Technical Field

This invention relates to a packaging unit containing unit doses.

Background

Unit doses, capsules and tablets, are generally packaged in plastic tubs or plastic bags. More recently tablets have been sold packaged in plastic (e.g., HDPE and PET) trays which are themselves packaged in paperboard boxes which are designed for‘direct-to- consumer’ (DTC) brands which can be delivered through a letterbox (so can be delivered when consumers are not at home to open the door). One such product comprises dishwash tablets packaged in hinged plastic trays which are then placed in hinged paperboard boxes. Another product comprises dishwash tablets packaged in a plastic vacuum bag which is placed in a paperboard box.

These packaging systems however have numerous disadvantages, especially for the consumers and delivery companies. Such system requires expensive and complicated machinery in order to produce the various packaging materials, and to properly place the actual contents in the many packaging layers. Other disadvantages include the amount of waste produced by the current packaging solutions.

The present application and the proposals herein seek to address one or more of the problems noted above and/or seek to provide improved tray-unit doses arrangements especially in connection with the consumer experience and maintaining unit dose packaging sustainablility.

In particular, the present application seeks to provide improved tray-unit dose arrangments which are suitable for delivery through most standard mail slots or mailboxes without bending or damage, which maintains unit dose packaging sustainability and improves the unit dose integrity during use, storage, transport and possible fall from the mailbox onto the floor (e.g. doormat), as well as improves consumer convenience during use.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect, the present application provides packaging unit comprising:

a carton tray package containing a plurality of dishwasher unit doses, each dishwasher unit dose is coated or wrapped in a film and comprises at least one solid component,

the carton tray package comprising a substantially level base whereby the dishwasher unit doses are located side-by-side on the base; and

wherein package has an outer envelope when closed which allows it to fit through most standard mail slots or mailboxes without bending or damage; and wherein the carton tray package comprises one or more internal walls or dividers which segragates groups of unit doses.

The term‘substantially level base’ is understood to mean as sufficiently level to allow unit-doses to be licated side-by-side on the base.

The above arrangement, including use of one or more internal walls or dividers and a side-by-side arragement of the unit-doses on the base, improves stability of the unit doses during use (e.g. opening and closing and holding the package at a tilted angle), storage, transport and possible fall from the mailbox to the floor when pushed fully through, while still being convenient for mailbox delivery. This arrangement is considered to reduce deformation of the carton tray package as well as in reduce disorder of the unit doses in the package during use by the consumer: Consumers can have a tendency to finish-up unit-doses from one physically segregated group, before moving to another. In this situation, during use, the internal walls or dividers limit overall movement of the unit doses within the package (improving stability of the unit-doses) as wells as visual order (aiding convenience). It is noted that in particular tilting of the package by the consumer will be quite common during use as often detergent packages are placed at relativley high places in order to keep out of reach of children. Thus grabbbing (and placing) of the package in at-home storage locations often involves relatively large angular movements of the base. The use of internal walls or dividers also allows for a more customizable product, permitting different kinds of unit doses to be inserted into package and delivered directly to a consumer according to the consumers needs.

Internal walls or dividers which are rigedly fixed to the carton base and/or one or more walls are prefered.

Preferably, before first time use by the consumer, the package is filled with a number of unit doses such that the unoccupied free-space in the closed package is less than 50 vol. %, more preferably less than 25 vol. % and even more preferably less than 15 vol. %. This aids in imporving stability of the unit doses by resticting free movement.

Another aspect of the invention provides a plurality of dishwasher unit doses, each dishwasher unit dose is coated or wrapped in a film and comprising at least one solid component. The unit dose can comprise a first solid component and a second solid component. The film can be water soluble or not.

Another aspect of the invention provides a carton tray package comprising a carton cardboard material and a moisture barrier. The carton tray package may comprise a lid. The carton tray package may further comprise a plurality of chambers or compartments. Another aspect of the invention, the carton tray package contains a plurality of unit doses, the plurality of unit doses can comprises one type of unit dose, two types of unit doses or more than two types of unit doses. In an embodiment, the carton tray package contains at least two different dishwasher unit doses, wherein the difference relates to the difference in the (ingredient) composition of the components of the dishwasher unit doses.

Carton Tray Package

The carton tray package is preferably cuboidal in shape, and typically formed of cardboard material.

Cardboard materials can be evaluated by many material test methods including an Edge Crush Test (ECT). The ECT is a laboratory test method that is used to measure the cross-direction crushing of a sample of corrugated board. Other method could also be used to evaluated the cardboard material suitability, for example grammage and moisture resistance. The ECT provides information on the ability of a particular cardboard material to resist crushing. The ECT is directly related to the stacking strength of a carton, namely Edge Crush Resistance (ECR). The ECR is a measure of the edgewise compressive strength of corrugated board. The ECR is measured by compressing a small segment of board on edge between two rigid platens or plates perpendicular to the direction of the flutes until a peak load is established, and the ECR is typically expressed in kilonewtons per meter, kN/m. There are varying thicknesses (single wall, double wall, triple wall, etc.), several different flute types (A, B, C, E, F, etc.), and a wide variety of papers that can be used in cardboard materials, specially in cogrugated cardboad materials. All of these factors determine the stacking strength of the cardboard. A basic corrugated cardboard consists of two linerboard facings and a corrugated medium (flute) which flute thickness. Thus, in an embodiment, the cardboard material has an ECR of 17 kN/m or less, preferably less than 10 kN/m, more preferably about 4-8 kN/m, even more preferred 5- 7 kN/m, most prefered 6-6.5 kN/m. The preferred cardboard material is an E flute type, which flute thickness is 1.4 - 1.9 mm, more preferably 1.88 mm. In other embodimets, a F flute type could also be used, which flute thickness is 0.4 - 1.4 mm, preferably 0.6mm. The use of fine flute thickness, as in E flute type or F flute type, provides an excellent crush resistance and printability. The flute thickness furthermore provides cushioning for drops.

The carton tray package typically has a weight of 30-500 grams per unit, though can be a different weight in other embodiments, for example, the carton tray package can be 30-300 grams perunit, preferably 50-200 grams per unit. The cardboard material can include a moisture barrier for moisture protection. Preferably, this moisture barrier only forms up to 5% of the weght of the tray, making the package recyclable. This moisture barrier can be in the form of a liner, preferably a polyethylene (“PE”) liner.

The total weight of the packaging unit is typically 400-1500 grams, preferable 1000-1200 grams. The total weight corresponds to the total weight of the carton tray package plus the total weight of the plurality of dishwasher unit doses contained in the carton tray package.

The carton tray package comprises a substantially level base. The carton tray package may comprise one or more peripheral wall/s which may extend upwards from the periphery of the level base. The carton tray package comprises one or more internal walls or dividers to segregate groups of unit doses. Individual segregation of unit doses is not necessary and not individually segregating unit doses aids in saving packaging material (i.e. improves sustainability).

Thus, in a further aspect the present application provides machine dishwash product comprising a package containg a plurality of unit doses, the carton tray package comprising a substantially level base whereby the groups of the unit doses are located side-by-side on portions of the base. Each portion of the base may comprise a peripheral wall extending upwardly, and located around the periphery of the base and/or portion.

Packages are generally moved, in use, for example they may be held at an angle (e.g. to open) or in some embodiments, they may be slidable within an outer packaging in a drawer arrangement.

Compartments are preferably located side-by-side on a notional row extending transversely across the unit doses. The package may comprise a hinged lid or flap and the unit doses are arranged such that the notional row (or internal sealling web if present) is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the hinge mechanism. This offers the advantage that as the user opens the lid and the box is moved forwards as is natural, the direction of the anti-roll mechanism is aligned with the direction that the box moves. The same effect but in reverse occurs during closing. The hinged lid is preferaby pivotable about the hinge to overlie the base to close the package. The package can in some embodiments be contained within an outer package or sleeve via an opening or slot. Preferably the unit doses are arranged such that the notional row (or internal sealling web if present) is substantially parallel to the direction of travel as the package slides out of the outer package via the opening. The notional row may be substantially parallel to the opening slot of the outer package. The outer package may be a flexible sleeve or it may be rigid device, e.g. having a box construction.

The package has an outer envelope (i.e. size dimensions) when closed which allows it to fit through most standard mail slots or mailboxes without bending or damage. Preferably, this typically includes a height dimension of 32 mm or less, and a maximum dimension in the length or width of 255 mm. Tolerances on this can be ± 10 mm, preferably ± 5 mm, more preferably ± 3 mm, and most preferably ± 1 mm. The package is typically formed from a one-piece or blank of carboard suitably cut and folded to form the package, though in some embodiments two or more pieces of carboard could be used for formation. The cutting and/or folding can be manual or automated. Adhesive can be used to form the package. Dimensions and shape

Preferably the height (h) of each unit dose is 35 mm or less, more preferably from 32 to 5 mm and even more preferably from 25 to 10 mm.

Preferably both the width (w) and the length (I) of each unit dose is greater than 25 mm.

For machine dishwash unit doses it is preferred that the unit doses has a linear dimension of length and width of suitably ³20mm, ³ 30mm. In embodiments the maximum linear dimension is £ 50mm, suitably £ 40mm, £30mm. In some embodiments the length is 40mm and the width is 30 mm.

For example, in the case of embodiments in which the unit dose has a polygonal shape with straight sides meeting at vertices, then the maximum height corresponds to the distance between opposing vertices of the polygon. Linear dimensions of width and height are measured as linear dimensions. Thus, the width is the linear measurement in the x direction (along the x axis) using a top plan view of the unit dose, including any outer sealing web. The length is a linear measurement in the y direction (along y axis) using a top plan view of the unit dose, including any outer sealing web. Unit dose

Each unit dose is preferably coated or wrapped in a film. Generally, the unit dose is made of at least one solid component. In some embodiments, each unit dose may comprise a second solid component. In some embodiments, each unit dose may comprise more than two solid components. In some embodiments, the film may be a water soluble, and may include a different number of components.

The unit doses are suitable for use in any application such as machine dishwashing processes or laundry. The invention was found especially suitable for application in a machine dishwashing process because this process benefits highly from the option to include benefit agents for the rinse cycle in a second phase, which can be incorporated into the unit dose. A unit dose suitable for use in machine dishwashing process may be refered to a dishwasher unit dose. This means that the unit dose includes one or more water soluble ingredients or components which aid in or enhance cleaning dishes, particularly in a dishwashing machine. For example, the component(s) forming the unit dose may aid in better cleaning, cleaner appearance after rinsing, minimizing spot or film formation, etc. The unit dose may be formed of a number of different components, each component for aiding in one or more parts of a dishwashing cycle. Typically one dishwashing unit dose is inserted into a dishwashing machine and used per dishwashing cycle.

The first solid component can be referred to as the unit dose body. The unit dose body is a solid, which can, for example, be prepared by compression or melting. Preferably the unit dose body is of particulate form or a compacted particulate composition.

The solid unit dose body is preferably a single discrete part of the unit dose but may also be composed of a limited number (for example 1 to 5) of solid parts, such as separate layers in the unit dose. Preferably each of these solid parts has a weight of at least 2 grams. If reference is made to the composition or weight of the solid unit dose body it is understood that this concerns the total weight and composition of these solid parts.

The unit dose body preferably comprises ingredients such as detergency builders, surfactant and optionally bleach (activators), enzymes, chelating agent, antitarnishing agents for dishwashing, optical brighteners for laundry, antifoam granules, unit dose disintegration aids such as swellable particles or highly water-soluble salts, perfumes, colorants or colored speckles. Some of these ingredients are described in more detail below.

In an embodiment, the first solid component, and optionally further components, is of particulate form. For example, the first solid component can be a powder, granulate and tablet. The particle size of these granules can vary from a powder-like form (typically 0.1 to 0.2 mm diameter) to a more bead-like form (typically above 10 mm diameter). Preferable, the unit doses of the may contain particles with an average diameter of 0.1- 0.2 mm in any given plane: i.e. these can be spherical or shaped in the form of tablets, buttons, counters, spheroids, needles, flakes or pills. Substantially spherical particles are preferred and powders are most preferred. Examples of such unit doses are well known, e.g. the commercial tablets that contain a wraped detergent composition. Such unit doses are for example described in EP 1 771 543 B1. This document discloses unit doses having a thin walled hard capsule, and within the thin walled hard capsule a detergent composition.

In an embodiment, the first solid component, and optionally further components, may have any shape as long as it is possible to adhere a second solid component thereto, preferably such that the second solid component protrudes from a surface of the first solid component. In a preferred embodiment the first solid component is in a rectangular, triangular, ellipsoidal, drop-like, round or square form with a cavity in part of the surface. The second solid component can also be a similar shape to the first component or can be an insert, which is at least partly placed in a mould in the surface of the first phase. Examples of such unit doses are well known, e.g. the commercial tablets that contain a small ball that is placed in a mould in the surface of a first solid tablet phase. Such tablets are for example described in US 6,730,646. This document discloses unit doses having a single, substantially spherical cavity, in which is received a single, substantially spherical particle, whose external diameter is smaller than the internal diameter of the cavity. The second solid component can also be a solid formed in the same manner as the first solid component and stacked on or joined to the first component; or can be in the form a particle. This particle can be partly surrounded by a cavity in the surface of the first solid component. In an embodiment the second solid component is shaped like a ball and protrudes from a cavity in the surface of the unit dose body.

The total weight of the unit dose comprising the first and second phase and optionally a further phase is preferably from 8 to 30 grams. Preferably, total weight of the unit dose is substantially 17,5 grams.

In an embodiment, the second solid component protrudes from the first solid component.

The second solid component preferably comprises components that exert their function at a first time period in the washing process before the unit dose body disintegrates and dissolves, or alternatively during a second time period in the washing process, such as mainly in the rinse cycle of a machine dishwashing process.

A machine dishwashing process generally comprises the steps of prerinsing, main cleaning, intermediate rinsing, clear rinsing. It is preferred that the second solid component comprises components that mainly evolve their function in or after the intermediate rinsing step.

In an embodiment, the unit dose may be coated or wrapped in a wrap or film. Hereinafter, the terms“wrap” and“film” can be used interchangeably. The wrap can be water-soluble wrap. It is highly preferred that the wrap is at least partly transparent such that the contents can be seen. This way the consumer does not miss out on the visible cue provided by the first and second components of the unit dose. Preferably the entire film is transparent. Optionally there are prints on the film, e.g. pictures or phrases. The wrap preferably is a flexible wrap, contrary to solid, self standing containers. The flexible wrap preferably surrounds the unit dose such that there is little room for any movement of or between components. In a preferred embodiment, the volume of the wrap is at least 110%, more preferred from 150 to 300%, even more preferred from 150 to 250% of the volume of the unit dose. The wrap should not be too loose because then it may lose functionality in keeping the components in place and adhered to each other.

In a most preferred embodiment, the wrap is like a bag with a volume of about twice the volume of the unit dose. More preferably the wrap is tightly fit around the unit dose.

It will be appreciated that the volume of the wrap should be such that it does not interfere with placing the unit dose in the dispenser of a washing appliance or in a container or packaging.

The film can be made of a water-soluble film material. Water-soluble material has the clear advantage that the multi-component unit dose can be directly applied in the washing. The desired degree of solubilisation and strength can be achieved by matching the type of material and its thickness such that the desired solubilisation time is achieved while still maintaining the desired strength. Also preferably, the film material is deformable under heating conditions. Water soluble materials which may be used to form the water soluble films are widely disclosed in the literature and include, for example, polyester amides, polyvinyl alcohol, copolymers of vinyl alcohol and methacrylate, polyethylene oxide, alginates, cellulose ethers such as carboxymethyl cellulose and methylcellulose, starches and starch derivatives, gelatin and any combination of these. Especially preferred is the use of polyvinyl alcohol.

The water-soluble material is preferably mainly composed of poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) or of a co-polymer of poly vinyl alcohol and poly methyl acrylate (PVA-PMA). The term poly vinyl alcohol as used herein also includes partially hydrolysed poly vinyl acetates. The water-soluble film can optionally also contain minor quantities of plasticizers, anti-foams, antioxidants, surfactants, perfumes and the like. Preferably, the film thickness is from 10 to 120 micrometer, more preferred from 15 to 100 micrometer, most preferred from 20 to 90 micrometer.

In an embodient, the unit dose may be alternatively or additionally coated with materials that further reduce moisture ingress and/or modify dissolution and release characteristics.

In a preferred embodiment, the second solid component is fixed to the first solid component with an adhesive. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, mechanical fixing is used. Optionally for fixing, compounds are selected which melt or dissolve during the wash process.

The composition of the second solid component is preferably such that it evolves its function essentially in the clear rinsing cycle of a machine dishwashing process. Optionally the second solid component is entirely surrounded by an envelope or coating which releases its contents only in or after the intermediate rinse cycle. In a preferred embodiment, such an envelope or coating incorporates at least one compound which is not or only slightly soluble at increased pH but whose solubility increases with decreasing OH- concentration and therefore with decreasing pH of the wash medium. In a typical machine dish-washing process, the pH value changes during the process from a high pH of from 10 to 11 to a lower pH in the clear rinse cycle of from 8 to 9.

The second solid component preferably comprises at least one compound selected from the group comprising surfactants, antibacterial compositions, silver protection agents, fragrances, bleaches, disinfectants, odour masking agents, anti-corrosion agents, anti- film forming polymers, and enzymes. These ingredients are optionally also present in the first solid component.

Materials which may be used in unit doses of this invention will now be discussed in more detail.

Surfactant

Anionic surfactant may typically be present in machine dishwasher unit doses in an amount from 0.5 to 50wt% by total weight of anionic surfactant based on the total weight of the unit dose composition. It may be accompanied by nonionic surfactant in an amount from 3 to 20wt% by total weight of nonionic surfactant based on the total weight of the unit dose composition. In an automatic dishwashing composition, surfactant is overall likely to constitute from 0.5 to 8 wt%, more likely from 0.5 to 6 wt% based on the total weight of the unit dose composition, and is likely to consist of nonionic surfactant, either alone or in admixture with anionic surfactant. In a preferred embodiment, the first solid component comprises a surfactant and the level of surfactant is at most 10 wt% on total weight of the first solid component.

Synthetic (i.e. non-soap) anionic surfactants are well known to those skilled in the art. Preferred examples include alkylbenzene sulphonates, particularly sodium linear alkylbenzene sulphonates having an alkyl chain length of Cs-Cis; olefin sulphonates; alkane sulphonates; dialkyl sulphosuccinates; fatty acid ester sulphonates, and primary alkyl sulphates having an alkyl chain length of Ce-ie.

It may also be desirable to include one or more soaps of fatty acids. These are preferably sodium soaps derived from naturally occurring fatty acids, for example, the fatty acids from coconut oil, beef tallow, sunflower or hardened rapeseed oil.

Suitable nonionic surfactant compounds which may be used include in particular the reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom, for example, aliphatic alcohols, acids, amides or alkyl phenols with alkylene oxides, especially ethylene oxide.

Specific nonionic surfactant compounds are alkyl (C8-22) phenol-ethylene oxide condensates, the condensation products of linear or branched aliphatic Cs-2o primary or secondary alcohols with ethylene oxide, and products made by condensation of ethylene oxide with the reaction products of propylene oxide and ethylene-diamine. Especially preferred are the primary and secondary alcohol ethoxylates, especially the C _9-11 and C ₁₂ - is primary and secondary alcohols ethoxylated with an average of from 5 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

Preferred nonionic surfactants for use in machine dishwashing unit doses are low to non- foaming nonionic surfactants containing ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide residues. Examples of suitable low to nonfoaming ethoxylated straight-chain alcohols which are preferred nonionic surfactants in machine dishwashing are the Plurafac LF series ex BASF, the Synperonic series ex ICI; the Lutensol® LF series, ex BASF, and the Triton® DF series, ex Rohm & Haas. Also of interest are the end-capped ethoxylated alcohols available as the SLF 18B series from BASF.

Detergency Builders

Unit doses according to the invention or regions thereof may contain a so-called builder which serves to remove or sequester calcium and/or magnesium ions in the water.

When a water-softening detergency builder is present, the amount of it generally ranges from 5 to 80 wt%, more likely from 15 to 80 wt% by total weight of detergency builder based on the total weight of the unit dose composition. Non-phosphorus water-soluble water-softening builders may be organic or inorganic. Inorganics that may be present include zeolites, layered silicates, alkali metal (generally sodium) carbonate; while organics include polycarboxylate polymers, such as polyacrylates, acrylic/maleic copolymers, and acrylic phosphonates, monomeric polycarboxylates such as citrates, gluconates, oxydisuccinates, glycerol mono- di- and trisuccinates, carboxymethyloxysuccinates, amino polycarboxylic compounds (such MGDA (methylglycine diacetic acid carboxymethyloxymalonates)), dipicolinates, nitrilotriacetates and hydroxyethyliminodiacetates.

Unit dose compositions preferably include polycarboxylate polymers, more especially polyacrylates and acrylic/maleic copolymers which have some function as water softening agents and also inhibit unwanted deposition onto fabric from a laundry wash liquor or onto glass from an automatic dishwash liquor. The category of water-soluble phosphoruscontaining inorganic builders includes the alkali-metal orthophosphates, metaphosphates, pyrophosphates and polyphosphates. Specific examples of inorganic phosphate detergency builders include sodium and potassium tripolyphosphates, orthophosphates and hexametaphosphates. Sodium tripolyphosphate is a preferred phosphorus-containing builder for automatic dishwashing unit doses. This exists in hydrated, anhydrous or partially hydrated form, and mixtures of these forms may be used.

Use of unit doses

The unit doses described herein are suitable for use in a substrate treatment method, suitably a machine dish washing method or laundry. Thus, a further aspect of the present invention provides use of unit doses as described herein in a method of cleaning, suitably a machine dish washing or laundry method. Suitably the method includes placing the unit doses in the dosing device, drawer or inside of a dish washing machine prior to commencement of a dishwashing cycle.

The unit doses are particularly suitable for use in dishwashing machines amongst other applications. They can also be used in manual dishwashing operations. In use the unit doses according to the invention are preferably, and conveniently, placed directly into the liquid which will form the wash liquor or into the area where this liquid will be introduced. The unit dose dissolves on contact with the liquid, thereby releasing the compositions and allowing them to form the desired wash liquor.

While the term“unit dose” is used, this is meant to describe a measured quantity of a washing component to be used in a washing operation. This could be in the form of a tablet, sachet, bag and/or other containing material or form, with at least one solid component, which could include powders, granules, etc. Typically, a unit dose is in the range of 10 to 25 grams, preferably 15 to 20 grams.

Combinations of aspects

A number of proposals and aspects are described herein, which proposals and aspects are intended to be combined to achieve improved or cumulative benefits. Thus, any one aspect may be combined with any other aspect. Similarly the optional features associated with any one of the aspects may apply to any one of the other aspects. Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be further described with reference to the following non-limiting embodiments and with reference to the drawings, of which:

Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a carton tray package in a closed state;

Figure 1 B shows a perspective view of the carton tray package of Fig. 1A in an open state;

Figure 1C shows a perspective view of a carton tray package in an open state, and filled with unit doses;

Figure 2 shows a view of a carton tray package being placed through a mail slot; and Figure 3 shows a view of a blank for forming a carton tray package. Detailed description

Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a carton tray package 10 according to the current invention in a closed state; Figure 1 B shows a perspective view of the carton tray package 10 in an open state, and Figure 1C shows the carton filled with unit doses 11.

Carton tray package 10 includes base portion 12 and lid 14. Base portion 12 includes substantially planar base 16, base side walls 18a-18d and dividers 20. Lid 14 is hinged to base 12 at an upper edge of side wall 18d, and includes substantially planar top 22, side walls 24a-24c and grips 26 on side wall 24b.

In the embodiment shown, base includes two dividers 20 to form three separate compartments within package 10. Other embodiments could have fewer or more dividers, depending on the size of package, materials used, amount and/or types of unit doses in the package or other factors. Dividers 20 run from front base side wall 18b to back base sidewall 18d, and can extend from base 16 to the underside of upper surface 22 when package 10 is in a closed state (Fig. 1A). In other embodiments, dividers 20 extend only a portion of the distance between base 16 and top 22 in the closed state. In some embodiments, dividers 20 could run in the opposide direction of package 10. Lid 14 connects to base 12 at the upper edge of back side wall 18d with a hinged connected. In some embodiments, another connection may be used. In even further embodiments, lid 14 may be fully separable from base 12. Lid side walls 24a-24c fit around base 12 sidewalls 18a-18c in the closed state, though this could vary in some embodiments, with some or all of lid side walls fitting within base side walls. Lid side wall 24b includes grips 26, which in this embodiment are formed of semi-circular cut-out sections at the bottom edge of lid front wall 24b. These grips 26 can be used for easier opening and closing of package 10.

Package 10 is typically formed from one piece of cardboard (see Fig. 3) which is cut and folded to form the rectangular cuboid shaped body shown in Figs. 1A-1C.

As shown in Fig. 1C, package 10 is filled with unit doses 11. Unit doses 11 form a single layer on the base 16, and are typically placed in package 10 on a side of the unit dose (i.e., the largest cross-sectional dimension of the unit dose is not facing the base 16 but is facing another unit dose or a side of the package). The unit doses are also placed side-by-side, meaning that unit doses are located nearest in space or position, or immediately adjoining without intervening space. This can allow for easier insertion and extraction of unit doses 11 from package 10, as well as the ability to fit more unit doses into a package of a certain dimension while limiting to one layer of unit doses in the package 10. The package 10 is shown holding 54 unit doses, though this number would vary depending on the unit dose (s) and/or size of package 10. Preferably, package 10 contains at least 20 unit doses, more preferably more than 40 unit doses, and most preferably more than 50 unit doses. When the package 10 is filled with unit doses 11 , the total weight of the packaging unit is tipically 400-1500 grams. Preferbaly the package contains at most 200, more preferably at most 150, even more preferably at most 100 and still even more preferably at most 80 unit doses. Package 10 can hold one or more types of unit doses, for example, two types of unit doses: three rows 30 of a first type of unit doses and three rows 32 of a second type of unit doses. A first type can have a composition and/or shape and/or dimension different than the second type of unit dose. The first type of unit dose could be all-around wash unit doses, and the second type of unit dose could be‘expert’ wash unit doses, giving a consumer one package 10 with unit doses 11 which can be used for a variety of washing needs. Dividers 20 can be used to help differentiate between types of unit doses. Dividers 20 also add strength and support to compartments and package 10, providing a strong package despite the use of lightweight carton carboard material. Dividers 20 forming compartments additionally stabilize the unit doses within package 10, particularly during movement, opening/closing and as unit doses 11 are removed for use and package 10 has more empty space. The dimensions of package shown are a height H of 32 mm, a length L of 255 mm and a width W of 158 mm. These dimensions ensure that that package 10 is able to fit in a standard mail box or mail slot, such that it can be delivered through the post even when noone is home to receive the package. These dimensions can vary depending on the desired number of unit doses, the size and shape of unit doses, and the standard dimensions for postal service and receipt (e.g., either through a standard sized mail slot or a mailbox). Fig. 2 shows package 10 being delivered through a standard mail slot 33.

In a closed state, as shown in Fig. 1A, package 10 forms a compact package for supporting a large number of unit doses 11 despite being formed of a rather lightweight carton carboard material. The use of compartments through dividers 20 ensures the strength needed for holding a large number of unit doses 11 , and the compact package allows for home delivery without bending or damage through a mail slot or mailbox. The package 10 is lightweight and securely holds unit doses 11 with minimal packaging, resulting in minimal packaging waste and a more sustainable and environmental friendly product. The arrangement of a single row of unit doses 11 side-by-side ensures that a large number of unit doses can be contained within package but also prevents damage or sticking from multiple rows stacked on top of each other. The arrangement of the package 10 with the base 12 and hinged lid 14 also provides secure holding of unit doses 11 , while allowing easy access by a consumer. The use of dividers 20 and compartments also allows for a more customizable product, permitting different kinds of unit doses 11 to be inserted into package and delivered directly to a consumer according to the consumers needs. Figure 3 shows a view of a blank for forming a carton tray package 10. Package 10 is formed of cardboard material, typically the weight of a unit of carton tray package is 30- 500 grams. Other alternatives could have a weight of 50-200 grams per unit.The term cardboard may refer to a variety of heavy paper-like materials, including, corrugated cardboard or paperboard.

The package 10 can include a moisture barrier, for example, a polyethelene (PE) liner. The PE liner preferably comprises 5% or less of weight of the carton tray package. The package 10 can be full colour printed on any surface.

By using a cardboard material with a PE liner making up less than 5% by weight of the package, the package is light-weight, easy to form and fully recyclable. A single carton blank can be used to form the entire package, giving sufficient strength through the formation of sidewalls and multiple compartments. The lid is able to be formed with the base, with a simple hinge mechanism for easy opening and closing. The use of a PE liner ensures that the package 10 and unit doses 11 are protected against moisture, and limiting the liner to less than 5% of the weight allows for a fully recyclable package 10. The material and starting from a single blank also allows for full colour artwork or other printing on any package 10 surface when desireable. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.