Bag-in-box packaging and method of producing a packaged food product

Abstract

Bag-in-box packaging, preferably for packaging milk powders, comprising or consisting of: a sealable container, a closure cap for the container and a fillable tubular bag, wherein the tubular bag is connected to the inside of the container and the bottom of the container is concave on the inside.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is in the field of packaging and relates to an improved bag-in-box packaging, in particular for the packaging of foodstuffs in powder form. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, powdered foods, such as powdered milk for infants, are offered in so-called "MyPacks" or "bag-in-box" packaging. This involves a tubular bag suspended in a container that can be sealed with a lid. However, the products currently on the market need to be improved from a sustainability perspective: the bags, which are loosely positioned in the container, are difficult to empty completely, which is also due to the flat bottom of the container. Furthermore, the materials used are often difficult or impossible to recycle, making separation into the different materials uneconomical, and the entire packaging ends up incinerated. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Bag-in-box packaging is well known in the art and is mainly used in larger containers for liquids (e.g. wine or juices).

[0004] EP 3554964 B1 (WESTROCK), for example, claims a bag-in-box package comprising an outer box, a foldable inner box arranged in an interior space of the outer box, and a tap connected to the inner bag. The outer box comprises a side wall, a tap access device formed in the side wall, and a removable top wall. The top wall comprises first and second overlapping top flaps. The first top flap is hingedly connected to a front side of the side wall along a first tear line. The second top flap is hingedly connected to a back side of the side wall along a second tear line. The back side of the side wall is arranged opposite the front side. The top wall is separable from the side wall along the first and second tear lines. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention was to provide a packaging, particularly for powdered foods, especially milk powders, that allows for easier, i.e., complete, removal. Furthermore, the packaging should be characterized by improved sustainability. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A first subject of the invention relates to a bag-in-box packaging comprising or consisting of: (i) a sealable container; (ii) a closure cap for the container; and (iii) a fillable tubular bag, where (a) the tubular bag is connected flatly to the inside of the container and (b) the bottom of the container is concave on the inside.

[0007] The invention solves all of the problems of the prior art mentioned above simultaneously: by bonding or sealing the tubular bag to the inside of the container, as well as by the concave design of the inside of the container base, removal is made significantly easier and no residue remains in the packaging. The use of recyclable materials, especially cardboard instead of plastic for the container, also facilitates the separation of the materials and their recyclability.

[0008] Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises packaging in which the container is made of a recyclable material, in particular cardboard.

[0009] 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 tab. It is preferably made of a recyclable plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The closure can therefore be designed so that it can be either removed or folded over.

[0010] The tubular bags have an opening through which the contents are added. Therefore, it is sensible to place the bags in the container so that the opening also points towards the container's opening. However, it is also possible to seal the tubular bags after filling, for example by welding. The bags are made of thin barrier films made of plastics approved for food storage. The tubular bags are preferably glued to the inside of the container. The bonding can be limited to the upper third of the container, but can also cover the entire surface. Common – even water-soluble – hot-melt adhesives or stickers are particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, the lid and bag are connected in such a way that the bag opens when the container is opened, for example by folding, and folds up again when it is closed.

[0012] The design of the container is uncritical, as is its volume, which can range from approximately 100 ml to approximately 2 L. Oval or round shapes with a diameter of approximately 10 to approximately 40 cm and a height of approximately 10 to approximately 40 cm are typical. While the inner base is concave to facilitate removal right up to the end, the outer base is preferably flat so that the container can be placed upright. After emptying, the container and bag can be easily disposed of separately.

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to the production of the packaging, in which a film is first inserted into a folding box, forming the container. Another film is welded / glued on top, and the container is then erected. The first and second films together form the bag. The second film is preferably perforated at the opening point to facilitate opening.

[0014] The container may further contain a dosing aid, in particular a spoon. The spoon can be attached to the outside of the container with an adhesive film. Preferably, however, it is arranged reversibly on the underside of the lid, for example, using a clamping device. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0015] Another object of the invention relates to a method for producing a packaged food, consisting of or comprising the following steps: (i) Providing a bag-in-box package as described above; (ii) sterile / aseptic filling of the food into the tubular bag of the package; and (iii) closing the package by fitting the cap.

[0016] After filling, it is also possible to seal the tubular bag, if necessary using a vacuum, for example by welding it, and only then put on the closure cap.

[0017] The foodstuffs are preferably powdered products, such as milk powder, which is used for feeding young children.

[0018] A further object of the invention relates to the use of the packaging mentioned at the outset for the packaging of foodstuffs in powder form, preferably milk powders.

Claims

1. Bag-in-box packaging comprising or consisting of: (i) a sealable container; (ii) a closure cap for the container; and (iii) a fillable tubular bag, wherein (a) the tubular bag is flatly connected to the inside of the container and (b) the bottom of the container is concave on the inside.

2. Packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that the container is made of a recyclable material.

3. 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 the cap is placed on the container.

5. Packaging according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cap is made of recyclable plastic.

6. Packaging according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatthe tubular bag is made of a plastic approved for food storage.

7. Packaging according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the tubular bag is glued flat to the inside of the container.

8. Packaging according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized 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, characterized in that it still contains a dosing aid.

10. Packaging according to claim 9, characterized in that the dosing aid is a spoon.

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

12. A method for producing a packaged food product, comprising or consisting of the following steps: (i) providing a bag-in-box package according to claim 1; (ii) sterilely filling the food product into the tubular bag of the package; and (iii) closing the package by fitting the closure cap.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the food is in powder form.

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

15. Use according to claim 14, characterized in that the food is milk powder.

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