Bag-in-box package

Abstract

The invention proposes a bag-in-box package, preferably for packaging milk powder, comprising or consisting of a closable container, a closure cover for the container and a fillable tubular bag, where the tubular bag is flatly connected to the interior of the container and the bottom of the container is recessed inwardly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of packaging and relates to an improved bag-in-box packaging, in particular for packaging of food in powder form. Background Art

[0002] Currently, powdered foods, such as milk powder, especially for feeding young children, are available in so-called "MyPacks" or "bag-in-box" packaging. A tubular bag is suspended in a container that can be closed with a lid. However, from a sustainability point of view, the products on the market need improvement: the bag is only loosely placed in the container and is difficult to empty completely, also due to the flat bottom of the container. The materials used are often difficult or impossible to recycle, which means that it is not worth separating them into different materials and the entire packaging ends up being incinerated.

[0003] Prior art

[0004] Bag-in-box packaging is known in the prior art and is primarily used for larger containers of liquids, such as for wine or juice.

[0005] For example, EP 3554964 B1 (WESTROCK) claims a bag-in-box package comprising an outer box, a foldable inner box arranged inside the outer box, and a tap connected to the inner bag. The outer box comprises side walls, a tap access device formed in the side walls, and a removable top wall. The top wall comprises a first and a second overlapping top cover. The first top cover is directly connected to the front side of the side wall along a first tear line. The second top cover is directly connected to the rear side of the side wall along a second tear line. The rear portion of the side wall is arranged relative to the front portion. The upper wall can be separated from the side wall along the first tear line and the second tear line.

[0006] Purpose of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a packaging, in particular for food products in powder form, especially milk powder, which allows easier, ie most importantly complete, removal. In addition, the packaging should have features that increase sustainability. Summary of the invention

[0008] The first subject of the present invention relates to a bag-in-box packaging, which comprises or consists of the following parts:

[0009] (i) a sealable container;

[0010] (ii) a closure for a container; and

[0011] (iii) refillable tubular bags,

[0012] in

[0013] (a) the tubular bag is connected flat to the interior of the container, and

[0014] (b) The bottom of the container is concave.

[0015] The present invention solves the above problems existing in the prior art at the same time: by gluing or sealing the tubular bag to the inside of the container over a large area and by the concave design of the inside of the bottom of the container, removal is made easier and no residue remains in the package. By using recyclable materials, especially cardboard, instead of plastic as the container, material separation and recycling are made easier. Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a package in which the container is made of recyclable materials, especially cardboard.

[0016] The closure device ("closure") is usually designed to be placed on the container; however, it is also conceivable that it is connected to the container via a flap. It is preferably made of recyclable plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene in particular. The closure can therefore be designed to be removable or foldable.

[0017] The tubular bag has an opening through which the contents are filled. It is therefore advisable to place the bag into the container so that the opening also points in the direction of the opening of the container. However, it is also possible to close the tubular bag after filling, for example by sealing. These bags are made of a thin plastic barrier film approved for storing food. The tubular bag is preferably glued to the inside of the container. The gluing can only take place in the upper third of the container, but it can also be over the entire surface. Conventional - water-soluble - hot melt glues or adhesive patches are particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the lid and the bag are connected in such a way that the bag opens when the container is opened, for example by folding, and is folded back again when the container is closed.

[0019] The design of the container is not critical, nor is its volume, which can range from about 100 ml to about 2 L. An oval or circular basic shape with a diameter of about 10 to about 40 cm and a height of about 10 to about 40 cm is typical. While the inside of the bottom is concave to make it easier to remove until the end, the outside of the bottom is preferably flat so that the container can be set down. After emptying, the container and bag can simply be disposed of separately.

[0020] A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to the production of a package, wherein a film is first inserted into a folding box forming a container. Another film is welded / glued on top and the container is then erected again. The first film and the second film together form a bag. Preferably, the second film is perforated at the opening point to facilitate opening.

[0021] The container may also contain a dosage aid, in particular a spoon. The spoon may be fixed to the outside of the container with an adhesive film. However, it is preferably reversibly arranged on the underside of the lid, for example by a clamping device.

[0022] Industrial Applications

[0023] Another subject of the present invention relates to a method for producing packaged food, the method comprising or consisting of the following steps:

[0024] (i) providing a bag-in-box package as described above;

[0025] (ii) aseptically filling the food into packaging tubular bags; and

[0026] (iii) Closing the package by fitting a lid.

[0027] After filling, the tubular bag can also be closed, for example by sealing it under vacuum and only then attaching the sealing cap.

[0028] The food product is preferably a powdered product, such as in particular milk powder, such as for infant nutrition.

[0029] Another subject of the present invention relates to the use of the above-mentioned packaging for packaging food in powdered form, preferably milk powder.

Claims

1. Bag-in-box packaging, which includes or consists of the following parts: (i) a sealable container; (ii) closures for containers; as well as (iii) refillable tubular bags, in (a) the tubular bag is connected flat to the interior of the container, and (b) The bottom of the container is concave.

2. The packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that The container is made from recyclable materials.

3. The packaging according to claim 2, characterized in that The material is cardboard.

4. Packaging according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A closure cap is placed on the container.

5. Packaging according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that The closure cap is made from recyclable material.

6. Packaging according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The tubular bags are made of plastic that is approved for storing food.

7. Packaging according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that The tubular bag fits flat inside the container.

8. Packaging according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that The bottom of the container is concave on the inside and flat on the outside.

9. Packaging according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that It also includes dosage assist devices.

10. The packaging according to claim 9, characterized in that The dosage aid is a spoon.

11. The package according to claim 10, characterized in that The spoon is reversibly arranged on the underside of the closure cap.

12. A method for producing a packaged food, comprising or consisting of the following steps: (i) providing a bag-in-box package according to claim 1; (ii) aseptically filling the food into the packaged tubular bag; as well as (iii) Closing the package by fitting a lid.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The food is in powder form.

14. Use of the package according to claim 1 for packaging food in powder form.

15. The use according to claim 14, characterized in that The food is milk powder.