The invention relates to a carboxylate ester of polysaccharide characterized in that it possesses ester bonds with trimellitic anhydride and is soluble in water. The polysaccharide is esterified with trimellitic anhydride and the degree of substitution of the polysaccharide lies in the range of from 0.5 to 3. The invention further relates to methods for the manufacture of these polysaccharides esters in organic solvents, in water or in an extruder or a kneader and to their use in fabric and home care formulations.