Barrier film for packaging materials, and packaging materials

JP2025519843A5Pending Publication Date: 2026-05-28STORA ENSO OYJ
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
STORA ENSO OYJ
Filing Date
2023-06-19
Publication Date
2026-05-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing packaging materials face challenges such as delamination under high humidity or moisture exposure, and environmental concerns due to metal leaching during composting, particularly when using PVOH as a pre-coating or adhesive layer.

Method used

A barrier film comprising a microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) layer coated with a primer layer of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and a thin diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating layer, which is attached to a paper or cardboard substrate via a PHA adhesive layer, enhancing barrier properties while being recyclable and retortable.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides improved barrier properties against moisture and gases, is recyclable and reusable, and avoids environmental issues associated with metal leaching, while being retortable for sterilization processes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A barrier film (1) for a packaging material based on paper or cardboard, said barrier film having a basis weight in the range of 20 to 100 g / m 2 and a density higher than 650 kg / m 3 and comprising an MFC layer (2). This barrier film further comprises a primer layer (3, 9) coated with a dispersion of PHA and having a coating weight of 0.5 to 12 g / m 2 , said primer layer (3, 9) being coated on at least one side of the MFC layer and containing a PHA type selected from the group consisting of PHB, PHBV, PHBH, P(3HB4HB), other copolymers of PHB, other homopolymers, such as PHO, PHH, P3HP, and combinations thereof; and a thin DLC coating layer (4) coated on the primer layer (3), said DLC coating layer having a thickness of 2 to 100 nm, preferably 2 to 50 nm, most preferably 2 to 30 nm.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a barrier film for a packaging material based on paper or paperboard, the barrier film comprising a microfibrillated cellulose layer (MFC layer) having a first side and a second side, the MFC layer having a basis weight in the range of 20 to 100 g / m 2 and preferably in the range of 20 to 50 g / m 2 and a density higher than 650 kg / m 3 .

[0002] The present invention also relates to a paper- or paperboard-based packaging material comprising a paper or paperboard substrate having a first side (so-called printing side) and a second side opposite the first side.

[0003] Background Art - Problems Packaging materials for food and liquids (including aseptic containers for ambient distribution, chilled distribution, or hot filled products) play an important role in protecting the packaged contents. The packaging should not only extend the shelf life of the packaged contents but also provide a laminate or packaging structure that allows for reuse and recycling.

[0004] Fiber-based materials are renewable resources and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based or plastic-based packaging. Fiber-based substrates (e.g., paper or paperboard) are typically extrusion-coated or coated with a dispersion and / or laminated with a thin polymer layer to provide barrier properties and other functions (e.g., sealing properties).

[0005] In more demanding applications, aluminum foil is used in the laminate, especially to provide barrier properties against aroma, light, and water vapor and gas.

[0006] In order to provide more sustainable solutions to the market, it is necessary to find solutions that do not use aluminum foil, but more sustainable laminate structures are also needed in terms of recycling, reuse, and / or compostability.

[0007] In one technical solution disclosed in the prior art, for the carrier substrate of the vacuum-evaporated organic or inorganic material, a solution based on paper (especially high-density paper grades, such as greaseproof paper or parchment paper) is proposed to be used.

[0008] These barrier papers are then laminated to cardboard using an adhesive layer. A typical structure is PE / cardboard / adhesive layer / barrier paper / metallization layer / PE. In some cases, the adhesive layer (PE) has been replaced by a water-soluble polymer layer (such as polysaccharides or polyvinyl alcohol). Another laminate structure is a barrier paper with, for example, a PVOH coating or a modified analogue or formulation thereof, before vacuum coating or metallization.

[0009] The problem is that when using PVOH as a pre-coating or adhesive layer, the risk of delamination may increase when exposed to high relative humidity or when moisture diffusion occurs, such as during sterilization that enables the solubilization of PVOH. Another problem is that when composting the aforementioned structure, metals from the metallization layer may leach into the soil, potentially causing serious environmental problems over time.

[0010] Object of the Invention The object of the present invention is to provide a barrier film having good barrier properties and being recyclable and reusable.

[0011] Another object is to provide a retortable barrier film and laminate with improved recyclability, especially recyclability before and after consumer use.

[0012] Yet another object is to provide a barrier film that solves or at least reduces the above problems.

[0013] Summary of the Invention The barrier film according to the present invention further comprises · a primer layer coated with a dispersion of PHA and coated on at least one side of the MFC layer, with a coating weight of 0.5 to 12 g / m 2 , preferably 1 to 8 g / m 2 and containing a PHA type selected from the group consisting of PHB, PHBV, PHBH, P(3HB4HB), other copolymers of PHB, other homopolymers, such as PHO, PHH, P3HP, and combinations thereof. · a thin DLC coating layer coated on the primer layer, with a thickness of 2 to 100 nm, preferably 2 to 50 nm, most preferably 2 to 30 nm. It is characterized by comprising the above.

[0014] The packaging material based on paper or cardboard further comprises · a PHA adhesive layer coated on the second side of the substrate, and · the aforementioned barrier film and is characterized in that the barrier film is attached to the substrate through the adhesive layer. the above.

[0015] Definition Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) shall refer to cellulose particles, fibers or fibrils having a width or diameter of 4 nm to 1000 nm in the context of this patent application.

[0016] There are various ways to produce MFC, an example of which is single-pass or multi-pass refining, pre-hydrolysis followed by refining, or high-shear degradation, or fibrillation release. Usually, one or more pretreatment steps are required to produce MFC energy-efficiently and sustainably. Therefore, the cellulose fibers of the pulp used in producing MFC can be natural or pretreated enzymatically or chemically (e.g., to reduce the amount of hemicellulose or lignin). The cellulose fibers can be chemically modified before fibrillation, where the cellulose molecules contain functional groups other than (or more than) those found in the original cellulose. Such groups include, among others, carboxymethyl (CM), aldehyde, and / or carboxyl groups (cellulose obtained by N-oxyl-mediated oxidation, e.g., "TEMPO"), or quaternary ammonium (cationic cellulose). After modification or oxidation by any of the above methods, it becomes easier to decompose the fibers into MFC.

[0017] A preferred grade that can be used is a refined cellulose fiber composition, and the refined cellulose fiber composition has a Schopper-Riegler (SR) value in the range of >80 as determined by ISO 5267-1, and the refined cellulose fiber composition has a fiber content with a length >0.2 mm of at least 12 million fibers per gram based on the dry weight.

[0018] MFC can be produced from lignocellulosic fibers, from either hardwood or softwood fibers. MFC can also be made from microbial sources, agricultural fibers (e.g., wheat straw pulp, bamboo, bagasse), or other non-wood fiber sources. This can be made from pulp (including pulp from virgin fibers), such as mechanical pulp, chemical pulp, and / or thermomechanical pulp. MFC can also be made from waste paper or recycled substrates.

[0019] Thin barrier substrates made from cellulose (e.g., MFC or a barrier containing, for example, highly refined pulp) can be efficient barrier materials in packaging or various laminate structures.

[0020] Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) PHA or polyhydroxyalkanoate refers to a family of biopolyesters having various structures, which refers to a family of biopolyesters synthesized by a wide range of natural and genetically engineered bacteria and genetically engineered plant crops in the context of this patent application. PHA can be synthesized by 30% of the bacteria inhabiting the soil under a wide range of environmental conditions and media. The bacteria produce PHA by fermenting sugars or lipids for the purpose of storing carbon and energy. Examples of bacterial strains capable of producing PHA include Alcaligenes eutrophus, Alcaligenes latus, Azotobacter, Aeromonas, Comamonas, Pseudomonads, and other genetically engineered organisms, such as genetically engineered microorganisms, such as Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, and Escherichia coll. PHA is generally formed by the enzymatic polymerization of one or more monomer units inside living bacteria or plant cells. More than 100 monomers have been identified and incorporated into PHA polymers (including 3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid). PHA can be classified into homopolymers (such as the well-known polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)) or copolymers (such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)). Furthermore, depending on the size of the carbon chain, PHA is further classified into short-chain-length (SCL), medium-chain-length (MCL), or long-chain-length (LCL) PHA. Since PHA constitutes a wide family of biodegradable polymers, it exhibits highly versatile properties that can bring benefits to many different industrial applications (including, but not limited to, cosmetics, biomedicine, and packaging).

[0021] Hereinafter, the present invention will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. It should be noted that the drawings in FIGS. 1 to 6 are schematic views and not to scale.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

[0023] Barrier film Barrier film 1 for packaging materials based on paper or cardboard will be described in more detail below.

[0024] MFC layer Barrier film 1 comprises a microfibrillated cellulose layer 2 (MFC layer). The MFC layer 2 has a first side 2a and a second side 2b opposite to the first side 2a. The MFC layer 2 has a basis weight in the range of 20 - 100 g / m 2 in the range, preferably 20 - 50 g / m 2 in the range, and a density (determined by ISO 534) in the range of 650 - 1400 kg / m 3 in the range. The MFC of the MFC layer of the barrier film according to the present invention can be unmodified MFC or chemically modified MFC, or a mixture thereof. The MFC layer may further contain a filler. The MFC layer contains at least 50% MFC, for example 60 - 100% or 70 - 98% MFC, based on the total organic content (determined by the ignition residue of the cellulose material in accordance with ISO 1762:2015).

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, at least the first side 2a of the MFC layer 2 has a surface roughness (Parker Print Surf (PPS)) in the range of 0.5 to 5.5 μm, preferably in the range of 0.8 to 5 μm, as measured at a clamping pressure of 1.0 MPa in accordance with ISO 8791-4.

[0026] Preferably, the MFC layer 2 has a water absorbency (determined in accordance with Cobb 60, SCAN-P 12:64) that is 2 lower, preferably 2 lower, more preferably in the range of 10 to 40 g / m 2 and most preferably in the range of 15 to 35 g / m. 2

[0027] The air permeability resistance of the MFC layer 2, measured by Gurley-Hill (ISO 5636-5:2013), is higher than 5000 s / 100 ml, preferably higher than 20000 s / 100 ml, and most preferably 30,000 to 42,300 s / 100 ml. 42,300 s / 100 ml is the maximum value for the apparatus (Gurley-Hill).

[0028] The MFC also contains 0 to 50% of unpurified fibers or moderately purified fibers, and the hardwood or softwood fibers have a Schopper-Riegler (SR) value between 12 and 50, preferably between 20 and 45. This ratio can be important for ensuring mechanical strength during the dispersion coating of PHA (see below). Alternatively, the MFC layer may simply consist of highly purified cellulose, so-called coarse MFC grades (easier to dewater than conventional fine MFC grades). By combining this grade with a PHA coating, a surprisingly good barrier is obtained.

[0029] The MFC layer can be a self-supporting film made by papermaking techniques or a self-supporting film made using cast molding on a non-porous substrate.

[0030] ​One option is to deposit the MFC layer onto the fiber web (e.g., by the wet-on-wet principle), whereby an MFC layer is formed on the fiber-based substrate.

[0031] PHA primer layer The barrier film 1 further comprises at least one PHA dispersion coating primer layer 3, 9. FIG. 1 discloses a first embodiment of the barrier film, wherein the first side 2a of the MFC layer is coated by the first primer layer 3. FIG. 2 discloses a preferred second embodiment, and FIG. 3 discloses a preferred third embodiment of the barrier film 1, where the first side 2a of the MFC layer 2 is coated by the first primer layer 3 and the second side 2b of the MFC layer 2 is coated by the second primer layer 9. The primer layers 3, 9 have a coating weight of 0.5-12 g / m 2 , preferably 1-8 g / m 2 and are.

[0032] The PHA dispersion-coated MFC layer is also preferably pinhole-free.

[0033] Preferably, the dispersion-coated MFC layer, i.e., the MFC layer and the dispersion-coated PHA primer coating, is measured in accordance with EN standard 13676:2001 and has less than 10 pinholes / m 2 , preferably less than 8 pinholes / m 2 , more preferably less than 2 pinholes / m 2 and are.

[0034] The primer layers 3, 9 include PHA types selected from the group consisting of PHB, PHBV, PHBH, P(3HB4HB), other copolymers of PHB, other homopolymers (e.g., PHO, PHH, P3HP), and combinations thereof.

[0035] The PHA primer layers 3 and 9 are thermally stable, i.e., they have a relatively high melting point (Tm). The melting point (Tm) is in the range of 50 to 180 °C, preferably 60 to 150 °C, and most preferably 100 to 140 °C, measured in accordance with ISO 11357 3:2018.

[0036] Furthermore, the copolymer of PHB contains 0 to 40 mol%, preferably 2 to 30 mol%, more preferably 5 to 25 mol% of a specific functional group (e.g., valerate, hexanoate), or the backbone changes for flexibility (e.g., alternating 3HB and 4HB). In contrast, homopolymers other than PHB are essentially flexible.

[0037] The PHA dispersion layers 3 and 9 contain a stabilizer (e.g., PVOH, EVOH, PVAc, cellulose derivatives, polysaccharides), a filler (e.g., clay, calcium carbonate, talc, kaolinite, montmorillonite, bentonite, silica, chitin, titanium dioxide, nanoclay, nanocellulose, or a mixture thereof), and a nucleating agent (e.g., talc, mica, boron nitride, crystalline nanocellulose, sodium benzoate, calcium carbonate, silica, ionomer, clay, diacetal, titanium dioxide, dibenzylidene sorbitol, benzophenone, diacetal benzoate, lithium benzoate, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, thymine, sodium organic phosphate).

[0038] The PHA dispersion layers 3 and 9 may also contain the following: · Surfactants: cationic, anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants, such as polysorbate, aromatic polyethylene oxide, sorbitan derivatives, block copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide), poly(glycol ether), alkyl sulfate, alkyl phosphate, stearate, saponin. · Antifoaming agents: polyether siloxane, silicone, stearate, glycol, vegetable oil. · Plasticizers: glycerol, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, ethylene glycol, fatty acids, monosaccharides, urea, vegetable oils.

[0039] The solid content of the PHA dispersion is > 20% by weight, preferably > 35% by weight, and most preferably 45 - 60% by weight.

[0040] In accordance with the TAPPI test method T 701 pm - 01, the water retention value of the dispersion is 150 g / m 2 less, preferably 140 g / m 2 less, and most preferably 20 - 130 g / m 2 is.

[0041] The PHA content in the primer layers 3, 9 is at least 40%.

[0042] The primer layers 3, 9 can contain up to 40% by weight of pigments / fillers, which results in a greater impact, i.e., a better blocking effect on UV transmittance and light transmittance.

[0043] After the first PHA primer layer 3 is coated on the first side 2a of the MFC layer 2, the first side 2a has a surface roughness (Parker Print Surf: PPS) in the range of 0.5 - 4 μm as measured at a clamping pressure of 1.0 MPa in accordance with ISO 8791 4.

[0044] The primer layers 3, 9 also provide a barrier effect, and surprisingly, especially the KIT value is improved. The primer layer also reduces the migration of MOAH / MOSH, making it possible to use recycled fibers in the cardboard.

[0045] The primer layers 3, 9 may be coated once, twice, or three times. After each coating layer, the primer layers 3, 9 are dried. The surface temperature of the substrate during drying reaches a maximum temperature exceeding 80°C, preferably exceeding 85°C, and most preferably exceeding 88°C. The moisture content of the substrate after drying is less than 6% by weight, preferably 1 - 5% by weight.

[0046] The PHA purity (before addition of additives) is >98% by weight, preferably >99% by weight, and most preferably >99.8% by weight (usually, the impurities are fragments of bacterial cell walls, and the fragments may contain proteins).

[0047] The PTS recyclability of the barrier film is high, and when manufactured in accordance with the PTS repulping standard RH 021 - 97, the reject rate is less than 20%.

[0048] The surface energy of the PHA primer layers 3, 9, when applied (and dried) to the MFC layer 2, is 30 - 70 mN / m, preferably 35 - 70 mN / m, and most preferably 40 - 65 mN / m in accordance with ISO 19403 - 2.

[0049] DLC (diamond - like carbon) coating layer DLC defines a class of amorphous carbon materials (diamond - like carbon) that exhibit some of the typical properties of diamond. Hydrocarbon gases (such as acetylene or methane) are preferably used as process gases in the plasma for manufacturing a coating (i.e., DLC) of an amorphous hydrogenated carbon barrier layer applied by a PECVD vacuum process. The DLC coating applied by PECVD under vacuum provides good adhesion to adjacent polymers or adhesive layers in the laminated packaging material. Particularly good adhesion to adjacent polymer layers is obtained with thermoplastic plastics, such as polyesters (which may include PHA - based polymers or copolymers) or polyolefins.

[0050] The barrier substrate 1 further comprises a thin DLC coating layer 4 coated on the first primer layer 3. The DLC coating layer (4) has a thickness of 2 to 100 nm, preferably 2 to 50 nm, and most preferably 2 to 30 nm.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the outer surface of the first PHA primer coating layer 3 can be treated by corona, plasma or flame before the DLC coating layer 4. By the above-mentioned treatment, the primer coating is further pre-activated, so that the barrier performance of the whole structure is better.

[0052] The advantage of the DLC coating is that it does not contain metal, so it is possible to put the laminate structure into a microwave oven.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a vacuum deposition layer may be provided before or after the DLC coating layer 4. The vacuum deposited layer is a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, silicon, copper, aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, silicon oxide, and combinations thereof, such as a silicon oxide coating, an aluminum oxide coating, or a combination thereof, preferably including aluminum oxide.

[0054] PHA protective layer FIG. 3 discloses a preferred third embodiment of the barrier film, in which the DLC coating layer 4 is protected by a PHA protective layer 8. The protective layer has a coating weight of 0.5 to 20 g / m 2 is.

[0055] The PHA type in the protective layer 8 is selected from the group consisting of PHB, PHBV, PHBH, P(3HB4HB), and combinations thereof.

[0056] The protective layer has a melting point (Tm) in the range of 100 to 180 °C, preferably 120 to 170 °C, and most preferably 130 to 160 °C.

[0057] The content of PHA in the protective layer 8 is at least 70%.

[0058] The protective layer 8 can be applied in one or several steps by any of extrusion coating, lamination or dispersion coating.

[0059] The barrier film 1 has an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of < 10 mL / m 2 / day, preferably < 5 mL / m 2 / day, most preferably < 2 mL / m 2 / day at 23 °C and RH 50% in accordance with ASTM F1927-20.

[0060] The barrier film 1 has an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of < 30 mL / m 2 / day, preferably < 20 mL / m 2 / day, most preferably < 10 mL / m 2 / day at 38 °C and RH 90% in accordance with ASTM F1927-20.

[0061] The barrier film 1 has a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of < 5 g / m 2 / day, preferably < 2 g / m 2 / day, most preferably < 1 g / m 2 / day at 23 °C and RH 50% in accordance with ASTM F1249-20.

[0062] The barrier film 1 has a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of < 20 g / m 2 / day, preferably < 15 g / m 2 / day, most preferably < 10 g / m 2 / day at 38 °C and RH 90% in accordance with ASTM F1249-20.

[0063] Packaging material The present invention also relates to a packaging material 5 comprising a substrate 6 of paper or cardboard and the barrier film 1 according to the invention.

[0064] First embodiment Figure 4 discloses a first embodiment of the packaging material 5.

[0065] The packaging material 5 comprises a substrate 6 based on paper or cardboard. The substrate 6 has a first side 6a (so-called printing surface) and a second side 6b opposite to the first side 6a. On the second side 6b of the substrate 6, a PHA adhesive layer 7 is deposited.

[0066] The packaging material further comprises a barrier film 1, and only the first side 2a of the MFC layer 2 is coated with a primer layer 3.

[0067] The barrier film 1 is attached to the substrate 6 via the adhesive layer 7. In addition, the adhesive layer 7 can also protect the DLC coating layer 4. By the adhesive layer, the surface of the barrier film 1 and the substrate 6 are activated, and hydrogen / covalent bond / van der Waals bond is formed between these layers.

[0068] Figure 4 discloses a preferred embodiment in which the second side 2a of the MFC layer 2 faces the substrate 6.

[0069] Preferably, the second side 2b of the MFC layer 2 is sealed by an inner liquid barrier layer 10, and preferably, the first side 6a of the substrate 6 is sealed by an outer decorative layer 11. These layers 10, 11 can be either single-layer or multi-layer. For example, each of the layers 10, 11 can be two co-extruded PHA layers.

[0070] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the second side 2b of the MFC layer 2 faces the substrate 6.

[0071] Second Embodiment Figure 5 discloses a second embodiment of the packaging material 5.

[0072] The packaging material comprises a substrate 6 based on paper or cardboard. The substrate 6 has a first side 6a (so-called printing side) and a second side 6b opposite to the first side 6a. A PHA adhesive layer 7 is deposited on the second side 6b of the substrate 6.

[0073] The packaging material further comprises a barrier film 1 according to the present invention, wherein the first side 2a of the MFC layer 2 is coated with a first primer layer 3, and the second side 2b of the MFC layer 2 is coated with a second primer layer 9.

[0074] The barrier film 1 is attached to the substrate 6 via the adhesive layer 7. In addition, the adhesive layer 7 can also protect the DLC coating layer 4.

[0075] FIG. 5 discloses a preferred embodiment in which the second side 2a of the MFC layer 2 faces the substrate 6.

[0076] The second primer layer 9 is preferably sealed by an inner liquid barrier layer 10, and the first side 6a of the substrate 6 is preferably sealed by an outer decorative layer 11. These layers 10, 11 can be either single-layer or multi-layer. For example, each of the layers 10, 11 can be two co-extruded PHA layers.

[0077] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the second side 2b of the MFC layer 2 faces the substrate 6.

[0078] Third Embodiment FIG. 6 discloses a third embodiment of the packaging material 5.

[0079] The packaging material comprises a substrate 6 based on paper or cardboard. The substrate 6 has a first side 6a (so-called printing side) and a second side 6b opposite to the first side 6a. A PHA adhesive layer 7 is deposited on the second side 6b of the substrate 6.

[0080] The packaging material further comprises a barrier film 1, with the first side 2a of the MFC layer 2 being coated by a first primer layer 3 and the second side 2b of the MFC layer 2 being coated by a second primer layer 9. The first primer layer 3 is coated by a DLC coating layer 4.

[0081] The barrier film 1 is attached to the second side 6b of the substrate 6 via an adhesive layer 7. Additionally, the adhesive layer 7 can also protect the DLC coating layer 4.

[0082] Figure 6 discloses a preferred embodiment where the second side 2a of the MFC layer 2 faces the substrate 6.

[0083] The second side 2b of the MFC layer 2 is preferably sealed by an inner liquid barrier layer 10, and the first side 6a of the substrate 6 is preferably sealed by an outer decorative layer 11. These layers 10, 11 can be either single-layer or multi-layer. For example, each of the layers 10, 11 can be two co-extruded PHA layers.

[0084] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the second side 2b of the MFC layer 2 faces the substrate 6.

[0085] A major advantage of the barrier film according to the present invention is that it is retortable as compared to a barrier film using a water-soluble bonding layer.

[0086] Another advantage of the present invention is that waste paper from the primer-coated MFC layer, i.e., the MFC layer 2 and the PHA dispersion coating layers 3, 9, can be decomposed when making a new MFC layer 2 and reused in an amount of 0 to 60% by weight. Such an MFC layer 2 can optionally contain 0 to 50% by weight of uncoated waste paper (without PHA dispersion primer), 0 to 50% by weight of coated waste paper (with PHA dispersion primer), 0 to 50% by weight of unrefined or moderately refined pulp, and >50% by weight of MFC or highly refined pulp.

[0087] Example 1 of the finished furnish composition: Uncoated broke: 10% by weight, Coated broke: 10% by weight, Pulp (refined to SR25 Shopper - Regler): 10% by weight, MFC pulp (refined to SR92): 70% by weight.

[0088] Example 2 of the finished furnish composition: Uncoated broke: 15% by weight, Pulp (refined to SR25): 5% by weight, MFC pulp (refined to SR92): 80% by weight.

[0089] According to the present invention, there is disclosed a packaging material designed for aseptic packaging and also designed, for example, to extend the shelf life by heat - treating at a high temperature using steam as a heat medium. Examples of such heat - treatment for extending the shelf life include pasteurization following hot filling, or retort and steam autoclave treatments.

[0090] The treatment is usually carried out at a temperature higher than 80°C. By the heat - treatment, both the package and the packaged contents (such as food) can be sterilized.

[0091] The heat - treatment can be carried out under overpressure and at a temperature exceeding 100°C (for example, a temperature exceeding 110°C or 121°C, for example, 121 - 140°C).

[0092] For retort or autoclave processing, as an alternative heat treatment method for such sterilization, there is the so-called "hot fill by pasteurization" process (wherein, furthermore, food that has been partially sterilized by preheating is aseptically filled), and the filled and sealed package is kept at a high temperature (for example, a temperature of 80 to 100 °C) for a long heat treatment. To maintain the package at a high temperature, the package is transported through a thermal sterilization tunnel, which is divided into several treatment zones, and these treatment zones include a warm-up zone, a heat treatment zone, and a cooling zone. In the warm-up zone and the heat treatment zone, the package can be treated with dry heat, i.e., hot air without steam, or with steam and / or water sprayed or flowed over the package. Cooling is usually performed by flowing cooling water over the package. Most commonly, the pasteurization temperature of the hot fill is adjusted (warmed up and cooled down) with water.

[0093] As described above, the present invention has been described based on several specific embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other embodiments and variations are possible within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A barrier film (1) for a paper or cardboard-based packaging material, the barrier film comprising a microfibrillated cellulose layer (MFC layer) (2) having a first side (2a) and a second side (2b), wherein the MFC layer has a basis weight of 20 to 100 g / m². 2 The range is preferably 20 to 50 g / m². 2 It is within the range and has a density of 650 kg / m³ 3 In a higher barrier film (1), The barrier film (1) - PHA is coated with a dispersion and coated on at least one side of the MFC layer, with a coating weight of 0.5 to 12 g / m². 2 Preferably 1 to 8 g / m 2 A primer layer (3,9) comprising a PHA type selected from the group consisting of PHB, PHBV, PHBH, P(3HB4HB), other copolymers of PHB, other homopolymers, such as PHO, PHH, P3HP, and combinations thereof, A thin DLC coating layer (4) coated on a primer layer (3), the DLC coating layer having a thickness of 2 to 100 nm, preferably 2 to 50 nm, most preferably 2 to 30 nm, Furthermore, A barrier film (1) characterized by the following features.

2. The barrier film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first side (2a) of the MFC layer (2) is coated with a first PHA primer layer (3).

3. The barrier film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first side (2a) of the MFC layer (2) is coated with a first PHA primer layer (3), and the second side of the MFC layer (2) is coated with a second PHA primer layer (9).

4. A barrier film (1) is applied on top of the DLC coating layer (4) with a coating weight of 0.5 to 20 g / m². 2 The barrier film (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a PHA coating protective layer (8), wherein the PHA type is selected from the group consisting of PHB, PHBV, PHBH, P (3HB4HB), and combinations thereof.

5. The barrier film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the MFC layer (2) has a surface roughness (Parkerprintsurf: PPS) on at least one side in the range of 0.5 to 6 μm at a clamping pressure of 1.0 MPa in accordance with ISO 8791-4.

6. The barrier film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the PHA primer layer (3,9) has a melting point (Tm) measured in accordance with ISO 11357 3:2018 in the range of 50 to 180°C, preferably in the range of 60 to 150°C, and most preferably in the range of 100 to 140°C.

7. The barrier film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the solid content of PHA in the dispersion is >20% by weight, preferably >35% by weight, and most preferably 45-60% by weight.

8. The barrier film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the PHA content in the primer layer (2) is at least 40%.

9. The MFC layer has a water absorption rate of 60 g / m² (determined according to COBB 60 and SCAN-P 12:64). 2 A lower barrier film (1) according to claim 1.

10. In accordance with ASTM F1927-20, at 23 °C and RH 50%, the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) is < 10 mL / m 2 / day, preferably < 5 mL / m 2 / day, most preferably < 2 mL / m 2 / day, the barrier film (1) according to claim 1.

11. In accordance with ASTM F1927-20, at 38°C and RH 90%, the oxygen permeability (OTR) is <30 mL / m². 2 / day, preferably <20 mL / m³ 2 / day, most preferably <10 mL / m³ 2 The barrier film (1) according to claim 1, which is / day.

12. In accordance with ASTM F-1249-20, the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) is <5 g / m² at 23°C and 50% RH. 2 / day, preferably <2 g / m 2 / day, most preferably <1 g / m 2 The barrier film (1) according to claim 1, which is / day.

13. In accordance with ASTM F-1249-20, the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) is <20 g / m² at 38°C and 90% RH. 2 / day, preferably <15 g / m 2 / day, most preferably <10 g / m 2 The barrier film (1) according to claim 1, which is / day.

14. A paper or cardboard-based packaging material (5) comprises a paper or cardboard substrate (6) having a first side (6a) (a so-called printing surface) and a second side (6b) facing the opposite direction from the first side (6a), The packaging material is - A PHA adhesive layer (7) coated on the second side (6b) of the substrate (6), and - The barrier film (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 A packaging material (5) based on paper or cardboard, further comprising a barrier film (1) attached to a substrate (6) via an adhesive layer (7).

15. A paper or cardboard-based packaging material (5) according to claim 14, wherein the first side (2a) of the MFC layer (2) faces the paper or cardboard substrate (6).

16. The second side (2b) of the MFC layer (2) faces the paper or cardboard substrate (6). A packaging material (5) based on paper or cardboard, as described in claim 14.