FILME RECICLÁVEL PARA UMA BOLSA E CONJUNTO DE BOLSA

Abstract

A film for a pouch having a central layer, a first LLDPE tie layer, a second LLDPE tie layer, an outside HDPE layer, and inside HDPE layer and an inner LLDPE layer. The central layer is an ethylene EVOH, having an inside and an outside opposite the inside and a thickness. The first LLDPE tie layer is on the inside of the EVOH. The second LLDPE tie layer is on the outside of the EVOH. The at least one outside HDPE layer on an outside of the second LLDPE tie layer opposite the EVOH layer. The at least one inside HDPE layer on an inside of the first LLDPE tie layer opposite the EVOH layer. The inner LLDPE layer on an innermost of the at least one inside HDPE layer. The inside PE thickness being at least twice the outside PE thickness.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to packaging and, more particularly, to a recyclable film for a bag and a set of bags consisting of a recyclable film.

[0003] 2. State of the Art

[0004] The use of flexible packaging is well known in the state of the art. Among other types of packaging, a common type of packaging is a bag filled with a fluid material. These bags usually have a spout that is sealed between two layers that form the body of the bag. These bags may also be reinforced or may include a bottom reinforcement opposite the spout or space away from the spout.

[0005] These bags are typically made from polyethylene-based films. These films, based solely on polyethylene, generally do not exhibit adequate oxygen barrier properties. Thus, additional barrier layers are added, often formed from an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) material. Problematically, the inclusion of barrier layers can limit the recyclability of the overall bag or the films associated with the bag. On the other hand, if the amount of EVOH is minimized to a level where recyclability is possible, the resulting film often exhibits low oxygen permeability. Brief Description of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is directed to a film for a bag comprising a core layer, a first LLDPE bonding layer, a second LLDPE bonding layer, at least one outer HDPE layer, at least one inner HDPE layer and an inner LLDPE layer. The core layer comprises an EVOH, having an inner and an outer layer opposite the inner layer and a thickness. The first LLDPE bonding layer is inside the EVOH. The second LLDPE bonding layer is in the outer layer. Petition 870250083571, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 6 / 46 2 / 12 of the outer layer of EVOH. At least one outer HDPE layer is on the outside of the second LLDPE bonding layer opposite the EVOH layer. At least one inner HDPE layer is inside the first LLDPE bonding layer opposite the EVOH layer. The inner LLDPE layer is within a layer further inside at least one inner HDPE layer. The inner LLDPE layer, the first LLDPE bonding layer, and at least one inner HDPE layer define an inner PE thickness. The second LLDPE bonding layer and at least one outer HDPE layer define an outer PE thickness. The inner PE thickness is at least twice as thick as the outer PE thickness.

[0007] In some configurations, the central layer has a thickness between 5μm and 10μm, and the film defines a total thickness between 110μm and 115μm.

[0008] In some configurations, the outer and inner HDPE layers have a density greater than 0.94 g / cc.

[0009] In some configurations, the first and second layers of LLDPE have a density of less than 0.93 g / cc.

[0010] In some configurations, the inner LLDPE layer comprises the innermost layer of the film.

[0011] In some configurations, the inner LLDPE layer includes mPE.

[0012] In some configurations, the inner LLDPE layer comprises 53% LLDPE and 41% mPE.

[0013] In some configurations, the inner LLDPE layer also includes an antiblocking additive layer (“master-batch”) and a polymer processing aid (PPA) additive layer.

[0014] In some configurations, the thickness of the HDPE layers on the inside of the EVOH layer is greater than the thickness of the HDPE layers on the outside of the EVOH layer. Petition 870250083571, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 7 / 46 3 / 12

[0015] In some configurations, the EVOH layer comprises an EVOH layer with 29 mol% ethylene.

[0016] In some configurations, the film comprises a co-extrusion.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a pouch assembly comprising a pouch and a nozzle. The pouch has at least two opposing walls that are sealed together to form a cavity. The nozzle is sealed in at least one of the opposing walls. The nozzle provides entry into the cavity. The opposing walls are formed from the film shown above and below, with the inner LLDPE layer of one of the first opposing walls sealed to the inner LLDPE layer of the second opposing walls.

[0018] In some configurations, the nozzle is sealed on each of the opposite walls.

[0019] In some configurations, the bag assembly also includes a sealed reinforcement on each of the opposite walls. The reinforcement is formed from the film shown above and below, with the inner LLDPE layer of the reinforcement sealed to each of the inner LLDPE layers of the first of the opposite walls and the inner LLDPE layer of the second of the opposite walls.

[0020] In some configurations, each of at least two opposite walls defines a thickness. The thickness is between 110μm and 115μm, and more preferably, between 113μm and 114μm.

[0021] In some configurations, the EVOH layer comprises an EVOH with 29 mol% ethylene with a thickness between 5µm and 10µm. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a configuration of the film of the present invention, showing, in particular, the different layers thereof, although it is not shown to scale; Petition 870250083571, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 8 / 46 4 / 12

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a part of the bag assembly of the present invention with the film of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a lid of the bag assembly of the present invention used with the bag assembly of Figure 2;

[0026] Figure 4 is a graphical representation of the oxygen transmission rates of the various exemplary and comparative films, showing the results thereof. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0027] Although the present invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, one or more specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and described herein in detail, with the understanding that the present invention should be regarded as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment(s) illustrated.

[0028] It will be understood that similar or analogous elements and / or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by similar reference characters. Furthermore, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for pictorial clarity purposes.

[0029] Referring now to the drawings and, in particular, to Figure 1, the film for a pouch is generally shown in (100). The film is configured for use in forming a pouch assembly (10). This pouch assembly can be used to retain a fluid material such as baby and toddler food, oils, spices, sauces, hummus, puddings, syrups, milk drinks, nutritional and sports drinks, among others (including non-food products and foods). It will be understood that the invention is not limited to any specific type of fluid material.

[0030] The bag assembly (10) is shown in Figures 2 and 3 as comprising the bag (12), the nozzle (14) and the cap (16). The bag (12) generally comprises opposing walls (20, 22) and a reinforcing portion (24). The walls Petition 870250083571, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 9 / 46 5 / 12 opposite and the booster portion are coupled by means of seals, such as the seals (26) that form a cavity (25). The nozzle (14) is coupled to the bag (12) and includes the upper portion (30), the lower portion (32) and the guide channel (34) between them. The upper portion (30) is normally threaded. The lower portion (32) is coupled to the bag in a tight fluid coupling over a sealing portion (26), usually spaced from the booster portion (24). The cap (16) is configured to engage the threaded upper portion in the corresponding threads of the upper portion (30) of the nozzle (14).

[0031] The film (100) comprises a film that can be used to form the pouch (12) of the pouch assembly (10). Referring now to Figure 1, in one configuration, the film (100) comprises a multilayer extrusion formed, for example, from seven layers, namely, layers (110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 and 122). It will be understood that the outer portion of the pouch is defined by layer (110), with the inner portion of the pouch being defined by layer (122). The overall film is expected to be between 45 and 180μm and, more preferably, between 110μm and 115μm, and most preferably between 113μm and 114μm.

[0032] In the configuration shown, layer (110) comprises the outer layer in a formed pocket, such as pocket (12). Layer (110) comprises an HDPE layer, which may include other materials such as an antiblocking additive concentrate and a PPA additive concentrate. In one configuration, the layer comprises 98% HDPE, 1% antiblocking additive concentrate, and 1% PPA additive concentrate. The antiblocking additive concentrate may include 50% LDPE and 50% diatomaceous earth. The PPA additive concentrate may include 98% LLDPE and 2% fluoropolymer-based processing additive. These additives may be used for a multitude of different properties, and other additives are contemplated. Specific additives are used to improve the characteristics of blown film production. Petition 870250083571, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 10 / 46 6 / 12

[0033] Layer (112) comprises a 100% HDPE layer. In certain configurations, this layer may include a plurality of layers, each of which comprises HDPE material. Layer (114) comprises a 100% LLDPE bonding layer. Layer (116) comprises an EVOH material with 29 mol% ethylene and will be defined as the EVOH layer. The EVOH layer has an inner and outer portion. The outer portion faces the layers on one side of the EVOH layer (i.e., layers (110, 112, and 114)). The inner layer faces the layers on the opposite side of the EVOH material (i.e., layers (118, 120, and 122)). As the EVOH layer comprises the central layer, there are PE layers on both sides (one or more of LLDPE and HDPE). Preferably, the EVOH layer comprises a range of 5μm to 10μm, while a range between 3μm and 15μm is contemplated.

[0034] Layer (118) comprises a 100% LLDPE bonding layer. This layer may include the same material as layer (114). It is understood that the bonding layers improve the adhesion between the EVOH layer (116) and the HDPE layers on both sides.

[0035] Layer (120) comprises a 100% HDPE layer. This layer may be identical to or different from layer (112). Layer (122) comprises 53% LLDPE / 43% mPE / 5% antiblocking additive concentrate / 1% PPA additive concentrate. The antiblocking additive concentrate and the PPA additive concentrate may be similar to or identical to those set forth above in relation to layer (110). Layer (122) represents the inner surface of the bag (12) when formed and is therefore defined as the inner LLDPE layer.

[0036] In the configuration shown, HDPE has a density greater than 0.94 g / cc and preferably approximately 0.962 g / cc. This can be used for layers (112 and 120). LLDPE has a density less than 0.93 g / cc and preferably approximately 0.921 g / cc. This can be used for each of the layers (114, 118 and 122). mPE has a density less than 0.92 Petition 870250083571, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 11 / 46 7 / 12 g / cc and preferably approximately 0.911 g / cc. The thickness of the EVOH layer is preferably between 3 µm and 15 µm. Furthermore, the EVOH layer may contain between 26 mol% and 48 mol% ethylene. The EVOH layer has a density of 1.21 g / cc.

[0037] In the production of the film, it is considered that the thickness of the PE layers (including the layers that are formed partially or completely from LLDPE and HDPE) inside the EVOH (116) layer (i.e., layers (118, 120 and 122)) are at least twice as thick as those outside the EVOH (116) layer (i.e., layers (110, 112 and 114)). In turn, the water vapor transmission rate WVTR inside the EVOH is lower than in the outer portion. Furthermore, there is a greater thickness of HDPE in layer (120) compared to layers (110 and 112), i.e., a greater thickness of HDPE inside the EVOH (116) layer compared to the outer portion of the EVOH (116) layer. Thus, for both the thickness of the PE layer(s) and the thickness of the HDPE, both are greater in the interior of the EVOH layer (116) compared to the outer portion of the EVOH layer (118).

[0038] Two different examples were formed of films with the configuration according to the present invention, as set forth above. Each of the formulations was formed in a nine-layer coextruder. In such a configuration, the HDPE layer (112) was split into two separate HDPE layers (112a, 112b). Similarly, the HDPE layer (120) was split into two separate HDPE layers (120a, 120b).

[0039] First Example of a Test Film

[0040] A first example of a test film was formed with the configuration generally shown in Figure 1, where each layer has a thickness in micrometers (µm), as set out below, as well as the composition shown below and described above. Petition 870250083571, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 12 / 46 8 / 12 LAYER THICKNESS MATERIAL 110 exterior 12 98% HDPE / 1% antiblocking additive concentrate / 1% PPA additive concentrate 112a 7 100% HDPE 112b 7 100% HDPE 114 5 100% LLDPE bonding 116 10 100% EVOH with 29mol% ethylene 118 5 100% LLDPE bonding 120a 15 100% HDPE 120b 20 100% HDPE 122 interior 32 53% LLDPE / 41% mPE / 5% antiblocking additive concentrate / 1% PPA additive concentrate

[0041] Second Example of a Test Film

[0042] A second example of a test film was formed with the configuration generally shown in Figure 1, where each layer has a thickness in micrometers (µm), as set out below, as well as the composition shown below and described above. LAYER THICKNESS MATERIAL 110 exterior 13 98% HDPE / 1% antiblocking additive concentrate / 1% PPA additive concentrate 112a 8 100% HDPE 112b 8 100% HDPE 114 5 100% LLDPE bonding 116 5 100% EVOH with 29mol% ethylene Petition 870250083571, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 13 / 46 9 / 12 118 5 100% LLDPE bonding 120a 16 100% HDPE 120b 22 100% HDPE 122 internal 32 53% LLDPE / 41% mPE / 5% antiblocking additive concentrate / 1% PPA additive concentrate

[0043] In addition to the two examples of test films, two more comparative examples were made with formulations that had similar amounts of PE on both sides of the EVOH layer and that had no more HDPE on the inside of the EVOH layer compared to the outside of the EVOH layer.

[0044] First Comparative Test Film

[0045] The first comparative test film was formed with a configuration analogous to the first example test film in total thickness and EVOH layer thickness (116) (5 µm). LAYER THICKNESS MATERIAL 110 exterior 21 98% HDPE / 1% antiblocking additive concentrate / 1% PPA additive concentrate 112a 14 100% HDPE 112b 14 100% HDPE 114 5 100% LLDPE bonding 116 5 100% EVOH with 29mol% ethylene 118 5 100% LLDPE bonding 120a 11 100% HDPE 120b 19 59% LLDPE / 41% mPE Petition 870250083571, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 14 / 46 10 / 12 122 internal 19 53% LLDPE / 41% mPE / 5% anti-block additive concentrate / 1% PPA additive concentrate

[0046] Second Film Comparative Test

[0047] The second comparative test film was formed with a configuration analogous to the second example test film in total thickness (within 1um) and EVOH layer thickness (116) (10 µm). LAYER THICKNESS MATERIAL 110 exterior 21 98% HDPE / 1% antiblocking additive concentrate / 1% PPA additive concentrate 112a 14 100% HDPE 112b 14 100% HDPE 114 5 100% LLDPE bonding 116 10 100% EVOH with 29mol% ethylene 118 5 100% LLDPE bonding 120a 12 100% HDPE 120b 16 59% LLDPE / 41% mPE 122 interior 16 53% LLDPE / 41% mPE / 5% antiblocking additive concentrate / 1% PPA additive concentrate

[0048] Samples were created and tested for oxygen transmission rates. In particular, a pouch was formed from each of the above sample test films and comparative test films. The test conditions are as follows: Petition 870250083571, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 15 / 46 11 / 12 Test conditions %RI 1 Vehicle gas (nitrogen) - inside: 90%RH Test gas (oxygen) - outside: 50% Machine temperature: 23°C

[0049] The oxygen transmission rate was checked monthly for at least a 5-month period and, for some films, 12 months.

[0050] The graph below shows the oxygen transmission rate for each month of storage, as well as the average of the pockets formed from each of the comparative films at cc 100% O2 / m2 / day. Storage time (months) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Average First example of test film 0.45 0.70 0.55 0.57 0.61 0.73 0.60 First comparative test film 1.23 1.12 1.05 1.32 1.30 1.26 1.49 1.66 1.75 1.67 0.93 1.56 1.59 1.38 Second example of test film 0.37 0.41 0.56 0.40 0.38 0.38 0.36 0.41 0.17 0.49 0.43 0.40 Second comparative test film 0.91 0.72 1.15 1.49 1.37 1.48 1.04 1.13 0.87 0.86 0.91 1.08 1.00 1.08

[0051] As can be seen in the graph above, the second example test film performed substantially better than the second comparative test film, despite having substantially the same thickness and having substantially the same EVOH layer thickness (116). In fact, the oxygen transmission rate of the second example test film is less than 38% of that of the second comparative test film.

[0052] Similarly, the first example test film performed substantially better than the first comparative test film, despite having substantially the same thickness and having substantially the same EVOH layer thickness (116). In fact, the Petition 870250083571, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 16 / 46 The oxygen transmission rate of the first example test film (12 / 12) is less than 43% of that of the first comparative test film.

[0053] A graph showing the results presented above is shown in Figure 4.

[0054] The above description only explains and illustrates the invention and is not limited to it, except to the extent that the appended claims are so limited, since those skilled in the art who have the invention before them may make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. RECYCLABLE FILM, for a bag, characterized in that it comprises: - a central layer consisting of an ethylene EVOH, with an inner and an outer layer opposite the inner layer and a thickness; - a first LLDPE bonding layer inside the EVOH and a second LLDPE bonding layer on the outer portion of the EVOH; - at least one outer HDPE layer on the outer portion of the second LLDPE bonding layer opposite the EVOH layer;and - at least one inner layer of HDPE over the interior of the first LLDPE bonding layer opposite the EVOH layer, - an inner layer of LLDPE within a further inner layer of at least one inner layer of HDPE - wherein the inner LLDPE layer, the first LLDPE bonding layer and at least one inner HDPE layer define an inner PE thickness and wherein the second LLDPE layer and at least one outer HDPE layer define an outer PE thickness, with the inner PE thickness being at least twice the thickness of the outer PE thickness.

2. RECYCLABLE FILM, for a bag according to claim 1, characterized in that the central layer has a thickness between 5μm and 10μm, and in that the film defines a total thickness between 110μm and 115μm.

3. RECYCLABLE FILM, for a bag according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer and inner HDPE layers have a density greater than 0.94 g / cc.

4. RECYCLABLE FILM, for a bag according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second layers of LLDPE have a density of less than 0.93 g / cc. Petition 870250083571, dated 17 / 09 / 2025, page 18 / 46 2 / 3 5. RECYCLABLE FILM, for a bag according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner LLDPE layer comprises the innermost layer of the film.

6. RECYCLABLE FILM, for a bag according to claim 5, characterized in that the inner layer of LLDPE includes mPE.

7. RECYCLABLE FILM, for a bag according to claim 6, characterized in that the inner layer of LLDPE comprises 53% LLDPE and 41% mPE.

8. RECYCLABLE FILM, for a bag according to claim 7, characterized in that the inner layer of LLDPE further includes antiblocking additive concentrate and PPA additive concentrate.

9. RECYCLABLE FILM, for a bag according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness of the HDPE layers inside the EVOH layer is greater than the thickness of the HDPE layers in the outer portion of the EVOH layer.

10. RECYCLABLE FILM, for a bag according to claim 1, characterized in that the EVOH layer comprises an EVOH layer with 29 mol% ethylene.

11. RECYCLABLE FILM, for a bag according to claim 1, characterized in that the film comprises a co-extrusion.

12. BAG ASSEMBLY, characterized by the suit comprising: - a bag with at least two opposing walls that are sealed together to form a cavity; - a nozzle sealed to at least one of the opposing walls, the nozzle allowing entry into the cavity, Petition 870250083571, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, p. 19 / 46 3 / 3 - wherein the opposing walls are formed from the film according to claim 1, with the inner LLDPE layer of one of the first opposing walls sealed to the inner LLDPE layer of the second of the opposing walls.

13. BAG ASSEMBLY, according to claim 12, characterized in that the nozzle is sealed on each of the opposite walls.

14. BAG ASSEMBLY, according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises a reinforcement sealed in each of the opposite walls, the reinforcement formed from the film according to claim 1, with the inner LLDPE layer of the reinforcement sealed in each of the inner LLDPE layers of the first of the opposite walls and the inner LLDPE layer of the second of the opposite walls.

15. BAG ASSEMBLY, according to claim 12, characterized in that each of the at least two opposite walls defines a thickness, with the thickness between 110μm and 115μm, and more preferably, between 113μm and 114μm.

16. BAG ASSEMBLY, according to claim 15, characterized in that the EVOH layer comprises an EVOH with 29 mol% ethylene with a thickness between 5µm and 10µm.

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