Method for producing packaging from recyclable material
By using a flat sheet made of recyclable paper material, employing folding and heat-sealing technology, and applying dry adhesive at key points to achieve airtight packaging, the sealing and recycling challenges of paper-based packaging materials are solved, reducing production costs and improving recycling efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA
- Filing Date
- 2021-09-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing paper-based packaging materials are difficult to seal airtight and recycle, resulting in high production costs and significant uncertainties in modifying existing equipment.
The flat sheet made of recyclable paper material is folded and heat-sealed to form a tubular package, and a small amount of glue is applied to key points for sealing. The dry glue melts during heat sealing to achieve an airtight packaging, which is suitable for retrofitting existing equipment.
This paper-based packaging achieves airtight sealing, reduces production costs, improves recycling efficiency, and is suitable for retrofitting existing equipment.
Smart Images
Figure CN116194374B_ABST
Abstract
Description
1. Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a method for producing packaging, which involves providing a flat sheet, folding the flat sheet into a tube, filling the tube with a substance, and heat-sealing sections of the tube to encapsulate the substance within the packaging. The invention also relates to a package for encapsulating the substance and a machine for producing the package. 2. Background Technology
[0002] Typically, most single-serving and multi-serving packages, such as those for coffee beans, are made of plastic materials due to their beneficial properties. These materials offer advantages such as durability, flexibility, low weight, long shelf life, and preservation of the flavor of the packaged product. Furthermore, packaging can be manufactured efficiently and reliably from such materials. Unfortunately, reusing and recycling these packaging materials presents challenges.
[0003] Therefore, several approaches have been adopted to replace these established materials with alternative materials that facilitate and simplify the recycling of packaging after its use. For example, paper-based materials have been proposed as alternative packaging materials because they are easier to recycle than plastic materials.
[0004] However, a drawback of such alternative materials is that they do not possess the same or very different material properties as established materials such as plastics or aluminum. For example, packaging made from alternative materials typically has a limited shelf life because they do not provide the same oxygen and moisture barriers as aluminum or plastics. Furthermore, different production methods are required because alternative materials also differ from known materials in terms of the material properties associated with forming and sealing the packaging.
[0005] For example, stick-shaped or pouch-shaped packaging can be provided from predetermined materials, ensuring that the contents within the packaging are airtight. This reduces the risk of biodegradation caused by bacterial contamination, oxidation, or moisture. In contrast, providing stick-shaped or pouch-shaped packaging made of paper materials does not allow for reliable and consistent sealing.
[0006] Specifically, the bending stiffness and resistance to deformation of paper materials hinder reliable sealing of packaging in certain areas, such as where more than two layers of paper materials join or where seal lines intersect. Furthermore, the paper material must be relatively thick to provide sufficient tear strength compared to the bending radius and dimensions associated with the joint section of the packaging. Therefore, after a joining attempt, the different layers easily spring back to their original positions or peel off directly. This results in gaps, holes, or voids within the designated seal line, making it impossible to provide an airtight seal with paper-based materials. This is particularly disadvantageous for packaging intended for food or pharmaceutical products.
[0007] As a possible solution to overcome this problem, adding more sealant or adhesive to the paper material before or during sealing is considered. However, this is not an option because the paper material can only be recycled with a limited amount of adhesive or sealant. Therefore, it is clear that this method cannot overcome the existing problems of the current materials. As an alternative solution, specialized packaging production machinery is considered, which requires specialized equipment to establish high bonding forces that need to be applied over a long period of time. However, this leads to increased production and manufacturing costs due to the new design of the entirely new production machinery, and its success is uncertain.
[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing packaging from recyclable paper material that airtightly seals the packaging, which is fully recyclable, and facilitates the use of existing machinery with simple or minor modifications to produce said packaging.
[0009] These and other objectives, which become apparent upon reading the description, will be addressed by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention. 3. Summary of the Invention
[0010] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing packaging for encapsulating substances. The method includes the step of providing a flat sheet made of recyclable paper material, the flat sheet having two opposing side edge sections.
[0011] The term "flat" can be understood as a part of paper, for example, it can be thin relative to its length and can have at least one flat surface.
[0012] The term "recyclable" can be understood as, for example, material that can be completely reused for new products or purposes after mechanical or chemical treatment using industrial or natural methods. For example, the paper material used in this invention can be collected after use and can be mixed with water and chemicals to decompose it. It is heated and decomposed into cellulose bundles. Plastic coatings and inks can be removed, for example, by filtration, provided they do not exceed a certain amount. Specifically, for successful recycling of the paper material, the amount of plastic coating on the recycled material or the amount of polymer content in the recyclable material can be only up to about 20% of its total weight, preferably up to about 15%, more preferably up to about 10%, and most preferably up to about 5%.
[0013] The flat plate is formed into a tube by folding it, such that the two side edge sections at least partially overlap each other at the overlapping section. The tube is heat-sealed along the overlapping section to form a longitudinal sealing joint / joint. Additionally, the tube is heat-sealed across the longitudinal sealing joint to close the tube at the first tube end with a first transverse sealing joint. The tube is filled with the material to be packaged.
[0014] The term "substance" can be understood as, for example, any type of article (solid, liquid, at least partially soluble and / or permeable) that may have a specific or defined chemical composition. Examples of substances can be cosmetics, medical products, or food products such as cereals, roasted coffee powder, instant coffee, coffee blends, creamer, tea, chocolate, or dairy products, or dehydrated edible substances.
[0015] The tube is heat-sealed across the longitudinal sealing joint to close it with a second transverse sealing joint at the second tube end opposite the first tube end to the material to be packaged, thereby forming a package encapsulating the material. A first amount of adhesive is applied to the plate at the first three-point section. At the first three-point section, the longitudinal sealing joint and the first transverse sealing joint intersect. A second amount of adhesive is applied to the plate at the second three-point section. At the second three-point section, the longitudinal sealing joint and the second transverse sealing joint intersect. The adhesive seals the corresponding three-point sections when heat-sealing the corresponding tube ends to form the corresponding transverse sealing joint.
[0016] The term "glue" can be understood as, for example, any substance that can be applied to the surface of parts in which a (structural / permanent / temporary) bond is to be established.
[0017] In other words, the present invention provides a method for facilitating the production of packaging that not only (airtightly) seals, wraps, or covers the material to be packaged, but also allows for easy and efficient recycling after use.
[0018] Therefore, the method specifies providing a portion of the paper-based material that is uniformly thin compared to its length, this portion having two opposing side edge segments. The side edge segments can be understood as, for example, any portion of a flat plate extending from one of the opposing side edges toward the other. The method also provides folding the flat plate into a tube such that the two side edge segments at least partially overlap. Thus, the two side edge segments can be arranged in a folded state such that they extend toward each other, each covering a portion of the tube, which may be the overlapping segment. It is also conceivable that, in the folded state, one side edge segment may protrude / overhang the other. Therefore, while not excluded, it is not required that the two side edges be arranged flush with each other. In the overlapping segment, the side edge segment may face each other with the same side of the flat plate. Preferably, the overlapping segment can be formed such that it protrudes from the packaging. Preferably, the overlapping segment can be formed such that the two side edge segments or the overlapping segment are positioned on the outside of the packaging.
[0019] The tube is then longitudinally sealed by heat sealing. Therefore, in this example, the sealing direction may include at least one component corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the tube. During heat sealing, heat and pressure can be applied to affect the material on the surface to be sealed. Both ends of the tube are heat-sealed across the longitudinal sealing joint using transverse sealing joints. The transverse sealing joints may extend obliquely or wrapped relative to the longitudinal sealing joint, such that a transverse sealing joint is not required (although not excluded) to be orthogonal to the longitudinal sealing joint. Therefore, the material filled into the packaging can be encapsulated / wrapped / encased from all sides. Of course, there is no limitation on the number of transverse and longitudinal sealing joints, or the number of three-point sections. A certain amount, such as (defined) quantity, mass, or volume of adhesive, is placed (distributed / spread) onto the three-point sections, where the longitudinal sealing joints and corresponding transverse sealing joints intersect each other.
[0020] Therefore, adhesive can be applied directly and only where additional adhesive or sealant is required to achieve reliable sealing and closure of the packaging. This makes it possible to overcome problems associated with adhesive failure, where the adhesive itself does not establish a sufficiently strong bond with the substrate. Thus, with this targeted and precise adhesive application, the amount of adhesive on the packaging can be kept at a very low level so that it can still be recycled. Furthermore, this method can be applied to a wide range of different packaging applications and material combinations almost independently of the details of packaging design. Therefore, the method of the present invention overcomes the aforementioned problems of the prior art.
[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, a corresponding amount of adhesive can be applied before the step of forming the tube from the flat plate. Preferably, the first amount of adhesive and / or the second amount of adhesive can be applied as adhesive spots.
[0022] Therefore, the adhesive can be applied and metered precisely and accurately. Furthermore, it ensures that the adhesive maintains its dosage shape and intended position, thus avoiding problems caused by applying the adhesive incorrectly. This improves sealing accuracy and reliability.
[0023] According to another preferred embodiment, the adhesive can be a structural adhesive that can be cured by methods such as solvent evaporation, reaction with UV radiation, chemical reaction, or temperature adjustment. Alternatively, the adhesive can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive to form a bond by applying a certain amount of pressure to bond the adhesive to the surfaces to be joined. For example, the adhesive can be configured to change from a flowable liquid to a dry solid. The physical state of the adhesive can depend on temperature and / or pressure. For example, the adhesive can melt at a temperature between 50°C and 220°C, preferably between 90°C and 180°C. For example, the adhesive can be a hot melt adhesive.
[0024] Preferably, the adhesive can be dry before the step of forming the plate into the tube, or at least before the step of heat-sealing the tube to form the longitudinal sealing joint. The dried adhesive can be reactivated in the corresponding heat-sealing step by melting the adhesive, making it flowable and sealing the corresponding three-point section after drying. Preferably, the adhesive can seal the corresponding three-point section, such that the longitudinal sealing joint, the first transverse sealing joint, and the second transverse sealing joint form an airtight seal of the package. The expression "airtight seal" can be understood as, for example, an impermeable seal.
[0025] The term "dry" can be understood as, for example, the adhesive having changed from a liquid and / or flowable state to a hardened state. Preferably, in the hardened state, at least the outer contour of the adhesive can be solid. Alternatively or otherwise, in the hardened state, the adhesive may have been fully cured. Preferably, the adhesive may be able to bond only or more in the liquid state. However, this is merely an example. The term "flowable" can be understood as, for example, the property of a viscous liquid or paste to move or diffuse freely without being strongly restricted or constrained by intermolecular forces. Furthermore, the term "reactivation" can be understood, for example, changing the adhesive's ability to form new bonds from a state where it cannot form new bonds to a state where the adhesive can form new (intermolecular / surface) bonds.
[0026] Therefore, the method of sealing the packaging at the three key points can be improved because the adhesive can remelt when the desired sealing position is reached. Furthermore, the packaging production method can be improved because the adhesive can be applied in liquid form from a glue gun and then dried, making subsequent process steps unaffected by wet adhesive, which could be detrimental, for example, when folding a flat panel. Therefore, existing equipment of the present invention can be used and modified from the prior art to produce the packaging of the present invention, thus keeping production costs low.
[0027] Preferably, the adhesive can be a recyclable, combustible, biodegradable, and / or compostable material. The term "biodegradable material" can be understood as any material that can be broken down into environmentally harmless products by biological processes (such as microorganisms, e.g., bacteria, fungi, or algae). Examples of suitable adhesive substances include polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), waxes, polyolefins (PO), and / or acrylic components. For example, the adhesive can be a PO-based or acrylic-based hot melt adhesive or glue.
[0028] Therefore, the packaging can be recycled and composted after use. Furthermore, using this type of packaging can reduce the ecological impact of single-use packaging.
[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the flat panel material may include a laminated and / or multilayer structure having a sealant layer and a base layer made of paper material. The adhesive may be applied (directly) to the sealant layer. The flat panel may have various (layer) configurations, forms, and shapes.
[0030] The term "laminated / layered structure" can be understood as, for example, a structure comprising different parts arranged in the form of sheets, strips, layers, or tiers. A flat plate with any number of layers can be provided, each layer providing a desired function, such as, for example, a layer for sealing, another layer for forming a (moisture / oxygen) barrier, and / or for providing a sealant or adhesive (such as, for example, the sealant layer).
[0031] Therefore, the material properties of the flat panel can be customized according to the needs of the corresponding application. Furthermore, the production methods for packaging can be improved, as packaging can be produced using modified existing and available production equipment.
[0032] According to another preferred embodiment, the step of providing the flat sheet may include unrolling longitudinally sheet material from a paper roll. Preferably, the step of providing the flat sheet may further include longitudinally cutting the sheet material into individual flat sheets, each flat sheet having the two opposing side edge segments. Multiple packages may be formed in series. Adjacent packages may share a transverse sealing joint, which forms the first transverse sealing joint of one of the packages and the second transverse sealing joint of the adjacent package. Alternatively or additionally, the first amount of adhesive of one of the two adjacent packages is provided together with the second amount of adhesive of its adjacent package. Preferably, the step of heat-sealing the tube to form the second transverse sealing joint may be followed by the step of separating the package. Preferably, separation may be accomplished by a transverse cutting step. Alternatively, the step of heat-sealing the tube to form the second transverse sealing joint may be followed by the step of weakening the connecting segment, which is preferably a shared transverse sealing joint, to form a tear line.
[0033] Therefore, it can improve the productivity and quality of packaging.
[0034] Another aspect of the invention relates to a package made of a flat sheet having two opposing side edge sections and made of recyclable paper material. The package encapsulating material.
[0035] The term "encapsulation" can be understood as, for example, surrounding, covering, wrapping, and / or enclosing something, such as a substance, preferably in a sealed manner.
[0036] The package includes a longitudinal sealing joint along an overlapping section where two opposing side edge sections overlap each other when the plate is folded to form a tube. The package also includes a first transverse sealing joint extending across the longitudinal sealing joint to close the tube at a first tube end. The package further includes a second transverse sealing joint extending across the longitudinal sealing joint to close the tube at a second tube end opposite the first tube end to the encapsulated material. The package includes a first amount of adhesive sealing a first three-point section where the longitudinal and first transverse sealing joints intersect, and a second amount of adhesive sealing a second three-point section where the longitudinal and second transverse sealing joints intersect.
[0037] Therefore, a packaging solution can be provided that not only seals the material to be packaged, but also allows for easy and efficient recycling after use.
[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the flat plate may include a multilayer structure comprising a sealant layer and a base layer made of paper material. Preferably, the sealant layer may be disposed on at least one of two opposing side surfaces of the flat plate. Alternatively or otherwise, the sealant layer may be configured as a coating or laminate that acts as a sealant during heat sealing.
[0039] Therefore, since layers can provide different functions, such as sealing properties or waterproofing, the material properties of the packaging can be customized according to the needs of the corresponding application.
[0040] Preferably, the base layer can have a thickness of at least 50 micrometers (microns = micrometres), preferably at least 60 micrometers. Preferably, the thickness of the base layer can be up to 120 micrometers. For example, the base layer can have a thickness between at least 50 micrometers and (at most) 120 micrometers. Alternatively or otherwise, the sealant layer can have a thickness of 5 to 10 micrometers, preferably 6 to 8 micrometers.
[0041] Therefore, stable packaging can be provided, offering sufficient tear resistance while minimizing the amount of sealant. Specifically, a paper-based material with a relatively thin sealant layer (compared to paper-based materials) can be provided. Thus, the physical properties and quality of the packaging can be improved using the above configuration.
[0042] According to another preferred embodiment, the packaging can be a single-serving package such as a stick package, or a multi-serving package such as a stand-up pouch, pillow-shaped package, or corner-supported pouch. Preferably, in the overlapping section, the side edge section can face each other on the same side of the flat plate. Preferably, the overlapping section can be formed such that it protrudes from the packaging, or the two side edge sections or the overlapping section are positioned on the outside of the packaging. Preferably, the packaging can be configured to be airtight as the sealed food product containing the substance.
[0043] Therefore, the manufacturing method of packaging can be improved because the filling and sealing processes can be completed almost instantaneously. Consequently, it is possible to achieve a lower exposure time of the material to the surrounding environment, and therefore, filled packaging with this configuration can provide an extended product shelf life.
[0044] Naturally, the packaging may include all the aforementioned features or characteristics of the method according to the first aspect of the invention. For the sake of brevity, explicit repetition of these features is omitted here.
[0045] Another aspect of the invention relates to a machine for producing packaging for encapsulating substances as described in the above description.
[0046] The machine includes a feeding system for supplying a flat sheet made of recyclable paper material and having two opposing side edge sections. The machine also includes a folding section for folding the supplied flat sheet such that the two opposing side edge sections overlap at an overlapping section to form the flat sheet into a tube. The machine includes a first heat-sealing section for heat-sealing the tube along the overlapping section to form a longitudinal sealing joint. Additionally, the machine includes a second heat-sealing section that heat-seales the tube across the longitudinal sealing joint to close the tube at a first tube end with a first transverse sealing joint. Furthermore, the machine includes a filling section for filling the tube with a substance to be packaged. Finally, the machine includes a third heat-sealing section that heat-seales the tube across the longitudinal sealing joint to close the tube at a second tube end opposite the first tube end to the substance to be packaged with a second transverse sealing joint, thereby forming a package encapsulating the substance.
[0047] The machine is characterized by further including an adhesive application section. This adhesive application section is adapted (and / or configured) to apply a first amount of adhesive to the plate at a first three-point section where the longitudinal sealing joint and the first transverse sealing joint intersect, such that the adhesive seals the first three-point section to form the first transverse sealing joint when the tube is heat-sealed at a second heat-sealing section. The adhesive application section is further adapted (and / or configured) to apply a second amount of adhesive to the plate at a second three-point section where the longitudinal sealing joint and the second transverse sealing joint intersect, such that the adhesive seals the second three-point section to form the second transverse sealing joint when the tube is heat-sealed at a third heat-sealing section. Preferably, the second heat-sealing section and the third heat-sealing section may be identical or integral.
[0048] Therefore, a machine for producing packaging can be provided that not only (airtightly) seals the material to be packaged, but also allows for easy and efficient recycling after use. Specifically, the machine is capable of supplying such a reduced amount of adhesive to the starting material, allowing the sealant / adhesive content to be maintained at a level that promotes the recycling of the produced packaging. The application of the adhesive in the machine is carried out in such a manner that it allows the adhesive to be applied only where additional sealant / adhesive is required during heat sealing.
[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the adhesive application section can be arranged in the machine such that the adhesive is dry before reaching the folded section and any of the first to third heat-sealing sections. Preferably, the machine can be configured to perform any or all of the above-described steps of the method of the first aspect of the invention.
[0050] Therefore, adhesive can be applied in a way that allows it to maintain its intended shape without interfering with subsequent production steps performed by the machine. This configuration thus facilitates a simpler and more cost-effective production process.
[0051] According to another preferred embodiment, the feeding system may include a roll feeding system for unwinding longitudinally oriented sheet material from a paper roll to supply the sheet. Furthermore, the machine may preferably include a cutting section for separating multiple packages formed in series. Preferably, the third heat-sealing section may be configured to preferably convey the sheet from the feeding system to the cutting section by gripping and pulling the end of the second tube.
[0052] Therefore, packaging can be produced at high speed and in a fully automated manner, without the excessive costs of reconfiguring or retrofitting existing machines according to the machine configuration of the present invention. 4. Description of the attached drawings
[0053] Further features, advantages, and objects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0054] Even if numbers are omitted from the diagram for clarity, the corresponding features may still exist in the diagram.
[0055] Figure 1 A schematic front view and a side view of the method used in the present invention and the flat plate used in the packaging of the present invention are shown.
[0056] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Schematic front and side views of the flat plate folded into a tube configuration.
[0057] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Enlarged schematic side view of the cut at the end of the tube.
[0058] Figure 4 This shows the process during heat sealing. Figure 2 A schematic side view of the tube.
[0059] Figure 5 A schematic front view, rear view, and side view of the packaging according to the present invention are shown.
[0060] Figure 6 A machine for producing packaging according to the present invention is shown.
[0061] Figure 7 It shows the use of Figure 5 The packaging Figure 6 A detailed view of the geometry and ratios of the flat plate used in the machine. 5. Detailed Implementation
[0062] The accompanying drawings illustrate different views and aspects of the invention. For example, Figures 1 to 4 Some steps of a method for producing the packaging 200 according to the invention are shown. Figure 5 Various aspects of the packaging 200 according to the present invention are shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Various aspects of a machine 600 for producing packaging 200 according to the present invention are illustrated by way of example.
[0063] A method for producing a package 200 for encapsulating material 500 includes the step of providing a sheet 100 made of recyclable paper material and having two opposing side edge segments 101, 102. The side edge segments 101, 102 may extend respectively from a corresponding side edge of the sheet 100 toward the opposing side edge segments 101, 102. The two side edge segments 101, 102 may together form a complete side surface of the sheet 100. Preferably, the sheet 100 may also have two opposing side surfaces 111, 112. The sheet 100 may have any shape or form. For example, the sheet may have a (substantially) square or rectangular form, such as... Figure 1 This is an example shown. However, it is not a complete list.
[0064] Typically, for example, a sheet material may comprise paper (e.g., (specifically or at least primarily) made of cellulose fibers, such as cellulose fibers derived from wood, grass, and / or bamboo) and additional (arbitrary) components that may or may not be recyclable or biodegradable. The amount of these additional components, which may be, for example, a plastic coating or other polymeric contents, will be limited to at most about 20% of the total weight of the sheet material, preferably at most about 15%, more preferably at most about 10%, and most preferably at most about 5% (to make the sheet material still recyclable). While the additional components may be provided as layers or laminates on the paper material, it is also conceivable that the additional components may be mixed or blended into the paper material itself. However, these are merely examples and do not represent an exhaustive list.
[0065] The sheet material may include a laminated and / or multilayer structure. The sheet 100 (or sheet material) may include a base layer and a sealant layer (not shown). It is also conceivable that the sheet material may include an additional layer, which may or may not be a recyclable, biodegradable, and / or compostable material. Preferably, the base layer may be made of paper material.
[0066] The basis weight of the base layer can be 40 g / m 2 and 120g / m 2 Between, preferably between 50g / m 2 and 80g / m 2 Between. As an abbreviation for units of weight, the expression "gsm" can be used, meaning "grams per square meter". Examples of suitable recyclable paper materials can be machine-coated paper or metallized paper. For example, machine-coated paper can be uncoated paper, and one side can have a smooth surface while the opposite side can have a rough surface. Metallized paper can be paper coated with a layer of metal (such as aluminum), whereby the coating is preferably applied by lamination or vacuum metallization.
[0067] The sealant layer can have a thickness of 5 to 10 micrometers, preferably 6 to 8 micrometers. Examples of materials to be used as the sealant layer can be polyolefin dispersions or acrylic coatings. The basis weight of the sealant layer can be 1 g / m³. 2 and 15g / m 2 Between, preferably between 4g / m 2 and 10g / m 2 The sealant layer can be configured to melt by applying a temperature in the range of 150°C to 220°C onto the plate 100. Alternatively or additionally, the sealant layer can have its physical state or bonding properties altered under pressure or by exposure to (UV) radiation. Preferably, the sealant layer can be disposed on at least one of the two opposing side surfaces 111, 112 of the plate 100. The sealant layer can be a coating that acts as a sealant during the heat-sealing process.
[0068] Preferably, the plate 100 can be provided by unfolding longitudinal plate material. For example, the plate 100 can be unfolded from a paper roll 611 arranged in the machine 600. Alternatively or otherwise, the plate 100 can be configured such that a wide longitudinal plate material can be unfolded and longitudinally cut (e.g., by a circular cutter) into individual plates 100, such that the separated plates 100 each have two opposing side edge segments 101, 102. Figure 6 and Figure 7 This situation is illustrated in the example below.
[0069] The plate 100 is formed into a tube 120 by folding the plate 100 such that the two side edge segments 101, 102 at least partially overlap each other at the overlapping segment 123. In the overlapping segment 123, the side edge segments 101, 102 can face each other with the same side of the plate 100. Therefore, the two side edge segments 101, 102 can be folded such that they abut against each other with the same side of the plate 100. This... Figures 2 to 4 As exemplarily shown, two side edge sections 101, 102 face each other with a first side surface 111. The tube 120 is heat-sealed along the overlapping section 123 to form a longitudinal sealing joint 130. Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is illustrated by example. Preferably, the tube 120 may have a first tube end 121 and a second tube end 122, and preferably, the longitudinal sealing joint 130 may extend at least partially, preferably completely, between the two tube ends. Figure 2 and Figure 5 This is illustrated by example.
[0070] The (sealed) overlapping section 123 can be formed such that it protrudes from the package 200, preferably in a sealed state. The (sealed) overlapping section 123 can also be formed such that it protrudes from the package 200, or such that the two side edge sections 101, 102 or the overlapping section 123 are positioned on the outside of the package 200. Figure 2 and Figure 5 This is illustrated by example.
[0071] The pipe 120 is heat-sealed across the longitudinal sealing joint 130 to close the pipe 120 at the first pipe end 121 with the first transverse sealing joint 141 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 5 (As shown).
[0072] To achieve this, a second heat-sealing section 642 may be provided, which may include two heat-sealing jaws 645, 646 arranged opposite to each other. Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment for the second heat-sealing section 642 is shown. Two heat-sealing jaws 645, 646 are capable of moving relative to each other (linearly and / or rotatably). The heat-sealing jaws 645, 646 can move between processing states, wherein the tube 120 can be pressed between the two heat-sealing jaws 645, 646 to apply a binding force (e.g., between 500 N and 1500 N), pressure (e.g., between 2 bar and 10 bar), and / or heat (temperature between 150°C and 220°C) to the tube 120 for a period of time (e.g., between 0.1 seconds and 10 seconds). The heat-sealing jaws 645, 646 can move to a release state, wherein the tube 120 is capable of moving between the two heat-sealing jaws 645, 646 (releasing from the two heat-sealing jaws). Figure 4 The image exemplarily depicts a first transverse sealing joint 141, thereby exemplarily showing heat-sealing jaws 645, 646 in a processing state. It is conceivable that either of the heat-sealing jaws 645, 646 may be movable, or only one of the heat-sealing jaws 645, 646 may be movable.
[0073] Similarly, tube 120 is heat-sealed across longitudinal sealing joint 130 to close tube 120 with a second transverse sealing joint 142 at a second tube end 122 opposite to the first tube end 121 relative to the material 500 to be packaged. This is not explicitly shown in the figures. However, the second transverse sealing joint 142 can be provided in a similar (or (exactly) the same manner) as... Figure 4 As exemplarily shown in the example. A third heat-sealing section 643 may be provided, which may have a similar or identical configuration to the aforementioned second heat-sealing section 642 (e.g., as illustrated in the example). Figure 4(As shown). However, it is also conceivable that the same device is used for heat-sealing the first transverse sealing joint 141 and the second transverse sealing joint 142. Therefore, the second heat-sealing section 642 and the third heat-sealing section 643 can be the same / identical device. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the second heat-sealing section 642 can be integral with the third heat-sealing section 643. This is in Figure 4 The diagram exemplarily illustrates that the third heat-sealing section 643 is indicated by a dashed line via an arrow, as the third heat-sealing section 643 can be concealed behind the second heat-sealing section 642 (when viewed from the side). Furthermore, it is conceivable that one of the heat-sealing jaws 645, 646 can form the second heat-sealing section 642, while the corresponding other heat-sealing jaw of the two heat-sealing jaws 645, 646 can form the third heat-sealing section 643. However, these are merely examples, and different configurations are possible.
[0074] By providing a second transverse sealing joint 142, the package 200 is formed such that it encapsulates the packaged substance 500.
[0075] It is also conceivable that the longitudinal sealing joint 130 can be sealed to the pipe 120 during the heat sealing step, preferably to the first transverse sealing joint 141 or the second transverse sealing joint 142, so that it is fixed to the pipe. Figure 3 Such possible configurations can be exemplified.
[0076] At some point in the process, tube 120 is filled with substance 500 to be packaged. Substance 500 may be a food product or a pharmaceutical product.
[0077] The method also includes the step of applying a first amount of adhesive 301 to the plate 100 at the first three-point section 151. At the first three-point section 151, the longitudinal sealing joint 130 and the first transverse sealing joint 141 intersect. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 This situation is illustrated exemplarily in the example.
[0078] The method also includes the step of applying a second amount of adhesive 302 to the plate 100 at the second tri-point section 152. At the second tri-point section 152, the longitudinal sealing joint 130 and the second transverse sealing joint 142 intersect. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 This situation is illustrated exemplarily in the example.
[0079] The first amount of adhesive 301 and / or the second amount of adhesive 302 can be applied as spots of adhesive 300. Figures 1 to 6This situation is illustrated by example. Preferably, any of adhesives 300-302 can be applied to the sealant layer. For example, in Figures 1 to 7 In this process, a sealant layer may be disposed on a first side surface 111 of the flat plate 100, which may form the inner surface of the tube 120 after the folding step. In the following description, the term "adhesive" may include each of adhesives 300 to 302.
[0080] When the adhesive 300-302 is used to heat-seal the corresponding pipe ends 121 and 122, it seals the corresponding three-point sections 151 and 152 to form the corresponding transverse sealing joints 141 and 142. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This situation is illustrated in the example below.
[0081] It is also conceivable that an appropriate amount of adhesive 300-302 may be applied before the step of forming the flat plate 100 into the tube 120. Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 This situation is illustrated in the text.
[0082] Preferably, adhesive 300-302 can be dried before the step of forming the plate 100 into the tube 120 or before the step of heat-sealing the tube 120 to form the longitudinal sealing joint 130. Therefore, adhesive 300-302 can change from a dried solid state to a flowable liquid state. This change in the physical state of adhesive 300-302 can be activated by changing the temperature and / or pressure around it. The (dried) adhesive 300-302 can be (configured) to be reactivated in the corresponding heat-sealing step by melting the adhesive 300-302, making it flowable, and sealing the corresponding three-point sections 151, 152 after drying. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This situation is illustrated in the example below.
[0083] For example, Figure 3 An exemplary illustration shows that before heat-sealing the first transverse sealing joint 141, the tube 120 is mechanically pressed at the first tube end 121 (e.g., by two heat-sealing jaws 645, 646 / between the two heat-sealing jaws). In this configuration, adhesive 301 may have been applied to the first surface 111 inside the tube 120, and the adhesive 301 may be (as a spot) (directly) located below the longitudinal sealing joint 130 and may be in a dry state. Figure 3 This illustrates that a space S can be formed between the overlapping section 123 and the outer casing portion of the pressed-together tube 120. (As shown) Figure 4As exemplarily illustrated, by heat-sealing the first tube end 121 to form a first transverse sealing joint 141, an increase in temperature and / or pressure can be achieved, allowing the adhesive 301 to melt and flow into the space S. Thus, the space S can be filled and sealed by the adhesive 301. The same can be found for the second transverse sealing joint 142 having a second amount of adhesive 302. In each case, the corresponding amounts of adhesive 301, 302 can be provided (or present) as spots of adhesive 300. Therefore, adhesives 300-302 can be (configured) to seal the corresponding three-point sections 151, 152, such that the longitudinal sealing joint 130 and the first transverse sealing joint 141 and the second transverse sealing joint 142 can (together) form an airtight seal of the package 200.
[0084] Therefore, the size, thickness, shape, and / or location of the first amount of adhesive 301 and the second amount of adhesive 302 can affect, for example, the reliability of the seal of the packaging 200. Figure 7 Examples of suitable locations for adhesive application are shown, indicated by solid circles, and may correspond to the three-point sections 151, 152. Similarly, the shape and / or configuration of the sealing jaws 645, 646 can affect, for example, the melting direction and / or melting behavior of adhesives 300-302.
[0085] Examples of suitable materials for adhesives 300-302 may be waxes or any polyolefin (PO)-based or acrylic-based hot melt adhesives or binders.
[0086] Multiple packages of 200 can be connected in series to form a single unit. Figure 6 and Figure 7 This situation is illustrated exemplarily. Therefore, adjacent packages 200 can share a common transverse sealing joint, which can form a first transverse sealing joint 141 for one package and a second transverse sealing joint 142 for the adjacent package 200. Furthermore, a first amount of adhesive 301 for one of the two adjacent packages 200 is provided together with a second amount of adhesive 302 for its adjacent package 200. The method can conclude the manufacturing process of the package 200 by separating the package 200 through a transverse cutting step. Figure 6 This situation is illustrated by way of example, in which a cutting section 670 with a horizontal cutter 672 can be provided. Alternatively, the process of manufacturing the package 200 can be terminated by weakening the connecting section 170 to form a tear line. Figure 7 An example indicates that a shared transverse sealing joint may be provided (or planned) as connection section 170.
[0087] Another aspect of the invention relates to packaging 200. Figure 5An example for packaging 200 is shown. Packaging 200 can be a single-serving package such as a stick package, or a multi-serving package such as a stand-up pouch (e.g., a self-standing pouch), a pillow-shaped package, or a corner-supported pouch. Packaging 200 can be suitable for encapsulating food products.
[0088] Packaging 200 is made of the aforementioned flat plate 100 having two opposing side edge sections 101, 102, and is made of recyclable paper material. Packaging 200 encapsulates material 500 and includes a longitudinal sealing joint 130. As described in detail above, the longitudinal sealing joint 130 extends along an overlapping section 123 where the two opposing side edge sections 101, 102 overlap each other when the flat plate 100 is folded to form a tube 120. This... Figure 5 The following is exemplarily illustrated. A first transverse sealing joint 141 extends across the longitudinal sealing joint 130 to close the tube 120 at the first tube end 121. A second transverse sealing joint 142 extends across the longitudinal sealing joint 130 to close the tube 120 at the second tube end 122. In the package 200, a first amount of adhesive 301 seals the aforementioned first three-point section 151, and a second amount of adhesive 302 seals the aforementioned second three-point section 152. Preferably, the package 200 can be configured such that it (airtightly) seals the packaged food as substance 500. Preferably, the adhesives 301, 302 can seal the transverse sealing joints 141, 142 at locations that can be laterally offset from the longitudinal axis and / or the longitudinal sealing joint 130. However, it is also conceivable that the adhesives 301, 302 can be found in the middle of the transverse sealing joints 141, 142, respectively.
[0089] Figure 7 An example is shown of an unprocessed flat plate 100, which has the geometry and ratio of fold lines and sealing lines that can be found in the finished package 200.
[0090] Another aspect of the invention relates to a machine 600 for producing the aforementioned packaging 200. Figure 6 An example for machine 600 is shown in the figure.
[0091] Machine 600 includes a feeding system 610 for supplying sheet 100. The feeding system 610 may include a reel feeding system 612 for unwinding the longitudinal sheet from the aforementioned paper reel 611 to supply sheet 100. The reel feeding system 612 may include a buffer section for maintaining a sufficient amount of sheet material available for processing. This is in Figure 6 As exemplarily shown in the figure.
[0092] Machine 600 also includes a folding section 620 for folding the supplied flat plate 100 such that two opposing side edge sections 101, 102 overlap each other at an overlap section 123 to form the flat plate 100 into a tube 120. The folding section 620 can be configured to fold the plate 100 into the tube 120 and / or position / hold the tube 120 such that adhesives 300-302 are positioned below the longitudinal sealing joint 130. Furthermore, the folding section 620 can define the diameter of the tube 120 and the dimensions of the overlap section 123.
[0093] Machine 600 also includes a filling section 650 for filling tube 120 with the substance 500 to be packaged. The substance 500 is... Figure 6 The folding section 620 and the filling section 650 are exemplarily shown as white arrows. For example, the folding section 620 and the filling section 650 can be a single unit and can be a form plate. The machine 600 can be a horizontal (HFFS) or vertical forming fill seal (VFFS) machine, such as... Figure 6 The machine shown is 600.
[0094] The machine 600 also includes a first heat-sealing section 630 for heat-sealing the tube 120 along the overlapping section 123 to form a longitudinal sealing joint 130. The first heat-sealing section 630 may be a vertical heat seal.
[0095] Furthermore, machine 600 includes the aforementioned second heat-sealing section 642 for heat-sealing the tube 120 across the longitudinal sealing joint 130, so as to close the tube 120 at the first tube end 121 with the first transverse sealing joint 141. An example of the second heat-sealing section 642 may be... Figure 4 and Figure 6 The third heat-sealing section 642 is preferably a horizontal heat-sealing machine. The aforementioned third heat-sealing section 643 is arranged on the machine 600 for heat-sealing the pipe 120 across the longitudinal sealing joint 130, to close the pipe 120 at the second pipe end 122 with a second transverse sealing joint 142, thereby encapsulating the material 500. Preferably, the third heat-sealing section 643 is a horizontal heat-sealing machine.
[0096] The second heat-sealing section 642 and the third heat-sealing section 643 can be the same. This is in Figure 6 As exemplarily shown, the second heat-sealing section 642 and the third heat-sealing section 643 are not only integral with each other, but also form the same component. Preferably, in the second heat-sealing section 642 and the third heat-sealing section 643, the adhesive 300-302 can be reactivated.
[0097] The machine 600 also includes an adhesive application section 660 for applying a first amount of adhesive 301 to the plate 100 at the first three-point section 151 to seal the first three-point section 151 to form a first transverse sealing joint 141 when the tube 120 is heat-sealed at the second heat-sealing section 642, and for applying a second amount of adhesive 302 to the plate 100 at the second three-point section 152 to seal the second three-point section 152 to form a second transverse sealing joint 142 when the tube 120 is heat-sealed at the third heat-sealing section 643.
[0098] The adhesive application section 660 can be arranged in the machine 600 such that the adhesive 300-302 is dry before reaching the folding section 620 and any of the first to third heat-sealing sections 630, 642, 643. This is in Figure 6 The example illustrates a defined distance between the adhesive application section 660 and the folding section 620. For example, Figure 6 The adhesive 300 spots shown leaving the adhesive application section 660 can be wet adhesive 300 spots, while the subsequent four rows of adhesive 300 spots near the fold section 620 can be (already) dried / hardened adhesive 300 spots. The adhesive 300 can also be dried using additional devices, such as a cooler or fan (not shown).
[0099] Machine 600 may also include a cutting section 670 for separating multiple tandemly formed packages 200 before releasing them in an outlet system 680. The outlet system 680 may be a chute. The cutting section 670 may include the aforementioned horizontal cutter 672. Furthermore, the cutting section 670 may include a longitudinal cutter 671 for cutting a wide flat material into multiple individual flat plates 100. The longitudinal cutter 671 may be one or more circular cutters.
[0100] Furthermore, the second heat-sealing section 642 and / or the third heat-sealing section 643 can be configured to convey the plate 100 from the feed system 610 to the cutting section 670 by gripping and pulling the second tube end 122. This in Figure 6 As exemplarily shown in the figure.
[0101] Furthermore, machine 600 may also include two sensor units 711, 712 for controlling and monitoring the production process. Sensor units 711, 712 may be optical sensors, such as photovoltaic cells or laser-based sensors. Sensor units 711, 712 may be connected to a control unit, which may be configured to automatically complete the steps of the method for producing the packaging 200 according to the invention.
[0102] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, as long as it is covered by the appended claims. All features of the embodiments described above can be combined in any possible manner and are provided interchangeably.
Claims
1. A method for producing packaging (200) for encapsulating a substance (500), the method comprising: A flat sheet (100) made of a recyclable paper material and having two opposite side edge sections (101, 102) is provided, wherein the flat sheet comprises a laminate and / or multi-layer structure having a sealant layer and a base layer made of a paper material, The plate (100) is formed into a tube (120) by folding the plate (100) such that the two opposing side edge segments (101, 102) at least partially overlap each other at the overlapping segment (123). The pipe (120) is heat-sealed along the overlapping section (123) to form a longitudinal sealing joint (130). The tube (120) is heat-sealed across the longitudinal sealing joint (130) to close the tube (120) at the first tube end (121) with a first transverse sealing joint (141). The tube (120) is filled with the material to be packaged (500). The tube (120) is heat-sealed across the longitudinal sealing joint (130) to close the tube (120) with a second transverse sealing joint (142) at the second tube end (122) opposite to the first tube end (121) relative to the substance (500) to be packaged, thereby forming a package (200) encapsulating the substance (500). The method further includes: At the first three-point section (151) where the longitudinal sealing joint (130) and the first transverse sealing joint (141) intersect, a first amount of adhesive (300, 301) is applied to the sealant layer of the plate (100). At the second three-point section (152) where the longitudinal sealing joint (130) and the second transverse sealing joint (142) intersect, a second amount of adhesive (300, 302) is applied to the sealant layer of the plate (100). The adhesive (300-302) seals the corresponding three-point sections (151, 152) when heat-sealing the corresponding pipe ends (121, 122) to form the corresponding transverse sealing joints (141, 142). Its characteristic is that multiple packages (200) are connected in series to form, Adjacent packages (200) share a transverse sealing joint (141, 142), which forms the first transverse sealing joint (141) of one package and the second transverse sealing joint (142) of the adjacent package (200), and / or The first amount of adhesive (300, 301) in one of the two adjacent packages (200) is provided together with the second amount of adhesive (300, 302) in its adjacent package (200).
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein an appropriate amount of the adhesive (300-302) is applied prior to the step of forming the plate (100) into the tube (120).
3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first amount of adhesive (300, 301) and / or the second amount of adhesive (300, 302) are applied as adhesive (300-302) spots, wherein the adhesive (300-302) changes from a flowable liquid state to a dry solid state of the adhesive (300-302) depending on temperature and / or pressure.
4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adhesive (300-302) is dry before the step of forming the plate (100) into the tube (120), or at least before the step of heat-sealing the tube (120) to form the longitudinal sealing joint (130), and wherein the dried adhesive (300-302) is reactivated in the respective heat-sealing step by melting the adhesive (300-302), such that the adhesive (300-302) is flowable and seals the respective three-point sections (151, 152) after drying, wherein, The adhesive (300-302) seals the corresponding three key sections (151, 152) such that the longitudinal sealing joint (130) and the first transverse sealing joint (141) and the second transverse sealing joint (142) form an airtight seal of the package (200).
5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adhesive (300-302) comprises wax, polyolefin (PO) based, or acrylic based hot melt adhesive.
6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of providing the flat plate (100) includes the step of unfolding longitudinal flat plate material from a paper roll (611).
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of providing the plate (100) further comprises longitudinally cutting the plate material into individual plates (100), each plate having the two opposing side edge segments (101, 102).
8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of heat-sealing the tube (120) to form the second transverse sealing joint (142) is followed by the following step: The package (200) is separated by a transverse cutting step, or Weaken the connecting section (170) to form a tear line.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the weakened connection section (170) includes weakening the shared transverse sealing joints (141, 142).
10. A package (200) made of a flat sheet (100) having two opposing side edge segments (101, 102) and made of a recyclable multilayer structure comprising a sealant layer and a base layer made of paper material, the package (200) encapsulating material (500) and comprising: Along the longitudinal sealing joint (130) of the overlapping section (123), when the plate (100) is folded to form the plate (100) into a tube (120), the two opposing side edge sections (101, 102) overlap each other at the overlapping section. A first transverse sealing joint (141) extends across the longitudinal sealing joint (130) to close the tube (120) at the first tube end (121). A second transverse sealing joint (142) extends across the longitudinal sealing joint (130) to close the tube (120) at a second tube end (122) opposite the first tube end (121) to the encapsulated material (500). The packaging (200) is characterized in that: At the first three-point section (151) where the longitudinal sealing joint (130) and the first transverse sealing joint (141) intersect, a first amount of adhesive (300, 301) is applied to the sealant layer of the plate to seal the first three-point section, and At the second triple point section (152) where the longitudinal sealing joint (130) and the second transverse sealing joint (142) intersect, a second amount of adhesive (300, 302) is applied to the sealant layer of the plate to seal the second triple point section.
11. The packaging (200) according to claim 10, wherein, The sealant layer is disposed on at least one of the two opposing side surfaces (111, 112) of the flat plate (100), and the sealant layer is configured to act as a coating or laminate that functions as a sealant during heat sealing. The base layer has a thickness of at least 50 micrometers, and / or the sealant layer has a thickness of 5 to 10 micrometers.
12. The packaging (200) according to claim 11, wherein the base layer has a thickness of at least 60 micrometers.
13. The packaging (200) according to claim 11, wherein the sealant layer has a thickness of 6 micrometers to 8 micrometers.
14. The packaging (200) according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein in the overlapping section (123), the side edge sections (101, 102) face each other on the same side of the flat plate (100), wherein, The overlapping section (123) is formed such that it protrudes from the package (200), or such that the two side edge sections (101, 102) or the overlapping section (123) are positioned on the outside of the package (200).
15. The packaging (200) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the packaging (200) is a single package, or wherein the packaging (200) is a multi-package, and / or wherein the packaging (200) is configured to be airtight as a sealed food product of the substance (500).
16. The packaging (200) according to claim 15, wherein the single-package is a rod-shaped package, and the multiple-package is a stand-up pouch, a pillow-shaped package, or a corner-supported bag.
17. A machine (600) for producing packaging (200) according to any one of claims 10 to 16, said machine comprising: A feeding system (610) for supplying a flat plate (100) made of recyclable paper material and having two opposing side edge sections (101, 102). Folding section (620) for folding the supplied flat plate (100) such that the two opposing side edge sections (101, 102) overlap each other at the overlapping section (123) to form the flat plate (100) into a tube (120). A first heat-sealing section (630) is used to heat-seal the pipe (120) along the overlapping section (123) to form a longitudinal sealing joint (130). A second heat-sealing section (642) is used to heat-seal the pipe (120) across the longitudinal sealing joint (130) to close the pipe (120) at the first pipe end (121) with a first transverse sealing joint (141). A filling section (650) is used to fill the tube (120) with the substance (500) to be packaged. A third heat-sealing section (643) is used to heat-seal the tube (120) across the longitudinal sealing joint (130) to close the tube (120) with a second transverse sealing joint (142) at a second tube end (122) opposite to the first tube end (121) relative to the substance (500) to be packaged, thereby forming a package (200) encapsulating the substance (500). The machine (600) is characterized by further comprising: Adhesive application section (660), said adhesive application section o At the first three-point section (151) where the longitudinal sealing joint (130) and the first transverse sealing joint (141) intersect, a first amount of adhesive (300, 301) is applied to the plate (100) such that the adhesive (300-302) seals the first three-point section (151) to form the first transverse sealing joint (141) when the tube (120) is heat-sealed at the second heat-sealing section (642). o At the second tri-point section (152) where the longitudinal sealing joint (130) and the second transverse sealing joint (142) intersect, a second amount of adhesive (300, 302) is applied to the plate (100) such that the adhesive (300-302) seals the second tri-point section (152) to form the second transverse sealing joint (142) when the tube (120) is heat-sealed at the third heat-sealing section (643).
18. The machine (600) of claim 17, wherein the feeding system (610) includes a reel feeding system (612) for unwinding longitudinal sheet material from a paper reel (611) to supply the sheet (100), wherein the machine (600) further includes a cutting section (670) for separating multiple packages (200) formed in series, wherein, The third heat-sealed section (643) is configured to convey the plate (100) from the feed system (610) to the cutting section (670) by gripping and pulling the second tube end (122), and / or The adhesive application section (660) is arranged in the machine (600) such that the adhesive (300-302) is dry before reaching the folding section (620) and any of the first to third heat-sealing sections (630, 642, 643), and / or The second heat-sealed section (642) and the third heat-sealed section (643) are integral or identical.