further leads to the loss of printed material on the container and hence, results in a consumer product with poor aesthetics.

[007] The methods known in the art fail to address these recurring problems associated with air refresher gels. Therefore, there is an immediate need to develop an air refresher gel composition that provides sustained and slow release of fragrance for a longer period of time, and yet does not wet the packing material irrespective of the surrounding temperature, which would further uphold the aesthetics of the product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[008] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition comprising: (a) a polymeric additive; (b) an adsorbent; and (c) a fragrance component; wherein the polymeric additive is in a weight range of 1 to 99% with respect to the composition, preferably in a weight range of 3 to 10% with respect to the composition; wherein the adsorbent is in a weight range of 1 to 10% with respect to the composition, preferably in a weight range of 1 to 5% with respect to the composition; and the fragrance component is in a weight range of 5 to 99% with respect to the composition, preferably in a weight range of 90 to 95% with respect to the composition.

[009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparing the composition, said process comprises the step of blending the fragrance component with the adsorbent and the polymeric additive to obtain the composition. [0010] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a consumer article comprising the fragrance composition as described herein, along with a base material.

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an air-refresher product, the product comprising: (a) a container; and (b) the composition as described herein.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of preparing an air-refresher product, the product comprising: (a) a container; and (b) the composition as described herein, the method comprising: (a) filling the composition as described herein in a container under pressure in a range 0 to 10 bar to obtain a filled container; and (b) sealing the filled container with a flap by heat, ultrasonic, induction, stickering, stitching, or adhesion.

[0013] In more aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of inducing refreshing environment, the method comprising: the step of releasing an effective amount of the fragrance composition as described herein, which is packed in a container to the environment in a release rate of 30 to 60 days per 5 to 200 g of the composition.

[0014] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following description. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions, and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features. Definitions

[0016] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain terms employed in the specification, and examples are delineated here. These definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for convenience and completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth below.

[0017] The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.

[0018] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising” are used in the inclusive, open sense, and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps. It is not intended to be construed as “consists of only”.

[0019] The term “including” is used to mean “including but not limited to”. “Including” and “including but not limited to” are used interchangeably.

[0020] The term “air refresher” refers to consumer products that emit fragrances into the air and are used in confined spaces, such as homes, restrooms, hotel lobbies, medical facilities, offices, automobiles, and the like to maintain a pleasant environment. The term “air refresher” and “air freshener” shall be used interchangeably in the present disclosure.

[0021] The term “fragrance component” refers to a volatile odoriferous material or oil that provides a pleasant odor or is capable of masking an unpleasant odor. The fragrance component of the present disclosure can be derived from natural oils or plants or can be synthetically prepared substances. The fragrance component of the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, fragrance oil such as spearmint oil, menthol, borneol, isoborneol, camphor, eugenol, clove oil, cinnamon oil, linalool, terpineol, thymol, peppermint oil, methyl salicylate; substance having floral, citrus, woody, oriental, fruity, green, oceanic or spicy odour; and/or substances including acetoin, agave arnica, alpha-isomethyl ionone, ambergris, ambrein, ambroxide, davana oil, balm of gilead, balsam of pern, bdellium, benzoin, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinnamate, benzylacetone, bisabolol, bourgeonal, calone, camphene, cashmeran, chavicol, cinnamyl alcohol, citral, citronellol, civet (perfumery), civetone, copaiba, cuminaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, cyclododecanone, cyclohexadecanone, 5-cyclohexadecenone, cyclopentadecanolide, cyclopentanone, cyperus oil, damascenone, damascene, deer musk, diethyl malonate, estragole, ethyl benzoate, ethyl maltol, ethyl methylphenylglycidate, ethyl salicylate, ethylvanillin, oakmoss, farnesene, farnesol, filbertone, , fructone, galaxolide, gastrodigenin, geraniol, geranyl acetate, gourmand, grapefruit mercaptan, helional, heptyl acetate, herbal distillate, hexyl cinnamaldehyde, hydroxy citronellal, hydroxy methyl pentyl cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, hyraceum, indole, ionone, irone, isobomyl cyclohexanol, isopropyl salicylate, isovanillin, jasminaldehyde, labdanum, lilial, p-menthane, menthone, methyl benzoate, methyl butyrate, methyl dihydrojasmonate, methyl isobutyrate, methyl pivalate, 2-(2-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexen-l- yl)propyl)cyclopentanone, muscone, musk xylene, myrcene, nag champa, nardostachys jatamansi, nerol, nerolidol, ocimene, opopanax, patchouli, patchoulol, pelargonium graveolens, perillaldehyde, phellandrene, phenethyl alcohol, beta- pinenepomarose, pulegone, raspberry ketone, rhodinol, safrole, sandalore, sandalwood, alpha-santalol, beta-santalol, skatole, spikenard, storax balsam, synthetic musk, tetramethyl acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, thujone, tincture of benzoin, tolu balsam, valerian spikenard, vanillin, ortho-vanillin, a-vetivone or combinations thereof. The present disclosure also includes additional fragrances listed in US 10336966.

[0022] The term “polymeric additive” refers to a chemical that is used to achieve desired physical or chemical properties in fragrance compositions. The polymeric additive may also act as a thickener in the composition. The polymeric additive, according to embodiments herein, is such that it can swell in the presence of fragrances or non-polar solvents. Polymer swelling plays an important role in fragrance composition with a medium polar solvent to solvent free system. The polymeric additive, according to embodiments herein, is selected from urea polymer, carbomer, acrylate co polymers, styrenic block copolymers, cocoa butter, ethylene/butylene polystyrene, ethylene/propylene polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, monoalkyl esters of poly (methyl vinyl ether/maleic acid), polysaccharides, polyethylene glycol, superabsorbent polymer, triacetin, polypropylene glycol 20 methyl glucose ether, di isobutyl adipate, or combinations thereof.

[0023] The term “adsorbent” refers to a chemical that is used to adsorb a fragrance component, which then diffuses the fragrance upon exposure to air. The adsorbent in the present disclosure is selected from silica, compressed wood, asbestos, locust bean gum, tragacanth, gelatin, chitin, methacrylic acid, sponge, shea butter, alginate, pectin, thermocol, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, tricalcium phosphate, limestone, calcium silicate, calcium aluminate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium phosphate, sodium metaphosphate, complex aluminosilicate, aluminium hydroxide, aluminium oxide, karaya gum, starch, gum arabic, cocoa butter, pectin, shellac, undecyl glucoside, or combinations thereof.

[0024] The term “preservatives” refers to chemicals that when added to a composition prevents any microbial growth on that composition. The preservatives are optionally added to the fragrance composition. The preservative includes parabens, pthalates, phenoxyethanol, triclosan, chloroxylenol, trichlorocarbon, glucosides, citric acids, weak acids, alkalis, sodium hydroxide, sodium benzoate, methylisothiazolinone, chloroisothiazolinone, sorbic acid, salicylic acid, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dehydroacetic acid, potassium sorbate, or combinations thereof.

[0025] The term “carrier,” as used herein, refers to a substance or medium that supports various components of a composition and is optionally used. Carriers may be liquids or solids used to achieve liquid or solid forms of the composition. The carriers of the present disclosure includes, but are not limited to ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, chloroform, ethylacetate, deodorised kerosene, acetonitrile, ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, N-butylacetate, n-propyl alcohol, pentane, water, propylene glycol, glycerine, sorbitol, phenyl ethyl alcohol, or combinations thereof. [0026] The term “container”, as used herein, refers to a packaging component that is used to package air freshening compositions. The containers may be of varying shapes and sizes. The container is made from varying materials suitable for holding the composition and facilitates the stability as well as the sustained release of the fragrance composition. The container can be prepared by known methods and shall be obtained from one or more layers of paper, cellulosic material, fibres, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride, low density polyethylene, nylon, polycarbonate, expanded polystyrene, linear low density polyethylene, biaxially oriented polyethylene film, biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate, biaxially oriented polypropylene, biaxially oriented polyamide, polyethylene naphthalate, polystyrene, or combinations thereof. The containers may also be made of any material generally known for packaging air freshening compositions. The containers may be in the form of pouches, packets, cylindrical tubular forms, spherical, or envelopes. The containers may comprise one or more layers of paper and optionally laminated on their inner or outer sides. The containers may be of maplitho paper, kraft paper, poster paper, cromart paper, imitation kraft, sack kraft, filament non-woven paper, polyethylene with polypropylene non-woven paper, spunbonded olefin papers, glassine paper, paper coated/extruded with polymeric film, or combinations thereof. The container also refers to single or multiple packing materials for packaging fragrance compositions. The container may have one of more, optionally removable, openings, seals or flaps. The seals and flaps may be used to enclose and dispense compositions and/or fragrances thereof.

[0027] The term “closed container” refers to any container completely or partially filled with the fragrance composition which is completely or partially closed or sealed. The closed container provides the fragrance composition a stable form and provides no or little contact with air or any other medium to make the fragrance composition volatile.

[0028] The term “open container” refers to any container completely or partially filled with the fragrance composition which is completely or partially opened. The open container facilitates the slow and sustained release of the fragrance component.

[0029] The term “base material” refers to any material or substance that can be used with/in a composition to enhance the sensorial, physical, aesthetic, and transport properties of the composition. The base material of the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, paper, polymers, containers, and metallic substances.

[0030] The term “weak acid” refers to an acid that can partially dissociate into ions and the strength of the acidic nature of the acids are less strong than acid which can undergo complete dissociation. The weak acids are used as preservatives in the composition of the present disclosure and some examples of the weak acids include formic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, propionic acid, and organic acids. The weak acids help in the inhibition of the growth of any microorganisms in the composition.

[0031] The term “alkali” refers to a base compound which can be a compound of alkali or alkaline earth metals. These alkalis are also substances that are capable of providing hydroxyl or oxide ions and a solution of alkali has a pH greater than 7. In the present disclosure, alkalis are used as preservatives. Examples of alkali include, but not limited to, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulphites or bisulphites, sulphur dioxide, alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, or oxides.

[0032] The term “gsm” refers to grams per square meter.

[0033] Ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a percentage range of about 90 % to 95 % should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits of about 90 % to about 95 %, but also to include subranges, such as 91-94%, 92-93%, and so forth, as well as individual amounts, including fractional amounts, within the specified ranges, such as 94%, and 93.2 %, for example.

[0034] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.

[0035] The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein, which are intended for the purposes of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, compositions, and methods are clearly within the scope of the disclosure, as described herein.

[0036] As discussed above, there are limitations associated with the conventional fragrance or air refresher products and the methods of their production. The available air refresher gel pouches do not release fragrance for longer time periods and the packages are subjected to wetting causing poor aesthetic of the overall product. Further, the existing gel compositions suffer from poor flow properties with the extended time taken for the setting of the gel. Also, the current gel compositions succumb to pressure while filling the packing containers, which further causes fragrance leakage. Hence, efficiency is compromised while manufacturing such products on large scale. Therefore, air refresher gel compositions with optimal gel properties and improved performance are desired in the air care industry.

[0037] To address the aforesaid problems, the present disclosure discloses a fragrance composition, in gel form comprising a polymeric additive, an adsorbent, and a fragrance component. The present disclosure also discloses a method for the production of the fragrance composition and for the production of a consumer article, such as an air refresher product that comprises the fragrance composition. The disclosed fragrance composition provides controlled release of the fragrance for up to 30 days without causing any wetting of the packing material and thereby circumvents the problems existing in the conventional air refresher gel compositions.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition comprising: (a) a polymeric additive; (b) an adsorbent; and (c) a fragrance component.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition comprising: (a) a polymeric additive; (b) an adsorbent; (c) a fragrance component; and (d) a preservative.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition comprising: (a) a polymeric additive; (b) an adsorbent; (c) a fragrance component; (d) a preservative; and (e) a carrier.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition comprising: (a) 1 to 99% by weight of a polymeric additive; (b) 1 to 10% by weight of an adsorbent; and (c) 5 to 99% by weight of a fragrance component. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition comprising: (a) 3 to 10% by weight of a polymeric additive;

(b) 1 to 5% by weight of an adsorbent; and (c) 90 to 95% by weight of a fragrance component.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition comprising: (a) 1 to 99% by weight of a polymeric additive; (b) 1 to 10% by weight of an adsorbent; (c) 5 to 99% by weight of a fragrance component; and (d) 0.1 to 10% by weight of a preservative. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition comprising: ((a) 3 to 10% by weight of a polymeric additive; (b) 1 to 5% by weight of an adsorbent; and

(c) 90 to 95% by weight of a fragrance component; and (d) 0.1 to 2% by weight of a preservative.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition comprising: (a) 1 to 99% by weight of a polymeric additive; (b) 1 to 10% by weight of an adsorbent; (c) 5 to 99% by weight of a fragrance component; (d) 0.1 to 10% by weight of a preservative; and (e) 0.5 to 50% by weight of a carrier. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition comprising: (a) 3 to 10% by weight of a polymeric additive; (b) 1 to 5% by weight of an adsorbent; and (c) 90 to 95% by weight of a fragrance component; (d) 0.1 to 2% by weight of a preservative; and (e) 0.5 to 20% by weight of a carrier. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the composition comprises 0.5 to 10% by weight of a carrier.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fragrance composition comprises 1 to 5%, 1 to 4 %, or 1 to 3% by weight of the adsorbent, preferably 1.5 to 2.5% by weight of the adsorbent.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition as disclosed herein, wherein the fragrance component is selected from spearmint oil, menthol, borneol, isoborneol, camphor, eugenol, clove oil, cinnamon oil, linalool, terpineol, thymol, peppermint oil, methyl salicylate, floral, citrus, woody, oriental, fruity, green, oceanic, spicy, acetoin, agave arnica, alphaisomethyl ionone, ambergris, ambrein, ambroxide, davana oil, balm of gilead, balsam of pern, bdellium, benzoin, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinnamate, benzylacetone, bisabolol, bourgeonal, calone, camphene, cashmeran, chavicol, cinnamyl alcohol, citral, citronellol, civet (perfumery), civetone, copaiba, cuminaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, cyclododecanone, cyclohexadecanone, 5-cyclohexadecenone, cyclopentadecanolide, cyclopentanone, cyperus oil, damascenone, damascene, deer musk, diethyl malonate, estragole, ethyl benzoate, ethyl maltol, ethyl methylphenylglycidate, ethyl salicylate, ethylvanillin, oakmoss, famesene, farnesol, filbertone, fixative, fructone, galaxolide, gastrodigenin, geraniol, geranyl acetate, gourmand, grapefruit mercaptan, helional, heptyl acetate, herbal distillate, hexyl cinnamaldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, hydroxymethylpentylcyclohexenecarboxaldehyde, hyraceum, indole, ionone, irone, isobomyl cyclohexanol, isopropyl salicylate, isovanillin, jasminaldehyde, labdanum, lilial, p-menthane, menthone, methyl benzoate, methyl butyrate, methyl dihydrojasmonate, methyl isobutyrate, methyl pivalate, 2-(2-(4- methyl-3-cyclohexen-l-yl)propyl)cyclopentanone, muscone, musk xylene, myrcene, nag champa, nardostachys jatamansi, nerol, nerolidol, ocimene, opopanax, patchouli, patchoulol, pelargonium graveolens, perillaldehyde, phellandrene, phenethyl alcohol, beta-pinenepomarose, pulegone, raspberry ketone, rhodinol, safrole, sandalore, sandalwood, alpha- santalol, beta-santalol, skatole, spikenard, storax balsam, synthetic musk, tetramethyl acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, thujone, tincture of benzoin, tolu balsam, valerian spikenard, vanillin, ortho-vanillin, a-vetivone, or combinations thereof.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition as disclosed herein, wherein the adsorbent is selected from silica, compressed wood, asbestos, locust bean gum, tragacanth, gelatin, chitin, methacrylic acid, sponge, shea butter, alginate, pectin, thermocol, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, tricalcium phosphate, limestone, calcium silicate, calcium aluminate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium phosphate, sodium metaphosphate, complex aluminosilicate, aluminium hydroxide, aluminium oxide, karaya gum, starch, gum arabic, cocoa butter, pectin, shellac, undecyl glucoside, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the adsorbent is silica. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the adsorbent is silica selected from fumed silica, aerosol silica, precipitated silica amorphous silica, crystalline silica, precipitated silica, or silica xerogels. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the adsorbent is silica selected from fumed silica, aerosol silica, or precipitated silica. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the adsorbent is fumed silica.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition as disclosed herein, wherein the silica has a particle size in a range of 10 to 300 microns, preferably in a range of 150 to 300 microns, and more preferably in a range of 200 to 300 microns.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition as disclosed herein, wherein the silica is selected from fumed silica, aerosol silica, precipitated silica, or combinations thereof; and the silica has a particle size in a range of 10 to 300 microns, preferably in a range of 150 to 300 microns. [0049] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition as disclosed herein, wherein the polymeric additive is selected from a urea polymer, carbomer, acrylate co polymers, styrenic block copolymers, cocoa butter, ethylene/butylene polystyrene, ethylene/propylene polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, monoalkyl esters of poly (methyl vinyl ether/maleic acid), polysaccharides, polyethylene glycol, superabsorbent polymer, triacetin, polypropylene glycol 20 methyl glucose ether, di isobutyl adipate, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polymeric additive is a urea polymer. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the polymeric additive is the urea polymer, which is a solution of modified urea polymer. In an embodiment, the polymeric additive is 4-morpholine carbaldehydelithium chloride. [0050] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition as disclosed herein, wherein the composition comprises: a) urea polymer as the polymeric additive; b) silica as the adsorbent; and c) the fragrance component.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fragrance composition as disclosed herein, wherein the preservative is selected from parabens, pthalates, phenoxyethanol, triclosan, chloroxylenol, trichlorocarbon, glucosides, citric acids, weak acids, alkalis, sodium hydroxide, sodium benzoate, methylisothiazolinone, chloroisothiazolinone, sorbic acid, salicylic acid, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dehydroacetic acid, potassium sorbate, or combinations thereof.; and the carrier is selected from ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, chloroform, ethylacetate, deodorised kerosene, acetonitrile, ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, N-butylacetate, n-propyl alcohol, pentane, water, propylene glycol, glycerine, sorbitol, phenyl ethyl alcohol, or combinations thereof.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition as disclosed herein, wherein the composition is packed in a container selected from pouches, packets, or combinations thereof; and the container is made of one or more layers of a paper, cellulosic material, fibres, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride, low density polyethylene, nylon, polycarbonate, expanded polystyrene, linear low density polyethylene, biaxially oriented polyethylene film, biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate, biaxially oriented polypropylene, biaxially oriented polyamide, polyethylene naphthalate, polystyrene, or combinations thereof.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition as disclosed herein, wherein the paper is maplitho paper, kraft paper, poster paper, cromart paper, imitation kraft, sack kraft, filament non-woven paper, polyethylene with polypropylene non-woven paper, spunbonded olefin papers, glassine paper, paper coated/extruded with polymeric film, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the paper is maplitho paper. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the paper is 50 to 150 gsm. In one another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the container is a maplitho paper 50 to 150 gsm extruded with low density polyethylene (LDPE) and/or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and the container is of width in a range of 70 to 90 mm and height in a range of 80 to 100 mm. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the container is 80 mm in width and 93 mm in height.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition comprising: (a) a polymeric additive; (b) an adsorbent; (c) a fragrance component; (d) optionally a preservative and optionally (e) a carrier as disclosed herein, wherein the composition is in a form of a gel; and the gel is volatile and provides slow release of the fragrance component.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition comprising: (a) a polymeric additive; (b) an adsorbent; (c) a fragrance component; (d) optionally a preservative and optionally (e) a carrier as disclosed herein, wherein the composition has viscosity in a range of 1000 to 50000 cps and has specific gravity in a range of 0.6 to 1.05.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition as disclosed herein, wherein the composition is in a form of a gel with viscosity in a range of 1000 to 50000 cps and has specific gravity in a range of 0.6 to 1.05. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the composition is in a form of a gel with viscosity in a range of 2000 to 20000 cps. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition has viscosity in a range of 2000 to 15000 cps. In one another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the composition has viscosity in a range of 2000 to 10000 cps.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition as disclosed herein, wherein the composition is stable for a period of up to three years when kept in a closed container.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition as disclosed herein, wherein the composition provides slow release of the fragrance for a period of 3 to 4 weeks per 10 g of the composition when kept in an open container.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition as disclosed herein, wherein the composition is suitable for packing manually or under pressure. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the composition can be packed under a pressure in a range of 0 to 10 bar.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition as disclosed herein, wherein the composition is suitable for packing manually or under pressure in a container; and the composition is stable for a period of up to three years when kept in a closed container.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition as disclosed herein, wherein the composition is suitable for packing manually or under pressure in a container; and the composition provides slow release of the fragrance for a period of 3 to 4 weeks per 10 g of the composition when kept in an open container.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition as disclosed herein, wherein the composition is suitable for packing manually or under pressure in a range of 2 to 10 bar in a container selected from pouches, packets, or combinations thereof; the container is made of one or more layers of a paper, cellulosic material, fibres, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride, low density polyethylene, nylon, polycarbonate, expanded polystyrene, linear low density polyethylene, biaxially oriented polyethylene film, biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate, biaxially oriented polypropylene, biaxially oriented polyamide, polyethylene naphthalate, polystyrene, or combinations thereof; the paper is selected from maplitho paper, kraft paper, poster paper, cromart paper, imitation kraft, sack kraft, filament non- woven paper, polyethylene with polypropylene nonwoven paper, spunbonded olefin papers, glassine paper, paper coated/extruded with polymeric film, or combinations thereof; the composition is stable for a period of up to three years when kept in a closed container; and the composition provides slow release of the fragrance for a period of 3 to 4 weeks per 10 g of the composition when kept in an open container. In an embodiment, the container is made of one or more layers of maplitho paper; and one or more layers of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and/ or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

[0063] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparing the composition as disclosed herein, the process comprising: blending the fragrance component with an adsorbent and a polymeric additive at a temperature in a range of 20 to 80°C to obtain the composition. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein blending the fragrance component with an adsorbent and a polymeric additive is carried out at a temperature in a range of 20 to 45°C to obtain the composition.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process as disclosed herein, wherein a preservative and a carrier is optionally added to the composition.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process as disclosed herein, wherein the process further comprises packaging the composition in a container manually or under pressure in a range of 0 to 10 bar.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparing the composition as disclosed herein, the process comprising: blending the fragrance component with an adsorbent and a polymeric additive and optionally with a preservative and a carrier at a temperature in a range of 20 to 80°C to obtain the composition; and the composition is filled in a container manually or under pressure in a range of 2 to 10 bar.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a consumer article, wherein the consumer article comprises the fragrance composition as disclosed herein, along with a base material. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the base material is selected from a polymer, a packaging material, other accessories, or combinations thereof.

[0068] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a consumer article as disclosed herein, wherein the article is selected from a perfume, an air freshener, a cologne, a fumigant, a pesticide, or an insecticide. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the article is an air freshener.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an airrefresher product, wherein the product comprises a container; and the composition as disclosed herein.

[0070] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an airrefresher product as disclosed herein, wherein the container is selected from pouches, packets, or combinations thereof; the container is made of one or more layers of a paper, cellulosic material, fibres, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride, low density polyethylene, nylon, polycarbonate, expanded polystyrene, linear low density polyethylene, biaxially oriented polyethylene film, biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate, biaxially oriented polypropylene, biaxially oriented polyamide, polyethylene naphthalate, polystyrene, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the paper is selected from maplitho paper, kraft paper, poster paper, cromart paper, imitation kraft, sack kraft, filament non-woven paper, polyethylene with polypropylene non-woven paper, spunbonded olefin papers, glassine paper, paper coated/extruded with polymeric film, or combinations thereof.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of preparing the product as disclosed herein, wherein the method comprises filling the composition disclosed herein in a container manually or under pressure in a range of 2 to 10 bar to obtain a filled container; and sealing the filled container with a flap by a method selected from heat, ultrasonic, induction, stickering, stitching, or adhesion. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein filling the composition in a container is carried out manually or using a semi-automatic machine or automatic machine. In one another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein filling the composition is carried out under vacuum, or under gravity, or under pressure. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the flap shall be removed completely or partially to open the container and allow sustained release of the fragrance.

[0072] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of inducing refreshing environment, the method comprising a step of releasing an effective amount of the fragrance composition as disclosed herein packed in a container to an environment in a release rate 30 to 60 days per 5 to 200 g of the composition.

[0073] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition (a) a polymeric additive; (b) an adsorbent; (c) a fragrance component; (d) optionally a preservative and (e) optionally a carrier, wherein the composition is stable at a temperature ranging from 10 to 60 °C and at RH (relative humidity) ranging from 50 to 80%.

[0074] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain examples and implementations thereof, other implementations are possible.

EXAMPLES

[0075] The disclosure will now be illustrated with working examples, which is intended to illustrate the working of disclosure and not intended to take restrictively to imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the disclosed methods and compositions, the exemplary methods, devices, and materials are described herein. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, and experimental conditions described, as such methods and conditions may apply. Materials and Methods

[0076] Silica (adsorbent) used herein is fumed silica of 300 micron in size; Modified urea (polymeric additive) used is 4-morpholine carbaldehydelithium chloride; Fragrance components used in the present disclosure is a combination of substances having fruity, orange, peach, citrus, floral, jasmine, grapefruit, berries, woody, and amber odor. Various such substances are known and commercially available and may be used. The fragrance component used has a top layer comprising fruity, orange, peach and citrus fragrances, a middle layer comprising floral, jasmine, grapefruit and berries fragrances, and a bottom layer comprising a combination of amber and wood fragrances.

Example 1 itions in accordance with the present disclosure include the polymeric additive, an adsorbent, and a fragrance component.

[0078] Different batches of the fragrance compositions with varied concentrations of the components were prepared and are listed in Table 1. Batch 1 fragrance composition comprises 5% of modified urea as the polymeric additive and 95% of fragrance component. Batch 2 fragrance composition comprises 8% silica as the adsorbent and 92% fragrance component. Batch 3 fragrance composition comprises 5% of modified urea as the polymeric additive, 2% silica as the adsorbent and 93% of fragrance component. Batch 4 of the fragrance composition comprises 5% of modified urea as the polymeric additive, 15% silica as the adsorbent and 80% of fragrance component. Batch 5 of the fragrance composition comprises 5% of modified urea as the polymeric additive, 18% silica as the adsorbent and 77% of fragrance component. Batch 6 of the fragrance composition comprises 5% of modified urea as the polymeric additive, 20% silica as the adsorbent and 75% of fragrance component. Batch 3, Batch 4, Batch 5, and Batch 6 of the fragrance compositions comprise fumed silica as the adsorbent, specifically with a particle size of 300 microns. All the batches of fragrance composition may optionally contain 0.1% of a preservative.

Table 1

Process for preparing the fragrance compositions

[0079] The process of preparing the fragrance composition (Batch 3) listed in Table

1 comprises blending the fragrance component with fumed silica (adsorbent), and the modified urea (polymeric additive) in a mixer at room temperature optionally under constant stirring. The obtained composition is in the form of a gel with a preferable viscosity. The polymeric additive swells in the presence of the fragrance component and provides sustained release of the fragrance. The silica acts as an adsorbent and provides continual release of the fragrance. The as-prepared composition was found to be suitable to be filled in a container manually or for packing under pressure. Similar process of preparation was adopted for obtaining batches 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 fragrance compositions.

[0080] The prepared fragrance composition was then packaged into a container manually or by automatic filling. The weight of the composition used for filling was subject to variation based on the dimensions of the container used. The automatic filling was carried out under a piston pressure of 2 to 10 bar, preferably

2 to 7 bar. In an example, 5 to 200 g, preferably 10 to 20 g of the composition was used for filling the container. The container was obtained from one or more layers of a paper, preferably a maplitho type of paper with a GSM of 50 to 150 gsm, preferably 130 gsm. In an example, the container used is a maplitho paper of 130 gsm extruded with 30 gsm LDPE, and the container is of 80 mm width and 93 mm height. During the packaging process it was ensured 10 g of the fragrance composition was filled in a container of 80 mm width and 93 mm height. Finally, the container was sealed using a flap and the sealing was carried out by heating, whereas the methods that could be used for sealing are ultrasonic, induction, stickering, stitching or adhesion. The obtained fragrance composition remained stable for a period of up to three years in a sealed or closed container. Upon opening the container completely or partially, or by opening the seal/flap, the gel form of the fragrance composition provided slow release of the fragrance component for a period of up to 3 to 4 weeks per 10 g of the composition.

Example 2

Production of consumer article comprising the fragrance composition

[0081] Several articles for consumer use, such as air refresher, perfume, cologne, fumigant, pesticide, or insecticide were produced comprising the fragrance compositions as described in Example 1. This example explains the implementation of producing an air refresher product comprising the fragrance composition.

[0082] The air refresher comprises a container and the fragrance composition. The fragrance composition is filled into the container either manually (0 bar) or under the pressure of 2 to 10 bar. The container was then sealed using heat or ultrasonic or by induction with a flap. The sealing of the flap can also be carried out by a method selected from stickering, stitching, or adhesion.

[0083] The finished air refresher product induced a refreshing environment by the release of an effective amount of the fragrance composition from the container to the environment at a release rate of 30 to 60 days per 5 to 200 g of the fragrance composition.

Example 3

Performance evaluation [0084] The different batches of the fragrance compositions (Batches 1 to 6) prepared as in Example 1 of the present disclosure were further evaluated to analyze its fragrance release performance and other parameters related to the preparation of the fragrance compositions. The result of the analysis is listed in Table 2a and Table 2b.

Table 2a Table 2b

Parameters to assess the properties of the fragrance composition

[0085] The fragrance compositions (Batches 1 to 6) prepared in accordance with the process described in Example 1 of the present disclosure were assessed based on parameters related to flow properties, gel setting, process of filling the containers with the composition and odor release performance.

Flow properties of the fragrance composition [0086] The flow properties of the prepared fragrance compositions were measured and evaluated through panelists data. It was observed that among the four fragrance compositions, Batch 1 comprising only the polymeric additive and the fragrance component exhibited poor flow properties, which further extrapolated in the form of viscosity issues and prolonged duration to polymerize into gel form. Batch 2 composition was not found to be capable of setting as a gel (Not able to set in- process). On the other hand, the Batch 3 fragrance composition exhibited good flow properties with no issues in respect of viscosity and polymerized into a gel form in acceptable time duration (Table 2a ). Batch 4 resulted in the formation of a wet dough instead of a gel. Batch 5 resulted in the formation of a dry dough instead of a gel. Batch 6 resulted in the formation of a moist powder instead of a gel.

[0087] Panelists data obtained to evaluate the viscosity and flow properties of the composition is tabulated in Table 3 below. The flow properties of the composition was filled manually using a hopper or funnel and the viscosity was measured. Visual observations on the flow were made and were scored by panelist with 0 indicating poor viscosity and 5 indicating a desired viscous composition.

Table 3

[0088] Batches 1A - 6A refer to the compositions same as that of Batches 1 to 6 respectively as shown in Table 1, further comprising 0.1% of preservative in each batch. Accordingly, Batch 1A comprises 5% of the polymeric additive (modified urea polymer), 94.9% of the fragrance component, and 0.1% of the preservative. Similarly, Batch 2A comprises 8% silica, 91.9 % of fragrance component, and 0.1% of preservative. Batch 3A comprises 5% of polymeric additive(modified urea polymer), 2% of silica, 92.9 % of fragrance component and 0.1% of preservative. Batch 4A of the fragrance composition comprises 5% of modified urea as the polymeric additive, 15% silica as the adsorbent, 79.9% of fragrance component and 0.1% of preservative. Batch 5A of the fragrance composition comprises 5% of modified urea as the polymeric additive, 18% silica as the adsorbent, 76.9% of fragrance component and 0.1% of preservative. Batch 6A of the fragrance composition comprises 5% of modified urea as the polymeric additive, 20% silica as the adsorbent, 74.9% of fragrance component, and 0.1% of preservative. Batch 1A comprising only the polymeric additive exhibited poor viscosity which cannot be measured. Batch 2A was highly viscous and Batch 3A exhibited preferable viscosity, thereby resulting in the desirable gel form of the fragrance composition. The viscosity measurements were not applicable to Batches 4A, 5A and 6A as they did not form a gel as described earlier.

Composition filling process

[0089] Several parameters related to the process of filling the prepared compositions in the containers were evaluated for the fragrance compositions. It was observed that Batch 1, Batch 4, and Batch 5 fragrance compositions were only suitable for manual filling when compared to the other batches (Batches 2-5) which were suitable for both manual and automatic filling process. Also, filling issues were observed with Batch 1 and further the fragrance was found to ooze out from the gel under pressure during the filling process. Batches 3 did not exhibit any such issues with regards to the filling process and there was no observed fragrance leakage from the gel, when compared to the other batches.

Stability of the packaged composition

[0090] The stability of the packaged fragrance compositions in terms of wetting of the container was evaluated for the fragrance compositions (Batches 1-3) over a long time. The wetting test was not applicable to batches 4-6 as they did not result in desired gel formation. It was observed that the fragrance compositions of Batch 1 and Batch 2 exhibited wetting of the containers stored at ambient temperature over a period of 15 days and the composition Batch 3A did not exhibit any wetting. [0091] The panelist's scores for observation on wetting of pouches were obtained from 6 panel members for the fragrance composition packed in laminated maplitho paper. The compositions were stored at room temperature for upto 20 days and the panelists were asked to score from 0 to 5, with 0 being no wetting and 5 as high wetting. The below Table 4 provides the panelist's scores for three fragrance compositions.

Table 4

[0092] From Table 4, it can be understood that the fragrance composition comprising a polymeric additive, an adsorbent, and the fragrance component, provided a stable gel form that did not wet the package and provided desired aesthetics to the product. The absence of wetting also indicated the stability of the composition over a sustainable period of time. When the composition is devoid of the polymeric additive or the adsorbent, then wetting issues largely occurred and hence it is clear that the presence of the components, such as polymeric additive, adsorbent with the fragrance component resulted in the desired product. In addition to the above, the stability of the composition was understood by evaluating the wetting of the pouches/containers at accelerated conditions. The compositions packed in the pouches were stored at 45°C for a period of 20 days and were then observed for wetting issues. Table 5 below provides the panelist's scores under accelerated conditions.

Table 5

[0093] The compositions at increased temperatures behaved the same as their behaviour at room temperatures. Batch 3A composition comprising polymeric additive (modified urea) with adsorbent (silica) and the fragrance component was found to be stable even at increased temperatures and hence was found to be suitable even at accelerated conditions.

[0094] Similar wetting observations were made at varying temperatures and relative humidity. The compositions especially Batches 3 was found to be stable at 10 °C, 25°C at 65% RH, 40 °C at 75% RH, at 45 °C, and at 60 °C for various time intervals. Odor release performance

[0095] The release of odor/fragrance from the different fragrance compositions as demonstrated in Example 1 was sensorially evaluated by trained panelists. Tables 6 and 7 provides the panelist evaluation data of the fragrance compositions which were packed and kept in closed container for 30 days and the strength of the fragrance was evaluated by the panelists on 7 ^th day, and on 30 ^th day respectively, after opening the container. The odor intensity of the compositions was scored by the panelists on a scale of 0 to 5 points, wherein 0 corresponds to no odor, 1 to 5 corresponds to increasing order of odor intensity.

Table 6

Table 7

[0096] On the scale of 5, the composition of Batches 3A was found to exhibit better fragrance release compared to Batches 1A and 2A, after 7 days of opening the container (Table 6). Similarly, from Table 7, it can be observed that the fragrance release was higher for Batche 3A even on 30 ^th day and on the other hand, Batches 1A and 2 A had a minimum release of fragrances. Therefore, the fragrance composition of the Batch 3 A was highly perceivable even after 3-4 weeks and the compositions of Batches 1A and 2A suffered from fragrance loss and had meagre fragrance release by the time of 3-4 weeks.

[0097] Also, the Batch 3A was further subjected to a booth fragrance release test, wherein the samples comprising Batch 3A composition were hung in a booth chamber having 6x6 dimensions. After Ihr saturation, panelists (15) were asked to sniff the samples and provide the rating on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 indicates very low fragrance intensity; 2 indicates low fragrance intensity; 3 indicates medium fragrance intensity; 4 indicates high fragrance intensity; and 5 indicates very high fragrance intensity.

[0098] The Batch 3A consistently delivered the release of high intensity fragrance even after 3 ^rd and 4 ^th week as confirmed hereinabove. [0099] Table 8

Example 3

Effect of using varied adsorbents

[00100] Compositions Cl to C16 as listed in Table 9 were prepared using the process as described earlier in Example 1. Cl to C16 comprised 5% of modified urea as polymeric additive, 93% of fragrance component and 2% of varied adsorbent as listed in Table 9. All the compositions did not result in gel composition due to separation observed in all the compositions. Further, composition with precipitated silica as the adsorbent yielded satisfactory performance comparable with that of the composition comprising fumed silica as the adsorbent. Therefore, silica is the suitable adsorbent for the fragrance composition according to the present disclosure.

[00101] Table 9

[00102] Overall, it can be deduced that the Batch 3 fragrance composition comprising the combination of polymeric additive, adsorbent and fragrance component exhibited desirable functionalities of a consumer favorable product. Particularly, the presence of modified urea as polymer additive and silica as adsorbent ensured optimal flow properties resulting in a long -lasting fragrance release and with a non-wetting, stable container packaging.

Advantages of the present disclosure

[00103] The present disclosure focuses on the development of a fragrance composition that comprises a polymeric additive, an adsorbent, and a fragrance component. The present disclosure also provides materials and methods for packing the fragrance composition in various containers as packets or as pouches. The composition of the present disclosure is based on the combination of said components in the weight percentages as disclosed above that helps in the sustained release of the fragrance for up to 30 days without wetting the packing material and thereby providing an enhanced aesthetic and sensorial feel for the end users of the product. Further, the optimal strength of the gel form of the fragrance composition excludes fragrance leakage issues encountered while filling the composition under pressure into pouches, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the large-scale manufacturing process of the products. The fragrance composition of the present disclosure is stable for a period of up to three years in closed packaging and in open containers. The fragrance composition can provide a sustained and slow release of fragrance for a period in a range of 30 to 90 days based on the amount of the fragrance component. The fragrance composition is suitable for packing manually as well as under piston pressure without loss of the fragrance component and any leakage. Wetting of the packaging pouches is totally unseen thereby maintaining the aesthetics of the fragrance product. The fragrance composition of the present disclosure is also suitable for preparing articles, such as perfumes, air freshener gels, cologne, fumigants, pesticides, and insecticides. The fragrance composition induces refreshing environment by providing prolonged release of the fragrance.