Lidding membrane for aseptic packaging

Abstract

To provide a membrane lid structure for aseptic packaging which can be sterilized by high concentration hydrogen peroxide and heat.SOLUTION: A method for providing a film lid structure capable of withstanding aseptic processing, the method comprising providing a high density polyethylene (HDPE) film layer or a polypropylene (PP) film layer, laminating the HDPE film layer or the PP film layer to at least one base layer to form a lid, adhering the at least one base layer to a rim of a container to form a lidded container, and sterilizing the lidded container using high concentration hydrogen peroxide at an elevated temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference application This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63 / 068,451, filed Aug. 21, 2020. No. 60 / 699,999, filed on Oct. 1, 2003, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 699,999, filed on Oct. 1, 2003, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It is included.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a sterile pack that can be sterilized by high concentration hydrogen peroxide and heat. This relates to a membrane lid structure for caging. [Background technology]

[0003] The typical lid has historically been used for containers due to its heat resistance, which is very important during the sealing process. O-PET or OPET film It has been used as an external surface film. In many cases, OPET is used to display graphics, instructions, logos, etc. However, the reverse-printed OPET film is used to provide a lid with is used as the outer layer in the laminated structure, and the lid is highly concentrated (approximately 35%) at high temperatures. When subjected to a sterilization process utilizing hydrogen peroxide, the lid will delaminate internally. OPET has chemical resistance to withstand these conditions. Furthermore, such sterilization may result in ink stains and / or adhesives. This can cause the surface to soften, so that the printed ink is no longer reliably sealed within the laminate. This can result in distortion and delamination of the printed material, or other alterations. The present invention provides a 35% hydrogen peroxide sterilization process (or higher) at elevated temperatures. To provide a reverse printing covering material that can withstand high density. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors have found that high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) films , and have excellent chemical resistance to highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide solutions at elevated temperatures. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the HDPE film and and / or PP membranes prevent peroxide migration through the membrane and are suitable for lamination or forming processes. It is said to avoid any significant negative impact on the inks and adhesives used in the process. The HDPE film and / or PP film used in the reverse printed laminate structure of the present invention is a sterilization plate. Currently used PET structures or This allows the material to withstand the sterilization process much longer than the OPET structure. During this time, the sterilization mechanism can be paused (idling) without worrying about the lid material being negatively affected. The efficiency of the sterilization process can be improved by increasing the temperature. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention. Specific examples are provided as illustrations of the invention. In fact, any deviation from the scope or spirit of the present invention may occur. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used interchangeably with other embodiments. It can be used on the embodiments to provide further embodiments. The intention is to include all such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is intended to encompass variations.

[0006] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a multi-layered covering membrane. Flexible membrane material that can be formed into packages such as pouches, bags, stand-up pouches, etc. The covering membrane material or packaging material may be used to seal the container. It may be useful or may contain food products such as fresh fruit, and may also contain yogurt. dairy products such as tallow, sour cream, pharmaceutical products, personal care products, chemicals, detergents, The present invention is useful for forming a package for manufacturing any other product known in the art. In embodiments, the covering membrane material or packaging material may be a sterile container or pack. As used herein, "sterile" means that the container or package is "Germicidal" refers to the process by which packaging materials are sterilized in a hygienic environment. As used herein, this means that the result is a sterilized container or package. The container, package or packaging material is used to hold the product. The container may be sterilized before packaging, or in certain embodiments, after filling and sealing. If the sterile container or package contains a food product, the food product In an embodiment, the ultra-high temperature pack can be used to store the product at room temperature for a long period of time under normal non-refrigerated conditions. The food product can be subjected to a sterilization process.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the membrane may be placed over a molded or shaped container, a spiral wound container, or a similar container. a lid for sealing a container with a vessel, or any other vessel defining a cavity; The container of the present invention may be useful as a container having a bottom wall and a base or a portion extending upward from the bottom wall. The container may have a bottom and one or more side walls extending therefrom. Another side wall may define an interior cavity of the container. In an embodiment, the lid membrane of the present invention may terminate in a rim or flange. In an embodiment, the covering membrane is attached to the edge, rim or flange of the container. The flange may be removably bonded, resealably bonded, and If a flange is present, the membrane lid is attached to the top of the flange. It can be applied to a surface.

[0008] In embodiments, the membrane lid comprises a multi-layer structure. In certain embodiments, the first layer of the membrane structure , i.e., the outermost layer may comprise HDPE or PP. In an embodiment, HD The PE or PP layer is reverse printed via a reverse printing station, etc. HDPE layer Or to improve the adhesion of the ink to the inner surface of the PP layer, the relevant surface should be polished prior to printing. Suitable surface treatments and modifications include mechanical treatments (coatings, etc.). (e.g., fluororesin, plasma, and flame treatments) and / or primer treatments Surface treatments and modifications are known to those skilled in the art. The system can withstand the temperatures to which the trap print image will be exposed during lamination without loss of performance. Resistant to range, sterilization, heat sealing (during pouch manufacturing), packaging (pouch filling), dispersion, etc. It must be possible to do so.

[0009] In embodiments, one or more additional polyethylene-based film layers are present in the multilayer film structure. As used herein, "polyethylene-based" or The term "PE-based" refers to high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LPE), DPE), Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE), Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) ), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), very low density polyethylene polyethylene (VLDPE), polyethylene copolymers, chemically modified polyethylene, and / or any other PE-based membrane material. Any known polyethylene material may be utilized. In an embodiment, a PE-based material The compound has the chemical formula (C2H4) n This includes any material having

[0010] In embodiments, one or more paper-based layers and / or barrier layers may be added to the multilayer structure. In embodiments, one or more metal or metallized layers may be present. In embodiments, a foil layer may be present within the membrane structure. can.

[0011] Bonding the various membrane layers together using any adhesive or method known in the art In embodiments, the adhesive may include a high temperature resistant adhesive. In some embodiments, one or more of the layers may be coextruded with an adhesive. In this embodiment, the adhesive layer may be externally bonded, such as at a glue station, before being adhered to another layer. The reverse print section can be individually added to the underside of the HDPE or PP layer.

[0012] Additional materials that can be incorporated into the covering membrane include anti-blocking agents, slip agents, and anti-fog agents. Agents, fillers, pigments, dyes, antioxidants, stabilizers, processing aids, plasticizers, flame retardants, UV absorbers absorbents, etc.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the layers are, from outside to inside, HDPE layer / ink layer / adhesive. layer / foil layer / adhesive layer / non-oriented (cast) polypropylene layer. In an embodiment, the HDPE or PP layer is the outermost layer (relative to the interior of the container to be covered). The innermost layer may be unstretched polypropylene. do.

[0014] In an embodiment, the HDPE or PP layer can be printed on its outer surface, and An over-lacquer can be applied to the outside of the ink / HDPE layer or ink / PP layer. In an embodiment, the over-lacquer may be heat resistant and / or resistant to the membrane lid. In an embodiment, the overlacquer is electron beam curable. In an embodiment, these layers are, from the outside to the inside, an over-lacquer layer / inner layer. Foil layer / HDPE layer / adhesive layer / foil layer / adhesive layer / non-oriented polypropylene layer, or over - Lacquer layer / Ink layer / PP layer / Adhesive layer / Foil layer / Adhesive layer / Non-oriented polypropylene layer In an embodiment, the outer surface of the over-lacquer may include a coating that provides heat resistance to the material. It can be electron beam cured to achieve a

[0015] In an embodiment, the innermost layer may be heat sealed to the edge, rim or flange of the container. As used herein, the term "heat seal" refers to the bonding of two materials. Fusing refers to bringing materials into contact with each other, or at least into close proximity, and then Upon application of sufficient heat and, optionally, pressure to a predetermined area (or areas), The contacting surfaces of the materials in that area melt and intermingle, thereby When pressure is optionally removed from the predetermined area and the area is cooled, the predetermined area According to an embodiment of the present invention, a bond is formed between the two materials by heat sealing. Preferably, a hermetic seal or barrier to the outside atmosphere is formed.

[0016] Any HDPE or PP membrane having layers as disclosed herein may be constructed. Constructing a membrane lid according to the presently disclosed subject matter using a suitable method. Therefore, suitable methods are tubular unoriented coextrusion, tubular expanded coextrusion, flat Non-oriented extrusion, coextrusion, extrusion coating, lamination, slot die extrusion, and These techniques may include, but are not limited to, other such techniques well known in the art. In an embodiment, a blown film process is used. An HDPE film layer or a PP film layer can be formed. The PP film layer is machine direction oriented (MDO). In another embodiment, the HDPE or PP film layer can be processed by a non-stretch tentering process (ca It can be manufactured by the st tentered process.

[0017] The adhered membrane layer can be cut into the shape of a lid in certain embodiments. In embodiments, it can be added to the container and / or sealed to the container. In an embodiment, the occluding membrane (cut, The cut or uncut pieces are sterilized before being sealed in the container. In an embodiment, the container Portion control containers (e.g., puddings, sauces, yogurt) , etc.), and the covering membrane is provided with a "cut and stack" lid. In other embodiments, the covering membrane is trimmed in place after sealing to the portion control cup. It may also be a roll-fed lid.

[0018] The present invention can utilize any aseptic sterilization process known in the art. Commercially available aseptic equipment systems include tanks for hydrogen peroxide, dry Drying chamber, container / packaging section, and hydrogen peroxide supply and circulation It may also include units for controlling temperature, air pressure, etc. The covering membrane of the invention is sterilized with hydrogen peroxide set at a temperature between about 50°C and about 75°C. In certain embodiments, the hydrogen peroxide may have a temperature of about 65° C. In an embodiment, the present invention uses hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of approximately 35% or greater. In an embodiment, the present invention uses hydrogen peroxide at a concentration between approximately 20% and 50%. In embodiments, hydrogen peroxide may be used in a variety of applications, including liquid hydrogen peroxide immersion, atomized hydrogen peroxide, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, heated sprays, and the like. or hydrogen peroxide mist, or any other form of hydrogen peroxide, to sterilize. This can be done.

[0019] Thereafter, the covering membrane is dried using hot sterilized air at a temperature between about 60°C and about 80°C. The temperature and flow level of hydrogen peroxide can be adjusted to remove the hydrogen peroxide from the membrane. It can be controlled by steam to raise the temperature and can also be cooled by supplying water. can be done.

[0020] In embodiments, the membrane material is heated in a heated peroxide bath as described herein: Lasts for up to 6 hours, and in some cases, no distortion, ink smears, or layers It lasts for over 13 hours without delamination. In contrast, a typical PET film cap , heated in a peroxide bath for approximately 2 to 4 hours without distortion, smearing, or delamination. It cannot withstand time.

[0021] These inventions may be practiced with the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Many variations and modifications of the invention set forth herein will occur to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It is understood that various other embodiments may be envisioned. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and that variations and other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is intended to encompass all such variations. Although specific terms are used, they are intended to be inclusive and explanatory only and not limiting. It is only used in a general sense.

Claims

1. 1. A method for providing a membrane closure structure that can withstand sterilization, comprising: providing at least one high density polyethylene (HDPE) film layer; and attaching said at least one HDPE film layer to at least one base layer to form a lid. laminating; and adhering said at least one base layer to a rim of a container to form a closed container. and A process for sterilizing the capped container using high concentration hydrogen peroxide at elevated temperatures. Top and A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one HDPE film layer is reverse printed.

3. The at least one HDPE film layer has an outer surface to be printed, and an overlacquer The method of claim 1 , wherein the is applied adjacent to the printed material.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one base layer comprises unoriented polypropylene. 。

5. The film-lid structure comprises, in order, an HDPE layer, an ink layer, an adhesive layer, a foil layer, an adhesive layer, and a non-stretchable film. The method of claim 1 , further comprising a stretched polypropylene layer.

6. The at least one HDPE film is manufactured via a blown film process. The method of claim 1 .

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one HDPE film is machine direction oriented.

8. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one HDPE film is manufactured via a non-stretch tenter process.

1. The method according to claim 1.

9. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is between about 20% and about 50%.

10. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is at least 35%.

11. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the elevated temperature is between about 50°C and about 75°C.

12. 1. A method for providing a membrane closure structure that can withstand sterilization, comprising: providing at least one high density polyethylene (HDPE) film layer; laminating said HDPE film layer to at least one base layer to form a lid. and, Hydrogen peroxide at a concentration between about 20% and about 50% and at a temperature between about 50°C and about 75°C sterilizing the capped container using adhering the sterilized lid structure to the rim of the container to form a closed container. and A method comprising:

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one base layer is adhered to the rim of the container. How to do it.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one HDPE film layer is reverse printed.

15. The at least one HDPE film layer has an outer surface to be printed, and an overlacquer The method of claim 12, wherein the is applied adjacent to the printed material.

16. The membrane lid structure is made of, in order, HDPE, ink, adhesive, foil, adhesive and unstretched polypropylene. The method of claim 12 comprising pyrene.

17. The at least one HDPE film is manufactured via a blown film process. The method of claim 12.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one HDPE film is machine direction oriented.

19. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one HDPE film is manufactured via a non-stretch tenter process.

13. The method according to claim 12.

20. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is at least 35%.

21. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the temperature is about 65°C.

22. 1. A method for providing a membrane closure structure that can withstand sterilization, comprising: providing at least one polypropylene film layer; The at least one polypropylene film layer is then attached to at least one base to form a lid. laminating the material to a glass layer; and adhering said at least one base layer to a rim of a container to form a closed container. and A process for sterilizing the capped container using high concentration hydrogen peroxide at elevated temperatures. Top and A method comprising:

23. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the at least one polypropylene film layer is reverse printed. 。

24. The at least one polypropylene film layer has an outer surface to be printed, and an overlay 23. The method of claim 22, wherein a blacker is applied adjacent to the printed material.