Recyclable container comprising a paperboard base seat element and a paper-based container element

Abstract

The invention relates to a recyclable container (1) comprising a paperboard base holder element (2) and a paper-based container element (3), wherein the container element is connected to the holder element in such a way that a product can flow from the container element through the holder element, so that the product can be dispensed by a bulk dispensing device. The container can be recycled with paper flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of recyclable food containers. In particular, the invention relates to food containers suitable for refilling bulk dispensing devices. Embodiments of the invention relate to a recyclable container comprising a cardboard-based support element and a paper-based container element, wherein the container element is connected to the support element in such a way that product can flow from the container element through the support element, allowing the product to be dispensed by a bulk dispensing device. The container can be recycled along with the paper flow. Background Technology

[0002] Packaging of manufactured food products is a crucial part of today's food industry because it ensures food safety, maintains food quality, and plays a vital role in the production process, brand communication, and digitalization. In fact, several studies have shown that for most consumers, product packaging is a key aspect driving their purchasing decisions.

[0003] One of the main problems associated with packaging is the generation of packaging waste. According to Eurostat data from 2017, the average EU resident generated 172.6 kg of packaging waste.

[0004] Industries are addressing this issue by incorporating the circular economy. To this end, the European Commission recently communicated a new action plan on the circular economy (European Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committees of the Regions, “A New Action Plan on the Circular Economy for a Cleaner and More Competitive Europe,” Brussels, 11 March 2020). Therefore, the EU needs to accelerate its transition to a regenerative growth model that gives back more to the planet than it takes, and moves towards keeping its resource consumption on a global scale. This necessitates efforts over the next decade to reduce its consumption footprint and double its use of circular materials.

[0005] One step toward achieving this goal is to reduce the amount of packaging material used, where possible.

[0006] Bulk dispensing units can be an effective way to reduce the amount of packaging material required. Bulk dispensing systems have a long tradition in retail and have been primarily used for both non-food and food items, typically everyday goods.

[0007] Today, one of the key challenges in using bulk dispensing units for food or pet food products in retail is ensuring hygiene and product quality are maintained as products are dispensed, added to, and stored within the dispensing unit before being dispensed.

[0008] Compared to individually packaged goods, refilling bulk distribution units saves packaging material because the products to be distributed can be dispensed in bulk form. While bulk products can be dispensed in reusable containers, this requires an existing and efficient reverse logistics system. The term "reverse logistics" should describe the collection of reusable bulk containers used, their return to the manufacturer, and their cleaning and refilling. Such reverse logistics systems are not always available. Furthermore, the life cycle assessment of systems involving reverse logistics is not always better than that of unidirectional packaging systems; particularly if reusable packaging requires a large volume and / or if the distance from the retailer to the manufacturer is very long. Therefore, if bulk containers are unidirectional containers, it may be expected that they are easily recyclable.

[0009] To ensure optimal hygiene, it would be even more desirable if retail staff did not have to handle the products to be added to the bulk distribution system.

[0010] US Patent Application No. 2015 / 0217897 A1, filed with Graphic Packaging International, discloses a package for holding articles, the package including a liner and a construction attached to the liner. The liner includes an internal space for holding the articles. The construction includes a plurality of panels that at least partially reinforce a portion of the liner. The plurality of panels include a top panel, side panels, and a bottom panel. The construction further includes a dispenser including dispensing features in at least one of the top and bottom panels for allowing removal of the articles from the package. The dispensing features include a dispenser plate at least partially defined by a tear line in the construction and for at least partially removing to form a dispenser opening. Such packaging includes its own openable and resealable dispensing plate but does not allow connection to an external dispensing device.

[0011] EP 3670382 A1 is a European patent application filed with Smurfit Kappa France, which discloses a bag-in-a-shell packaging for connection to a gravity-feed dispenser. The bag-in-a-shell includes an inner bag for receiving bulk material to be dispensed and an outer box made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard. A disadvantage of the bag-in-a-shell disclosed therein is that the outer shell is very thick and requires a large amount of material to manufacture.

[0012] US Patent Application 2009 / 0283541 A1 discloses a system having a pouch for containing a pumpable product, a pouch accessory associated with a pump, and a closed carton for containing the pouch and accessory. In some embodiments, the system may also include a pump operatively connected to the pouch and carton to dispense the contents of the pouch. The pouch is advantageously configured in a U-shape within the carton, allowing for controlled dispensing of the pumpable product. Similar to EP 3670382 A1 above, a disadvantage of this system is that the housing is very thick and requires a large amount of material to manufacture.

[0013] US Patent Application 2020 / 0239184 A1, filed with Graphic Packaging International, discloses a bag for containing products, the bag being sealed within a reinforced cardboard box that at least partially seals the bag. The bag in this "partial" box opens from the top of the bag to dispense the product. However, it is not suitable for connection to any kind of dispensing device in a manner that allows its contents to be transferred to a dispensing apparatus.

[0014] BE 431533 is a Belgian patent that discloses a liquid pouch partially enclosed in a reinforced base and having a dispensing opening extending from the reinforced base. This document provides an interesting mechanical reinforcement of the container pouch, similar to the solution provided in US'184 cited above; however, it does not provide any solution for mounting to an external dispensing device and transferring its contents to such a device.

[0015] Any references to prior art documents in this specification should not be construed as an admission that such prior art is well-known or part of common knowledge in the field.

[0016] The purpose of this invention is to enrich or improve the prior art, and in particular to provide a recyclable one-way container for bulk products intended for retail sale using a bulk dispensing system, which avoids retail personnel having to handle the products when the bulk dispensing system is refilled, and is lightweight, suitable for food and pet food products, and is easy and efficient to recycle, or at least provides a useful alternative to currently available solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0017] Specifically, the above-described objective is to be achieved using a container capable of being recycled during the paper recycling process, the container comprising a cardboard base support element and a paper-based container element partially assembled therein, characterized in that:

[0018] - The support element is to be connected to the bulk dispensing device and includes:

[0019] ○ Basically a square or rectangular base area,

[0020] ○ Four substantially square or rectangular wall members, each located at and extending upward from each of the four edges of the base region, and connected to each other to form, together with the base region, a rigid parallelepiped support opening at its upper side.

[0021] ○ Connecting element, which can be connected to the bulk dispensing device, the connecting element comprising an area of ​​50 cm² 2 -350cm 2 Preferably, it is 60cm 2 -90cm 2 The dispensing opening is sealed by a fragile membrane, which is made of a material having a density between 30 g / m³. 2 and 150g / m 2 Made of paper of between grammage,

[0022] The support element is rigid and has a strength between 150 g / m². 2 and 800g / m 2 Made of cardboard of between grammage,

[0023] - The container element includes a closable opening for filling the container element with product to be dispensed by the bulk dispensing device, and includes side walls and a bottom wall defining a holding volume in the range of 5 liters to 20 liters. The container element is flexible and has side walls made of paper with a basis weight higher than that of the fragile film and between 50 g / m³. 2 and 350g / m 2 between,

[0024] - The container element is connected to the support element in such a way that the product can flow from the container element through the support element's connecting element, so that the product can be dispensed by the dispensing device, and

[0025] - The ratio of the total weight of the recyclable container to the volume of the container element is less than 15 g / l, preferably less than 8 g / l.

[0026] Therefore, the present invention provides a recyclable container comprising a cardboard-based support element and a paper-based container element, wherein the support element includes a connecting element that can be opened when connected to the bulk dispensing device, and the container element is connected to the support element in such a way that product can flow from the container element through the support element and through the connecting element, so that the product can be dispensed by the bulk dispensing device. The container can be recycled along with the paper stream.

[0027] As used in this specification, the words “including,” “contains,” and similar terms should not be construed as having an exclusive or exhaustive meaning. In other words, these terms are intended to mean “including, but not limited to.”

[0028] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the support element further includes four substantially triangular top plate members, or so-called "hopper" members (it should be noted that "hopper" should be understood as the equivalent of "top plate" in this specification; each of the four triangular hopper members is connected to the top edge of each wall member, folds inward and downward around the support element, and is connected to the adjacent hopper member by a flap to define a hopper adapted to guide product from the container element toward the dispensing device through the dispensing opening).

[0029] The function of the hopper is to allow the maximum amount of product contained therein to be distributed by gravity, so that when the container is considered "empty" and disconnected from the bulk dispensing device to be replaced by a new bulk dispensing device, a negligible amount of product or no product at all remains in the container element.

[0030] The inventors have demonstrated that the recyclable container according to the invention enables it to achieve the objectives of the invention. Specifically, the container according to the invention can be connected to a bulk dispensing device via a connecting element, allowing the product contained in the container to be dispensed by the bulk dispensing device. The support element is cardboard-based, providing sufficient stability to allow for stable interface with the bulk dispensing system. The container element—which holds the product to be dispensed—is paper-based, making the container very lightweight and simultaneously enabling it to be recycled along with the paper stream. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Further features and advantages of the invention are described below in the description of the presently preferred embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings, and these features and advantages will be apparent from the description, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1A A first embodiment of a flat blank for a support element according to the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 1B It shows something similar to Figure 1A The support is in a fully folded and shaped configuration;

[0034] Figure 1C A die-cut piece capable of automatic erection is shown according to a second embodiment of a cardboard tray according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 An example of preparing a paper bag to be glued onto a cardboard tray according to the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 3AAn embodiment of an automatically upright cardboard tray glued to a bulk paper bag in a flattened state is shown;

[0037] Figure 3B The basis shown is in the upright position. Figure 3A The implementation plan for the support seat. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The embodiments of the present invention are as follows: Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention relates to a recyclable container 1, as will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 3B As shown, it includes a cardboard base support element 2 and a paper base container element 3.

[0039] According to the present invention, the support element 2 is to be connected to the bulk dispensing device and includes:

[0040] -The base area 4 is basically square or rectangular (other shapes, such as circles, ellipses, trapezoids or other more complex shapes, can be conceived according to the principles of the invention, if they can be connected to the corresponding shape of the dispensing device).

[0041] - Four substantially square or rectangular wall members 5, each wall member located at and extending upward from each of the four edges 6 of the base region 4, and connected to each other to form a rigid parallelepiped support element 2 with the base region opening on its upper side, such as Figure 1B and Figure 3B As shown,

[0042] - like Figure 1A The connecting element shown is connectable to a bulk dispensing device, and the connecting element includes an area of ​​50 cm². 2 -350cm 2 Preferably, it is 60cm 2 -90cm 2 The dispensing opening 7 is closed by a fragile membrane 8, which is made of material with a density between 30 g / m³. 2 and 150g / m 2 It is made of paper of a certain weight (in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the fragile film 8 is the bottom wall of the container element 3).

[0043] The support element 2 is rigid (or semi-rigid) and is made of material with a strength between 150 g / m². 2 and 800g / m 2 It is made of cardboard with a weight between grammage.

[0044] The container element 3 includes a closable upper opening for filling the container element with product to be dispensed by a bulk dispensing device, and includes side walls 9 and a bottom wall 10, which define a holding volume in the range of 5 liters to 20 liters. The container element 3 is flexible and has side walls made of paper with a basis weight higher than that of fragile film and between 50 g / m³. 2 and 350g / m 2 between.

[0045] The container element 3 is connected to the support element 2 in such a way that product can flow from the container element through the support element, allowing the product to be dispensed by the dispensing device. For this purpose, during the connection of the recyclable container 1 to the dispensing device, the fragile membrane 8 is punctured. The puncture of the fragile membrane opens the dispensing opening 7 and establishes a connection between the interior of the container 3 and the dispensing device, allowing the product contained within the container to flow to the dispensing device, for example, by gravity. The dispensing device includes a dispensing mechanism to start and stop the flow of product therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, the puncture of the fragile membrane is actuated by a sharp element of the dispensing device, such as a cylindrical cutter or blade, which is capable of puncturing the fragile membrane when the recyclable container 1 is connected to the dispensing device.

[0046] The ratio of the total weight of the recyclable container to the volume of the container elements is less than 15 g / L, preferably less than 8 g / L.

[0047] Bulk dispensing devices are well-known in the art. In the food industry, they are frequently used in retail confectionery or nuts, or in breakfast cereals in hotels. Recently, in efforts to reduce packaging, they have increasingly been used as permanently installed bulk dispensing devices, or as portable bulk dispensing devices, such as those mounted on mobile vehicles. Typically, they include a storage container for receiving the product to be dispensed and a dispenser compartment communicating with said storage container, allowing the product to be dispensed from the dispenser compartment. The storage container can be made of any material, but is typically made of metal, plastic, glass, and / or wood, and requires regular cleaning.

[0048] In one embodiment of the invention, the recyclable container is designed to be fitted into a storage container. Connecting elements in the support element can be connected to the dispenser compartment of a bulk dispensing device, holding the container according to the invention in place. The fact that the container is fitted into the storage container has the advantage that cleaning steps for the storage container are required less frequently or even become unnecessary. Furthermore, the risk of product contamination by improperly cleaned containers is significantly reduced or even avoided.

[0049] The fact that the support element is cardboard-based results in a much more stable support element than a paper-based support element. Accordingly, the container of the present invention can have a stable and defined position in the storage container of a bulk dispensing device, ensuring a constant product supply and eliminating reliable product dispensing problems.

[0050] The connecting element is part of the support element and facilitates the connection between the support element of the container of the present invention and the dispenser compartment of the bulk dispensing system. Advantageously, the connecting element can be opened or automatically opened when connected to the dispenser compartment of the bulk dispensing device. This can be achieved, for example, when the connecting element includes a displaced perforated element, during the connection between the connecting element and the dispenser compartment.

[0051] A container element is an element of the recyclable container of the present invention, comprising a product to be dispensed. For example, the bottom of the container element may be connected to a support element, and the top of the container element may include an opening through which the container of the present invention can be filled with the product. After filling, the opening may be closed by any means known in the art. For example, the interior of the container element may be coated with a sealing layer, such as a heat-sealing layer or a cold-sealing layer, so that the opening can be closed after filling. Furthermore, for example, a paper-based container element may be closed by heat and pressure or by hot-melt bonding.

[0052] The dimensions of the container element can be designed to fit into a bulk dispensing device, for example, into the storage container of the bulk dispensing device. Its dimensions can also be set to fit on top of the bulk dispensing device, such that the recyclable container represents the storage container of the bulk dispensing device.

[0053] The container element can be connected to the support element such that the support element is attached to the bottom of the container element. This has the advantage that gravity can be the driving force, allowing the container element to be emptied into a bulk dispensing device, such as a dispenser compartment, through the support element and via the connecting element. The container element and the support element can be connected in any manner known in the art. For example, the container element can be glued to the support element. Thus, the container element can be connected to the support element in such a way that the bottom plate of the container element is attached to the top of the support element, and opening the connecting element involves piercing the bottom of the container element to allow dispensing of the product contained in the container element.

[0054] Importantly, the container of this invention can be recycled along with the paper flow. This eliminates the need for reverse flow. Furthermore, paper recycling is highly efficient and widely available.

[0055] The recyclable container according to the invention can be used to package any kind of product, preferably a dried product. For example, the product may be in granular, powder, or pellet form. If the moisture content of the product is less than 10% by weight, it can be considered dried.

[0056] For example, containers can be used to provide packaged food or pet food products for use, for example, dispensing food or pet food products in bulk dispensing devices in retail.

[0057] According to the Codex Alimentarius Commission, "food" should mean any substance intended for human consumption, whether processed, semi-processed or raw, and includes beverages, chewable gum bases and any substance used in the manufacture, preparation or processing of "food", but excludes cosmetics or tobacco or substances used solely as medicine.

[0058] The term “pet food” shall mean any substance intended for consumption by pets, whether processed, semi-processed or raw, and includes any substance used in the manufacture, preparation or processing of “pet food”.

[0059] Paper-based container elements can be made of multiple layers of paper-based materials. For example, paper-based container elements can be made of paper layers comprising at least one barrier coating, such as a barrier coating selected from the group consisting of: ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylidene chloride, polyurethane, ethyl vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, ethyl butanol, vinyl acetate, thin inorganic layers obtained by vacuum deposition, or combinations thereof.

[0060] The advantage of using multilayer paper-based materials is that these materials possess certain barrier properties, allowing for the protection of products packaged within container elements. For example, multilayer paper-based materials may include metallized layers. Such multilayer paper-based materials, including metallized layers (e.g., aluminum layers), can be recycled with the paper stream, and the metallized layers ensure good water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and good oxygen transmission rate (OTR). The paper-based material may also include additional layers, for example, to stabilize the metallized layers and / or enhance the barrier properties of the paper-based material. For example, a paper-based container element may be made of multilayer paper-based material with a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of approximately 0.5 g / (m³) at 38°C and 90% RH. 2 .tian.ba)-100g / (m 2 Within the range of . days . bar, and at 23°C and 50% RH, the oxygen permeability is approximately 0.5 ml / (m³). 2 .Tian.Ba) - 100ml / (m 2 Within the range of .tian.ba).

[0061] The container element of the recyclable container according to the invention can be made of material having a concentration in the range of about 80 g / m² to 180 g / m², for example, about 100 g / m². 2 -140g / m 2Paper-based container elements are made from paper within a certain weight range. They can be made from unbleached virgin kraft paper, stretchable or semi-stretchable, for example, with a back pre-coating consisting of a pigment-binder pre-coating. Such pre-coatings help to smooth the surface and reduce porosity. Paper-based container elements may also include a final coating on their interior, which can have a heat-sealing function, resulting in a seal strength of 5N / 15mm to 15N / 15mm, for example, 7N / 15mm to 10N / 15mm.

[0062] Recyclable containers can have any volume that allows for filling of bulk dispensing devices. Simultaneously, the material of the container according to the invention must be sufficiently stable to safely hold the desired volume of product. When the volume of the recyclable container is approximately 5000 cm³... 3 -20000cm 3 (i.e., within the range of 5 liters to 20 liters), for example, at 7500 cm 3 Up to 12500cm 3 The inventors have achieved excellent results within the range of 7.5 to 12.5 liters.

[0063] The transport of the filled recyclable containers of the present invention should be carried out with the smallest possible void volume. This is possible when the filled recyclable containers of the present invention have a substantially cubic shape. Recyclable containers in cuboid form also have the advantage that they can be fitted into storage containers or used as storage containers for most bulk dispensing devices. Therefore, in one embodiment of the invention, the recyclable container has a substantially cuboid shape with a substantially rectangular base region.

[0064] As described above, the container element of the recyclable container according to the invention can be connected to a support element, and opening the connecting element involves piercing the bottom of the container element to allow dispensing of the product contained within it. To ensure proper product dispensing, it may be helpful if the container of the invention is aligned with the bulk dispensing device, and particularly with the dispenser compartment of the bulk dispensing device. This can be achieved if the support element interacts with the bulk dispensing device in a manner that secures the container of the invention in place. This can be achieved through an interaction mechanism that interacts with the bulk dispensing device. For example, such an interaction mechanism can be part of a connecting element. Thus, the support element, such as a connecting element, can include a mechanism that interacts with the bulk dispensing device to hold the container in place on top of or within the bulk dispensing device, for example, within a reservoir of the bulk dispensing device. The mechanism interacting with the bulk dispensing device can be freely selected from the group consisting of pins, flaps, sealing openings, or combinations thereof.

[0065] The connecting element in the support element can open when connected to the bulk dispensing device. This opening will be large enough to allow product to flow from the container element through the support element and through the connecting element, so that the product can be dispensed by the bulk dispensing device. The size of the opening will depend on the geometry of the bulk dispensing device, the nature of the product to be dispensed, and the typical quantity of product dispensed. The opening can be part of the connecting element. For example, the connecting element may include a 50cm... 2 -350cm 2 Sizes within the range (e.g., 60cm) 2 -90cm 2 (The area with an opening)

[0066] The openable area can have any shape. The inventors have achieved good results with simple openings, finding that simple shapes are more stable and easier to open than complex shapes. Furthermore, it has been found that support elements with connecting elements having areas that can open in simple shapes are easier to manufacture. Therefore, it is preferable that the connecting element includes an area that can open in a substantially circular, rectangular, or square shape.

[0067] The recyclable container of this invention is made of paper-based material and cardboard-based material. This material must be as light as possible to reduce material and energy consumption during transportation, yet strong enough to ensure safe interaction with bulk dispensing devices and reliably package the products to be dispensed. To achieve this, the inventors use a support element, wherein the cardboard-based material of the support element has a density of approximately 50 g / m³. 2 -800g / m 2 Within a certain range of grammage, and / or using container elements, wherein the paper-based material of the container elements has a grammage of approximately 50 g / m³. 2 -350g / m 2 Very good results have been obtained within the range of gram weights.

[0068] The inventors have achieved good results regarding lipid barrier properties, for example, when the paper-based container element of a recyclable container is made of a paper layer comprising at least one extruded and / or adhesive laminated plastic layer comprising PE, PE-EVOH-PE, LDPE, LLDPE, PP, BOPP, PET, mPET; EVOH, or combinations thereof.

[0069] The support element can be made of folding box panel material, for example, with a weight of about 300g / m². 2 -500g / m 2 The range of folding box panel materials is acceptable. The support elements can also be made of corrugated or microgrooved material, with a maximum thickness in the range of approximately 1mm-7mm, preferably in the range of approximately 3mm-5mm, and a basis weight of approximately 250g / m³.2 -800g / m 2 Within the range.

[0070] In one embodiment, the recyclable container can be folded into a substantially flat shape when empty. This has the advantage that the empty container according to the invention can be easily transported and requires very little volume. Furthermore, this has the advantage that the container can be folded after it has been used and emptied, thus requiring very little volume when transported to the paper recycling stream.

[0071] For example, in a recyclable container according to the invention, the support element may include:

[0072] - The base area is basically rectangular, with the connecting element located at its center.

[0073] - A substantially rectangular wall member located at each edge of the base region, the four wall members having substantially the same height and being connectable to each other, for example, by flaps.

[0074] - A substantially triangular top plate member attached to the top of each wall member, the four triangular top plate members being able to connect to each other, for example, by means of flaps, wherein the substantially triangular top plate members are cut out in such a way that at least a portion of the openable area in the connecting element remains uncovered after the four triangular top plate members are connected to each other.

[0075] The subject matter of this invention also extends to the blank of the support element 2 of the recyclable container 1 according to the invention. For example... Figure 1A As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the blank of the support element includes:

[0076] -The base region 4 is basically rectangular, with the connecting element located at its center.

[0077] - Four substantially rectangular wall members 5, located at each edge of the base region, having substantially the same height, and connectable to each other, for example, by flaps 11.

[0078] - Four essentially triangular "top plate" components, or in other words "hopper" components 12, are attached to the top of each wall component 5. The four triangular top plates or "hopper" components 12 can be connected to each other, for example, by flaps. The triangular top plate ("hopper") components 12 are cut off (i.e., trimmed) in such a way that after the four triangular top plate components are folded and connected to each other (i.e., when the hopper is formed, as shown in the image), the hopper is formed. Figure 1BAs shown), the dispensing opening 7 of the connecting element remains uncovered. This, of course, ensures that once the recyclable container 1 is functionally connected to the dispensing device, the apex of the triangle forming the hopper surface will not obstruct the product from passing through the dispensing opening 7.

[0079] As previously described herein, the essentially triangular top plate member 12 is also referred to as the "triangular hopper member 12," and when they are folded around the edge 13 and connected to each other, they form a shape resembling... Figure 1B The hopper 14 shown has a generally inverted pyramidal shape, with its large cross-section located near the upper edge of the outer periphery of the cardboard holder. The inverted pyramidal hopper extends downwards inside the holder 2, and its smaller cross-section (i.e., near the apex of the pyramid) engages with the edge of the dispensing opening 7 of the holder 2, as shown. Figure 1B As shown.

[0080] The function of hopper 14 is to allow the maximum amount of product contained therein to be distributed by gravity, such that when the container is considered "empty" and disconnected from the bulk dispensing device for replacement by a new bulk dispensing device, a negligible amount of product or no product at all remains in the container element.

[0081] The support element may have a base plate shaped to allow the container element to be tightly attached to the top plate of the support element. For example, the base plate of the container element and the top plate of the support element may be assembled together like a plug and a bracket. This is possible, for example, if the base plate of the container element has a "negative" pyramid shape that matches the "positive" pyramid shape of the top plate of the support element.

[0082] Alternative bracket elements are shown in Figure 1C The bracket element includes:

[0083] - A base region that is essentially rectangular, with connecting element 1 located at its center, having a central edge of the connecting element.

[0084] - Two substantially rectangular wall members located at two opposite edges of the base region, two additional wall members located to the right and left of one of the aforementioned rectangular wall members, or two additional wall members located to the right of the two aforementioned rectangular wall members, or two additional wall members located to the left of the two aforementioned rectangular wall members; these four wall members have substantially the same height and can be connected to each other and to the base region, for example, by flaps.

[0085] In one embodiment of the invention, the base element and the two opposing wall members include folds, allowing the support element to be compressed into a flat state. This is useful, for example, when the support element is transported in an empty state. After transport, the support element can then be automatically erected by unfolding the folds. Therefore, an advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that the support element can be automatically erected.

[0086] One advantage of the support element of the recyclable container of the present invention is that it allows the product to flow constantly through the connecting element without accumulating residual product that hinders the emptying of the recyclable container of the present invention and / or remains in the container after it is empty, generating undesirable product waste.

[0087] One advantage of the recyclable container of the present invention is that its use eliminates the need for reverse logistics. Therefore, the recyclable container can be dispensed in a fillable form and can be recycled after use.

[0088] In the recyclable container according to the invention, the container element can be irreversibly connected to the support element in such a way that the product can flow from the container element through the support element and through the connecting element, so that the product can be dispensed by the dispensing device.

[0089] Irreversible bonding can be achieved by any means known in the art, such as by gluing. For this purpose, the recyclable container of the present invention can be manufactured on an automated gluing line. Automated gluing can be achieved by applying hot melt adhesive. Such gluing can be applied to a support element and / or a container element. Gluing can then be achieved by applying pressure while the adhesive is curing.

[0090] Once the container elements and support elements are assembled, for example by gluing, the recyclable container according to the invention can automatically stand upright, for example by filling on the filling line.

[0091] One advantage of the recyclable container according to the invention is that the recyclable container can be assembled on an automated continuous folding-gluing line by pre-breaking and gluing a carton blank to form a substantially flat pallet, followed by inserting a pre-formed paper bag element, such that the paper bag element is attached to the previously formed carton by high-precision gluing, for example by using 4 to 10 gluing points, for example by applying a hot melt adhesive in a dotted or striped pattern, so that the bag and pallet cannot be further separated without losing the structural integrity of the paper bag.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will understand that they are free to combine all features of the invention disclosed herein. In particular, features described for the products of the invention may be combined with the uses of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, features described for different embodiments of the invention may be combined.

[0093] Although the invention has been described by way of example, it should be understood that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0094] Furthermore, if known equivalents exist for a specific feature, such equivalents should be incorporated as expressly mentioned in this specification. Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent upon reference to the accompanying drawings and non-limiting embodiments.

[0095] Example

[0096] Foldable paper bags are made from a roll of 100g / m 2 The unbleached kraft paper is produced through an extrusion coating process, and the kraft paper is coated with 30µm HDPE. To make one of these bags, two rectangular sheets of paper are cut from a roll: a large sheet measuring 740mm long and 450mm wide, and a small sheet measuring 210mm long and 80mm wide, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown. The smaller sheet will form the bottom plane of the bag, which is the surface that will eventually be glued to the upright support.

[0097] A larger sheet is used to form the transverse side of the strip. First, it is sealed along its length to form a tube, and then the tube is given a rectangular cross-section by forming corners at appropriate locations. At this stage, the tube has a rectangular cross-section of 245mm × 115mm. On one side of this rectangular tube, as... Figure 2 As shown, the cross-sectional dimensions are reduced by sealing the corner to itself. At this end of the bag, the opening is now a rectangle of approximately 200mm × 70mm. A second sheet of paper, measuring 210mm × 80mm, is now used to close this opening. It is glued or heat-sealed to the inside of the bag to seal it while forming a flat surface area that can eventually be glued to a cardboard tray that can stand upright.

[0098] according to Figure 1B The drawing (see the die-cut part on the right side) is made of 125g / m² on each side. 2 The corrugated cardboard of kraft paper and the thin groove in the middle (approximately 2mm thick) produce cardboard trays that can be automatically erected. The dark gray lines on the die-cut pieces indicate the cut positions of the cardboard, while the light gray lines indicate the folded positions. The cardboard is folded as shown on the left side of Figure 1, then assembled and glued to form the tray.

[0099] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the paper bag and cardboard tray are glued together.

[0100] Several paper bags and cardboard trays were filled with dry pet food, dry food (soluble coffee), and dry fatty food (baked chocolate), and then sealed.

[0101] Place the filled bags onto a commercially available bulk dispensing device. Use the circular blade of the bulk dispensing device to punch holes in the paper bags and dispense the product.

[0102] Pet food The invention relates to the production of recyclable containers, wherein the paper-based container element is made of paper having an elastic physical grease barrier, the barrier being made of one or more polymer coatings. The coatings are selected from the group consisting of LDPE, LLDPE, PP, BOPP, PET, mPET; EVOH, or combinations thereof. The resulting containers have passed grease resistance tests.

[0103] Powdered beverages The invention relates to the production of recyclable containers, wherein the paper-based container elements are made of paper, the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of which is 0.5 g / m³ as measured at 38°C and 90% RH. 2 / day-2g / m 2 Within the range of / day, and measured at 23°C and 50% RH, the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) was 10cc / m³. 2 / day-100cc / m 2 / sky.

[0104] chocolate The invention relates to the production of recyclable containers, wherein the paper-based container elements are made of paper having a WVTR of 0.5 g / m³ measured at 38°C and 90% RH. 2 / day-2g / m 2 Within the range of / day, and measured at 23°C and 50% RH, the OTR was 100cc / m 2 / day-250cc / m 2 / day. The resulting containers have passed the grease resistance test.

Claims

1. A recyclable container (1) capable of being recycled during paper recycling, the container comprising a cardboard-based support element (2) and a paper-based container element (3) partially assembled therein, characterized in that: - The support element (2) is configured to connect to a bulk dispensing device and includes: - Basically, the base area of ​​the rectangle (4), - Four substantially rectangular wall members (5), each wall member located at and extending upward from each of the four edges (6) of the base region (4), and connected to each other to form a rigid parallelepiped support with an opening on its upper side together with the base region. - A connecting element, capable of being connected to the bulk dispensing device, the connecting element comprising an area of ​​50 cm². 2 -350cm 2 The dispensing opening (7) is closed by a fragile membrane (8), the fragile membrane being made of a material having a density between 30 g / m³ and 10 g / m³. 2 and 150g / m 2 Made of paper of between grammage, - The support element (2) is rigid and made of a material with a strength between 150 g / m 2 and 800g / m 2 Made of cardboard of between grammage, - The container element (3) includes a closable opening for filling the container element with product to be dispensed by the bulk dispensing device, and includes side walls (9) and a bottom wall (10) defining a holding volume in the range of 5 liters to 20 liters. The container element (3) is flexible and has side walls (9) made of paper with a basis weight higher than that of the fragile film (8) and between 50 g / m³. 2 and 350g / m 2 between, - The container element (3) is connected to the support element (2) in such a way that the product can flow from the container element through the support element, so that the product can be dispensed by the dispensing device, and - The ratio of the total weight of the recyclable container (1) to the volume of the container element (3) is less than 15 g / l.

2. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The recyclable container is used to provide packaged food products for use in dispensing food products in bulk dispensing devices.

3. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The paper-based container element is made of a paper layer including at least one barrier coating.

4. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The recyclable container has a volume ranging from 7.5 liters to 12.5 liters.

5. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The recyclable container has a substantially cuboid shape with a substantially rectangular base region.

6. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The container element (3) is connected to the support element (2) in such a way that the bottom plate of the container element is connected to the top of the support element, and opening the connecting element involves piercing the bottom of the container element to enable the dispensing of the product contained in the container element.

7. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The support element includes a mechanism that interacts with the bulk dispensing device to hold the container in place on top of or within the bulk dispensing device, the mechanism being selected from the group consisting of: pins, flaps, sealing openings, or combinations thereof.

8. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting element includes a region that can open in a substantially circular or rectangular shape.

9. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The recyclable container can fold into a substantially flat shape when empty.

10. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The support element (2) further includes four substantially triangular hopper members (12), each hopper member being attached to the top edge of each wall member, the hopper members being folded inward and downward around the support element and connected to adjacent hopper members (12) by flaps to define hoppers (14) adapted to guide products from the container element toward the dispensing device through the dispensing opening.

11. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The bottom wall (10) of the container element (3) is connected to the rectangular base region (4) of the support element (2) at least around the distribution opening (7) of the connecting element.

12. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting element is located at the center of the base region (4) of the support element (2).

13. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The four wall members (5) of the support element (2) have substantially the same height.

14. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The area of ​​the distribution opening is 60 cm². 2 -90cm 2 .

15. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio of the total weight of the recyclable container (1) to the volume of the container element (3) is less than 8 g / l.

16. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The food product in question is a pet food product.

17. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The barrier coating is a barrier coating selected from the group consisting of: ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylidene chloride, polyurethane, ethyl vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, ethyl butanol, vinyl acetate, a thin inorganic layer obtained by vacuum deposition, or a combination thereof.

18. The recyclable container (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The connecting element includes a mechanism that interacts with the bulk dispensing device to hold the container in place on top of or within the bulk dispensing device, the mechanism being selected from the group consisting of: pins, flaps, sealing openings, or combinations thereof.

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