Compostable top cover structure for a beverage preparation capsule

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compostable top cover structure for a beverage preparation capsule. The present invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine. The capsule comprises a capsule body having a side wall delimiting a chamber for containing a substance for preparing a beverage, and an injection wall for injecting a fluid into the chamber so as to prepare the beverage when the fluid interacts with the substance. The capsule further comprises a delivery wall connected to the capsule body to close the chamber. The delivery wall comprises, in a layered manner, a retention layer for opening when interacting with an opening element under the effect of an elevated pressure of the fluid injected into the capsule, and a filter layer for filtering out particles from the prepared beverage. Each of the filter layer and the retention layer is made of a biodegradable material. The filter layer is arranged opposite the chamber with respect to the retention layer. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the capsule and to the use of the capsule for preparing a beverage.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 202180013609.0 the filing date of which is August 27, 2021 and which claims priority from patent application No. PCT / IB2021 / 058030 the filing date of which is August 27, 2021, both of which are entitled “HEAPABLE LID STRUCTURE FOR A BEVERAGE PREPARATION CAPSULE”. 1. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, to a method for producing a capsule and to the use of a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine. 2. BACKGROUND

[0003] Single-serve beverage capsules for beverage preparation machines are known in the art. These capsules are typically used for dispensing beverages, such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate, on demand and are appreciated for their freshness, variability of flavors and convenience of beverage preparation.

[0004] Typically, a capsule containing beverage components is inserted into a capsule holder of a beverage preparation machine, the capsule holder is closed and beverage preparation is started. Fluid, such as water or milk, is delivered to the capsule to interact with the beverage components contained within the capsule to produce the desired beverage. When a sufficient amount of fluid fills the capsule, the capsule opens under the pressure of the fluid to release the prepared beverage. For example, the opening of the capsule can be accomplished by pressing an extraction face of the capsule against an opening structure provided in the capsule holder with a force generated by increasing the fluid pressure within the capsule, such that the extraction face is torn when its breaking stress is reached. The opening structure can be a plurality of raised and recessed elements, e.g. pyramidal elements, onto which the extraction face extends and tears under the action of the internal pressure of the fluid. This pressure-controlled beverage preparation has the advantage that high quality beverages can be produced.

[0005] However, a large number of parameters and dynamic effects can influence the opening process of the capsule on the extraction face with the aforementioned opening structure and, therefore, the repeatability and consistency in the opening process is difficult to achieve, which can have a negative impact on the outcome of the finished beverage.

[0006] In particular, it has been found that the extraction face needs to exhibit a certain amount of stiffness to ensure the pressure build-up in the capsule while avoiding collapse of the capsule during the opening process. Conversely, the extraction face should be configured such that it can be torn by the opening structure during the opening process. Furthermore, it is desirable to retain particles and fibers from the beverage components inside the capsule in order to not only avoid contaminating the prepared beverage, but also to avoid clogging the opening and / or the opening structure in the capsule which is provided for dispensing the prepared beverage out of the beverage preparation machine.

[0007] In the prior art, these technical challenges are addressed by forming the extraction face of a film made of aluminium having a very precisely controlled thickness, in particular of about 30 to 40 microns. Aluminium offers many advantages such as resistance to high pressure, durability, flexibility, low weight, providing a long shelf life and leaving the taste of the prepared beverage unchanged. Unfortunately, aluminium capsules are difficult to recycle as in many countries the system for recycling aluminium is either not in place, not advanced enough or requires the provision of additional waste disposal systems such as consumer product collection stations which are difficult to establish in practice. Moreover, the production of raw aluminium for capsules requires a large amount of energy leading to an increase of carbon emissions if the capsules are not successfully recycled.

[0008] Therefore, various attempts have been made recently to replace the material used for capsules with alternative materials. For example, bioplastics made of corn starch or dry pulp made of sugar cane fibres have been proposed for use as capsule material. However, the drawback of such materials is that they do not have the same material properties as the currently used materials such as aluminium. For example, capsules made of alternative materials generally have a limited shelf life as they do not provide the same reliable oxygen and moisture barrier as aluminium.

[0009] In particular, the design of the extraction face with alternative materials appears to be challenging as it is not possible to simply transfer the design principles and solutions applied to the prior aluminium extraction face to these new materials. For example, simply replacing the known aluminium formed extraction face with a paper-based material has proven to be unsuccessful as the quality of the prepared beverage, the reproducibility of the flavour and the beverage consistency are not comparable to the high standards set by the known aluminium-based extraction face.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a capsule whose configuration and design facilitate the use of compostable material for the entire capsule while maintaining and / or exceeding the quality and consistency standards of the prepared beverage set by aluminium capsules comparable thereto.

[0011] These and other objects which will become apparent to the reader upon reading the description will be solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention. 3. SUMMARY

[0012] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine. The capsule comprises a capsule body having a side wall delimiting a chamber for containing a substance for preparing a beverage and an injection wall for injecting a fluid into the chamber so as to prepare the beverage upon interaction of the fluid with the substance. The capsule further comprises a delivery wall connected to the capsule body to close the chamber. The delivery wall comprises in a layered manner a holding layer adapted to open upon interaction with an opening element under the effect of an elevated pressure of the fluid injected into the capsule and a filter layer for filtering out particles from the prepared beverage dispensed via the delivery wall. Each of the filter layer and the holding layer is made of a biodegradable material. Therein, the filter layer is arranged opposite the chamber with respect to the holding layer.

[0013] Therein, the expression "biodegradable material" can be understood as any material that can be broken down into environmentally harmless products by the action of organisms, such as microorganisms, for example bacteria, fungi or algae. The process can take place in the presence of oxygen (aerobic) and / or in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic). This can be understood, for example, to mean that composting can take place without reservation. In particular, at the end of the composting process, there is no residue of materials that can pose a problem to the environment, or any non-biodegradable components.

[0014] Examples of biodegradable materials can be different plant-based materials such as wood, bamboo, bamboo fibers, cellulose, cellulose pulp, wood pulp, sugar cane pulp, paper and / or cardboard. In addition, the family of bioplastics such as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and copolymers, polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBS-A / PBSa), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), cellulose acetate, starch and / or composites of the above materials are other examples.

[0015] International standards (e.g. EU 13432 or US ASTM D6400) set forth technical requirements and procedures for determining the compostability of a material. Biodegradation can be tested according to standards such as ISO 14855, ISO 17556 or ISO 14851. For example, to be considered "industrially compostable", one of the tests requires that at least 90% of the material is biodegraded within 6 months under controlled conditions. There are also similar tests to achieve home composting certification.

[0016] In other words: A capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine is provided. For example, the capsule can be understood as a receptacle for containing a substance for preparing a beverage, and preferably can form a casing or container that encloses the substance. The capsule body delimits a chamber with its side wall (at least partially), which can be for example a compartment, a cavity or a hollow space in the capsule. The capsule further comprises an injection wall adapted to inject a fluid within the chamber. The injection of the fluid can result in an interaction of the fluid with the substance, which can include any kind of chemical and / or physical reaction between the substance and the fluid, such as wetting, infusion, extraction, dissolution and / or any other kind of corresponding interaction, to produce a beverage product. The capsule further comprises a delivery wall connected to the capsule body to close the chamber. For example, it is conceivable that the space inside the capsule can be (completely) enclosed from all sides by the container body (side wall), the injection wall and the delivery wall, preferably such that a chamber for receiving the substance is formed (and closed). Thus, a capsule can be provided that can be filled with a substance for preparing a beverage and used with known capsule machines. The substance can be protected from degradation and external influences, like oxidation or moisture, and the flavor of the substance can be maintained inside the capsule even when stored for a long time.

[0017] The delivery wall of the present invention comprises a holding layer and a filter layer in a layered manner. Thus, the delivery wall can comprise different portions arranged as a sheet, a strip, a level or as a layer. Thus, the delivery wall can be provided with any number of layers, each of which can provide a desired functionality, such as a layer for sealing, (further layers) for forming a (moisture / oxygen) barrier, and / or for purifying and / or sieving out certain particles or contents from the prepared beverage before it leaves the capsule (chamber), such as with a filter layer. Therein, the delivery wall can have various (layer) configurations, forms and shapes. Further, the holding layer is arranged such that it can be opened by an opening element (e.g. of the beverage production machine) under the action of an elevated pressure of a fluid injected into the capsule, for example by a relative movement between the respective elements. Therein, the opening element can have various configurations, forms and shapes, and can comprise a plurality of protruding and recessed elements, for example pyramidal elements. This design allows for tailoring the design of the delivery wall according to technical needs.

[0018] Each of the filter layer and the holding layer is made of a biodegradable material. This can result in a more direct recycling of the organic material within the capsule as well as the capsule material itself.

[0019] The filter layer is arranged opposite to the holding layer with respect to the chamber. Therein, it was surprisingly found that the specific order and orientation of the holding layer and the filter layer with respect to the capsule body as defined by the present invention leads to a number of improvements. For example, it can be observed that the pressure distribution during beverage preparation is more consistent and reproducible. Furthermore, the crema formation and extraction is better found in the beverage and the concentration of particles and residues of the substance (e.g. roasted and ground coffee) is reduced.

[0020] In the art, this is unexpected, as in the configuration of the present invention, in operation, the filter layer can be in direct contact with the opening element which is typically used to create a local pressure point to break the material under pressure, leading to an increased risk of the filter layer losing its filtering ability due to piercing of the material. For this reason, in the prior art, the filter, if provided, is always located inside the capsule. Similarly, it is surprising that the holding layer is opened by the opening element in a more efficient way. With the configuration of the present invention, the openings in the delivery wall are distributed more, more evenly and more centrally compared to the configuration of known capsules. When the injection fluid is distributed evenly inside and outside the capsule, a better and even extraction result can be achieved. This effect contradicts the technical intuition that a better piercing result is achieved by direct contact of the piercing means with the intended object.

[0021] The above effects can be caused, for example, by a damping effect of the deformation of the holding layer by the filter layer during pressure build-up inside the capsule. The thrust force generated inside the chamber by the pressure increase of the fluid injected into the chamber can have to resist the tension of both layers, i.e. the filter layer as well as the holding layer. Thereby, the deformation of the delivery wall towards the opening element can be delayed to higher pressure inside the chamber, which can be reached faster and the opening element will interact with the delivery wall at higher pressure levels than in different capsule configurations. Due to the increased pressure build-up, the delivery wall is pierced more efficiently.

[0022] From the above it can be concluded that the present invention is advantageous to provide a capsule having an interface to the outside of the capsule, which is made entirely of biodegradable material and still provides sufficient or even improved pressure resistance, which can be required to build up sufficient pressure for beverage preparation. Furthermore, the design of the present invention is advantageous to the filtering ability and extraction of the capsule, which is required to prepare high quality beverages from aluminum-based capsules, which has been found in the prior art so far in beverages of this quality.

[0023] Preferably, the holding layer can face the chamber. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the holding layer can be arranged closer to the chamber than the filter layer. Therein, for example, the expression "facing" can be understood as pointing to the respective reference object without necessarily being arranged directly onto the respective reference object.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, each of the filter layer and the retention layer can be made of different biodegradable and preferably (home) compostable materials.

[0025] Thus, the capsule can be discarded in a compost heap after use, which is a designated site with specific conditions depending on wind, sunlight, drainage and other factors, whereby once the material is fully decomposed, it can provide nutrients for the land. Composting can be done with industrial composting sites and / or home composters. For example, according to the aforementioned internationally recognized legal standards, a compostable plastic material must simultaneously have the following properties in order to define the material as compostable. The material must be biodegradable and disintegratable, i.e. broken up and not visible in the final compost, and it must have no negative impact on the composting process and quality. Thus, the ecological impact of using single-serve capsules can potentially be further reduced.

[0026] The different materials can preferably be distinguished in at least one of their respective physical properties, such as tensile strength, ductility, elasticity, puncture resistance, density, porosity, and / or, if applicable, fiber structure and / or fiber orientation.

[0027] By providing at least two of the above-mentioned layers from different materials, a delivery wall can be provided as a composite structure. However, it can also be envisaged that the delivery wall can comprise a plurality of different layers, which can preferably be made of different materials. This can lead to the advantageous effect that the combination of two or more constituent materials having different physical or chemical properties results in a structure having properties different from each of the individual components. Thus, the interface of the capsule with the outside can be tailored to the technical requirements of the application. For example, by providing each of the layers with a different tensile strength, the pressure built up within the capsule can be controlled and limited as required. Thus, for example, the capsule can be designed to produce a beverage according to the specifications of its recipe. Furthermore, by providing the two layers from materials having different fiber configurations, the material properties related to the interaction of the delivery wall with the prepared beverage, such as limiting the filtering capacity of the delivery wall, can be tailored to the individual application. Also, differences in the orientation of the individual layers of the delivery wall can lead to different stresses in the layers, which can be taken into account by selecting different materials for the above-mentioned configurations. For example, the material of one of the layers can break at a lower pressure than the material of the other layer, but the structure can be held together by the combined resistance of each material, which can mutually support under the action of the pressure.

[0028] According to a further preferred embodiment, the retention layer, preferably the material of the retention layer, can be configured such that it provides a preferably bidirectional barrier to prevent liquid and / or gaseous substances from entering and / or leaving the chamber. Therein, it can be envisaged that the retention layer can comprise an additional layer or coating, which can be (disposed on) opposite to the chamber or opposite to the filter layer with respect to the retention layer.

[0029] Thus, the capsule can be provided with a barrier to prevent certain substances from leaving or entering the capsule. This allows to increase the shelf life of the capsule and keep the substances contained within the capsule fresh. By providing the holding layer with this capability, the design and manufacturing of the capsule can be simplified and the capsule can be made entirely of alternative materials.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the holding layer, preferably the material of the holding layer, can be configured such that it is elastic to a cumulative pressure in the chamber of between 1 bar and 20 bar, more preferably between 10 bar and 20 bar, most preferably between 12 bar and 18 bar.

[0031] Thus, the preparation of the beverage can be accomplished which requires a defined pressure to be successful. Furthermore, the capsule can be kept closed for a long period of time during the preparation method, as the time until the pressure reaches its pre-determined level depends on the pressure limit of the material. Thus, the beverage preparation time can be controlled by the choice of the material.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter layer can be made of a compostable material. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the filter layer can be made of a non-woven material. Examples can be wood pulp, sugar cane pulp, cellulose fibers, rayon fibers, polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBS-A / PBSa), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and / or polylactic acid (PLA).

[0033] Generally, non-woven materials can be made of short and long fibers which are bonded together by mechanical, chemical, thermal treatment. Non-woven materials are advantageous as they can be engineered for their specific use and they can be recycled after use and provide material functionalities such as elasticity and tear resistance, tensile strength, low weight, filtration and / or provide sterility and a bacterial barrier. For example, the fiber length in the non-woven material and their respective bonding can be adjusted according to the requirements of the application, thereby improving the application.

[0034] Alternatively or in addition thereto, the filter layer can have a grammage of between 10 g / m2 2 and 150 g / m2 2 , preferably between 20 g / m2 2 and 100 g / m2 2 .

[0035] Accordingly, the properties of the filter layer can be set by defining the area density of its material, i.e. as the mass per unit area. For example, the tensile strength of the filter layer can be improved by increasing the grammage of its material and / or by using a material comprising fibers of defined length and / or having a defined fiber bonding (nonwoven). Furthermore, by setting the material properties of the filter layer accordingly, the filter capacity and / or the porosity of the filter layer can be modified, e.g. reduced to smaller particle sizes. Accordingly, the filter layer can be tailored to the specific requirements of the beverage preparation.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the holding layer can be made of a compostable material. Alternatively or in addition, the holding layer can be made of a material having a defined, preferably closed fiber structure. For example, the material of the holding layer can be a fiber structure of at least 50% by weight of softwood pulp, can be cellulose fibers, paper, biopolyesters, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrates (PHB) and copolymers, and / or polybutylene succinate (PBS) or poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBS-A / PBSa). Furthermore, the material of the holding layer can be cellulose acetate, starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and it can comprise a polymer, wherein at least one of the monomer units is vinyl alcohol. Alternatively or in addition, the material of the holding layer can be a composite or a laminate of the above-mentioned materials.

[0037] By providing the holding layer from a material having a closed fiber structure, such as a highly refined, i.e. mechanically and / or chemically treated paper, a material can be provided for the holding layer which is less prone to absorb liquid while increasing the material stiffness. In particular, a material having a low water absorption and a low elongation has a beneficial influence on the properties of the capsule. By providing the holding layer from such a material, the advantageous effects of the present invention can be amplified.

[0038] Alternatively or in addition, the grammage of the holding layer can be between 20 g / m 2 and 150 g / m 2 , preferably between 30 g / m 2 and 100 g / m 2 .

[0039] Accordingly, the properties of the holding layer can be set by defining the area density of its material. For example, the tensile strength of the holding layer can be improved by increasing the grammage of its material.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the holding layer and the filter layer can be at least partially joined to each other on their opposite sides, preferably by adhesive bonding, ultrasonic sealing or heat sealing. Preferably, an adhesive layer can be provided between the holding layer and the filter layer, which is biodegradable and preferably a compostable material. For example, a plant-based starch or an acrylic adhesive can be used as a material for the adhesive layer.

[0041] By joining the two layers of the delivery wall, the stretching and deformation processes of the respective materials can be made interdependent. By connecting the two layers to each other using adhesive bonding, preferably by using some adhesive, or heat sealing, a smooth, uniform and effective bond is formed between the two layers. Thus, the pressure exerted on the holding layer is also evenly distributed to the filter layer. Thus, the advantageous effects of the present invention can be amplified with such a configuration.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the delivery wall can be connected to the edge portion of the opening defined in the side wall of the capsule body. For example, the delivery wall can be connected to the capsule body by adhesive bonding, ultrasonic sealing or heat sealing. Alternatively or in addition, an adhesive layer can be provided between the delivery wall, preferably the holding layer, and the capsule body, which attaches the capsule body and the delivery wall to each other. Preferably, the adhesive layer can at least partially (or completely) cover the opening and / or the edge portion. Alternatively or in addition, the adhesive layer can cover the holding layer (completely) on the side or surface oriented towards the chamber. For example, a plant-based starch or an acrylic adhesive can be used as a material for the adhesive layer. It is also conceivable that the adhesive layer can form part of the layered structure of the delivery wall, for example.

[0043] By joining the delivery wall to the capsule body, the two elements are firmly connected to each other and contamination of the capsule content by bacteria can be avoided. The content of the capsule can also be protected from external moisture or oxygen by the sealing bond formed between the delivery wall and the capsule body.

[0044] Preferably, it is conceivable that by using the aforementioned joining methods, the adhesive layer between the two layers can form an oxygen / humidity barrier and / or a sealant. Preferably, the adhesive layer can be food safe and / or suitable for use at the usual operating temperatures of beverage preparation, for example between 100 and 150 degrees Celsius.

[0045] According to a further preferred embodiment, the capsule body, preferably at least the side wall and / or the edge portion, can comprise a protective layer for providing a barrier to moisture and / or oxygen. Alternatively or in addition, the injection wall can comprise a protective layer for providing a barrier to moisture and / or oxygen. Preferably, the protective layer can be configured to provide a sealing interface between the capsule body and the injection wall. The protective layer can be made of a biodegradable and preferably compostable material, such as a biopolymer or polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and it can comprise a polymer in which at least one of the monomer units is vinyl alcohol. Alternatively or in addition, the protective layer can be made of a composite or laminate of the aforementioned materials. Preferably, the protective layer can be made of a different material than the filter layer and / or the holding layer.

[0046] Thus, the content of the capsule can be protected from external moisture or oxygen, and a wide range of different materials can be used for the capsule.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the capsule body and / or the injection wall can comprise a layered and / or laminated structure. Preferably, the capsule body and / or the injection wall can be made, preferably from a laminated, molded pulp fiber.

[0048] Thus, the mechanical properties, such as stiffness and / or hardness, of the respective elements can be tailored to the individual application. For example, the capsule body can comprise additional (integral) structural elements, such as fins or ridges, for reinforcement.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the capsule body and the injection wall can be constituted by separate pieces, or can be integrally formed, e.g. as one piece.

[0050] Thus, the capsule can be provided as different components or as a single piece or one piece. Each of these configurations offers advantages in terms of designing, manufacturing and preparing beverages with the capsule.

[0051] Further aspects of the present invention relate to a method for manufacturing a capsule as described above.

[0052] The method comprises a step in which the capsule body is formed from any form of biodegradable (and / or compostable) pulp material, such as cellulose pulp, bamboo pulp, wood pulp, bagasse, non-wood pulp or cellulose-based pulp. Preferably, the injection wall can be formed (simultaneously / in the same step) together with the capsule body. The injection wall is formed such that it forms at least a portion of a chamber for receiving a substance for preparing a beverage. The delivery wall is provided and attached to the capsule body, e.g. by heat sealing. Therein, the delivery wall is provided on the capsule body such that the filter layer is arranged opposite to the chamber with respect to the holding layer. Preferably, the holding layer can face the chamber. Alternatively or in addition, the holding layer can be arranged closer to the chamber than the filter layer.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the capsule body can be formed by wet pulp molding. Therein, the method of forming the capsule body can comprise the step of placing a pulp slurry in a mold, e.g. by filling the mold with the pulp slurry or by dipping the mold into the pulp slurry. The pulp slurry can be pressed in the mold, and the thus formed capsule body can be dried.

[0054] Alternatively, the capsule body can be formed by dry pulp molding. Therein, the method of forming the capsule body can comprise the step of providing a blank of preferably dry cellulose fibers. The blank can then be formed into the shape of the capsule body, preferably with the application of heat and / or water, utilizing a tool.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the capsule body can be filled with the substance required for the preparation of the beverage. The injection wall can be formed by (wet or dry) pulp molding. Preferably, the injection wall can be formed by pulp molding together with the capsule body. Alternatively or in addition, the injection wall can be formed by attaching a film or foil as injection wall to the capsule body after drying of the capsule body, for example with a biodegradable (and / or compostable) adhesive. Preferably, the method can further comprise the step of adding a protective layer, which can preferably be made of a biodegradable and / or compostable material. The protective layer can be added on the inner or outer surface of at least a portion of the capsule body delimiting the chamber, preferably of at least a portion of the side wall. Alternatively or in addition, the protective layer can be added on the inner or outer surface of at least a portion of the injection wall delimiting the chamber. It is also conceivable that the protective layer can be added on the surface of at least a portion of the rim portion (facing away from the chamber). This can be done for example by thermoforming. Preferably, the protective layer is provided as a gasket.

[0056] Thereby, a capsule can be obtained having all the advantages and benefits described above. Furthermore, (wet / dry) pulp molding offers the advantage of more freedom in designing the capsule shape and its components, while facilitating the use of different materials, thereby providing at least a portion of the capsule as a composite structure. Thus, existing capsule designs can be structurally improved, as well as provided from alternative materials, which is ecologically beneficial.

[0057] Further aspects of the present application relate to the use of a capsule as described above for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage production machine having a capsule holder. Thus, a beverage can be prepared in an advantageous and ecologically beneficial manner. 4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0058] Further features, advantages and objects of the present application will become apparent to the skilled person when reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the present application, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Where, for example, numbers have been omitted from the figures for the sake of clarity, the corresponding features can still be present in the figures.

[0059] Figure 1 schematic exploded view of a capsule according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0060] Figure 2 schematic exploded view of a capsule according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 pressure profile of the capsule of Fig. 1 over time.

[0061] Figure 3 schematic exploded view of a capsule according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 pressure profile of the capsule of Fig. 1 over time. Figure 2 pressure profile of the capsule of Fig. 1 over time.Figure 1 The delivery wall of the capsule is opposite.

[0062] Figure 4 A line graph showing the pressure distribution of a typical paper material.

[0063] Figure 5 A line graph showing the pressure distribution of a typical nonwoven material. 5. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The accompanying drawings illustrate different views and aspects of embodiments of a capsule 100 for preparing beverages in a beverage production machine according to the present invention. The capsule 100 may have a composite structure and / or may be made of a composite material, preferably composed entirely of biodegradable and / or compostable materials.

[0065] Capsule 100 includes a capsule body 200 having sidewalls 210. The capsule body 200 can have any shape or form. For example, the capsule body 200 can be shaped to accommodate inserting the capsule 100 into a capsule holder in a (known) beverage production machine. The capsule body 200 can be truncated, cup-shaped, or bowl-shaped. The capsule body 200 can have a circular cross-section. Therefore, for example, pressure-related forces applied to the capsule body 200 can be absorbed.

[0066] The capsule body 200 includes sidewalls 210. The sidewalls 210 define a chamber 250 within the capsule 100. The sidewalls 210 can be configured such that they surround a continuous space within the capsule body 100. This is in Figure 1 As exemplarily shown in the figure.

[0067] Chamber 250 is arranged to receive and store substance 500 for preparing beverages. Substance 500 can be any type of article (solid, liquid, at least partially soluble, and / or permeable) having a specific or defined chemical composition. Examples of substances can be roasted and ground coffee, instant coffee, tea leaves, syrup concentrates, fruit extract concentrates, chocolate products, dehydrated edible substances, and / or combinations thereof. Therefore, examples of beverages that can be prepared can be coffee-based or chocolate-based beverages, or other similar types of food. However, the above examples of substance 500 and beverages are not to be considered an exhaustive list. Rather, various other examples are contemplated.

[0068] The capsule body 200 can have an opening 230 to the chamber 250. The opening 230 can be on at least one of the opposite end portions of the capsule body 200. For example, the substance 500 can be filled within the capsule 100 through the opening 230. The substance 500 can fill the chamber 250 completely. However, there can be a free space between the opening 230 and the filling level of the substance 500, which can be filled with an inert gas to keep the substance 500 fresh. Preferably, an edge portion 211 of the side wall 210 can delimit the opening 230. The edge portion 211 can have the form of a flange and extend from the side wall 210, preferably away from the chamber 250. In operation, the capsule 100 can be placed on the edge portion 211 inside the capsule holder of a beverage production machine.

[0069] The side wall 210 can be arranged such that it forms a continuous covering surface of the capsule body 200. For example, the side wall 210 can have an inner surface facing the chamber 250 and an outer surface facing away from the chamber 250.

[0070] A protective layer 400 can be provided on the capsule body 200 and / or the side wall 210 for providing a preferably bidirectional barrier for the substance 500 against moisture and / or oxygen passage. In Figure 1 The protective layer 400 is exemplarily shown in the middle as being arranged on the inner surface of the side wall 210 as a liner, which can extend to and over the edge portion 211. The protective layer 400 can additionally or alternatively be arranged on the outer surface of the side wall 210. Therein, the protective layer 400 can be made of a biodegradable and preferably compostable material, for example a biopolymer or a bioplastic family such as PHB and copolymers, PBS, PBS-A, PLA, PBAT, cellulose acetate, starch, PVOH, and it can include polymers wherein at least one of the monomer units is vinyl alcohol, and composites or laminates of any of the above mentioned materials. Preferably, the protective layer 400 can be made of a food safe material (FCS, FCM).

[0071] For example, the capsule body 200 can be made of (laminated) (wet / dry) molded pulp fiber. Preferably, the capsule body 200 can be made of biodegradable and / or compostable material. The capsule body 200 can be made of food safe material (FCS, FCM). The capsule body 200 can comprise a layered and / or laminated structure. For example, the capsule body 200 can be relatively hard or rigid so as not to collapse during operation in a beverage production machine or during storage. The layered and / or laminated design can provide the capsule body 200 with additional rigidity and / or hardness compared to other designs. Therein, the molded pulp fiber can be a composite material with an additional substrate (such as biodegradable resin) laminated on the capsule body 200. For example, the laminated structure of the capsule body 200 can be formed by providing a protective layer 400 thereon. However, it is also conceivable that the capsule body 200 can comprise, for example, additional laminated layers in addition to the protective layer 400.

[0072] The capsule 100 comprises an injection wall 220 for injecting a fluid into the chamber 250 in order to prepare a beverage when the fluid interacts with the substance 500. This is exemplarily shown in Figure 1 .

[0073] The injection wall 220 can be provided on an end of the capsule body 200 opposite to the opening 230. The injection wall 220 can be provided integrally or separately from the capsule body 200. Thus, the capsule body 200 and the injection wall 220 can be constituted by separate pieces or can be integrally formed as one piece. The injection wall 220 can form a conical end portion of the capsule body 200. The injection wall 220 can be configured to be perforated by a blade of a coffee production machine such that the blade provides an opening for fluid injection. Preferably, the fluid can be a liquid or a liquid / gas mixture, such as water or milk. Like the capsule body 200, the injection wall 220 can also comprise the protective layer 400 described above. It is also conceivable that the injection wall 220 can comprise (small) openings through which the blade of the coffee production machine can enter and pierce the protective layer 400. Similar to the capsule body 200, the injection wall 220 can comprise a layered and / or laminated structure and can be made of (laminated) molded pulp fiber and / or food safe material (FCS, FCM).

[0074] The capsule body 200 and the injection wall 220 can be arranged such that the chamber 250 is closed (sealed) preferably from at least three sides, as Figure 1 is exemplarily shown. The capsule body 200 and the injection wall 220 can be arranged such that the injected fluid is evenly distributed in the chamber 250 along the side wall 210.

[0075] The capsule 100 comprises a delivery wall 300 connected to the capsule body 200 to close the chamber 250. This is exemplarily pointed out in Figure 1 .

[0076] For example, the delivery wall 300 can be connected to the rim portion 211. This can be done, for example, by heat sealing or adhesive bonding. Thus, an adhesive layer or a sealable coating can be provided between the delivery wall 300 and the capsule body 200, with which the capsule body 200 and the delivery wall 300 can be attached (engaged) to each other. Said sealable / adhesive layer can cover the entire area of the holding layer 320 on the side closest to the capsule body 200. The adhesive layer can form part of the delivery wall 300 or be an element separate from the capsule body 200 and the delivery wall 300. For example, the adhesive layer can form part of the protective layer 400 or can be provided in addition to this protective layer. The delivery wall 300 can be attached to the capsule body 200 via the rim portion 211. For example, the adhesive layer can extend over the opening 230, such that it covers the opening 230 and overlaps with the rim portion 211. Furthermore, the adhesive layer can cover the entire surface of the delivery wall 300, i.e. the surface pointing towards (i.e. facing) the chamber 250. The delivery wall 300 can be arranged opposite the injection wall 220 with respect to the chamber 250. The delivery wall 300 and the injection wall 220 can be arranged with respect to each other such that, in operation, the injection fluid traverses the capsule 100 in the order of the injection wall 220, the chamber 250 (and, if available, the substance 500 contained therein) and the delivery wall 300. The chamber 250 can be completely surrounded by the delivery wall 300 (at one end), the injection wall 220 (on its opposite end) and the side wall 210 (along / around the side between the two opposite ends). The delivery wall 300 can extend at least partially, preferably completely, over the opening 230. Preferably, the delivery wall 300 can (at least partially) overlap with the rim portion 211.

[0077] The delivery wall 300 is arranged in a layered manner, as exemplarily shown in Figure 1 There is no restriction on the number of (different) layers that the delivery wall 300 can have.

[0078] One of the layers of the delivery wall 300 is a holding layer 320. This is exemplarily shown in Figure 1 The holding layer 320 is adapted to open upon interaction with an opening element of a beverage production machine under the action of the elevated pressure of the fluid injected into the capsule 100. The holding layer 320 can be a thin film, membrane or sheet having a defined thickness and preferably having a substantially planar surface.

[0079] The holding layer 320 is made of a biodegradable material. Preferably, the holding layer 320 can also be made of a compostable material and / or a food safe material (FCS, FCM). Additionally or alternatively, the holding layer 320 (material) can have a defined fibrous structure, such as a closed fibrous structure. For example, the holding layer 320 material can be a fibrous structure of at least 50% by weight corresponding to softwood pulp. Further examples of the material of the holding layer 320 can be one or any combination of the group of cellulose fibers, paper, biopolyesters, PHA, PHB and copolymers, PBS, PBS-A, PVOH and / or polymers wherein at least one of the monomer units is vinyl alcohol.

[0080] The holding layer 320 can be arranged such that it is elastic to a cumulative pressure in the chamber 250, preferably between 1 bar and 20 bar, more preferably between 10 bar and 20 bar, most preferably between 12 bar and 18 bar. In particular, the material of the holding layer 320 can be configured such that it is elastic to a cumulative pressure in the chamber 250 in such a pressure range. Therein, the thickness and density of the material can influence the stiffness, i.e. the resistance to bending, of the holding layer 320. The holding layer 320 can have a material thickness of 10 micrometer to 150 micrometer, preferably 30 micrometer to 70 micrometer. Additionally or in addition thereto, the holding layer 320 can have a grammage of 20 g / m 2 and 150 g / m 2 , preferably 40 g / m 2 and 100 g / m 2 . Preferably, the holding layer 320 can be attached to the capsule body 200 (edge portion 211) preferably by heat sealing or adhesive bonding.

[0081] Figure 4 An exemplary pressure profile of a paper-based material suitable for the holding layer 320 is shown. As can be taken from Figure 4 , the paper-based material provides a resistance to a pressure of up to 17 bar at least for a time interval of about 15 seconds, thereby blocking the fluid under pressure and thus making it suitable as a layer of the delivery wall 300 for beverage preparation.

[0082] Another layer of the delivery wall 300 is a filter layer 310 as Figure 1 exemplarily shown. The filter layer 310 can be configured to filter out particles from the prepared beverage before dispensing the prepared beverage via (from) the delivery wall 300. The filter layer 310 can be a thin film, membrane or sheet having a defined thickness (and / or having a (mostly) planar surface).

[0083] The filter layer 310 is made of a biodegradable material. Preferably, the filter layer 310 can also be made of a compostable material and / or a food safe material (FCS, FCM). For example, the filter layer 310 can be a nonwoven material such as cellulose fibers or PLA. Further examples can be cellulose fibers, wood pulp, sugar cane pulp, rayon fibers, PBS, PBS-A, PHB and / or PLA.

[0084] The mechanical and filtering properties of the filter layer 310 can be influenced by the thickness of the material, its density and its permeability to particles. The filter layer 310 can have a material thickness of 10 microns to 300 microns, preferably 30 microns to 250 microns. Additionally or alternatively, the filter layer 310 can have a grammage of 10 g / m 2 and 200 g / m 2 , preferably 20 g / m 2 and 150 g / m 2 .

[0085] Figure 5 Pressure curves of various nonwoven materials that can be used for the filter layer 320 are exemplarily shown. It can be seen that the nonwoven materials show a pressure resistance of up to 2.5 bar within a time span of less than 10 seconds. Considering the typical conditions of a beverage preparation method, this pressure resistance seems relatively limited and short. Figure 5

[0086] However, the present invention provides a solution by which a specific arrangement and combination of different types of materials, such as exemplarily shown in the foregoing Figure 4 and Figure 5 , leads to advantageous effects.

[0087] Herein, the holding layer 320 and the filter layer 310 are arranged on the capsule body 200 such that the filter layer 310 is arranged opposite to the chamber 250 with respect to the holding layer 320.

[0088] Preferably, the holding layer 320 can face the chamber 250. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the holding layer 320 can be arranged closer to the chamber 250 than the filter layer 310. This is exemplarily shown in Figure 1 .

[0089] ​Preferably, the retaining layer 320 can at least partially, preferably completely, cover the opening 230. An adhesive layer can be provided between the retaining layer 320 and the capsule body 200 (or the rim portion 211), which can completely cover the surface of the retaining layer 320 directed towards the capsule body 200. The filter layer 310 can at least partially cover the retaining layer 320. Preferably, the filter layer 310 can be arranged to be flush with the retaining layer 320 in the circumferential direction (and / or preferably flush with the perimeter of the capsule body 200). The retaining layer 320 and the filter layer 310 can at least partially be joined to each other on their facing sides, preferably by adhesive bonding or heat sealing. Therein, an adhesive layer can preferably be provided between the retaining layer 320 and the filter layer 310, which has a biodegradable and preferably compostable material, such as a plant-based starch or an acrylic adhesive. Preferably, the retaining layer 320 and the filter layer 310 can form a substantially flat surface on one end of the capsule 100. For example, the retaining layer 320 and the filter layer 310 can be joined to each other by, for example, heat bonding, such that the adhesive layer is provided as a strip covering only a portion of the surface of each of these two layers 310, 320. For example, the strip can be provided along the perimeter of these two layers 310, 320. However, this is merely an example and is not to be considered as a complete enumeration. Rather, for example, the adhesive layer can also be provided in the overlapping center between these two layers 310, 320.

[0090] Preferably, each of the filter layer 310 and the retaining layer 320 can be made of a different biodegradable and preferably also compostable material. The different materials of the two layers can be distinguished in at least one of their respective physical properties, such as tensile strength, ductility, elasticity, puncture resistance, density, porosity, and / or, if applicable, fiber structure and / or fiber orientation. For example, it can be preferred that the elasticity of the filter layer 310 can be higher than the elasticity of the retaining layer 320, as it is typical for layered structures that layers further away from the base layer undergo a greater strain during bending than layers closer to the base layer.

[0091] With such an arrangement, a pressure curve as exemplarily shown in Figure 2 may be achieved. As is immediately clear from Figure 2 , the corresponding pressure curve of the capsule 100 is very advantageous for the preparation of a beverage.

[0092] Figure 3A comparison between the pressure curves of two capsules containing the same components and the same material is shown. However, capsule n°1 does not use the arrangement of the present application to form its delivery wall, while capsule n°2 has the configuration of the capsule 100 of the present application. It can be seen that the pressure resistance and the pressure stability of the capsule 100 (capsule n°2) during the extraction time is significantly more stable and improved than the pressure resistance and the pressure stability of the other capsule (capsule n°1) for beverage preparation applications.

[0093] Preferably, the filter layer 310 and / or the holding layer 320 can be made of a different material than the protective layer 400. In order to provide the delivery wall 300 with a barrier against oxygen or humidity, it is conceivable that the holding layer 320 (and / or the material of the holding layer 320) can be configured such that it provides a bidirectional barrier against liquid and / or gaseous substances from entering or leaving the chamber 250. The delivery wall 300 can comprise additional layers next to the filter layer 310 and the holding layer 320. The protective layer 400 can form a part of the delivery wall 300.

[0094] Further aspects of the present application relate to a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned capsule 100.

[0095] wherein the capsule body 200 is formed from a biodegradable pulp material, such as cellulose pulp, bamboo pulp, bagasse pulp or wood pulp. The injection wall 220 (preferably together with the capsule body 200) is formed such that at least a portion of the chamber 250 for receiving the substance 500 for preparing a beverage is formed. The delivery wall 300 is provided and attached to the capsule body 200, for example by heat sealing. Therein, the delivery wall 300 is provided on the capsule body 200 such that the filter layer 310 is arranged opposite to the holding layer 320 with respect to the chamber 250.

[0096] Preferably, the capsule body 200 can be formed by wet pulp molding. Therein, a pulp of a biodegradable pulp material, such as any form of wood pulp, bagasse pulp, non-wood pulp and / or cellulose-based pulp, can be pressed into a mold to form the capsule body 200. Thereafter, the thus formed capsule body 200 is dried. At least a portion of the inner surface (before filling) or at least a portion of the outer surface of the capsule body 200 can be provided with the protective layer 400, for example by thermoforming.

[0097] Alternatively, the capsule body 200 can be formed by dry pulp molding. Thereby, a blank of preferably dry cellulose fibers can be provided from which the capsule body 200 is formed, preferably with the application of heat and / or water, utilizing a tool. The protective layer 400 can be applied as a liner on the inside of the capsule body 200 (for example by applying heat and / or vacuum), which can extend over and cover the inwardly facing surface of the side wall 210 between the two end portions of the capsule body 200 and which can extend over and cover the edge portion 211 on its surface facing away from the chamber 250.

[0098] In both of the two preceding methods, the injection wall 220 can be formed, for example, in the same step as the capsule body 200. Preferably, the injection wall 220 can be formed by (wet / dry) slurry molding or by attaching a film or foil as injection wall 220 to the capsule body 200 after forming the capsule body 200, for example, with a biodegradable adhesive. For example, by (wet / dry) slurry molding, the injection wall 220 can be formed in the same method step as the capsule body 200, while a second separate method step can be required to attach the injection wall 220 with an adhesive. The capsule body 200 can be filled with a substance 500 for preparing a beverage. A delivery wall 300 can be provided and attached to the capsule body 200 such that the holding layer 320 can face (point towards) the chamber 250. A protective layer 400 can be added to the (circumferential) surface of the capsule 100, which is preferably made of a biodegradable and / or compostable material. At least a portion of the inwardly facing surface or outwardly facing surface of the injection wall 220 (further defining the surface of the chamber 250) can be provided with the protective layer 400.

[0099] Further aspects of the present invention relate to the use of the above-described capsule 100 for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine having a capsule holder. For example, a capsule 100 as described above can be provided and inserted into a beverage production machine. Preferably, the capsule 100 is placed in the beverage production machine such that the filter layer 310 is closer (and eventually in contact) to the opening element of the machine than the holding layer 320. The injection wall 220 of the capsule 100 can be perforated by an injection nozzle of the beverage production machine to inject a fluid into the chamber 250. A fluid (such as a liquid or a liquid / gas mixture) can be injected into the chamber 250, thereby causing a pressure to build up in the capsule 100, and the delivery wall 300 will push against, for example, the opening element of the beverage production machine. When the pressure of the injected fluid reaches a predetermined level in the chamber 250, at least a portion of the delivery wall 300 can be perforated by the opening element. Preferably, the holding layer 320 can be perforated. Alternatively or in addition, the delivery wall 300 can be provided such that (for example, with regard to its material configuration / selection) the holding layer 320 can be perforated while the filter layer 310 is not perforated. The prepared beverage can be discharged from the capsule 100, wherein the beverage can pass through the opening in the holding layer 320 and the cavities in the porous material of the filter layer 310, wherein the holding layer 320 can be closer to the chamber 250 than the filter layer 310, and the filter layer 310 is provided opposite to the chamber 250 with respect to the holding layer 320.

[0100] The present invention is not limited by the embodiments described hereinabove as long as covered by the claims appended hereto. All features of the embodiments described hereinabove can be combined in any possible manner and are provided interchangeably. For example, the above-described step order of the manufacturing method of the capsule 100 can be arbitrarily changed.

Claims

1. Capsule (100) for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, wherein the capsule (100) comprises: - a capsule body (200) having a side wall (210) delimiting a chamber (250) for containing a substance (500) for preparing the beverage, and an edge portion (211); - an injection wall (220) for injecting a fluid into the chamber (250) so as to prepare the beverage upon interaction of the fluid with the substance (500); and - a delivery wall (300) connected to the capsule body (200) to close the chamber (250), wherein the delivery wall (300) comprises in a layered manner: o a holding layer (320) adapted to open upon interaction with an opening element under the effect of an elevated pressure of a fluid injected into the capsule (100), o a filter layer (310) for filtering out particles from the prepared beverage dispensed via the delivery wall (300), the filter layer (310) being arranged opposite the chamber (250) with respect to the holding layer (320), o a moisture and / or oxygen barrier layer having a barrier function for preventing liquid and / or gaseous substances from entering and / or leaving the chamber (250), and o a first adhesive layer at least partially covering the delivery wall (300) for joining the delivery wall (300) to the capsule body (200); and wherein each of the filter layer (310), the holding layer (320), the barrier layer and the first adhesive layer is made of a biodegradable material.

2. Capsule (100) according to claim 1, wherein the delivery wall comprises a second adhesive layer arranged between the holding layer (320) and the filter layer (310) and joining the holding layer (320) and the filter layer (310) at least partially to each other on their opposite sides.

3. Capsule (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the filter layer (310) and the holding layer (320) is made of a different material, which differentiates in at least one of its respective physical properties.

4. Capsule (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holding layer (320) is configured such that it is elastic to a cumulative pressure in the chamber (250) of between 1 bar and 20 bar.

5. Capsule (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holding layer (320) is made of a material which is compostable and / or has a defined fibrous structure, and / or wherein the grammage of the retention layer (320) is comprised between 20 g / m 2 and 150 g / m 2 between.

6. Capsule (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter layer (310) is made of a compostable and / or non-woven material, and / or wherein the grammage of the filter layer (310) is comprised between 10 g / m 2 and 150 g / m 2 .

7. The capsule (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capsule body (200) and / or the injection wall (220) comprise a protective layer (400) for providing a bidirectional barrier against moisture and / or oxygen and / or for providing a sealed interface between the capsule body (200) and the injection wall (220), wherein the protective layer (400) is made of a biodegradable material.

8. The capsule (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capsule body (200) and / or the injection wall (220) comprise a layered and / or laminated structure, and / or wherein the capsule body (200) and the injection wall (220) are made of separate pieces or are integrally formed as one piece.

9. The capsule (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first adhesive layer at least partially covers the holding layer (320) on the side of the delivery wall (300).

10. The capsule (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first adhesive layer at least partially covers the holding layer (320) oriented towards the chamber (250).

11. The capsule (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first adhesive layer joins the delivery wall (300) to the rim portion (211).

12. The capsule (100) according to claim 3, wherein the physical properties comprise tensile strength, ductility, elasticity, puncture resistance, density, porosity, and / or, if applicable, fiber structure and / or fiber orientation.

13. The capsule (100) according to claim 4, wherein the material of the holding layer (320) is configured such that it is elastic to a cumulative pressure in the chamber (250) of between 1 bar and 20 bar.

14. The capsule (100) according to claim 5, wherein the holding layer (320) is made of a material having a closed fiber structure.

15. The capsule (100) according to claim 5, wherein at least 50% by weight of the fiber structure corresponds to softwood pulp, cellulose fibers, paper or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and copolymers, polybutylene succinate (PBS / PBS-A), biopolyesters, cellulose acetate, starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polymers in which at least one of the monomer units is vinyl alcohol, composites and / or laminates of the aforementioned materials.

16. The capsule (100) according to claim 6, wherein the compostable and / or nonwoven material comprises wood or sugar cane pulp, cellulose fibers, rayon fibers, polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBS-A / PBSa), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and / or polylactic acid (PLA).

17. The capsule (100) according to claim 7, wherein the side wall (210) comprises the protective layer (400).

18. Capsule (100) according to claim 7, wherein the rim portion (211) comprises the protective layer (400).

19. Capsule (100) according to claim 7, wherein the protective layer (400) is made of a compostable material.

20. Capsule (100) according to claim 7, wherein the material used to manufacture the protective layer (400) comprises a biopolymer or a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), a polymer wherein at least one of the monomer units is vinyl alcohol, and a composite or laminate of the aforementioned materials.

21. Capsule (100) according to claim 7, wherein the protective layer (400) is made of a different material than the filter layer (310) and / or the holding layer (320).

22. Capsule (100) according to claim 8, wherein the capsule body (200) and / or the injection wall (220) is made of a laminated molded pulp fiber.

23. Use of a capsule (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 22 for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, the beverage production machine comprising: • a capsule holder, • an injection nozzle for injecting a fluid into the chamber (250) of the capsule (100), and • an opening device, wherein the capsule (100) is inserted into the beverage production machine and is placed such that the filter layer (310) of the delivery wall (300) is closer to the opening device than the holding layer (320), wherein the injection wall (220) of the capsule (100) is perforated by the injection nozzle and a fluid is injected into the chamber (250), the fluid causing a pressure to build up in the capsule (100) causing the delivery wall (300) to push against the opening device of the beverage production machine, and wherein the prepared beverage is expelled from the capsule (100) through the opening in the holding layer (320) and the cavities in the porous material of the filter layer (310).

24. The use according to claim 23, wherein, During extraction of the capsule (100), the holding layer (320) is perforated while the filter layer (310) is not.

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