Sheet-like composite for dimensionally stable food or beverage product containers having inner polymer layer comprising metallocene polyethylene

Abstract

The invention relates to a sheet-like composite material (100) comprising: a. A carrier layer (103), b. A barrier layer (105), c. An inner polymer layer F (108), and d. An inner polymer layer H (109); wherein the barrier layer (105) comprises-a barrier material layer (106), and-a barrier substrate layer (107) comprising a polyolefin; characterised in that the inner polymer layer F (108) comprises at least 40% by weight of mPE, in each case, based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F (108). The invention further relates to a method (300, 600, 700) for producing the sheet-like composite material (100), the container precursor (400) and the closed container (500), to the container precursor (400), the closed container (500), and to the use of the sheet-like composite material (100), mPE, LDPE and a combination of mPE and LDPE.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sheet-like composite material comprising a layer sequence comprising the following layers superimposed on one another in the following order from the outer surface to the inner surface of the sheet-like composite material:

[0002] a. Carrier layer,

[0003] b. Barrier layer,

[0004] c. an inner polymer layer F, and

[0005] d. inner polymer layer H;

[0006] The barrier layer comprises a sublayer sequence, wherein the sublayer sequence comprises

[0007] - a layer of barrier material, and

[0008] - Barrier substrate layer comprising polyolefin

[0009] as sublayers superimposed on one another; wherein the inner polymer layer F comprises at least 40% by weight of mPE, based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F. The present invention further relates to a process for producing a sheet-like composite material, a container precursor and a closed container, to a container precursor, a closed container, and to the use of the sheet-like composite material, mPE, LDPE and a combination of mPE and LDPE.

[0010] For some time, food has been preserved by storing it in a can or in a bottle (jar) closed by a lid, whether it is food for human consumption or an animal feed product. In this case, the shelf life can be increased by first sterilizing the food and the container (bottle or can) individually and very fully in each case, then introducing the food into the container and sealing the container. However, these measures to increase the shelf life of food that have been tried and tested for a long time have a series of disadvantages, such as needing to be sterilized again later. Cans and bottles have the disadvantage that it is impossible to achieve very dense and space-saving storage because they are basically cylindrical. In addition, cans and bottles have a considerable inherent weight, so that the energy consumption in transportation increases. In addition, the production of glass, tinplate or aluminum, even when the raw materials used for this purpose are recycled, also requires quite high energy consumption. In the case of bottles, an aggravating factor is the increase in transportation expenses. Bottles are usually prefabricated in glass factories and then must be transported to the place where the food is distributed using a considerable transportation volume. In addition, bottles and cans can only be opened with considerable effort or with the help of tools and therefore in a quite laborious manner. In the case of cans, there is a high risk of injuries caused by sharp edges that appear when opening. In the case of bottles, it is a recurring situation that broken glass enters the food during the filling or opening of the already filled bottle, which in the worst case can cause internal injuries when the food is consumed. In addition, both cans and bottles have to be labeled in order to identify and promote the food contents. Bottles and cans cannot be directly printed with information and promotional information. Therefore, in addition to the actual printing, a substrate for this purpose, paper or a suitable film, is required, as well as fixing means, adhesives or sealants.

[0011] Other packaging systems are known from the prior art to store food and beverage products for a long time when the damage is minimal. These are containers made of sheet-like composite materials (also commonly referred to as laminated materials). Especially as disclosed in WO 90 / 09926A2, this type of sheet-like composite material is usually composed of an outer polyolefin layer, a carrier layer (which gives container dimensional stability) usually made of cardboard or paper, an adhesion promoter layer, a barrier layer and an inner polyolefin layer. Because the carrier layer gives the container rigidity and dimensional stability made of laminated materials, these laminated containers are considered to be on the development path of above-mentioned glassware and bottles. In this regard, the above-mentioned laminated containers are completely different from the pouches (pouches) and bags (bags) made of the thinner foil without a carrier layer. Dimensionally stable laminated containers have many advantages that are superior to conventional bottles and cans. Nevertheless, there is also an opportunity for improvement in the case of these packaging systems.

[0012] For example, aluminium foil has been used for barrier layers for decades. This is due to the excellent barrier properties of a few μm thick aluminium foil against oxygen, water vapour and light. However, aluminium is a relatively energy-intensive and resource-intensive material to produce. Furthermore, aluminium foil also makes the recycling of the laminate after use of prior art containers relatively energy-intensive. Recently, these disadvantages have become increasingly relevant. Different polymers have been tested for barrier layers. However, none of these has proven to be suitable for replacing aluminium foil in standard products. This is due, for example, to the fact that the barrier properties of these polymer layers are inferior to those of aluminium foil, in particular because the barrier properties of the polymer layers are further impaired by mechanical processing of the laminate and by humidity.

[0013] Recently, prefabricated barrier films having a polymer substrate coated with a thin layer of a material providing a barrier effect have attracted increasing attention. Such barrier films generally provide good barrier properties, and the materials used are more environmentally friendly than aluminum foil. PET foil is usually used as a substrate, which is coated with a metal or oxide, for example, by physical or chemical vapor deposition. As mentioned above, the outer and inner layers of packaging laminates for dimensionally stable food or beverage product containers are usually made of polyolefins. If PET foil is used as part of the barrier layer, this will cause problems. It turns out that the combination of polyolefins and PET is disadvantageous in terms of recycling. Due to insufficient processing properties, recycled products with a combination of PET and polyolefins cannot be used for extrusion coating without further preparation. Therefore, these recycled products must be separated into PET components and polyolefin components. This is a rather energy-intensive thermal process and is therefore disadvantageous in terms of eco-friendliness. Therefore, in order to further improve the environmental compatibility of the laminate, it seems desirable to use a barrier film with a polyolefin substrate. However, the inventor's initial attempts revealed an important problem.

[0014] Dimensionally stable laminated containers are often used for storing high-fat sauces or soups. In the case of non-aluminum foil barrier layers, these foods can even be heated very conveniently by heating the container in a microwave. Obviously, as mentioned above, the barrier properties of the laminate contribute to achieving the longest possible shelf life of the container. In order to make efficient use of the storage space, containers are usually stored stacked on top of each other during a considerable part of their shelf life. Of course, not only the food in the container, but also the container itself must remain essentially undamaged during its shelf life. Unfortunately, it has been observed that if the inner layer of the laminate is adhered to a barrier film based on a polyolefin substrate using commonly known adhesion promoters, containers with high-fat foods show visible damage in longitudinal compression after long-term storage at the bottom of a stack of containers. This means that the longitudinal compression stability of the container deteriorates after long-term storage of high-fat foods. Here, the present invention provides an unexpected solution.

[0015] In general, one object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the disadvantages presented by the prior art.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide a food or beverage product container made of laminate which is more eco-friendly and which at the same time, in particular through good stacking behavior, enables the most efficient use of storage space for the long-term storage of fatty foodstuffs.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a dimensionally stable food or beverage product container made of a laminate material which is more eco-friendly and which at the same time has the highest possible longitudinal compression stability after prolonged storage of high-fat foods.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide a dimensionally stable food or beverage product container made of a laminate material, wherein the container is more suitable for recycling and at the same time has the highest possible longitudinal compression stability after prolonged storage of high-fat foods.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide a dimensionally stable food or beverage product container made of a laminate material, wherein the container has a shelf-life which is as high as possible.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide a dimensionally stable food or beverage product container made of a laminate material, wherein the container has as high a tightness as possible with respect to oxygen and water vapor.

[0021] Any embodiment of the present invention contributes to at least partially achieving at least one, preferably more than one, of the above-mentioned objects.

[0022] A first embodiment of the present invention is a sheet-like composite comprising a layer sequence comprising the following layers superimposed on one another in the following order from the outer surface of the sheet-like composite to the inner surface of the sheet-like composite:

[0023] a. Carrier layer,

[0024] b. Barrier layer,

[0025] c. an inner polymer layer F, and

[0026] d. inner polymer layer H (inner polymer layer H);

[0027] The barrier layer comprises a sublayer sequence, wherein the sublayer sequence comprises

[0028] - a barrier material layer, and

[0029] - Barrier substrate layer comprising polyolefin

[0030] as sublayers superimposed on each other; wherein the inner polymer layer F comprises at least 40 wt.-%, preferably at least 50 wt.-%, more preferably at least 60 wt.-%, more preferably at least 70 wt.-%, more preferably at least 80 wt.-%, more preferably at least 90 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 95 wt.-%, most preferably 100 wt.-% mPE, in each case based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the mPE of the inner polymer layer F has at least one, preferably two, more preferably all of the following characteristics:

[0032] a] The molecular weight distribution of the mPE has

[0033] i] exactly one local maximum, or

[0034] ii] exactly 2 local maxima;

[0035] b] The mPE has

[0036] i] exactly 1 melting temperature, or

[0037] ii] exactly 2 melting temperatures;

[0038] c] the mPE is mLLDPE;

[0039] d] the mPE comprises

[0040] i] C8-α-olefin derived units, or

[0041] ii] C6-α-olefin derived units.

[0042] This preferred embodiment is the second embodiment of the invention, which is preferably dependent on the first embodiment of the invention.

[0043] Particularly preferred mPE has one of the following combinations of the above-mentioned characteristics: a], b], c], d], a]+b]+c]+d], a]i], a]ii], b]i], b]ii], d]i], d]ii], a]i]+b]i], a]i]+b]i]+c], a]i]+b]i]+c]+d]i], c]+d]i], b]i]+c], a]ii]+b]ii], a]ii]+b]ii]+c]+d]ii], c]+d]ii], b]ii]+c], a]ii]+b]ii]+c]+d]ii], c]+d]ii], b]ii]+c].

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the inner polymer layer F does not contain polymers with functional groups in a proportion of more than 10% by weight, preferably more than 5% by weight, more preferably more than 3% by weight, more preferably more than 2% by weight, yet more preferably more than 1% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the inner polymer layer F. This preferred embodiment is the third embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the first or second embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Most preferably, the inner polymer layer F is substantially free of any polymers having functional groups. In this case, preferred functional groups have the general formula OR or COOR, wherein R in each case is independently selected from H, C1- to C 22 - alkyl and aromatic moieties, or a combination of two or more thereof. In a further preferred embodiment, the inner polymer layer F does not comprise an adhesion promoter polymer in a proportion of more than 10 wt.-%, preferably more than 5 wt.-%, more preferably more than 3 wt.-%, more preferably more than 2 wt.-%, yet more preferably more than 1 wt.-%, in each case based on the weight of the inner polymer layer F. Most preferably, the inner polymer layer F is substantially free of any adhesion promoter polymer.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the polyolefin of the barrier substrate layer is polyethylene or polypropylene or both. This preferred embodiment is the fourth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the inner polymer layer F further comprises LDPE. This preferred embodiment is the fifth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the inner polymer layer F comprises mPE and LDPE in the form of a first polymer blend. This preferred embodiment is the sixth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the inner polymer layer F comprises

[0050] - mPE in a proportion ranging from 40 to 100 wt. %, preferably from 40 to 95 wt. %, more preferably from 50 to 95 wt. %, more preferably from 60 to 95 wt. %, more preferably from 60 to 90 wt. %, more preferably from 70 to 90 wt. %, more preferably from 80 to 90 wt. %, and

[0051] - LDPE in a proportion ranging from 0 to 60% by weight, preferably from 5 to 60% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 50% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 30% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 20% by weight,

[0052] The proportions in % by weight are based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F. This preferred embodiment is the seventh embodiment of the invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the invention.

[0053] Alternatively preferably, the inner polymer layer F comprises

[0054] - mPE in a proportion ranging from 50 to 100% by weight, preferably from 60 to 100% by weight, more preferably from 70 to 100% by weight, more preferably from 75 to 100% by weight, more preferably from 80 to 100% by weight, and

[0055] - LDPE in a proportion ranging from 0 to 50% by weight, preferably from 0 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 30% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 25% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 20% by weight,

[0056] The proportions in % by weight are based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F.

[0057] According to a further preferred alternative, the inner polymer layer F comprises

[0058] - mPE in a proportion in the range of 40% to less than 100% by weight, preferably 50 to less than 100% by weight, more preferably 60 to less than 100% by weight, more preferably 70 to less than 100% by weight, more preferably 80 to less than 100% by weight, and

[0059] - a proportion of LDPE in the range of more than 0% by weight and up to 60% by weight, preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 50% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 40% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 30% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 25% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 20% by weight,

[0060] The proportions in % by weight are based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite, the barrier material layer is superimposed on the barrier substrate layer on the side of the barrier substrate layer facing the outer surface of the sheet-like composite. This preferred embodiment is the eighth embodiment of the invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the invention.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite, the inner polymer layer H comprises LDPE and mPE, preferably in the form of a second polymer blend. This preferred embodiment is the ninth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the inner polymer layer H comprises

[0064] - a proportion of at least 10 wt.-%, preferably at least 15 wt.-%, more preferably at least 20 wt.-%, more preferably at least 30 wt.-%, more preferably at least 40 wt.-%, more preferably at least 50 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 60 wt.-%, most preferably at least 65 wt.-% LDPE, and

[0065] a proportion of at least 10 wt.-%, preferably at least 20 wt.-%, more preferably at least 25 wt.-%, more preferably at least 30 wt.-%, more preferably at least 40 wt.-%, more preferably at least 50 wt.-%, more preferably at least 60 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 70 wt.-%, most preferably at least 75 wt.-% mPE,

[0066] The proportions in % by weight are based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer H. This preferred embodiment is the tenth embodiment of the invention, which preferably depends on the ninth embodiment of the invention.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the sheetlike composite material, the layer sequence further comprises an inner polymer layer G arranged between inner polymer layer F and inner polymer layer H. This preferred embodiment is the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the inner polymer layer G comprises LDPE in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, even more preferably at least 80% by weight and most preferably at least 90% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the inner polymer layer G. This preferred embodiment is the twelfth embodiment of the invention, which preferably depends on the eleventh embodiment of the invention.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment of the sheetlike composite material, the layer sequence further comprises a polymer layer E arranged between the barrier substrate layer and the inner polymer layer F. This preferred embodiment is a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the polymer layer E comprises, preferably consists of, a polyolefin. This preferred embodiment is the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment of the sheetlike composite material, the layer sequence further comprises a polymer layer D arranged between the carrier layer and the barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the polymer layer D comprises an adhesion promoter polymer in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, even more preferably at least 80% by weight and most preferably at least 90% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the polymer layer D. This preferred embodiment is the sixteenth embodiment of the invention, which preferably depends on the fifteenth embodiment of the invention.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment of the sheetlike composite material, the layer sequence further comprises a polymer layer C arranged between the carrier layer and the barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the polymer layer C comprises polyolefin in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, even more preferably at least 80% by weight and most preferably at least 90% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the polymer layer C. This preferred embodiment is the eighteenth embodiment of the invention, which preferably depends on the seventeenth embodiment of the invention.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment of the sheetlike composite, the layer sequence further comprises a polymer layer A superimposed on the carrier layer on the side of the carrier layer facing the outer surface of the sheetlike composite. This preferred embodiment is the nineteenth embodiment of the invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the invention.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, polymer layer A comprises polyolefin in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, even more preferably at least 80% by weight and most preferably at least 90% by weight, in each case based on the weight of polymer layer A. This preferred embodiment is the twentieth embodiment of the invention, which preferably depends on the nineteenth embodiment of the invention.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the LDPE of the inner polymer layer F, preferably the LDPE of the first polymer blend, has a melt flow index in the range of 5 to 9 g / 10 min, preferably 6 to 8 g / 10 min, more preferably 6.5 to 7.5 g / 10 min. This preferred embodiment is the twenty-first embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the fifth to twentieth embodiments of the present invention.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the LDPE of the inner polymer layer H, preferably the LDPE of the second polymer blend, has a melt flow index in the range of 5 to 9 g / 10 min, preferably 6 to 8 g / 10 min, more preferably 6.5 to 7.5 g / 10 min. This preferred embodiment is the twenty-second embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the ninth to twenty-first embodiments of the present invention.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the LDPE of the inner polymer layer G has a melt flow index in the range of 5 to 9 g / 10 min, preferably 6 to 8 g / 10 min, more preferably 6.5 to 7.5 g / 10 min. This preferred embodiment is the twenty-third embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the twelfth to twenty-second embodiments of the present invention.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the sheet-like composite material further comprises a colour application superimposed on the carrier layer on the side of the carrier layer facing away from the barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is the twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the carrier layer comprises one selected from cardboard, paperboard and paper, or a combination of at least two thereof. This preferred embodiment is the twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the barrier layer is a prefabricated barrier film, which preferably comprises a barrier substrate layer in the form of a first polymer film. This preferred embodiment is the twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the average thickness of the barrier material layer is in the range of 1 nm to 1 μm, preferably 1 to 500 nm, more preferably 1 to 300 nm, more preferably 1 to 100 nm, more preferably 1 to 90 nm, more preferably 1 to 80 nm, more preferably 1 to 70 nm, more preferably 1 to 60 nm, more preferably 1 to 50 nm, more preferably 1 to 40 nm, more preferably 1 to 30 nm, even more preferably 1 to 20 nm, and most preferably 5 to 20 nm. This preferred embodiment is the twenty-seventh embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0084] Additionally or alternatively preferred, the average thickness of the barrier substrate layer is in the range of 2 to 100 μm, preferably 3 to 50 μm, preferably 3 to 30 μm, more preferably 4 to 25 μm, more preferably 5 to 20 μm, most preferably 10 to 20 μm.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the oxygen permeability of the barrier layer is between 0.02 and 40 cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), preferably 0.03 to 20cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), more preferably 0.03 to 10 cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), more preferably 0.03 to 5cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), more preferably 0.03 to 3 cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), more preferably 0.035 to 2cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), more preferably 0.1 to 1 cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), more preferably 0.2 to 0.9cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), even more preferably 0.3 to 0.9 cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2·day·atm), most preferably 0.4 to 0.8cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 This preferred embodiment is the twenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0086] As a supplement or alternative to the disclosure above regarding the twenty-eighth embodiment, preferably, a partial sheet-like composite is composed only of a layer of sheet-like composite material from the barrier layer to the inner surface; wherein the oxygen permeability of the partial sheet-like composite material is between 0.01 and 40 cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), preferably 0.01 to 20cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), more preferably 0.01 to 10 cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), more preferably 0.01 to 5cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), more preferably 0.01 to 3cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), more preferably 0.01 to 2cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), more preferably 0.01 to 1 cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), even more preferably 0.05 to 0.5 cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm), most preferably 0.05 to 0.4cm 3 Oxygen / (m 2 ·day·atm).

[0087] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the water vapor transmission rate of the barrier layer is in the range of 0.01 to 40 gH2O / (m 2 ·day), preferably 0.01 to 20 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 10 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 5 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 3 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 2 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 1 gH2O / (m 2·day), more preferably 0.01 to 0.9 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 0.8 gH2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 0.7 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 0.6 gH2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 0.4 gH2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 0.3 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), even more preferably 0.01 to 0.2 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), most preferably 0.05 to 0.2 g H2O / (m 2 This preferred embodiment is the twenty-ninth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0088] As a supplement or alternative to the disclosure above regarding the twenty-ninth embodiment, preferably, a partial sheet composite material consists only of a layer of sheet composite material from the barrier layer to the inner surface; wherein the water vapor transmission rate of the partial sheet composite material is between 0.01 and 40 gH2O / (m 2 ·day), preferably 0.01 to 20 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 10 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 5 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 3 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 2 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 1 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 0.9 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 0.8 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 0.7 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 0.6 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 0.4 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), more preferably 0.01 to 0.3 g H2O / (m 2 ·day), even more preferably 0.01 to 0.2 g H2O / (m 2·day), most preferably 0.05 to 0.2 g H2O / (m 2 · days).

[0089] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the barrier layer has a first barrier layer direction and a further barrier layer direction perpendicular to the first barrier layer direction, wherein the first barrier layer direction and the further barrier layer direction are in a barrier layer plane of the barrier layer, wherein the barrier layer has at least one, preferably two, more preferably all of the following features:

[0090] A. a first tensile strength in the direction of the first barrier layer greater than the further tensile strength in the direction of the other barrier layer, preferably at least 10 MPa, more preferably at least 20 MPa, more preferably at least 30 MPa, more preferably at least 40 MPa, more preferably at least 50 MPa, more preferably at least 60 MPa, more preferably at least 70 MPa, more preferably at least 60 MPa, more preferably at least 80 MPa, even more preferably at least 90 MPa, most preferably at least 100 MPa;

[0091] B. a first elongation at break in the direction of the first barrier layer is less than another elongation at break in the direction of the other barrier layer, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 100%, more preferably at least 110%, even more preferably at least 120%, most preferably at least 130%;

[0092] C. The first modulus of elasticity in the direction of the first barrier layer is greater than the further modulus of elasticity in the direction of the other barrier layer, preferably at least 50 MPa, more preferably at least 60 MPa, more preferably at least 70 MPa, more preferably at least 80 MPa, more preferably at least 90 MPa, more preferably at least 100 MPa, more preferably at least 110 MPa, more preferably at least 120 MPa, more preferably at least 130 MPa, even more preferably at least 140 MPa, and most preferably at least 150 MPa.

[0093] This preferred embodiment is the thirtieth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0094] Particularly preferred barrier layers have one of the following combinations of the above features: A.+B.+C., A.+B., A.+C., B.+C. The barrier layer plane is preferably the plane in which the barrier layer extends in a sheet-like manner. Preferably, the first barrier layer direction of the barrier layer is the machine direction (MD) in which the barrier layer is produced, wherein the further barrier layer direction is the cross direction (CD) in which the barrier layer is produced. Preferably, the first tensile strength is at most 300 MPa greater than the further tensile strength, more preferably at most 200 MPa, most preferably at most 150 MPa. Preferably, the first elongation at break is at most 300%, more preferably at most 250%, even more preferably at most 200%, most preferably at most 150% less than the further elongation at break. Preferably, the first elastic modulus is at most 1000 MPa greater than the further elastic modulus, more preferably at most 900 MPa, more preferably at most 800 MPa, more preferably at most 700 MPa, more preferably at most 600 MPa, more preferably at most 500 MPa, most preferably at most 400 MPa.

[0095] As a supplement or alternative to the content disclosed above about the thirtieth embodiment, preferably, a local sheet composite material consists only of a layer of sheet composite material from the barrier layer to the inner surface; wherein the local sheet composite material has a first composite direction and another composite direction perpendicular to the first composite direction; wherein the first composite direction and the further composite direction are in the composite plane of the local sheet composite material; wherein the local sheet composite material has at least one of the following characteristics, preferably two, more preferably all:

[0096] A. a first tensile strength in a first composite direction is greater than another tensile strength in said other composite direction, preferably at least 5 MPa, more preferably at least 10 MPa, most preferably at least 20 MPa;

[0097] B. a first elongation at break in a first composite direction is less than another elongation at break in said other composite direction, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90%;

[0098] C. A first elastic modulus in a first composite direction is greater than another elastic modulus in said another composite direction, preferably at least 50 MPa, more preferably at least 100 MPa, more preferably at least 110 MPa, more preferably at least 120 MPa, even more preferably at least 130 MPa, and most preferably at least 140 MPa.

[0099] Particularly preferred partial sheet composites have one of the following combinations of the above features: A.+B.+C., A.+B., A.+C., B.+C. Preferably, the first tensile strength of the partial sheet composite is at most 60 MPa greater than the further tensile strength of the partial sheet composite, more preferably at most 50 MPa, most preferably at most 40 MPa. Additionally or alternatively preferably, the first elongation at break of the partial sheet composite is at most 250%, more preferably at most 200%, more preferably at most 190%, even more preferably at most 180%, most preferably at most 170% less than the further elongation at break of the partial sheet composite. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, the first elastic modulus of the local sheet composite is at most 400 MPa greater than the other elastic modulus of the local sheet composite, more preferably at most 350 MPa, more preferably at most 300 MPa, more preferably at most 290 MPa, more preferably at most 280 MPa, even more preferably at most 2700 MPa, most preferably at most 260 MPa.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the barrier layer has a first barrier layer direction and a further barrier layer direction perpendicular to the first barrier layer direction, wherein the first barrier layer direction and the further barrier layer direction are in the barrier layer plane of the barrier layer, wherein the barrier layer has at least one, preferably two, more preferably all of the following features:

[0101] A. a first tensile strength in the first barrier layer direction in the range of 100 to 350 MPa, preferably 150 to 300 MPa, more preferably 180 to 260 MPa, most preferably 200 to 240 MPa;

[0102] B. another tensile strength in the direction of the other barrier layer is in the range of 30 to 250 MPa, preferably 50 to 200 MPa, more preferably 80 to 150 MPa, even more preferably 90 to 140 MPa, most preferably 100 to 130 MPa;

[0103] C. a first elongation at break in the direction of the first barrier layer in the range of 10 to 100%, preferably 10 to 90%, more preferably 10 to 80%, more preferably 20 to 70%, more preferably 30 to 60%, more preferably 35 to 55%, most preferably 40 to 50%;

[0104] D. another elongation at break in the direction of the other barrier layer is in the range of 100 to 300%, preferably 120 to 250 MPa, more preferably 130 to 240 MPa, more preferably 140 to 230%, more preferably 150 to 220%, still more preferably 160 to 210%, most preferably 170 to 200%;

[0105] E. a first elastic modulus in the first barrier layer direction in the range of 1000 to 2000 MPa, preferably 1000 to 1900 MPa, more preferably 1000 to 1800 MPa, more preferably 1100 to 1700 MPa, more preferably 1200 to 1600 MPa, most preferably 1300 to 1500 MPa;

[0106] F. Another elastic modulus in the direction of the another barrier layer is in the range of 800 to 1500 MPa, preferably 900 to 1400 MPa, more preferably 950 to 1300 MPa, most preferably 1000 to 1250 MPa.

[0107] This preferred embodiment is the thirty-first embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0108] Particularly preferred barrier layers have one of the following combinations of the above characteristics: A.+B.+C.+D.+E.+F., A.+B., C.+D., E.+F., A.+B.+C.+D., A.+B.+E.+F., C.+D.+E.+F., A.+C.+E., B.+D.+F.

[0109] As a supplement or alternative to the content disclosed above about the thirty-first embodiment, preferably, a local sheet composite material consists only of a layer of sheet composite material from the barrier layer to the inner surface; wherein the local sheet composite material has a first composite direction and another composite direction perpendicular to the first composite direction; wherein the first composite direction and the other composite direction are in the composite plane of the local sheet composite material; wherein the local sheet composite material has at least one of the following characteristics, preferably two, more preferably all:

[0110] A. a first tensile strength in a first composite direction in the range of 40 to 100 MPa, preferably 50 to 90 MPa, more preferably 55 to 85 MPa, most preferably 60 to 80 MPa;

[0111] B. another tensile strength in said another composite direction is in the range of 10 to 70 MPa, preferably 20 to 60 MPa, more preferably 30 to 50 MPa, most preferably 35 to 55 MPa;

[0112] C. a first elongation at break in the first composite direction in the range of 10 to 70%, more preferably 15 to 60%, more preferably 20 to 55%, more preferably 25 to 50%, most preferably 30 to 45%;

[0113] D. another elongation at break in said another composite direction is in the range of 80 to 250%, preferably 90 to 240 MPa, more preferably 100 to 230%, more preferably 110 to 220%, still more preferably 120 to 215%, most preferably 125 to 210%;

[0114] E. a first elastic modulus in a first composite direction in the range of 450 to 700 MPa, preferably 460 to 680 MPa, more preferably 470 to 660 MPa, more preferably 480 to 650 MPa, still more preferably 490 to 640 MPa, most preferably 500 to 635 MPa;

[0115] F. Another elastic modulus in said another composite direction is in the range of 300 to 500 MPa, preferably 310 to 480 MPa, more preferably 320 to 470 MPa, more preferably 330 to 460 MPa, preferably 340 to 450 MPa, more preferably 350 to 440 MPa, most preferably 360 to 435 MPa.

[0116] Particularly preferred partial sheet-like composite materials have one of the following combinations of the above-mentioned characteristics: A.+B.+C.+D.+E.+F., A.+B., C.+D., E.+F., A.+B.+C.+D., A.+B.+E.+F., C.+D.+E.+F., A.+C.+E., B.+D.+F.

[0117] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the barrier material layer comprises a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, even more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight of barrier material, in each case based on the weight of the barrier material layer, wherein the barrier material provides a barrier effect. This preferred embodiment is the thirty-second embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0118] Preferred barriers are to the transmission of oxygen or water vapour or both.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the barrier material is selected from oxides, metals, silicon-containing compounds and barrier polymers, or a combination of at least two thereof. This preferred embodiment is the thirty-third embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the thirty-second embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the barrier layer is characterized by an aluminum content of less than 50% by weight, preferably less than 40% by weight, more preferably less than 30% by weight, more preferably less than 20% by weight, more preferably less than 10% by weight, most preferably less than 5% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is the thirty-fourth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0121] Here, "aluminum" refers to the chemical element aluminum, ie, the metal. The preferred barrier layer is substantially free of aluminum.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the barrier layer is characterized by a metal content of less than 50% by weight, preferably less than 40% by weight, more preferably less than 30% by weight, more preferably less than 20% by weight, more preferably less than 10% by weight, most preferably less than 5% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is the thirty-fifth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0123] Preferred barrier layers are substantially free of any metal.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the sheet-like composite material is characterized in that the aluminum content is less than 10% by weight, more preferably less than 8% by weight, most preferably less than 5% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the sheet-like composite material. This preferred embodiment is the thirty-sixth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0125] Here, "aluminum" refers to the chemical element aluminum, ie, metal. The preferred sheet-like composite material is substantially free of aluminum.

[0126] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the sheet-like composite material is characterized in that the metal content is less than 10% by weight, more preferably less than 8% by weight, most preferably less than 5% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the sheet-like composite material. This preferred embodiment is the thirty-seventh embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0127] Preferred sheet-like composite materials are substantially free of any metal.

[0128] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the sheet-like composite material comprises linear depressions on the outer surface. This preferred embodiment is the thirty-eighth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0129] Preferred linear depressions have a length of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, more preferably at least 10 cm. Particularly preferred linear depressions extend substantially from a first cut edge of the sheet-like composite material to another cut edge of the sheet-like composite material, preferably opposite to the first cut edge. The preferred first cut edge and the further cut edge of the sheet-like composite material are transversal cut edges of the blank. Further preferred linear depressions are linear material displacements. Preferred linear material displacements are grooves. Grooves used to fold the sheet-like composite material to obtain the longitudinal fold edge of the container are referred to as longitudinal grooves. In the case of a blank, the longitudinal grooves typically extend from a first transverse cut edge of the blank to another transverse cut edge of the blank opposite to the first transverse cut edge.

[0130] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the carrier layer has through holes, wherein the through holes are covered by the barrier layer as the first hole-covering layer. This preferred embodiment is the thirty-ninth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0131] Preferably, the through hole is additionally covered by one selected from polymer layer A, polymer layer C, polymer layer D, polymer layer E, polymer layer F, polymer layer G and polymer layer H, or by a combination of two or more, preferably all, thereof as an additional hole covering layer. Preferably, the first hole covering layer and at least one additional hole covering layer are joined to each other in the through hole. The preferred through hole extends a first length in a first direction within the layer plane of the carrier layer, wherein the first length is in the range of 1 to 40 mm, preferably 2 to 35 mm, more preferably 3 to 30 mm. Alternatively, preferably, the first length is in the range of 2 to 20 mm, preferably 3 to 15 mm, more preferably 3 to 10 mm, and even more preferably 3 to 8 mm. In addition to any of the aforementioned values ​​for the through hole extension first length, it is preferred that the through hole extends another length in another direction within the layer plane of the carrier layer, wherein the other length is in the range of 1 to 40 mm, preferably 2 to 35 mm, more preferably 3 to 30 mm. Alternatively preferably, the further length is in the range of 2 to 20 mm, preferably 3 to 15 mm, more preferably 3 to 10 mm, even more preferably 3 to 8 mm.Preferably, the first length and the further length have the same value.

[0132] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the layer sequence further comprises an additional polymer layer, wherein the additional polymer layer is arranged between the barrier substrate layer and the barrier material layer. This preferred embodiment is the fortieth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0133] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the sheet-like composite material is a blank for producing a single closed container. This preferred embodiment is the 41st embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0134] A forty-second embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a sheet-like composite material, the method comprising the following method steps:

[0135] A) Provide

[0136] a) a sheet-like composite material precursor comprising a layer sequence comprising the following layers superimposed on one another in the following order from the outer surface of the sheet-like composite material precursor to the inner surface of the sheet-like composite material precursor

[0137] I) a carrier layer, and

[0138] II) barrier layer,

[0139] b) a polymer composition F, and

[0140] c) a polymer composition H,

[0141] The barrier layer comprises a sublayer sequence, wherein the sublayer sequence comprises

[0142] - a layer of barrier material, and

[0143] - Barrier substrate layer comprising polyolefin

[0144] as sub-layers stacked on top of each other; and

[0145] B) superimposing the polymer composition F and the polymer composition H onto the barrier layer in this order starting from the barrier layer on the side of the barrier layer facing away from the carrier layer, thereby obtaining an inner polymer layer F from the polymer composition F and an inner polymer layer H from the polymer composition H;

[0146] wherein the polymer composition F comprises at least 40 wt.-%, preferably at least 50 wt.-%, more preferably at least 60 wt.-%, more preferably at least 70 wt.-%, more preferably at least 80 wt.-%, more preferably at least 90 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 95 wt.-%, most preferably 100 wt.-% of mPE, in each case based on the total weight of the polymer composition F.

[0147] Preferably, the method is a method for producing a sheet-like composite material according to any embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the method is a method for producing a sheet-like composite material, preferably a sheet-like composite material according to any embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, one selected from the carrier layer, the barrier material layer, the barrier substrate layer, the barrier layer, the inner polymer layer F and the inner polymer layer H, or a combination of at least two thereof is designed and / or arranged according to one of the embodiments of the sheet-like composite material according to the present invention. In method step B), superimposing the polymer composition F and the polymer composition H on the barrier layer preferably comprises melt extrusion coating the polymer composition F and the polymer composition H on the sheet-like composite material precursor, preferably by coextruding at least the polymer composition F and the polymer composition H.

[0148] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the mPE of the inner polymer layer F has at least one, preferably two, more preferably all of the following characteristics:

[0149] a] The molecular weight distribution of the mPE has

[0150] i] exactly 1 local maximum, or

[0151] ii] exactly 2 local maxima;

[0152] b] The mPE has

[0153] i] exactly 1 melting temperature, or

[0154] ii] exactly 2 melting temperatures;

[0155] c] the mPE is mLLDPE;

[0156] d] the mPE comprises

[0157] i] C8-α-olefin derived units, or

[0158] ii] C6-α-olefin derived units.

[0159] This preferred embodiment is the forty-third embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the forty-second embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] Particularly preferred mPE has one of the following combinations of the above-mentioned characteristics: a], b], c], d], a]+b]+c]+d], a]i], a]ii], b]i], b]ii], d]i], d]ii], a]i]+b]i], a]i]+b]i]+c], a]i]+b]i]+c]+d]i], c]+d]i], b]i]+c], a]ii]+b]ii], a]ii]+b]ii]+c]+d]ii], c]+d]ii], b]ii]+c], a]ii]+b]ii]+c]+d]ii], c]+d]ii], b]ii]+c].

[0161] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the polymer composition F does not contain polymers having functional groups in a proportion of more than 10% by weight, preferably more than 5% by weight, more preferably more than 3% by weight, more preferably more than 2% by weight and even more preferably more than 1% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the polymer composition F. This preferred embodiment is the forty-fourth embodiment of the invention, which preferably depends on the forty-second or forty-third embodiment of the invention.

[0162] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the polyolefin of the barrier substrate layer is polyethylene or polypropylene or both.This preferred embodiment is the forty-fifth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the forty-second to forty-fourth embodiments of the present invention.

[0163] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the polymer composition F further comprises LDPE. This preferred embodiment is the forty-sixth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the forty-second to forty-fifth embodiments of the present invention.

[0164] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the polymer composition F comprises mPE and LDPE in the form of a first polymer blend. This preferred embodiment is the forty-seventh embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the forty-sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the polymer composition F comprises

[0166] - mPE in a proportion ranging from 40 to 100 wt. %, preferably from 40 to 95 wt. %, more preferably from 50 to 95 wt. %, more preferably from 60 to 95 wt. %, more preferably from 60 to 90 wt. %, more preferably from 70 to 90 wt. %, more preferably from 80 to 90 wt. %, and

[0167] - LDPE in a proportion ranging from 0 to 60% by weight, preferably from 5 to 60% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 50% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 30% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 20% by weight,

[0168] The proportions in % by weight are based in each case on the total weight of the polymer composition F. This preferred embodiment is the 48th embodiment of the invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 42nd to 47th embodiments of the invention.

[0169] Alternatively preferably, the polymer composition F comprises

[0170] - mPE in a proportion ranging from 50 to 100% by weight, preferably from 60 to 100% by weight, more preferably from 70 to 100% by weight, more preferably from 75 to 100% by weight, more preferably from 80 to 100% by weight, and

[0171] - LDPE in a proportion ranging from 0 to 50% by weight, preferably from 0 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 30% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 25% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 20% by weight,

[0172] The proportions in % by weight are based in each case on the total weight of the polymer composition F.

[0173] According to a further preferred alternative, the polymer composition F comprises

[0174] - mPE in a proportion in the range of 40% to less than 100% by weight, preferably 50 to less than 100% by weight, more preferably 60 to less than 100% by weight, more preferably 70 to less than 100% by weight, more preferably 80 to less than 100% by weight, and

[0175] - a proportion of LDPE in the range of more than 0% by weight and up to 60% by weight, preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 50% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 40% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 30% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 25% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 20% by weight,

[0176] The proportions in % by weight are based in each case on the total weight of the polymer composition F.

[0177] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the polymer composition H comprises LDPE and mPE, preferably in the form of a second polymer blend. This preferred embodiment is the forty-ninth embodiment of the invention, which preferably depends on any one of the forty-second to forty-eighth embodiments of the invention.

[0178] In a preferred embodiment of the method, method step A) further comprises providing a polymer composition G, wherein method step B) comprises superimposing the polymer composition F, the polymer composition G and the polymer composition H onto the barrier layer in order starting from the barrier layer on the side of the barrier layer facing away from the carrier layer, thereby obtaining an inner polymer layer F from the polymer composition F, a polymer layer G from the polymer composition G and an inner polymer layer H from the polymer composition H. This preferred embodiment is the fiftieth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the forty-second to forty-ninth embodiments of the present invention.

[0179] Preferably, one selected from the group consisting of a carrier layer, a barrier material layer, a barrier substrate layer, a barrier layer, an inner polymer layer F, an inner polymer layer G and an inner polymer layer H, or a combination of at least two thereof is designed and / or arranged according to one embodiment of the sheet-like composite material of the present invention. In method step B), superimposing polymer composition F, polymer composition G and polymer composition H on the barrier layer preferably comprises melt extrusion coating polymer composition F, polymer composition G and polymer composition H on a sheet-like composite material precursor, preferably by coextruding at least polymer composition F, polymer composition G and polymer composition H.

[0180] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the sheet-like composite material precursor further comprises a polymer layer E, which is away from the carrier layer relative to the barrier material layer and the barrier substrate layer. This preferred embodiment is the fifty-first embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the forty-second to fiftieth embodiments of the present invention.

[0181] Preferably, the polymer layer E is adjacent to the barrier substrate layer in step A), or the polymer composition F is applied directly to the polymer layer E in step B), or both. Additionally or alternatively preferably, the sheet-like composite precursor further comprises an auxiliary polymer layer. Preferably, the polymer layer E is adjacent to the barrier substrate layer in step A), or the polymer composition F is applied directly to the auxiliary polymer layer in step B), or both. Preferably, the sublayer sequence comprises a polymer layer E. In this case, the barrier layer comprises a polymer layer E, i.e., the polymer layer E is a sublayer of the barrier layer. Additionally or alternatively preferably, the sublayer sequence comprises an auxiliary polymer layer. In this case, the barrier layer comprises an auxiliary polymer layer, i.e., the auxiliary polymer layer is a sublayer of the barrier layer. Preferably, one selected from the carrier layer, the barrier material layer, the barrier substrate layer, the polymer layer E, the auxiliary polymer layer, the barrier layer, the inner polymer layer F, the inner polymer layer G and the inner polymer layer H, or a combination of at least two thereof is designed and / or arranged according to one of the embodiments of the sheet-like composite material of the present invention.

[0182] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the sheet-like composite material precursor further comprises a polymer layer D disposed between the carrier layer and the barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is the fifty-second embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the forty-second to fifty-first embodiments of the present invention.

[0183] Preferably, one selected from the group consisting of a carrier layer, a polymer layer D, a barrier material layer, a barrier substrate layer, a polymer layer E, an auxiliary polymer layer, a barrier layer, an inner polymer layer F, an inner polymer layer G and an inner polymer layer H, or a combination of at least two thereof is designed and / or arranged according to one embodiment of the sheet-like composite material of the present invention.

[0184] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the sheet-like composite material precursor further comprises a polymer layer C disposed between the carrier layer and the barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is the fifty-third embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the forty-second to fifty-second embodiments of the present invention.

[0185] Preferably, one selected from the group consisting of a carrier layer, a polymer layer C, a polymer layer D, a barrier material layer, a barrier substrate layer, a polymer layer E, an auxiliary polymer layer, a barrier layer, an inner polymer layer F, an inner polymer layer G and an inner polymer layer H, or a combination of at least two thereof is designed and / or arranged according to one embodiment of the sheet-like composite material of the present invention.

[0186] In a preferred embodiment of the method, preferably before method step B), the method comprises the further step of superimposing the polymer composition A on the carrier layer on the side of the carrier layer facing away from the barrier layer, thereby obtaining a polymer layer A from the polymer composition A. This preferred embodiment is the fifty-fourth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the forty-second to fifty-third embodiments of the present invention.

[0187] Preferably, one selected from polymer layer A, carrier layer, polymer layer C, polymer layer D, barrier material layer, barrier substrate layer, polymer layer E, auxiliary polymer layer, barrier layer, inner polymer layer F, inner polymer layer G and inner polymer layer H, or a combination of at least two thereof is designed and / or arranged according to one embodiment of the sheet-like composite material of the present invention.

[0188] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the method comprises an additional step of applying a color superimposed on the carrier layer on the side of the carrier layer facing away from the barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is the fifty-fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the forty-second to fifty-fourth embodiments of the present invention.

[0189] In a preferred embodiment of the process, prior to process step A), the process comprises the steps

[0190] A. Provide

[0191] a. Carrier layer,

[0192] b. Barrier layer, and

[0193] c. polymer composition C or polymer composition D or both; and

[0194] B. Laminating the barrier layer to the carrier layer using the polymer composition C or the polymer composition D or both as laminating agents, thereby obtaining a polymer layer C from the polymer composition C, or a polymer layer D from the polymer composition D, or both.

[0195] This preferred embodiment is the fifty-sixth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the forty-second to fifty-fifth embodiments of the present invention.

[0196] Preferably, process step B. comprises melt extruding polymer composition C or polymer composition D or both. Preferably, polymer composition C and polymer composition D are coextruded, preferably coextruded onto a carrier layer.

[0197] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the method further comprises, before method step B., a step of producing a through hole in the carrier layer, wherein the through hole is covered by at least a barrier layer as a first hole covering layer in method step B. This preferred embodiment is the fifty-seventh embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the fifty-sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0198] Preferably, the through hole is further covered by one selected from polymer layer A, polymer layer C, polymer layer D, inner polymer layer F, inner polymer layer G and inner polymer layer H, or a combination of at least two thereof as an additional hole covering layer.

[0199] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the method further comprises the step of making a linear depression in the carrier layer on the side of the carrier layer that is or will be away from the barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is the fifty-eighth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the forty-second to fifty-seventh embodiments of the present invention.

[0200] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the step of producing the linear depressions in the carrier layer is carried out after method step B), preferably after an additional method step, or before method step A), preferably before a further method step and / or after an additional method step. This preferred embodiment is the fifty-ninth embodiment of the invention, which preferably depends on the fifty-eighth embodiment of the invention.

[0201] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the sheet-like composite material precursor is provided in method step A) in a wound form forming a roll. This preferred embodiment is the sixtieth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the forty-second to fifty-ninth embodiments of the present invention.

[0202] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the method further comprises the step of separating the sheet-like composite material into a plurality of blanks, wherein each blank is used to produce a single closed container. This preferred embodiment is the sixty-first embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the forty-second to sixtieth embodiments of the present invention.

[0203] The sixty-second embodiment of the present invention is a sheet-like composite material obtainable by the method of the present invention according to any one of the forty-second to sixtieth embodiments.

[0204] In a preferred embodiment of the sheet-like composite material, the sheet-like composite material is a blank for producing a single closed container. This preferred embodiment is the sixty-third embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the sixty-second embodiment of the present invention.

[0205] The sixty-fourth embodiment of the present invention is a container precursor comprising at least a sheet-like region of the sheet-like composite material of the present invention according to any one of the first to forty-first, sixty-second and sixty-third embodiments. Preferably, the at least sheet-like region comprises through holes.

[0206] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the at least sheet-like region comprises at least two folds, preferably at least 3 folds, more preferably at least 4 folds. This preferred embodiment is the sixty-fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the sixty-fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0207] The folds are preferably longitudinal folds.

[0208] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the at least sheet-like region comprises a first longitudinal margin and a further longitudinal margin, wherein the first longitudinal margin is joined to the further longitudinal margin, thereby forming a longitudinal seam of the container precursor. This preferred embodiment is the sixty-sixth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the sixty-fourth or sixty-fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0209] The sixty-seventh embodiment of the present invention is a closed container comprising at least a sheet-like region of the sheet-like composite material of the present invention according to any one of the first to forty-first, sixty-second and sixty-third embodiments. Preferably, the at least sheet-like region comprises through holes.

[0210] In a preferred embodiment of the closed container, the at least sheet-like region comprises at least two folds, preferably at least 3 folds, more preferably at least 4 folds. This preferred embodiment is the sixty-eighth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the sixty-seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0211] The folding is preferably a longitudinal folding.

[0212] In a preferred embodiment of the closed container, the at least sheet-like region comprises a first longitudinal boundary and another longitudinal boundary, wherein the first longitudinal boundary is joined to the other longitudinal boundary, thereby forming a longitudinal seam of the closed container. This preferred embodiment is the sixty-ninth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the sixty-seventh or sixty-eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0213] In a preferred embodiment of the closed container, the closed container contains a food or beverage product. This preferred embodiment is the seventieth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the sixty-seventh to sixty-ninth embodiments of the present invention.

[0214] In a preferred embodiment of the closed container, the closed container further comprises an opening aid. This preferred embodiment is the seventy-first embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the sixty-seventh to seventieth embodiments of the present invention.

[0215] Preferably, the opening aid is designed and arranged to open the closed container in the region of the through hole in the carrier layer. Preferably, the opening aid is joined to the at least sheet-like region. Further preferably, the opening aid is joined to the first hole covering layer or the further hole covering layer in the region of the through hole in the carrier layer. Additionally or alternatively preferably, the opening aid at least partially surrounds the through hole in the carrier layer.

[0216] The seventy-second embodiment of the present invention is a method comprising the following method steps:

[0217] a. Providing at least a sheet-like region of a sheet-like composite material according to any one of claims 1 to 41, 62 and 63, wherein at least the sheet-like region comprises a first longitudinal boundary and another longitudinal boundary;

[0218] b. folding said at least sheet region; and

[0219] c. Bringing the first longitudinal border into contact and joining the further longitudinal border, thereby obtaining a longitudinal seam.

[0220] Preferably, the at least sheet-like region comprises through holes in the carrier layer. Preferably, at least two, more preferably at least 3, most preferably 4 longitudinal folds are obtained by the folding action in step b. The method is preferably a method for producing a container precursor, preferably a method for producing a container precursor. The container precursor is preferably a container precursor of the present invention according to any embodiment thereof.

[0221] The seventy-third embodiment of the present invention is a container precursor obtainable by the method of the present invention according to the seventy-second embodiment.

[0222] The seventy-fourth embodiment of the present invention is a method comprising the following method steps:

[0223] A] providing a container precursor according to any one of the sixty-fourth to sixty-sixth and seventy-third embodiments;

[0224] B] forming a bottom region of the container precursor by folding at least the sheet-like region;

[0225] C] closing the bottom region;

[0226] D] filling the container precursor with a food or beverage product; and

[0227] E] Closing the container precursor in the top region, thereby obtaining a closed container.

[0228] The method is preferably a method for producing a closed container, preferably a method for producing a closed container. The closed container is preferably a closed container of the present invention according to any embodiment thereof. The closure in method step C] preferably comprises sealing, more preferably hot air sealing. The closure in method step E] preferably comprises sealing, more preferably ultrasonic sealing.

[0229] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the closure in method step C] or E] or both comprises a sealing method, wherein the sealing method is carried out by one selected from radiation, contact with hot solids, induction of mechanical vibrations and contact with hot gases, or by a combination of at least two thereof. This preferred embodiment is the seventy-fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the seventy-fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0230] In this case, a different sealing method from the above group can be used in method step C] than in method step E], and vice versa. However, it is also possible to use the same sealing method in steps C] and E].

[0231] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the method further comprises the method step

[0232] F] Attaching an opening aid to the closed container.

[0233] This preferred embodiment is the seventy-sixth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the seventy-fourth or seventy-fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0234] The seventy-seventh embodiment of the present invention is a closed container obtainable by the process of the present invention according to any one of the seventy-fourth to seventy-sixth embodiments.

[0235] The seventy-eighth embodiment of the present invention is use of the sheet-like composite material of the present invention according to any one of the first to forty-first, sixty-second and sixty-third embodiments for producing a container for a food or beverage product.

[0236] The seventy-ninth embodiment of the present invention is the use of mPE for producing the inner polymer layer F of a sheet-like composite material, the sheet-like composite material comprising a layer sequence, the layer sequence comprising the following layers superimposed on each other in the following order from the outer surface of the sheet-like composite material to the inner surface of the sheet-like composite material:

[0237] a. Carrier layer,

[0238] b. Barrier layer,

[0239] c. an inner polymer layer F, and

[0240] d. Inner polymer layer H,

[0241] The barrier layer comprises a sublayer sequence, wherein the sublayer sequence comprises

[0242] - a layer of barrier material, and

[0243] - Barrier substrate layer comprising polyolefin

[0244] As sublayers superimposed on each other, the inner polymer layer F contains mPE in a proportion of at least 40% by weight, preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, even more preferably at least 95% by weight, most preferably 100% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F.

[0245] Preferably, the sheet-like composite material is a sheet-like composite material of the present invention according to any embodiment thereof. Preferably, one selected from the group consisting of a carrier layer, a barrier material layer, a barrier substrate layer, a barrier layer, an inner polymer layer F and an inner polymer layer H, or a combination of at least two thereof is designed and / or arranged according to one embodiment of the sheet-like composite material of the present invention. Preferably, the inner polymer layer F further comprises LDPE.

[0246] The eightieth embodiment of the present invention is the use of LDPE for producing the inner polymer layer F of a sheet-like composite material, the sheet-like composite material comprising a layer sequence, the layer sequence comprising the following layers superimposed on each other in the following order from the outer surface of the sheet-like composite material to the inner surface of the sheet-like composite material:

[0247] a. Carrier layer,

[0248] b. Barrier layer,

[0249] c. an inner polymer layer F, and

[0250] d. Inner polymer layer H,

[0251] The barrier layer comprises a sublayer sequence, wherein the sublayer sequence comprises

[0252] - a layer of barrier material, and

[0253] - Barrier substrate layer comprising polyolefin

[0254] As sublayers superimposed on each other, the inner polymer layer F comprises

[0255] -LDPE, and

[0256] - a proportion of at least 40% by weight, preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, even more preferably at least 95% by weight, most preferably 100% by weight, of mPE, in each case based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F.

[0257] Preferably, the sheet-like composite material is a sheet-like composite material of the present invention according to any embodiment thereof. Preferably, one selected from the group consisting of a carrier layer, a barrier material layer, a barrier substrate layer, a barrier layer, an inner polymer layer F and an inner polymer layer H, or a combination of at least two thereof, is designed and / or arranged according to one embodiment of the sheet-like composite material of the present invention.

[0258] An eighty-first embodiment of the present invention is the use of a combination comprising mPE and LDPE for producing an inner polymer layer F of a sheet-like composite material, the sheet-like composite material comprising a layer sequence comprising the following layers superimposed on each other in the following order from the outer surface of the sheet-like composite material to the inner surface of the sheet-like composite material:

[0259] a. Carrier layer,

[0260] b. Barrier layer,

[0261] c. an inner polymer layer F, and

[0262] d. Inner polymer layer H,

[0263] The barrier layer comprises a sublayer sequence, wherein the sublayer sequence comprises

[0264] - a layer of barrier material, and

[0265] - Barrier substrate layer comprising polyolefin

[0266] As sub-layers stacked on top of each other.

[0267] The preferred combination of mPE and LDPE is a combination of mPE particles and LDPE particles. Here, mPE particles and LDPE particles can be mixed or not mixed. Preferably, mPE particles and LDPE particles form a group of polymer particles for making polymer layer F. Preferably, the sheet-like composite material is a sheet-like composite material of the present invention according to any embodiment thereof. Preferably, one selected from a carrier layer, a barrier material layer, a barrier substrate layer, a barrier layer, an inner polymer layer F and an inner polymer layer H, or a combination of at least two thereof is designed and / or arranged according to one embodiment of the sheet-like composite material of the present invention.

[0268] In a preferred embodiment of this use, the combination comprises

[0269] - mPE in a proportion ranging from 40 to 100 wt. %, preferably from 40 to 95 wt. %, more preferably from 50 to 95 wt. %, more preferably from 60 to 95 wt. %, more preferably from 60 to 90 wt. %, more preferably from 70 to 90 wt. %, more preferably from 80 to 90 wt. %, and

[0270] - LDPE in a proportion ranging from 0 to 60% by weight, preferably from 5 to 60% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 50% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 30% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 20% by weight,

[0271] The proportions in % by weight are based in each case on the total weight of the combination. This preferred embodiment is the eighty-second embodiment of the invention, which preferably depends on any one of the seventy-ninth to eighty-first embodiments of the invention.

[0272] Alternatively preferably, the combination comprises

[0273] - mPE in a proportion ranging from 50 to 100% by weight, preferably from 60 to 100% by weight, more preferably from 70 to 100% by weight, more preferably from 75 to 100% by weight, more preferably from 80 to 100% by weight, and

[0274] - LDPE in a proportion ranging from 0 to 50% by weight, preferably from 0 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 30% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 25% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 20% by weight,

[0275] The proportions in % by weight are in each case based on the total weight of the combination.

[0276] According to a further preferred alternative, the combination comprises

[0277] - mPE in a proportion in the range of 40% to less than 100% by weight, preferably 50 to less than 100% by weight, more preferably 60 to less than 100% by weight, more preferably 70 to less than 100% by weight, more preferably 80 to less than 100% by weight, and

[0278] - a proportion of LDPE in the range of more than 0% by weight and up to 60% by weight, preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 50% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 40% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 30% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 25% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 20% by weight,

[0279] The proportions in % by weight are in each case based on the total weight of the combination.

[0280] In a preferred embodiment of this use, the inner polymer layer F comprises

[0281] - mPE in a proportion ranging from 40 to 100 wt. %, preferably from 40 to 95 wt. %, more preferably from 50 to 95 wt. %, more preferably from 60 to 95 wt. %, more preferably from 60 to 90 wt. %, more preferably from 70 to 90 wt. %, more preferably from 80 to 90 wt. %, and

[0282] - LDPE in a proportion ranging from 0 to 60% by weight, preferably from 5 to 60% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 50% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 30% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 20% by weight,

[0283] The proportions in % by weight are based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F. This preferred embodiment is the eighty-third embodiment of the invention, which preferably depends on any one of the seventy-ninth to eighty-second embodiments of the invention.

[0284] Alternatively preferably, the inner polymer layer F comprises

[0285] - mPE in a proportion ranging from 50 to 100% by weight, preferably from 60 to 100% by weight, more preferably from 70 to 100% by weight, more preferably from 75 to 100% by weight, more preferably from 80 to 100% by weight, and

[0286] - LDPE in a proportion ranging from 0 to 50% by weight, preferably from 0 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 30% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 25% by weight, more preferably from 0 to 20% by weight,

[0287] The proportions in % by weight are based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F.

[0288] According to a further preferred alternative, the inner polymer layer F comprises

[0289] - mPE in a proportion in the range of 40% to less than 100% by weight, preferably 50 to less than 100% by weight, more preferably 60 to less than 100% by weight, more preferably 70 to less than 100% by weight, more preferably 80 to less than 100% by weight, and

[0290] - a proportion of LDPE in the range of more than 0% by weight and up to 60% by weight, preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 50% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 40% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 30% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 25% by weight, more preferably more than 0% by weight and up to 20% by weight,

[0291] The proportions in % by weight are based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F.

[0292] In a preferred embodiment of this use, the mPE has at least one, preferably two, more preferably all of the following characteristics:

[0293] a] The molecular weight distribution of the mPE has

[0294] i] exactly 1 local maximum, or

[0295] ii] exactly 2 local maxima;

[0296] b] The mPE has

[0297] i] exactly 1 melting temperature, or

[0298] ii] exactly 2 melting temperatures;

[0299] c] the mPE is mLLDPE;

[0300] d] the mPE comprises

[0301] i] C8-α-olefin derived units, or

[0302] ii] C6-α-olefin derived units.

[0303] This preferred embodiment is the eighty-fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the seventy-ninth to eighty-third embodiments of the present invention.

[0304] Particularly preferred mPE has one of the following combinations of the above-mentioned characteristics: a], b], c], d], a]+b]+c]+d], a]i], a]ii], b]i], b]ii], d]i], d]ii], a]i]+b]i], a]i]+b]i]+c], a]i]+b]i]+c]+d]i], c]+d]i], b]i]+c], a]ii]+b]ii], a]ii]+b]ii]+c]+d]ii], c]+d]ii], b]ii]+c], a]ii]+b]ii]+c]+d]ii], c]+d]ii], b]ii]+c].

[0305] Features described as preferred in one class of the present invention (eg sheet-like composite materials according to the present invention) are similarly preferred in embodiments according to other classes of the present invention (eg methods and uses).

[0306] Sheet-like composites

[0307] All laminates that are conceivable in the context of the present invention and that are suitable for producing dimensionally stable food containers in the context of the present invention in the opinion of a person skilled in the art, in particular sheet-like or planar laminates, are considered to be sheet-like composite materials. Sheet-like composite materials for the manufacture of food or beverage product containers are also referred to as laminates. Such sheet-like composite materials have a sequence of layers superimposed on each other in a sheet-like or planar manner. The sheet-like composite material is usually composed of a thermoplastic polymer layer, a carrier layer (usually made of cardboard or paper, which imparts dimensional stability to the container), an optional thermoplastic polymer layer and / or an optional adhesion promoter layer, a barrier layer and at least one other thermoplastic polymer layer. Basically, "sheet-like composite material" is used as a general term in this article, which includes semi-endless coils and blanks of such coils. The blank is preferably designed for the production of a single container. The sheet-like composite material can be a plane or a three-dimensional object. The latter is particularly the case where the sheet-like composite material has been folded or rolled up.

[0308] Partial sheet-like composite

[0309] The local sheet composite is an auxiliary mental construct used herein to further characterize the sheet composite. The local sheet composite consists of a barrier layer, a layer of sheet composite forming the inner surface, and all layers between the barrier layer and the layer of sheet composite forming the inner surface. The layer of sheet composite forming the inner surface is preferably the inner polymer layer H. In order to verify the characteristics of the local sheet composite, all layers of the sheet composite on the side of the barrier layer facing the outer surface can be separated from the local sheet composite as described below in the test method section. The composite plane of the local sheet composite is preferably the plane in which the local sheet composite extends in a sheet-like manner. Since the sheet composite and the local sheet composite can be bent or curved, the composite plane can also be bent or curved. In any case, the first and the other composite directions are located in the composite plane. Preferably, the first composite direction is the machine direction (MD) of the production barrier layer, wherein the other composite direction is the cross direction (CD) of the production barrier layer. Layers of the sheet-like composite

[0310] The layers of the layer sequence are joined to each other in a planar manner, preferably over their entire surface. Here, the through-hole area or a portion of this area may be an exception. When the adhesion of the two layers to each other exceeds the van der Waals attraction, the two layers are joined together. Preferably, the layers joined to each other are selected from one of joining to each other by coating, laminating together, sealing together, gluing together and pressing together, or a combination of at least two of them. The layers joined to each other by coating are preferably joined to each other by melt coating or by vapor deposition. Preferred melt coating is melt extrusion coating.

[0311] Unless otherwise stated, in a layer sequence, the layers may follow one another indirectly, i.e. with one or at least two intermediate layers, or directly, i.e. without intermediate layers. This is particularly true in the case of the wording that one layer is superimposed on another. The wording in which the layer sequence comprises listed layers means that at least the specified layers are present in the specified order. This wording does not necessarily mean that the layers follow directly from one another. The wording in which two layers are adjoined to one another means that the two layers follow one another, therefore without intermediate layers. However, this wording does not specify whether the two layers are joined to one another. On the contrary, the two layers may be in contact with one another. However, preferably, the two layers are joined to one another, preferably in a planar manner.

[0312] Carrier layer

[0313] The carrier layer used may be any material which appears suitable for this purpose to the person skilled in the art and which has sufficient strength and stiffness to impart stability to a container made of the sheet-like composite material, so that the container substantially retains its shape in the filled state (dimensional stability). This is an essential feature of the carrier layer, in particular, since the present invention relates to the technical field of dimensionally stable containers for food or beverage products. Dimensionally stable containers of this type should in principle be distinguished from pouches and bags, which are usually made of thinner films.

[0314] For the carrier layer, in addition to many plastics, preferred are plant-based fiber materials, in particular pulps, preferably limed, bleached and / or unbleached pulps, with paper, paperboard and cardboard being particularly preferred. Therefore, preferred carrier layers contain a large amount of fibers. The basis weight of the carrier layer is preferably in the range of 120 to 450 g / m 2 In the range of 130 to 400 g / m 2 In the range of 150 to 380 g / m 2 The carrier layer preferably has a bending stiffness in the first direction in the range of 70 to 700 mN, more preferably 80 to 650 mN. In the case where the carrier layer comprises a plurality of fibers, the first direction is preferably the orientation direction of the fibers. The carrier layer comprising a plurality of fibers further preferably has a bending stiffness in another direction perpendicular to the first direction in the range of 10 to 350 mN, more preferably 20 to 300 mN. The preferred planar composite material with a carrier layer has a bending stiffness in the first direction in the range of 100 to 700 mN. Further preferably, the above-mentioned planar composite material has a bending stiffness in another direction in the range of 50 to 500 mN.

[0315] Preferred cardboards generally have a single-layer or multi-layer structure and may be coated on one or both sides with one or more covering layers. Furthermore, preferred cardboards have a residual moisture content of less than 20% by weight, preferably 2 to 15% by weight, particularly preferably 4 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the cardboard. Particularly preferred cardboards have a multi-layer structure. Furthermore, the cardboards preferably have at least one, but particularly preferably at least two covering layers, which are referred to by the skilled person as "coatings" or "paper coatings", on the surface facing the environment. Furthermore, preferred cardboards have a relative humidity of 100 to 360 J / m 2 , preferably 120 to 350 J / m 2 , particularly preferably 135 to 310 J / m 2 The Scott-Bond value (according to Tappi 569) in the range of . The above range enables the provision of a composite material that can be used to fold containers with high compactness, easily and with low tolerance.

[0316] Preferably, the carrier layer comprises at least 2, more preferably at least 3, particularly preferably exactly 3 or 5 sublayers, each made of a fiber-containing material, wherein the sublayers are superimposed on each other and bonded to each other. The fiber-containing materials of the individual sublayers may be at least partially different from each other, or may be all the same. A further particularly preferred carrier layer comprises the following layers as superimposed and interconnected sublayers of a sublayer sequence (preferably in the direction from the outside of the carrier layer to the inside of the carrier layer): a first sublayer containing a fiber material, a second sublayer containing a fiber material, and a third sublayer containing a fiber material. The fiber-containing materials of the first to third sublayers may be the same or different from each other. In addition, in addition to the above-mentioned layer sequence, the preferred carrier layer also includes at least one covering layer as an additional sublayer. Preferably, the layer sequence of the first to third sublayers superimposes at least one covering layer on the outside of the carrier layer as an additional sublayer. Alternatively or additionally preferably, the layer sequence of the first to third sublayers superimposes at least one covering layer on the inside of the carrier layer as an additional sublayer. Preferably, the average fiber length of the plurality of fibers of the fibrous material of the first sublayer is smaller than the average fiber length of the plurality of fibers of the fibrous material of the third sublayer, preferably 0.1 to 3 mm smaller, more preferably 0.5 to 2.5 mm smaller, most preferably 1 to 2.0 mm smaller.

[0317] The terms "paperboard", "cardboard" and "paper" are used herein according to the definitions in standard DIN 6735:2010. Furthermore, cardboard is preferably a material having a combination of the properties of paper and paperboard. Furthermore, cardboard preferably has a density of 150 to 600 g / m 2 Basis weight within the range of.

[0318] Cover layer

[0319] A preferred covering layer is a "paper coating". In papermaking, a "paper coating", also called a "coating", is a covering layer comprising inorganic solid particles, preferably pigments and additives. The "paper coating" is preferably applied to the surface of the paper- or cardboard-containing layer as a liquid phase, preferably as a suspension or dispersion. A preferred dispersion is an aqueous dispersion. A preferred suspension is an aqueous suspension. Another preferred liquid phase comprises inorganic solid particles, preferably pigments; a binder; and additives. Preferred pigments are selected from calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc, silicates, plastic pigments and titanium dioxide. Preferred kaolin is calcined kaolin. Preferred calcium carbonate is one selected from marble, chalk and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), or a combination of at least two thereof. Preferred silicates are layered silicates. Preferred plastic pigments are spherical, preferably hollow spherical. Preferred binders are one selected from styrene-butadiene, acrylates, acrylonitrile, starch and polyvinyl alcohol, or a combination of at least two thereof, preferably acrylates. Preferred starch is one selected from cationically modified starch, anionically modified starch and fragmented starch, or a combination of at least two thereof. Preferred additives are one selected from rheology modifiers, shading dyes, fluorescent whitening agents, carriers, flocculants, deaerators and surface energy modifiers, or a combination of at least two thereof. Preferred deaerators are coating color deaerators, preferably based on silicone or based on fatty acids or both. Preferred surface energy modifiers are surfactants.

[0320] Barrier layer

[0321] The barrier layer preferably has a sufficient barrier effect on oxygen or water vapor or both. Therefore, the barrier layer is preferably an oxygen barrier layer or a water vapor barrier layer or both. The oxygen barrier layer has a barrier effect on oxygen transmission. The water vapor barrier layer has a barrier effect on water vapor transmission. For this reason, the barrier layer comprises a barrier material layer. The name of this layer refers to a barrier material layer comprising a material that provides a barrier effect. The barrier material layer is a coating or deposited layer that requires a substrate. For this reason, the barrier layer comprises a barrier substrate layer. The barrier layer is preferably a prefabricated barrier film, which is preferably laminated to a carrier layer, preferably using polymer layer C or polymer layer D or both as a laminating agent. The barrier layer is preferably adjacent to the inner polymer layer F. The preferred barrier layer does not contain aluminum foil. More preferably, the barrier layer does not contain any metal foil.

[0322] Barrier substrate layer

[0323] The barrier layer must comprise a barrier material layer and a barrier substrate layer. The barrier substrate layer serves as a substrate for the barrier material layer. In particular, the barrier substrate layer imparts stability to the barrier layer so that the barrier layer can be wound and further processed, in particular laminated to a carrier layer, without substantially damaging the barrier material layer by mechanical stress. The barrier substrate layer comprises a polyolefin. It may consist of a polyolefin and any other material that appears suitable for the above-mentioned purpose to a person skilled in the art. In this article, the barrier substrate layer is preferably suitable for being coated with a barrier material so that the thickness of the barrier material layer can be in the range of 1 nm to 1 μm, preferably 1 to 500 nm, more preferably 1 to 300 nm, more preferably 1 to 100 nm, more preferably 1 to 90 nm, more preferably 1 to 80 nm, more preferably 1 to 70 nm, more preferably 1 to 60 nm, more preferably 1 to 50 nm, more preferably 1 to 40 nm, more preferably 1 to 30 nm, even more preferably 1 to 20 nm, and most preferably 5 to 20 nm. Preferably, the surface of the barrier substrate layer is smooth enough for this purpose. Preferred barrier layers comprise the barrier substrate layer in a proportion in the range from 95 to 99.99% by weight, preferably 97 to 99.97% by weight, more preferably 98 to 99.95% by weight, even more preferably 99 to 99.9% by weight and most preferably 99.5 to 99.9% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the barrier layer.

[0324] Preferably, the barrier substrate layer comprises a polyolefin in a proportion in the range of 50 to 100 wt. %, preferably 60 to 100 wt. %, more preferably 70 to 100 wt. %, more preferably 80 to 100 wt. %, more preferably 90 to 100 wt. %, even more preferably 95 to 100 wt. %, most preferably 98 to 100 wt. %, in each case based on the weight of the barrier substrate layer. Preferably, the barrier substrate layer consists of a polyolefin. Preferred polyolefins of the barrier substrate layer are polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) or both. The polyolefin of the barrier substrate layer is preferably oriented. The oriented polyolefin is preferably uniaxially oriented or biaxially oriented. Particularly preferred polyolefins are uniaxially oriented PE (MOPE) or biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP).

[0325] Preferably, the barrier substrate layer is a polyolefin layer. The polyolefin layer is a layer consisting essentially of one or a combination of at least two selected from a polyolefin homopolymer, a polyolefin copolymer, a mixture of a polyolefin homopolymer, and a mixture of a polyolefin copolymer. A preferred barrier substrate layer is a polyethylene layer. The polyethylene layer is a layer consisting essentially of one or a combination of at least two selected from a polyethylene homopolymer, a polyethylene copolymer, a mixture of a polyethylene homopolymer, and a mixture of a polyethylene copolymer. Another preferred barrier substrate layer is a polypropylene layer. The polypropylene layer is a layer consisting essentially of one or a combination of at least two selected from a polypropylene homopolymer, a polypropylene copolymer, a mixture of a polypropylene homopolymer, and a mixture of a polypropylene copolymer. Additionally or alternatively preferably, the barrier substrate layer is uniaxially oriented or biaxially oriented. A particularly preferred barrier substrate layer is a uniaxially oriented polyethylene layer. Another particularly preferred barrier substrate layer is a biaxially oriented polypropylene layer.

[0326] Barrier material layer

[0327] The barrier material layer used can be any material which appears suitable for this purpose to a person skilled in the art and which has a sufficient barrier effect, in particular against oxygen or water vapor or both. For this purpose, the barrier material layer preferably contains a barrier material in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, even more preferably at least 95% by weight, most preferably at least 98% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the barrier material layer, wherein the barrier material provides a barrier effect against oxygen or water vapor or both. Preferably, the barrier material layer consists of a barrier material. Preferred barrier layers contain a barrier material layer or a barrier material in a proportion in the range of 0.01 to 5% by weight, preferably 0.03 to 3% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.1 to 1% by weight, most preferably 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the barrier layer.

[0328] The barrier material layer is preferably an uninterrupted layer. Additionally or alternatively preferably, the barrier material layer is a film or coating. Here, the preferred film is a thin film. The thin film is a film that can be obtained by thin film deposition. Therefore, the preferred barrier material layer can be obtained by deposition. The preferred deposition is thin film deposition. Most thin film deposition techniques are able to control the layer thickness within tens of nanometers. The preferred thin film deposition techniques are physical deposition or chemical deposition or both. Chemical deposition means that the fluid undergoes chemical changes on the solid surface to leave a solid layer, which is the barrier material layer here. The preferred chemical deposition is based on a fluid selected from a liquid precursor, a gas precursor and a plasma or a combination of at least two of them. The preferred chemical deposition based on a liquid precursor is plating, preferably electroplating, more preferably electrochemical deposition; chemical solution deposition (CSD), chemical bath deposition (CBD), spin coating or dip coating. The preferred chemical deposition based on a gas precursor is chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Physical deposition uses mechanical, electromechanical or thermodynamic means to make a solid film, which is a barrier material layer here. The preferred physical deposition is physical vapor deposition (PVD). Thus, the barrier material layer is preferably obtainable by depositing the barrier material onto a barrier substrate layer or an additional polymer layer superimposed on the barrier substrate layer. In any case, the barrier substrate layer serves as a substrate for the barrier material forming the barrier material layer.

[0329] Preferred barrier materials are selected from oxides, metals, silicon-containing compounds and barrier polymers, or a combination of at least two thereof. Preferred oxides are oxides selected from one or more metals, one or more semimetals and one or more nonmetals, or oxides of a combination of at least two thereof. Preferred metal oxides are selected from aluminum oxides, such as Al2O3; magnesium oxides, such as MgO; titanium oxides, such as TiO2; tin oxides, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), Zn2SnO4, SnO, Sn2O3 and SnO2; zinc oxides, such as ZnO; and indium oxides, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), InO, In2O3 and InO2, or a combination of at least two thereof. Preferred semimetal oxides are silicon oxides, such as SiO2. Preferred silicon-containing compounds are silicon nitrides, such as Si3N4, or organosilicon compounds. Preferred organosilicon compounds are siloxanes. Preferred barrier polymers are vinyl polymers or polyacrylic acids or both. Preferred vinyl polymers are polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or both. Particularly preferred barrier materials are aluminum oxide, a combination of various aluminum oxides, silicon oxide or a combination of various silicon oxides.

[0330] Polymer layers

[0331] In the following, the term "polymer layer" refers in particular to polymer layers A, C and D and inner polymer layers F, G and H. "Inner" in "inner polymer layer F", "inner polymer layer G" and "inner polymer layer H" means that the respective layer is superimposed on the barrier layer on the side of the barrier layer facing away from the carrier layer, i.e. on the inner side of the barrier layer.

[0332] The polymer layers are each based on a polymer or a polymer blend, i.e. the polymer layers mostly comprise a polymer or a polymer blend. Preferred polymers are thermoplastic polymers, more preferably polyolefins. The polymer layers are preferably bonded or applied to the sheet-like composite material in an extrusion process, preferably by melt extrusion coating. In addition to the polymer or polymer blend, each polymer layer may also contain additional ingredients. The additional ingredients of the polymer layers are preferably ingredients that do not adversely affect the behavior of the polymer melt when applied as a layer. Additional ingredients can be, for example, inorganic compounds, such as metal salts, or other plastics, such as other thermoplastics.

[0333] Typically, suitable polymers for polymer layers are those that are easily processed due to good extrusion behavior. Among them, polymers obtained by chain polymerization are suitable, especially polyolefins, among which cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), polycyclic olefin copolymers (POC), especially polyethylene and polypropylene are particularly preferred, and polyethylene is particularly preferred. Among polyethylenes, HDPE (high density polyethylene), MDPE (medium density polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) and VLDPE (very low density polyethylene) and blends of at least two thereof are preferred. Suitable polymers preferably have a melt flow rate (MFR) in the range of 1 to 25 g / 10 min, preferably in the range of 2 to 20 g / 10 min, and particularly preferably in the range of 2.5 to 15 g / 10 min. Additionally or alternatively preferably, the density of the suitable polymer layer is 0.890 g / cm 3 Up to 0.980g / cm 3 In the range of 0.895 g / cm 3 Up to 0.975g / cm 3 In the range of 0.900 g / cm 3 Up to 0.970g / cm 3 The polymer layer preferably has at least one melting temperature in the range of 80 to 155°C, preferably in the range of 90 to 145°C, more preferably in the range of 95 to 135°C.

[0334] Polymer layer A

[0335] Polymer layer A is preferably a thermoplastic polymer layer. Polymer layer A preferably comprises at least one polyolefin, more preferably at least one polyethylene or at least one polypropylene or both. Preferred polyethylenes are LDPE and HDPE and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred polyethylene is LDPE. In this case, the preferred LDPE has a melt flow index in the range of 2 to 6 g / 10 min, preferably 3 to 5 g / 10 min, more preferably 3.5 to 4.5 g / 10 min. Preferably, polymer layer A comprises at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight of the at least one polyolefin, more preferably at least one polyethylene or at least one polypropylene or both together, in each case based on the total weight of polymer layer A. Preferred polymer layer A comprises at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight of one or more LDPEs based on the weight of polymer layer A in each case. Preferred polymer layer A consists of one or more LDPEs. Preferably, the polymer layer A adjoins the carrier layer. Preferably, the polymer layer A is obtainable from a polymer composition A. Preferred polymer compositions A are polymer particles or polymer melts. Preferably, the polymer composition A consists of the same material or materials as the polymer layer A. If the polymer layer A consists of more than one material, the polymer composition A preferably consists of the same multiple materials in the same proportions.

[0336] Polymer layer C

[0337] The polymer layer C is preferably a thermoplastic polymer layer. The polymer layer C preferably comprises at least one polyolefin, more preferably at least one polyethylene or at least one polypropylene or both. Here, a particularly preferred polyethylene is LDPE. In this case, the preferred LDPE has a melt flow index in the range of 2 to 6 g / 10 min, preferably 3 to 5 g / 10 min, more preferably 3.5 to 4.5 g / 10 min. Preferably, the polymer layer C comprises at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight of the at least one polyolefin, more preferably at least one polyethylene or at least one polypropylene or both together, in each case based on the total weight of the polymer layer C. The preferred polymer layer C comprises at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight of one or more LDPEs based on the weight of the polymer layer C in each case. Preferably, the polymer layer C is arranged between the carrier layer and the polymer layer D. Additionally or alternatively preferably, the polymer layer C adjoins the carrier layer or the polymer layer D or both. Preferably, the polymer layer C is obtainable from a polymer composition C. Preferred polymer compositions C are polymer granules or polymer melts. Preferably, the polymer composition C consists of the same material or materials as the polymer layer C. If the polymer layer C consists of more than one material, the polymer composition C preferably consists of the same multiple materials in the same proportions.

[0338] Polymer layer D

[0339] The polymer layer C is preferably an adhesion promoter layer. Thus, the polymer layer C is preferably based on an adhesion promoter layer. Preferably, the polymer layer D is arranged between the polymer layer C and the barrier layer. Additionally or alternatively preferably, the polymer layer D adjoins the barrier layer or the polymer layer C or both. Preferably, the polymer layer D is obtainable from a polymer composition D. Preferred polymer compositions D are polymer particles or polymer melts. Preferably, the polymer composition D consists of the same material or materials as the polymer layer D. If the polymer layer D consists of more than one material, the polymer composition D preferably consists of the same multiple materials in the same proportions.

[0340] Polymer layer E

[0341] The polymer layer E is preferably a thermoplastic polymer layer. The polymer layer E preferably comprises at least one polyolefin. Preferably, the polymer layer E comprises at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight of the at least one polyolefin, in each case based on the total weight of the polymer layer E. The at least one polyolefin of the polymer layer E is preferably selected from one of polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polystyrene, or a combination of at least two thereof. A preferred combination is a copolymer or a terpolymer. A preferred copolymer is a propylene-ethylene copolymer or an ethylene-butene copolymer. A preferred terpolymer is a propylene-ethylene-butene terpolymer. In the case of the polymer layer E, the preferred polyethylene is one selected from LDPE, LLDPE, MDPE and HDPE, or a combination of at least two thereof. A particularly preferred polymer layer E comprises polypropylene, preferably one selected from polypropylene homopolymers, polypropylene copolymers and propylene terpolymers, or a combination of at least two thereof. Each of the aforementioned polyolefins may preferably be functionalized or grafted or both. Further preferred polymer layer E comprises a polypropylene copolymer preferably having C2- to C8-α-olefin derived units in a proportion in the range of 5 to 20 wt. %, or an ethylene copolymer preferably having C2- to C8-α-olefin derived units in a proportion in the range of 10 to 40 wt. %, or both. Additionally or alternatively preferably, the surface of polymer layer E has been treated, preferably by flame treatment or corona treatment or both. Additionally or alternatively preferably, polymer layer E comprises a colorant or a cavitation agent or both. Preferred colorants are white colorants. Preferred white colorants are white pigments. Preferred white pigments are TiO2. Preferred cavitation agents are CaCO3. Additionally or alternatively, polymer layer E may comprise one or more other additives known to the skilled person. Preferably, polymer layer E is adjacent to the barrier substrate layer or the inner polymer layer F or both. Preferably, the sublayer sequence comprises polymer layer E. In this case, the barrier layer comprises the polymer layer E, i.e. the polymer layer E is a sublayer of the barrier layer. A preferred barrier layer is a pre-film laminated onto a carrier layer. In the technical field of pre-films for packaging, the polymer layer E can also be referred to as a skin layer, since it forms a thin skin of the barrier substrate layer.

[0342] Inner polymer layer F

[0343] The inner polymer layer F is preferably a thermoplastic polymer layer. Preferably, the inner polymer layer F comprises the first polymer blend in a proportion of at least 20 wt.-%, more preferably at least 30 wt.-%, more preferably at least 40 wt.-%, more preferably at least 50 wt.-%, more preferably at least 60 wt.-%, more preferably at least 70 wt.-%, more preferably at least 80 wt.-%, most preferably at least 90 wt.-%, in each case based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F. Preferably, the inner polymer layer F consists of mPE or the first polymer blend. The preferred LDPE of the inner polymer layer F, preferably the preferred LDPE of the first polymer blend, has a melt flow index in the range of 5 to 9 g / 10 min, preferably 6 to 8 g / 10 min, more preferably 6.5 to 7.5 g / 10 min. Preferably, the inner polymer layer F adjoins the barrier layer or the inner polymer layer G or both. Additionally or alternatively preferably, the inner polymer layer F adjoins the polymer layer E or the inner polymer layer G or both. Preferably, the inner polymer layer F is obtainable from a polymer composition F. Preferred polymer compositions F are polymer particles or polymer melts. Preferably, the polymer composition F consists of the same material or materials as the inner polymer layer F. If the inner polymer layer F consists of more than one material, the polymer composition F preferably consists of the same materials in the same proportions.

[0344] Inner polymer layer G

[0345] The inner polymer layer G is preferably a thermoplastic polymer layer. The inner polymer layer G preferably comprises at least one polyolefin, more preferably at least one polyethylene or at least one polypropylene or both. Here, the particularly preferred polyethylene is LDPE. In this case, the preferred LDPE has a melt flow index in the range of 5 to 9 g / 10min, preferably 6 to 8 g / 10min, more preferably 6.5 to 7.5 g / 10min. Preferably, the inner polymer layer G comprises at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight of the at least one polyolefin, more preferably at least one polyethylene or at least one polypropylene or both together, in each case based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer G. The preferred inner polymer layer G comprises at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight of one or more LDPEs based on the weight of the inner polymer layer G in each case. The preferred inner polymer layer G consists of one or more LDPEs. Preferably, the inner polymer layer G is adjacent to the inner polymer layer F or the inner polymer layer H or both. Preferably, the inner polymer layer G is obtainable from a polymer composition G. Preferred polymer compositions G are polymer particles or polymer melts. Preferably, the polymer composition G consists of the same material or materials as the inner polymer layer G. If the inner polymer layer G consists of more than one material, the polymer composition G preferably consists of the same multiple materials in the same proportions.

[0346] Inner polymer layer H

[0347] Preferably, the density of the polymer of the inner polymer layer H or the second polymer blend (according to ISO 1183-1:2004) is between 0.900 and 0.980 g / cm 3 In the range of 0.900 to 0.960 g / cm 3 In the range of 0.900 to 0.940 g / cm 3In the range of . The inner polymer layer H is preferably a thermoplastic polymer layer. The inner polymer layer H preferably comprises at least one polyolefin, more preferably at least one polyethylene or at least one polypropylene or both. Here, particularly preferred polyethylenes are LDPE and LLDPE, preferably mLLDPE. In this case, the preferred LDPE has a melt flow index in the range of 5 to 9 g / 10 min, preferably 6 to 8 g / 10 min, more preferably 6.5 to 7.5 g / 10 min. The preferred inner polymer layer H comprises at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight of the at least one polyolefin, more preferably the at least one polyethylene or the at least one polypropylene or both together, in each case based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer H.

[0348] Preferably, the inner polymer layer H comprises a proportion of at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight of the second polymer blend, in each case based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer H. Particularly preferably, the inner polymer layer H consists of a second polymer blend. Preferred second polymer blends comprise at least two polyolefins, more preferably at least two polyethylenes. Preferred polyethylenes are those given above for the inner polymer layer H. In a preferred embodiment, the second polymer blend comprises LDPE of the second polymer blend in a proportion in the range of 50 to 90% by weight, preferably 60 to 80% by weight, most preferably 65 to 75% by weight, and mPE of the second polymer blend in a proportion in the range of 10 to 50% by weight, preferably 20 to 40% by weight, most preferably 25 to 35% by weight, wherein the proportions in % by weight are in each case based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer H. In a further preferred embodiment, the second polymer blend comprises a proportion of LDPE of the second polymer blend in a range of 5 to 40 wt.-%, preferably 10 to 30 wt.-%, most preferably 15 to 25 wt.-%, and a proportion of mPE of the second polymer blend in a range of 60 to 95 wt.-%, preferably 70 to 90 wt.-%, most preferably 75 to 85 wt.-%, the proportions in wt.-% being in each case based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer H.

[0349] Preferably, the inner polymer layer H is the innermost layer of the sheet-like composite material. Therefore, the inner surface of the sheet-like composite material is preferably the surface of the inner polymer layer H. Additionally or alternatively preferably, the inner polymer layer H is adjacent to the inner polymer layer G. Preferably, the inner polymer layer H is obtainable from a polymer composition H. Preferred polymer compositions H are polymer particles or polymer melts. Preferably, the polymer composition H consists of the same material or materials as the inner polymer layer H. If the inner polymer layer H consists of more than one material, the polymer composition H preferably consists of the same multiple materials in the same proportions.

[0350] Further polymer layer

[0351] If present, the additional polymer layer is arranged between the barrier substrate layer and the barrier material layer. Preferred additional polymer layers comprise polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) or a blend of the two, in each case preferably in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, yet more preferably at least 95% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the additional polymer layer. Preferably, the additional polymer layer consists essentially of PVOH or EVOH or a blend of the two. Preferably, the sequence of sublayers comprises the additional polymer layer. In this case, the barrier layer comprises the additional polymer layer, i.e. the additional polymer layer is a sublayer of the barrier layer. Preferred barrier layers are prefabricated films which have been laminated onto a carrier layer. In the technical field of prefabricated films for packaging, the additional polymer layer may also be referred to as a skin layer, since it forms a thin skin of the barrier substrate layer. Auxiliary polymer layer

[0352] The layer sequence of the sheet-like composite material preferably further comprises an auxiliary polymer layer arranged between the barrier substrate layer and the inner polymer layer F. As long as the polymer layer E does not adjoin the inner polymer layer F, the auxiliary polymer layer is preferably arranged between the polymer layer E and the inner polymer layer F. Preferably, the auxiliary polymer layer adjoins the polymer layer E or the inner polymer layer F or both. Preferably, the sublayer sequence comprises an auxiliary polymer layer. In this case, the barrier layer comprises the auxiliary polymer layer, i.e. the auxiliary polymer layer is a sublayer of the barrier layer. A preferred barrier layer is a prefabricated film that has been laminated onto a carrier layer. In the technical field of prefabricated films for packaging, the auxiliary polymer layer can also be referred to as a coating of the polymer layer E.

[0353] The preferred auxiliary polymer layer comprises one or a combination of at least two selected from polyamide (PA), polyester, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride, acrylate-based polymers, methacrylate-based polymers, polyurethane (PU), polyalkylimine, acid-modified polyolefins, polyetherester-amide block copolymers, preferably consisting of them, wherein the preferred combination is a blend. The preferred acid-modified polyolefin is a maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin. Another preferred auxiliary polymer layer is a primer coating. The preferred primer coating comprises one or a combination of at least two selected from polyethyleneimine (PEI), PU, ​​and epoxy resins, preferably consisting of them.

[0354] Polyolefins

[0355] In the present invention, the preferred polyolefin is polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) or both. The preferred polyethylene is one selected from LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE, or a combination of at least two thereof. A further preferred polyolefin is mPolyolefin (polyolefin made with the aid of a metallocene catalyst). Suitable polyethylene has a melt flow rate (MFI-melt flow index = MFR-melt flow rate) in the range of 1 to 25 g / 10 min, preferably in the range of 2 to 20 g / 10 min, particularly preferably in the range of 2.5 to 15 g / 10 min, and / or in the range of 0.910 g / cm 3 Up to 0.935g / cm 3 In the range of 0.912 g / cm 3 Up to 0.932g / cm 3 In the range of 0.915 g / cm 3 Up to 0.930g / cm 3 density within the range of .

[0356] mPolymer

[0357] mPolymer is a polymer made with the aid of a metallocene catalyst. Metallocene is an organometallic compound in which the central metal atom is located between two organic ligands such as cyclopentadienyl ligands. Preferred mPolymers are mPolyolefins (mpolyolefins), preferably mPolyethylene (mpolyethylene) or mPolypropylene (mpolypropylene) or both. Preferred mPolyethylene is one selected from mLDPE, mLLDPE and mHDPE, or a combination of at least two thereof. Preferred mPolyolefins are characterized by at least a first melting temperature and a second melting temperature. Preferably, mPolyolefins are characterized by a third melting temperature in addition to the first and second melting temperatures. The preferred first melting temperature is in the range of 84 to 108°C, preferably 89 to 103°C, more preferably 94 to 98°C. The preferred second melting temperature is in the range of 100 to 124°C, preferably 105 to 119°C, more preferably 110 to 114°C.

[0358] Polypropylene

[0359] In the present invention, in particular in the case of a barrier substrate layer, it is preferred that the polypropylene is a homopolymer or copolymer comprising propylene-derived units in a proportion in the range of 60 to 100 wt.-%, preferably 70 to 100 wt.-%, more preferably 80 to 100 wt.-%, more preferably 85 to 100 wt.-%, more preferably 90 to 100 wt.-%, more preferably 95 to 100 wt.-%, even more preferably 98 to 100 wt.-%, most preferably 99 to 100 wt.-%, in each case based on the weight of the polypropylene. Additionally or alternatively, it is preferred that the polypropylene comprises C2-α-olefin-derived units or C4 to C6-olefin-derived units in a proportion in the range of 0 to 40 wt.-%, preferably 1 to 30 wt.-%, more preferably 5 to 20 wt.-%, even more preferably 5 to 15 wt.-%, most preferably 5 to 10 wt.-%. 10 -α-olefin derived units or both, in each case based on the weight of the polypropylene. The polypropylene can be produced by any suitable method known to the skilled person using any suitable catalyst known to the skilled person. Preferred polypropylenes are produced using Ziegler-Natta catalysts or single site catalysts or both. Preferred single site catalysts are metallocene catalysts. Additionally or alternatively preferably, the polypropylene is produced by a method selected from a solution process, a slurry process, a high pressure process and a gas phase process or a combination of at least two thereof.

[0360] Colour application

[0361] Preferably, the color application is a printed layer or a decoration or both. Additionally or alternatively preferably, the color application is arranged between the polymer layer A and the carrier layer, or is superimposed on the polymer layer A on the side of the polymer layer A facing away from the carrier layer. In the latter case, the color application preferably does not superimpose any layer of the sheet-like composite material on the side of the color application facing away from the carrier layer. Preferably, the color application is adjacent to the polymer layer A or the carrier layer or both. Preferably, the color application comprises at least one colorant, more preferably at least 2, more preferably at least 3, more preferably at least 4, even more preferably at least 5, most preferably at least 6 colorants.

[0362] Colorant

[0363] Available colorants include solid and liquid colorants known to those skilled in the art and suitable for use in the present invention. According to DIN 55943:2001-10, colorant is a general term for all coloring substances, especially dyes and pigments. Preferred colorants are pigments. Preferred pigments are organic pigments. Pigments worth noting about the present invention are especially the pigments mentioned in DIN 55943:2001-10 and "Industrial Organic Pigments, 3rd edition" (Willy Herbst, Klaus Hunger 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA, Weinheim ISBN: 3-527-30576-9). Pigments are colorants which are preferably insoluble in the application medium. Dyes are colorants which are preferably soluble in the application medium.

[0364] Adhesion promoter polymer / adhesion promoter layer

[0365] The adhesion promoter layer is a layer of a sheet-like composite material including a sufficient amount of at least one adhesion promoter polymer so that the adhesion promoter layer improves the adhesion between the layers adjacent to the adhesion promoter layer. Therefore, the adhesion promoter layer is preferably a polymer layer. The adhesion promoter layer can be located between layers of the sheet-like composite material that are not adjacent to each other. Suitable adhesion promoter polymers in the adhesion promoter layer are all polymers suitable for forming ionic bonds or covalent bonds with the surfaces of the respective adjacent layers by functionalization with suitable functional groups. Preferred adhesion promoter polymers are functionalized polyolefins. Preferred functionalized polyolefins are acrylic copolymers obtained by copolymerization of ethylene with acrylic acids such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, acrylates, acrylate derivatives or carboxylic anhydrides (e.g. maleic anhydride) or at least two of them. Among them, polyethylene-maleic anhydride grafted polymers (EMAH), ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers (EAA) or ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers (EMAA) are preferred, which are, for example, commercially available from DuPont under the trade name and Nucrel or by ExxonMobile Chemicals under the trade name Escor 6000 Sold. Particularly preferred adhesion promoter polymers are ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymers. The alkyl group is preferably methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl or pentyl. Further preferably, the adhesion promoter layer may comprise a blend of two or more different ethylene alkyl acrylate copolymers. Also preferably, the ethylene alkyl acrylate copolymer may have two or more different alkyl groups in the acrylate functionality, such as an ethylene alkyl acrylate copolymer in which both methyl acrylate units and ethyl acrylate units are present in the same copolymer.

[0366] According to the present invention, it is preferred that the adhesion between the carrier layer, the polymer layer or the barrier layer and the respective next layer is at least 0.5 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 0.7 N / 15 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.8 N / 15 mm. In one embodiment according to the present invention, it is preferred that the adhesion between the polymer layer and the carrier layer is at least 0.3 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 0.5 N / 15 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.7 N / 15 mm. In addition, it is preferred that the adhesion between the barrier layer and the polymer layer is at least 0.8 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 1.0 N / 15 mm, particularly preferably at least 1.4 N / 15 mm. In the case where the barrier layer indirectly follows the polymer layer via an adhesion promoter layer, it is preferred that the adhesion between the barrier layer and the adhesion promoter layer is at least 1.8 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 2.2 N / 15 mm, particularly preferably at least 2.8 N / 15 mm. In one embodiment, the adhesion between the individual layers is so strong that the adhesion test leads to tearing of the carrier layer, in particular in the case of cardboard as carrier layer, to so-called tearing of the cardboard fibers.

[0367] Outer surface

[0368] The outer surface of the sheet-like composite material is the surface of the sheet-like composite material that, in a container made of the sheet-like composite material, is intended to be in contact with the environment of the container. This does not preclude the outer surface of the composite material in various areas being folded onto itself or joined to itself, e.g. sealed to itself, in individual areas of the container.

[0369] Inner surface

[0370] The inner surface of the sheet-like composite is the surface of the sheet-like composite that is intended to come into contact with the container contents, preferably a food or beverage product, in a container made from the sheet-like composite.

[0371] Groove

[0372] In the present invention, a groove is a linear material modification intended to facilitate folding of a sheet-like composite material or its blank along the groove. In particular, the groove is intended to allow the folding to be made as accurately as possible along the groove. Thus, a closed container can be formed by folding along the groove from a sheet-like composite material or its blank, which in each case has a corresponding groove pattern consisting of a plurality of grooves. The sheet-like composite material may comprise a plurality of such groove patterns, each arranged and configured to form a corresponding container. Preferably, all groove patterns of the sheet-like composite material are identical.

[0373] Along the groove, the sheet-like composite material preferably has a depression on one side (preferably the side of the outer surface), preferably in the form of a material displacement. On the opposite side, preferably the side of the inner surface, the sheet-like composite material preferably has a bulge along the groove.

[0374] In addition to the above-mentioned folding, the production of the closed container also includes the joining of the areas of the sheet-like composite material that have been contacted by folding. The grooving tool is used to introduce the groove into the sheet-like composite material, and this process is called grooving. The grooving tool can be any tool suitable for grooving the sheet-like composite material or the carrier layer in the present invention. For grooving, the grooving tool preferably includes a linear elevation, which has the shape of the linear depression. By contacting the sheet-like composite material or the carrier layer with the linear elevation, the linear depression can be introduced into the sheet-like composite material or the carrier layer. Therefore, the grooving tool can also be referred to as a pressing tool. As the counterpart of the above-mentioned positive tool, the grooving tool can also include a negative tool. The negative tool includes a linear recess, which can also be referred to as a groove-shaped. The linear recess preferably has the shape of the linear elevation of the positive tool in its linear extension direction, and is further configured to at least partially receive the material of the sheet-like composite material or the carrier layer displaced by the positive tool during the grooving process.

[0375] Extruding / extruder

[0376] Every extruder known to the skilled person and which appears suitable for the purpose of the present invention is considered in the present invention. An extruder is a device for shaping a material, preferably a polymer material, by extruding through a forming hole. A preferred extruder is a screw extruder. Melt extrusion coating is the application of a material to a substrate by extruding a melt of the material through a forming hole of an extruder to obtain a planar layer of the material superimposed on the substrate. In the case of a polymer composition as a material, the material is preferably melted for extrusion coating. During extrusion, the polymer is usually heated to a temperature of 210 to 350° C., measured at the molten polymer film below the outlet at the extruder die. Extrusion can be carried out by means of commercially available extrusion tools known to those skilled in the art, such as an extruder, an extruder screw, a feed block, etc. Preferably, there is a hole at the end of the extruder through which the polymer melt is extruded. The hole can have any shape capable of extruding a polymer melt. For example, the hole can be angular, oval or circular. Preferably, the hole has the shape of a slot of a funnel. After the molten layer has been applied to the substrate by means of the above-described method, the molten layer is allowed to cool for heat setting, preferably by contact with a surface maintained at a temperature of 5 to 50° C., more preferably 10 to 30° C., for quenching. Subsequently, at least the flanks are separated from the surface. The separation can be carried out in any manner familiar to the skilled person and which appears suitable for separating the flanks quickly, as accurately as possible and cleanly. Preferably, the separation is carried out by means of a knife, a laser beam or a water jet or a combination of two or more thereof, wherein a knife, in particular a pot knife, is particularly preferably used.

[0377] Laminating

[0378] The preformed films or layers can be joined to each other by lamination. In this case, the preformed layers or films are joined by means of one or more suitable laminating agents. Preferred laminating agents comprise, and preferably consist of, a polymer composition that can be used to obtain a thermoplastic polymer layer, preferably a polymer layer C, or an adhesion promoter layer, preferably a polymer layer D.

[0379] Joining

[0380] In the context of the present invention, any joining method which appears to the skilled person to be suitable for use according to the invention and by which a sufficiently strong connection can be obtained can be considered. Preferred joining methods are material-to-material joining methods. A material-to-material joint is understood in this context to be a joint between joining partners which is produced by attractive forces between or within the materials. A distinction must be made between this and form-fitting and friction-fitting joints which are formed, in particular, by geometry or friction. Preferred material-to-material joining methods can be one selected from sealing, welding, gluing and pressing, or a combination of at least two thereof. In the case of sealing and welding, the joint is formed with the aid of a liquid and its solidification. In the case of gluing, a chemical bond is formed between the surfaces of the two objects to be joined, which forms the joint. In the case of sealing, welding or gluing, it is usually advantageous to press the surfaces to be joined together. The preferred pressing of the two layers is to press the corresponding first surface of the first layer of the two layers onto the second surface of the second layer facing the first surface on at least 20% of the first surface, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%. Particularly preferred joining is sealing or welding. Preferred sealing or welding comprises contacting, heating and pressing as steps, wherein these steps are preferably carried out in this order. Another order is also possible, in particular the order of heating, contacting and pressing.

[0381] Food or drink product

[0382] In the present invention, the sheet-like composite material and the container precursor are preferably designed for producing food or beverage product containers. In addition, the closed container according to the present invention is preferably a food or beverage product container. Food and beverage products include all kinds of food and beverages for human consumption and animal feed known to those skilled in the art. Preferred food and beverage products are liquids above 5°C, such as dairy products, soups, sauces, non-carbonated beverages.

[0383] Container Precursor

[0384] The container precursor is the initial stage of the container, which is made during the production process of the (preferably closed) container. In this case, the container precursor contains a sheet-like composite material, preferably as a blank. The sheet-like composite material can be unfolded or folded. Preferably, the container precursor consists of a blank. The preferred container precursor is cut to size and designed to produce a single (preferably closed) container. The preferred container precursor cut to size and designed to produce a single container is also called a sleeve. Here, the sleeve includes a folded sheet-like composite material, preferably folded along at least 2 longitudinal folds, more preferably along 4 longitudinal folds. These longitudinal folds are preferably but not necessarily arranged and configured to form a longitudinal folded edge of a closed container at least partially formed by the container precursor. In addition, the sleeve includes a longitudinal seam, along which the first longitudinal boundary of the blank is joined to another longitudinal boundary. Here, the sleeve is open in the top area and the bottom area. The preferred container precursor is integrally formed.

[0385] container

[0386] The closed container according to the present invention can have a variety of different forms, but it is preferably an essentially cuboid structure. In addition, the entire area of ​​the container can be formed by a sheet-like composite material, or it can have a two-part or multipart construction. In the case of a multipart construction, it is possible that in addition to the sheet-like composite material, other materials, such as plastics, can also be used, which can be particularly used for the top or bottom area of ​​the container. However, in this article, it is preferred that the container is formed by a sheet-like composite material to the extent of at least 50% of the area, particularly preferably to the extent of at least 70%, and further preferably to the extent of at least 90%. In addition, the container may have a device for emptying the contents. This can be formed, for example, by a polymer or a mixture of polymers and attached to the outer surface of the container. It is also possible that the device has been integrated into the container by "direct injection molding". In a preferred configuration, the container according to the present invention has at least one fold edge, preferably 4 to 22 or more fold edges, particularly preferably 7 to 12 fold edges. In the present invention, a folding edge is understood to mean an area that occurs in the folding of a sheet-like composite material. Examples of folding edges include a longitudinal contact area between two wall areas of a container, also referred to herein as a longitudinal folding edge. In a container, the container wall is preferably a container area framed by a folding edge. Preferably, the interior of a container according to the present invention contains a food or beverage product. Preferably, the sealed container does not include any lid or base or any one that is not integrally formed with the sheet-like composite material. A preferred sealed container contains a food or beverage product. A preferred sealed container is a food or beverage product container or a dimensionally stable container or both.

[0387] Edges

[0388] In the present invention, fold edges or folds are defined as linear areas of the sheet composite material, which are formed by folding the sheet composite material and in each case two (preferably flat) areas of the sheet composite material adjoin each other here. Fold edges are to be distinguished from cut edges. In the present invention, cut edges are linear areas of the sheet composite material that delimit the dimensions of the sheet composite material laterally. The term "cut edge" in the present invention does not necessarily mean that the sheet composite material has actually been cut. The area of ​​the sheet composite material that extends along the cut edge and forms the area near the cut edge is referred to as the margin in the present invention. With respect to fold edges, cut edges and borders, the term "longitudinal" in the present invention means that the respective fold edge, cut edge or border extends substantially along the height of the container made of the sheet composite material. With respect to fold edges, cut edges and borders, the term "transversal" means that the respective fold edge, cut edge or border extends substantially perpendicularly to the respective longitudinal fold edge, cut edge or border in the plane of the sheet composite material.

[0389] Through-hole

[0390] The through-holes arranged in the carrier layer according to a preferred embodiment can have any shape known to those skilled in the art and suitable for various closures or straws. The through-holes usually have a circular portion in a plan view. Therefore, the through-holes can be substantially circular, oval, elliptical or drop-shaped. The shape of the through-holes in the carrier layer usually also predetermines the shape of the opening made of an openable closure connected to the container and dispensed from the container after opening or made of a straw in the container. Therefore, the opening of the opened container usually has a shape comparable to or even identical to the at least one through-hole in the carrier layer. The configuration of the sheet-like composite material with a single through-hole is mainly used to discharge food or beverage products located in a container made of a sheet-like composite material. Additional through-holes can be provided, especially for allowing air to enter the container when the food or beverage product is discharged.

[0391] In the case of through-holes covering the carrier layer, it is preferred that the hole-covering layers at least partially join to one another, preferably to an extent of at least 30%, preferably at least 70%, particularly preferably at least 90% of the area formed by the at least one hole. It is also preferred that the hole-covering layers join to one another at the edges of the through-holes and preferably abut against the edges that join to one another, so that in this way improved leak-proofing is achieved at the joining points extending across the entire area of ​​the through-holes. The hole-covering layers usually join to one another over the entire area formed by the at least one through-hole in the carrier layer. This brings about good leak-proofing of the container formed from the composite material and thus brings about the desired long shelf life of the food or beverage product stored in the container.

[0392] Opening / opening aid

[0393] The opening of the container is usually achieved by at least partially destroying the hole covering layer covering the through hole. This destruction can be achieved by cutting, pressing into the container or pulling out from the container. The destruction can be achieved by means of an opening aid that is engaged with the container and arranged in the through hole area, usually above the through hole, for example, also by pushing a straw through the hole covering layer. It is also preferred in the configuration according to the present invention that an opening aid is provided in the area of ​​the at least one hole. It is preferred that an opening aid is provided on the outer surface of the sheet-like composite material. The container is also preferably included in a closure on the outer surface, such as a lid. In this case, it is preferred that the closure at least partially, preferably completely covers the through hole. Therefore, the closure protects the hole covering layer, which is not very strong compared to the area outside the through hole, from destructive mechanical effects. In order to open the hole covering layer covering the through hole, the closure usually includes an opening aid. Suitable as such an opening aid is a hook for tearing at least a part of the hole covering layer, an edge or cutting edge for cutting into the hole covering layer or a spike for piercing the hole covering layer, or a combination of at least two of them. These opening aids are usually mechanically coupled to the screw cap or the cap of the closure, for example by a hinge, so that when the screw cap or the cap is turned, the opening aid acts on the hole-covering layer to open the closed container. Such closure systems comprising a composite layer covering a through hole, an openable closure covering the through hole and having an opening aid are sometimes referred to in the professional literature as "overcoated holes" with "applied fitments".

[0394] Method steps

[0395] The method steps of the method according to the invention are carried out in the order of their symbols. In principle, method steps with immediately consecutive symbols can be carried out one after another, simultaneously or with temporal overlap.

[0396] Test Method

[0397] The following test methods are used within the present invention. Unless otherwise stated, the measurements are carried out at an ambient temperature of 23° C., an ambient air pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm) and a relative air humidity of 50%. Separation of individual layers

[0398] If individual layers of the laminate are to be examined individually in this context, the layers to be examined are first separated from the laminate as described below. Three test specimens of the sheet-like composite material are cut to size. For this purpose, the unfolded and ungrooved areas of the sheet-like composite material are used, unless otherwise specified. The dimensions of the test specimens are 4 cm×4 cm, unless otherwise specified. If other dimensions of the layer to be examined are necessary for the examination to be carried out, a sufficiently large test specimen is cut from the laminate. The layer to be examined is separated from each of the aforementioned test specimens. In particular, in order to disentangle the bond between the layers, in the case where the bond is located on the side of the barrier layer facing the outer surface of the sheet-like composite material, such as the bond between polymer layer A and the carrier layer or between polymer layer D and the barrier layer, the test specimens are introduced into an acetic acid bath (30% acetic acid solution: 30% by weight CH3COOH, the remainder to 100% by weight being H2O) heated to 60° C. for 30 minutes. This separates the layers from one another. If necessary, the layers can also be carefully pulled apart manually. If the desired layer cannot be peeled off easily enough, use new test specimens with the above dimensions instead and treat these in an ethanol bath (99% ethanol) as described above. If there are remnants of the carrier layer on the layer to be examined (e.g. polymer layer A or polymer layer C) (especially in the case of a cardboard layer as carrier layer), carefully remove these with a brush. In any case, from each of the three films of the layer to be examined prepared as described above, cut out a sample of sufficient size for the examination (unless otherwise stated, an area of ​​4 cm 2 ). These samples are then stored at 23° C. for 4 hours and thus dried. The three samples can then be checked. Unless otherwise stated, the result of the check is the arithmetic mean of the results of the three samples.

[0399] Bending stiffness

[0400] The flexural rigidity of sheet-like materials, in particular sheet-like composite materials or carrier layers, is determined using the following apparatus:

[0401] - Bending Tester L&W Bending Tester Code 160, Model 977682, from Lorentzen&Wettre, Sweden,

[0402] -Punch press for bending stiffness samples.

[0403] The material to be tested is conditioned for 24 hours in a standard climate (23° C., 50% relative humidity). The measurements are also carried out in a standard climate. A specimen with a width of 38.1 mm and a length of 69.85 mm is punched out from the material to be tested. In the case of a coil, the specimens are taken at 5 positions distributed over the width of the web. In any case, for each bending direction of the material to be tested, 2 specimens with a length in the corresponding bending direction of the material are punched out from the material at each sampling position. The specimens can be taken only from areas of the material to be tested that have neither grooves nor folds.

[0404] In each bending direction to be considered, the bending stiffness (in mN) of the outside and the opposite inside is determined. To this end, the specimen is placed in the bending stiffness tester with the side to be measured facing forward and the measurement is started by pressing the green button. For each combination of bending direction and material side (outside or inside), the same number of specimens is measured. A 2-point bending test is carried out by means of a bending stiffness measuring device. In this test, a specimen clamped at one end is deflected through a bending angle of 15° at its other end by means of a measuring edge. Here, the direction in which the material has bending stiffness, i.e. the bending direction, is the direction of the straight line connecting the two points at which the bending force is applied to the specimen in the 2-point bending test. In the case of a bending stiffness tester, this direction is the direction of the shortest straight line from the clamp to the measuring edge. In this direction, the specimen forms a curve during the bending process. Perpendicular to this direction, a straight fold line will be formed if the specimen is bent far enough for this purpose. The free clamping length of the specimen is 50 mm. Each specimen can be used for only one measurement. It is not permitted to measure the outside and inside on the same specimen. The individual measured values ​​are read off from the display.

[0405] If several specimens are measured for each combination of bending direction and material side, the arithmetic mean of these specimens is calculated separately for each combination. The arithmetic mean is then used as the value for each combination of bending direction and material side. The bending stiffness in a specific bending direction is the geometric mean of the values ​​for the combination of this bending direction / outside and this bending direction / inside.

[0406] Oxygen transmission rate (OTR)

[0407] The oxygen permeability of a sheet-like composite material or a barrier layer or a layer combination including a barrier layer is determined according to standard ASTM D3985-05 (2010). Unless otherwise stated, the sample to be examined is taken from the ungrooved and unfolded area of ​​the laminate. Furthermore, the sample to be examined is tested with the side facing outwards in the laminate facing the test gas. The area of ​​the sample is 50 cm 2. The measurements are carried out at an ambient temperature of 23° C., an ambient air pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm) and a relative air humidity of 50%. The tester is an Ox-Tran 2 / 22 from Mocon, Neuwied, Germany. The measurements are carried out without compressed air compensation. For the measurements, samples at ambient temperature are used. Furthermore, 0% oxygen on the side of the barrier material layer and 100% oxygen on the opposite side (i.e. on the side of the barrier substrate layer) are used for the measurements. Other settings and factors which influence the measurements - in particular the remaining settings and factors listed under point 16 of standard ASTM D3985-05 (2010) - are defined by the instrument used and its correct use and maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's manual.

[0408] To determine the oxygen permeability of a container, a hole is made in the side plate of a filled, closed container. The hole has a size of 10 mm x 40 mm. The container is emptied through the hole. A metal plate with tubes as gas inlet and gas outlet is then placed over the hole of the container so that the hole is completely covered by the plate. The gas inlet and gas outlet extend through the hole into the interior of the container. To obtain a gas-tight connection between the plate and the container, an epoxy resin (Devcon 5 Epoxy) as the sealing compound. The resulting setup is shown in Figure 8 In addition, the container is connected to the measuring device Ox-tran Model 2 / 21, Mocon, Neuwied, Germany via a tube. The device is operated according to the software provided with the device. The measurement of OTR is carried out with the Ox-tran Mode12 / 21 device (Mocon, Neuwied, Germany) and the corresponding software. In this case, the measurement is carried out according to the standards ASTM D3985 (2010), DIN 53380-3 (1998-07), ASTM F-2622, ISO 14663-2 Annex C or ISO 15105-2 (2003-02). The measurement is carried out for a duration of 24 hours at 23° C. and 50% relative air humidity. Five containers of identical construction and identical production were prepared and studied as described above, and the arithmetic mean was calculated and given as O2 volume ml / (package year). Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR)

[0409] The water vapor transmission rate of a sheet-like composite material or a barrier layer or a combination of layers including a barrier layer is determined according to standard ASTM F1249-13. Unless otherwise stated, the sample to be examined is taken from the ungrooved and unfolded area of ​​the laminate. In addition, the sample to be examined is tested with the inner side of the laminate (the side facing the container contents) facing the elevated humidity. The measuring area of ​​the sample is 50 cm 2 The measurements were carried out at an ambient temperature of 23° C., an ambient air pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm) and a relative air humidity of 50% on the side of the barrier substrate layer and 0% on the opposite side of the sample, i.e. the side of the barrier material layer. The tester is a Permatran W Model 3 / 33 from Mocon, Neuwied, Germany. For the measurements, samples at ambient temperature were used. Other settings and factors influencing the measurements - especially the remaining settings and factors listed under point 12 of standard ASTM F1249-13 - are defined by the instrument used and its correct use and maintenance according to the manufacturer's manual.

[0410] To determine the oxygen permeability of a container, a hole is made in the side plate of a filled, closed container. The hole has a size of 10 mm x 40 mm. The container is emptied through the hole and allowed to dry. After the interior of the container has dried, a metal plate with tubes serving as gas inlet and gas outlet is placed over the hole of the container so that the hole is completely covered by the plate. The gas inlet and gas outlet extend through the hole into the interior of the container. To obtain a gas-tight connection between the plate and the container, an epoxy resin (Devcon 5 from ITWEngineered Polymers) is used. Epoxy) as the sealing compound. The resulting setup is shown in Figure 8 In addition, the container is connected via a tube to a measuring device, a Permatran-W Model 3 / 33 from Mocon, Neuwied, Germany. The device is operated according to the software provided with the device. The WVTR is determined according to the ASTM F1249-13 standard. The measuring surface of the sample corresponds to the inner surface of the sample. The measurement is carried out at an ambient temperature of 23° C., an ambient air pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm) and an ambient (outside the container) relative humidity of 50%. At the beginning of the measurement, the relative humidity in the container is 0%. The tester is a Permatran-W Model 3 / 33 from Mocon, Neuwied, Germany. For the measurement, samples at ambient temperature are used. The other settings and influencing factors of the measurement - in particular the other factors listed under point 12 of ASTM F1249-13 - are pre-set by the measuring instrument used and its correct use and maintenance according to the manufacturer's manual. The obtained WVTR value is converted into cm of the container wall (inside)2 and years.

[0411] MFR value

[0412] The MFR values ​​(mass-based melt flow rate in g / 10 min) were measured according to standard DIN EN ISO 1133-1:2012-03 (unless otherwise stated, at 190° C. and 2.16 kg). Method A defined in this standard was used, with a standardized extrusion tool. The samples were conditioned according to DIN EN ISO 1872-1. The sample masses and the time intervals for cutting off the extrudate were selected according to Table 4 on page 16 of DIN EN ISO 1133-1:2012-03. According to the notes under index c below Table 4, the masses were determined with an accuracy of 0.1 g.

[0413] density

[0414] The density was measured according to standard DIN EN ISO 1183-1:2012-04. Method B (section 5.2 of the standard) was used with a liquid pycnometer. The sample to be investigated was conditioned according to DIN EN ISO 1872-1:199-10. Distilled water was used as immersion liquid. The test temperature was 23° C. No buoyancy correction was used.

[0415] Scott Bond Value

[0416] The Scott Bond value was determined according to Tappi 569.

[0417] Melting temperature

[0418] Sample preparation for Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC):

[0419] In the case of a layer of a laminate, the material to be studied is separated from the other layers of the laminate as described above. A sample of at least 1.0 mg is weighed using a Kern 770 precision balance from Kern & Sohn GmbH, Balingen, Germany. For this purpose, an empty DSC pan is tared on the balance. The sample is then weighed. Subsequently, the pan is closed with a lid on a press. The lid should have a small hole so that the pan will not deform during the DSC measurement. The sample and crucible must not deform during the DSC measurement. Care must be taken not to touch the sample or crucible with bare hands during sample preparation.

[0420] Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC):

[0421] Melting temperature is determined according to standard DIN EN ISO 11357-3:2011 (E). As described by reference therein, differential scanning calorimetry is carried out according to standard DIN EN ISO 11357-1, version 11357-1:2010-03. In addition to the content given in the standard or deviating from the standard, the following details apply. The calorimeter is a DSC 8000 from PerkinElmer Inc. In the DSC method, heat flow is measured as a function of temperature. The measurement diagram is therefore displayed as a function of the heat flow (dQ / dt) on the ordinate axis as a function of the temperature (T) on the abscissa axis. As shown in the note 2 of Section 3.1 of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03, the endothermic direction is always upward. According to Section 4.2 of standard DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03, heat flow differential calorimetry is carried out. In this case, the reference crucible is always empty and the reference position is always used for the temperature according to Section 3.10 of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03. Nevertheless, a reference crucible must always be used. The flushing gas used (Sections 5.5 and 9.1.2 of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03) is nitrogen. Before each measurement, the DSC instrument is calibrated according to Sections 8.2 to 8.4 of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03 using the calibration substances (Sections 3.2 and 5.4 of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03) indium and zinc (according to Annex C of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03). Thermal calibration is carried out using indium as the calibration substance as recommended in 8.4.2 of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03. The crucible is fed to the calorimeter via the autosampler. Details about the sample (name, weight, measurement method, position on the autosampler, storage location) are entered via the editor. The measurement is performed in dynamic mode (3.9.5 of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03). In this case, the sample is pretreated by first heating from 35°C to 160°C at 20°C / min and holding this temperature for 1 minute. Thereafter, the sample is cooled to 35°C at 2°C / min. Thereafter, the measurement process is performed at a heating rate of 20°C / min until 160°C.

[0422] Evaluate:

[0423] For the evaluation of the measurement, only the above-mentioned second heating curve is used. The curve can be selected under "curves" and "heat flow" in the menu. The selected curve is colored blue, the remaining data is red and can be removed by "remove curve". Then, the melting temperature can be determined from the data by selecting "peak area" in the menu "calc". Mark the peak and then evaluate automatically. The melting temperature of the sample is just as many as the endothermic peaks of its second heating curve. If the sample has more than one peak, that is, more than one melting temperature, any reference to a single melting temperature in this article refers to the peak at the lowest temperature.

[0424] Viscosity of PA

[0425] The viscosity values ​​of PA are measured in 95% sulfuric acid according to standard DIN EN ISO 307 (2013).

[0426] Molecular weight distribution of polyamide (PA)

[0427] The molecular weight distribution was measured by gel permeation chromatography with light scattering: ISO 16014-3 / -5 (2009-09).

[0428] Molecular weight distribution of polyolefins

[0429] In order to determine the molecular weight distribution of polyolefins such as mPE, high temperature size exclusion chromatography (HT-SEC) was used. For this purpose, a high temperature chromatograph PL 220 from Polymer Laboratories (Agilent) was used. 2 mg of the material to be studied was weighed and dissolved in 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene at 150 ° C. The injection volume was 200 μL and the flow rate was 1 ml / min. The stationary phase was a PlgelOlexis column, Agilent, which was calibrated with a narrow distribution polystyrene standard from Polymer Standards Services, Germany. The WinGPC unity software of the equipment manufacturer was used for control and evaluation of the measurement.

[0430] Molecular structure of polyolefins

[0431] In order to determine the molecular structure of polyolefins such as mPE, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR Spectroscopy) was used. More specifically, NMR spectrometers from Varian (Agilent) were used to record at 400 MHz and 100.6 MHz, respectively. 1 H-NMR spectrum and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The solvent is CDCl3 at 27°C. Poorly soluble samples can be examined with C2D4Cl2 as solvent at 120°C. NMR spectroscopy is particularly useful for determining whether the mPE contains C8-α-olefin derived units or C6-α-olefin derived units.

[0432] Residual moisture content of cardboard

[0433] The residual moisture content of cardboard is measured according to ISO 287:2009.

[0434] Tensile strength, elongation at break and elastic modulus

[0435] If the barrier layer is present as part of a laminated structure, the barrier layer is separated from the laminate as described above. If a partial sheet-like composite is to be examined, the layer on the side of the barrier layer facing the outer surface of the sheet-like composite is separated from the partial sheet-like composite as described above. The tensile strength, elongation at break and modulus of elasticity of the barrier layer are determined according to standard DIN 53504:2017-03. The following test conditions are used:

[0436] -Ambient temperature: 23℃

[0437] -Relative humidity: 50%

[0438] - Sample width: 15mm

[0439] -Clamp distance: 40mm

[0440] -Test speed: 100mm / min

[0441] Adhesion

[0442] The adhesion of two adjacent layers is determined by fixing them on a rotating roller that rotates at 40 mm / min during the measurement in a 90° peel tester, such as an Instron "German rotating wheel fixture". The sample is pre-cut into 15 mm wide strips. On one side of the sample, the plies are separated from each other and the separated ends are clamped in a vertically upward stretching device. A measuring device for determining the tensile force is attached to the stretching device. As the roller rotates, the force required to separate the plies from each other is measured. This force corresponds to the adhesion of the layers to each other and is reported in N / 15 mm. The separation of the individual layers can be carried out, for example, mechanically, or with the aid of a controlled pretreatment, for example by soaking the sample in 30% acetic acid at 60°C for 3 minutes.

[0443] Compression stability

[0444] For each type of container to be studied, 5 identical containers are made and filled with sunflower oil before closing. This test is used to determine the mechanical stability of the container to compression along its longitudinal axis (container height) and can be used to evaluate the load capacity of the filled container in the static state of storage and in the dynamic state of transportation. Before the test, the container is stored for 1 month at an ambient temperature of 23°C, an ambient air pressure of 100kPa (0.986atm) and a relative air humidity of 50% starting from the filling of the container with sunflower oil. Then, the test is carried out on each container according to DIN EN ISO12048. The previous storage of the container is carried out according to DIN ENISO 2233:2000. The TIRA test 28025 (TiraGmbH; Eisfelder Strasse 23 / 25; 96528Schalkau, Germany) with a force sensor 1000N is used as a measuring instrument. The average value (load value) of the maximum breaking load is determined. This describes the value that causes the container to fail.

[0445] Colorant detection

[0446] According to "Industrial Organic Pigments, 3rd Edition" (Willy Herbst, Klaus Hunger The detection of organic colorants was carried out according to the method described in WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA, Weinheim (ISBN: 3-527-30576-9, 2004).

[0447] Layer thickness

[0448] The area was measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with a size of 0.5 cm 2 The layer thickness of the sample was determined. For this purpose, a cross section of the layer structure to be determined was prepared manually with a blade (Leica Microtome Blades 819). The cross section was sputtered with gold (Cressington 108auto from Cressington Scientific Instruments Ltd., Watford (UK)) and then in a high vacuum (pressure <7.0·10 -5The analysis was carried out by SEM (Quanta 450, FEI Deutschland GmbH, Frankfurt) at 1000 rpm. The layer thickness of the individual layers was determined using the "xT Microscope Control" software (version 6.2.11.3381, FEI Company, Frankfurt, Germany). To determine the average thickness, three samples were taken, the layer thickness in each sample was determined as described above, and the arithmetic mean was formed.

[0449] The present invention is described in more detail below by way of examples and drawings, which do not limit the present invention in any way. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the drawings are not drawn to scale. Laminate construction

[0450] For Examples 1 to 18 (according to the invention) and Comparative Examples 1 to 38 (not according to the invention), a laminate having the layer construction and layer sequence specified in Tables 1 to 5 below was each produced.

[0451]

[0452] Table 1: Layer structures of laminates used in Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8

[0453]

[0454] Table 2: Layer structures of laminates used for Examples 7 to 12 and Comparative Examples 9 to 16

[0455]

[0456]

[0457] Table 3: Layer structures of laminates used for Examples 13 to 18 and Comparative Examples 17 to 24

[0458]

[0459]

[0460] Table 4: Layer structures of laminates used for comparative examples 25 to 38

[0461]

[0462]

[0463] Table 5: Composition of the inner polymer layer F of the laminates of Examples 1 to 18 and Comparative Examples 1 to 38 Laminate production

[0464] The laminates of the examples and comparative examples were produced using an extrusion coating system from Davis Standard. In order to apply the individual layers by melt extrusion, the polymers are melted in an extruder. The resulting melt is transferred to a nozzle via a feed block and extruded onto a substrate. The extrusion temperature is in the range of about 280 to 330° C. In a first step, for each container to be produced from the laminate, a carrier layer is provided with holes by die cutting and then polymer layer A is applied directly to the carrier layer by melt extrusion coating. As a result, the holes in the carrier layer are covered by polymer layer A. In a second step, a barrier layer is laminated to the carrier layer that has been pre-coated with polymer layer A using polymer layers C and D as laminating agents. The barrier layer is surface treated on both sides to increase the surface tension just before lamination. The surface treatment was performed using an AVE-250E instrument from AFS Entwicklungs-undVertriebs GmbH, Germany. The input power and voltage of the surface treatment in the form of a corona treatment are selected so as to provide 55 dynes / cm (=10 -3 N / m). Subsequently, the inner polymer layers F, G and H are coextruded onto the barrier layer, thereby further covering the holes in the carrier layer as well as the polymer layers A, C and D and the barrier layer. The decoration is gravure printed on the laminate thus obtained.

[0465] Container production

[0466] Grooves, in particular longitudinal grooves, are introduced into the laminate obtained as described above on the outer side (decorative side). Furthermore, the grooved laminate is divided into a plurality of blanks for individual containers, each blank comprising one of the above-mentioned holes in the carrier layer. By folding along the four longitudinal grooves of each blank and heat-sealing the overlapping folded faces, a laminate is obtained in each case. Figure 4 A sleeve-shaped container precursor of the shape shown in FIG. This sleeve is used to produce a CFA 712 standard filling machine from SIG Combibloc, Linnich, Germany. Figure 5 A closed container in the shape of a cuboid as shown in . This involves making the bottom area by folding and closing it by hot air sealing. This produces a cup with an open top. The cup is sterilized with hydrogen peroxide. In addition, the cup is filled with sunflower oil. By folding and ultrasonic sealing, the top area of ​​the cup including the hole is closed and a closed container is thus obtained. An opening aid is fixed to the container in the area of ​​the hole.

[0467] Measurement

[0468] The oxygen transmission rate (OTR), water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and compression stability of the closed and filled containers of the examples and comparative examples were determined as described above in the test methods section. The compression stability was determined after 1 month of storage, while the OTR measurement and WVTR measurement were performed no more than 24 hours after the container was filled with sunflower oil.

[0469] Evaluate

[0470] The results of the studies conducted in the examples and comparative examples are summarized in Table 6 below.

[0471] "++" indicates a more favorable result than "+".

[0472] "+" indicates a more favorable outcome than "0", and

[0473] "0" indicates a more favorable result than "-".

[0474]

[0475]

[0476]

[0477]

[0478] Table 6: Summary of the materials of the barrier layer and inner polymer layer F and the effects on oxygen transmission rate (OTR), water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), compression stability and suitability for recycling of the laminates of Examples 1 to 18 and Comparative Examples 1 to 38

[0479] In order to recycle the aluminum foil as a barrier layer of the known laminate, the foil must be separated from the polymer layer. In addition, the aluminum must be melted. Since the melting point of aluminum is relatively high, recycling consumes a lot of energy. Obviously, the melting point of the PET used for the barrier substrate layer in Comparative Examples 25 to 38 is lower than the melting point of aluminum. However, the PET barrier substrate layer still causes recycling difficulties for the laminate. Except for the EAA layer and the EMAA layer, the other polymer layers of the laminates of Comparative Examples 25 to 38 are basically composed of polyolefins. The PET of the barrier substrate layer is not a polyolefin. Polyolefins and PET cannot be mixed well. Therefore, the recycled product of the combination of polyolefins and PET exhibits unfavorable processing properties. It is not suitable for melt extrusion coating again. Therefore, the recycled product must be separated into a PET component and a polyolefin component. This is an energy-intensive thermal process. In this sense, the laminates of Comparative Examples 25 to 38 are not well suited for recycling. In contrast, if one of the barrier layers from Tables 1 to 3 is used, the corresponding barrier substrate layer consists of a polyolefin, and the recycled product exhibits significantly better processing properties and can be further extrusion coated without thermal separation into different components. If a polyolefin is also used in the inner polymer layer F instead of a conventional adhesion promoter polymer, the processing properties are further improved.

[0480] Thus, the results in Table 6 show that barrier layers with a polyolefin barrier substrate layer improve the recycling suitability of the laminate compared to barrier layers with a PET barrier substrate layer. Although common adhesion promoters such as EAA and EMAA perform well with PET barrier substrate layers, the combination with a polyolefin barrier substrate layer results in a deterioration in the compression stability of containers filled with sunflower oil after 1 month of storage. This means that after longer storage of high-fat products in the container, the mechanical suitability of the container for storage or transportation in stacked containers deteriorates. The inner polymer layer F of pure LDPE further improves the recycling suitability of the laminate. However, the compression stability after storage is still insufficient. This is similar for an inner polymer layer F with less than 40 wt. % mPE and at least 60 wt. % LDPE. Surprisingly, an inner polymer layer F with at least 40 wt. % mPE is able to improve the compression stability after storage. At the same time, the recycling suitability of the laminate with a polyolefin barrier substrate layer and an inner polymer layer F containing at least 40 wt. % mPE is still very good.

[0481] Furthermore, it can be observed that an inner polymer layer F comprising at least 80 wt. % mPE or even better about 100 wt. % mPE improves the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the container measured shortly after production of the container.

[0482] Therefore, the laminate having a polyolefin barrier substrate layer and an inner polymer layer F of essentially pure mPE performs best in terms of recycling suitability, compression stability after storage, OTR and WVTR.

[0483] Unless otherwise indicated in the description or in the corresponding drawings, the drawings show schematically and not to scale:

[0484] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a sheet-like composite material of the present invention;

[0485] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of another sheet-like composite material of the present invention;

[0486] Figure 3 Flow chart of the method for producing a sheet-like composite material according to the present invention;

[0487] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a container precursor of the present invention;

[0488] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a closed container of the present invention;

[0489] Figure 6 Flow chart of a method for producing a container precursor according to the present invention;

[0490] Figure 7 Flow chart of the method for producing a closed container according to the present invention;

[0491] Figure 8 A graphic representation of the closed container prepared for the OTR or WVTR measurement described above; and

[0492] Fig. 9 DSC diagram of mPE preferably used for inner polymer layer F

[0493] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a sheet-like composite material 100 of the present invention is shown. The sheet-like composite material 100 comprises a layer sequence comprising a carrier layer 103, a polymer layer C 104, a barrier layer 105, an inner polymer layer F 108 and an inner polymer layer H 109. The layers of the layer sequence are superimposed on each other in the aforementioned order from the outer surface 101 of the sheet-like composite material 100 to the inner surface 102 of the sheet-like composite material 100. The inner polymer layer F 108 comprises at least 40% by weight of mPE, based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F 108. The barrier layer 105 comprises a sublayer sequence comprising a barrier material layer 106 and a barrier substrate layer 107 as sublayers superimposed on each other. The barrier substrate layer 107 comprises a polyolefin. The barrier material layer 106 is superimposed on the barrier substrate layer 107 on the side of the barrier substrate layer 107 facing the outer surface 101 of the sheet-like composite material 100.

[0494] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of another sheet-like composite material 100 of the present invention is shown. The sheet-like composite material 100 consists of a layer sequence comprising a color application 201 obtained by intaglio printing, a polymer layer A 202 of LDPE, a carrier layer 103 of cardboard, a polymer layer C 104 of LDPE, a polymer layer D 203 of an adhesion promoter polymer, a barrier layer 105, an inner polymer layer F 108, an inner polymer layer G 206 of LDPE and an inner polymer layer H 109. The layers of the layer sequence are superimposed on one another in the aforementioned order from the outer surface 101 of the sheet-like composite material 100 to the inner surface 102 of the sheet-like composite material 100. The barrier layer 105 is a prefabricated film comprising a sublayer sequence comprising an aluminum oxide barrier material layer 106, an additional polymer layer 204 of PVOH, a barrier substrate layer 107 of PP and a polymer layer E 205 of a PP-PE copolymer as sublayers superimposed on each other in the direction from the outer surface 101 of the sheet-like composite material 100 to the inner surface 102 of the sheet-like composite material 100. The inner polymer layer F 108 consists of mPE. The inner polymer layer H 109 consists of a second polymer blend consisting of 70% by weight of LDPE and 30% by weight of mPE, wherein the proportions in wt. % are based on the total weight of the second polymer blend.

[0495] Figure 3 Showing the production according to the invention Figure 1 Flow chart of a method 300 for producing a sheet-like composite material 100. This method 300 comprises a method step A) 301 of providing a sheet-like composite material precursor, a polymer composition F and a polymer composition H. The sheet-like composite material precursor comprises a layer sequence comprising the following layers superimposed on each other in the following order from the outer surface of the sheet-like composite material precursor to the inner surface of the sheet-like composite material precursor: Figure 1 In method step B) 302, polymer composition F and polymer composition H are superimposed on the barrier layer 105 in this order starting from the barrier layer on the side of the barrier layer 105 facing away from the carrier layer 103. Figure 1 The inner polymer layer F 108 is obtained from the polymer composition H Figure 1 The inner polymer layer H 109. Therefore, the polymer composition F comprises at least 40 wt. % mPE based on the total weight of the polymer composition F.

[0496] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a container precursor 400 of the present invention is shown. The container precursor 400 includes Figure 3 The method 300 obtained Figure 14. The blank of the sheet-like composite material 100 is shown in FIG. 4. The blank has been punched out of the sheet-like composite material 100, thereby forming longitudinal cut edges and transverse cut edges 407, which together define the lateral dimensions of the blank. The blank has four longitudinal folds 401, each formed along a longitudinal groove and forming a longitudinal fold edge 401. In the container precursor 400, the outer surface 101 of the sheet-like composite material 100 faces outward. The container precursor 400 is in the form of a sleeve and comprises a longitudinal seam 402, in which a first longitudinal boundary and another longitudinal boundary of the blank are sealed to each other. In addition, the container precursor 400 comprises a through hole 405 in the carrier layer 103. The through hole 405 is covered by a polymer layer C 104 (not shown) as a hole covering layer, a barrier layer 105, an inner polymer layer F 108 (not shown) and an inner polymer layer H 109 (not shown). By folding along the groove 406 and joining the folded areas in the top area 403 and the bottom area 404 of the container precursor 400, a closed container 500 can be obtained. Such a closed container 500 is shown in FIG. Figure 5 middle.

[0497] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a closed container 500 of the present invention. The closed container 500 is made according to Figure 4 The closed container 500 contains a food or beverage product 501 and has 12 folded edges. In addition, the closed container 500 is joined to a lid including an opening aid 502 covering a through hole 405 on the outer surface 101 of the sheet-like composite material 100. Here, the lid 502 includes a cutting tool as an opening aid in its interior.

[0498] Figure 6 Showing the production according to the invention Figure 4 Flow chart of method 600 for preparing a container precursor 400. In method step a.601, a container precursor 400 is provided by stamping. Figure 3 The method 300 obtained Figure 1 A blank of a sheet-like composite material 100 is prepared. The blank comprises a first longitudinal boundary and a further longitudinal boundary. In method step b.602, the blank is folded along the longitudinal groove. In method step c.603, the first longitudinal boundary and the further longitudinal boundary are pressed against each other and joined to each other by heat sealing. Thus, a longitudinal seam 402 is obtained.

[0499] Figure 7 Showing the production according to the invention Figure 5 Flow chart of method 700 of closed container 500. In method step A] 701, provide according to Figure 4702, the bottom region 404 of the container precursor 400 is formed by folding the blank. In method step C] 703, the bottom region 404 is closed by sealing with hot air at a temperature of 300° C. In method step D] 704, the container precursor 400 is filled with a food or beverage product 501, and in method step E] 705, the container precursor 400 is closed in the top region 403 by ultrasonic sealing. In method step F) 706, the closed container 500 is joined to the opening aid 502 by means of a hot melt adhesive.

[0500] Figure 8 A photograph showing a closed container prepared for the above-described OTR or WVTR measurement is shown. A metal plate 801 with a gas inlet 803 and a gas outlet 804 can be seen. The metal plate 801 is glued to the container in a gastight manner via a sealing compound 802. To measure the OTR or WVTR of the container, the respective measuring device is connected to the gas inlet 803 and the gas outlet 804.

[0501] Fig. 9 DSC graph 900 of mPE preferably used for inner polymer layer F 108 is shown. DSC graph 900 is recorded according to the above test method for determining melting temperature. Therefore, DSC graph 900 shows heat flow (dQ / dt) 902 in mW on the ordinate axis as a function of temperature 901 in ° C on the abscissa axis. The endothermic direction is always upward. DSC curve 903 is the second heating curve. This DSC curve 903 has exactly two peaks, a first peak 905 and a second peak 906. Therefore, mPE has exactly two melting temperatures. The first melting temperature is 95.72 ° C (the position of reference numeral 905). The second melting temperature is 114.12 ° C (the position of reference numeral 906). The first peak 905 has a starting temperature 907 and an end temperature 910. The second peak 906 has a starting temperature and an end temperature 913 also at 910. With the help of baseline 904, an extrapolated start temperature 908 of the first peak 905 at 82.43°C, an extrapolated end temperature 909 of the first peak 905 at 108.71°C, an extrapolated start temperature 911 of the second peak 906 at 111.09°C, and an extrapolated end temperature 912 of the second peak 906 at 117.58°C have been determined.

[0502] Reference numerals

[0503] 100 The sheet-like composite material according to the present invention

[0504] 101 External surface

[0505] 102 Inner surface

[0506] 103 Carrier layer

[0507] 104 polymer layer C

[0508] 105 Barrier layer

[0509] 106 barrier material layer

[0510] 107 Barrier base layer

[0511] 108 inner polymer layer F

[0512] 109 Inner polymer layer H

[0513] 201 Color Application

[0514] 202 polymer layer A

[0515] 203 polymer layer D

[0516] 204 Additional polymer layer

[0517] 205 Polymer layer E

[0518] 206 polymer layer G

[0519] 300 Method for producing a sheet-like composite material according to the present invention

[0520] 301 Method Step A)

[0521] 302 Method Step B)

[0522] 400 Container precursor according to the present invention

[0523] 401 Vertical Fold / Vertical Fold Edge

[0524] 402 Longitudinal seam

[0525] 403 Top Area

[0526] 404 Bottom Area

[0527] 405 Through Hole

[0528] 406 Groove

[0529] 407 Horizontal trimming

[0530] 500 The sealed container according to the present invention

[0531] 501 Food or Beverage Products

[0532] 502 Lid with opening aid

[0533] 600 Method for producing a container precursor according to the present invention

[0534] 601 Method steps a.

[0535] 602 Method step b.

[0536] 603 Method step c.

[0537] 700 Method for producing a sealed container according to the present invention

[0538] 701 Method step A]

[0539] 702 Method step B]

[0540] 703 Method Step C]

[0541] 704 Method step D]

[0542] 705 Method Step E]

[0543] 706 Method Step F]

[0544] 801 Metal Plate

[0545] 802 Sealing Compound

[0546] 803 Gas Inlet

[0547] 804 Gas outlet

[0548] 900 DSC graph

[0549] 901 Temperature in °C

[0550] 902 Heat flow in mW (dQ / dt)

[0551] 903 DSC curve / second heating curve

[0552] 904 Baseline

[0553] 905 First Peak

[0554] 906 Second Peak

[0555] 907 The starting temperature of the first peak

[0556] 908 Extrapolated onset temperature of the first peak

[0557] 909 Extrapolated end temperature of the first peak

[0558] 910 The end temperature of the first peak and the start temperature of the second peak

[0559] 911 Extrapolated onset temperature of the second peak

[0560] 912 Extrapolated end temperature of the second peak

[0561] 913 End temperature of the second peak

Claims

1. A sheet-like composite material (100) comprising a layer sequence, the layer sequence comprising the following layers superimposed on one another in the following order from an outer surface (101) of the sheet-like composite material (100) to an inner surface (102) of the sheet-like composite material (100): a. a carrier layer (103), b. a barrier layer (105), c. an inner polymer layer F (108), and d. inner polymer layer H (109); The barrier layer (105) comprises a sub-layer sequence, wherein the sub-layer sequence comprises - a layer of barrier material (106), and - A barrier substrate layer (107) comprising polyolefin as sub-layers stacked on top of each other; Features The inner polymer layer F (108) comprises at least 40 wt% of mPE based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F (108).

2. The sheet-like composite material (100) according to claim 1, wherein the mPE of the inner polymer layer F (108) has at least one, preferably two, and more preferably all of the following characteristics: a] The molecular weight distribution of the mPE has i] exactly 1 local maximum, or ii] exactly 2 local maxima; b] The mPE has i] exactly 1 melting temperature, or ii] exactly 2 melting temperatures; c] the mPE is mLLDPE; d] the mPE comprises i] C8-α-olefin derived units, or ii] C6-α-olefin derived units.

3. The sheet-like composite material (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polyolefin of the barrier substrate layer (107) is polyethylene or polypropylene or both.

4. The sheet-like composite material (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner polymer layer F (108) further comprises LDPE.

5. The sheet-like composite material (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner polymer layer F (108) comprises - mPE in a proportion ranging from 40% to 100% by weight, and - LDPE in a proportion ranging from 0% to 60% by weight, The proportions expressed in wt % are based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F (108).

6. The sheet-like composite material (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier material layer (106) is superimposed on the barrier substrate layer (107) on the side of the barrier substrate layer (107) facing the outer surface (101) of the sheet-like composite material (100).

7. A method (300) for producing a sheet-like composite material (100), the method (300) comprising the following method steps: A) Provide a) a sheet-like composite material precursor comprising a layer sequence comprising the following layers superimposed on one another in the following order from the outer surface (101) of the sheet-like composite material precursor to the inner surface (102) of the sheet-like composite material precursor I) a carrier layer (103), and II) a barrier layer (105), b) a polymer composition F, and c) a polymer composition H, The barrier layer (105) comprises a sub-layer sequence, wherein the sub-layer sequence comprises - a layer of barrier material (106), and - A barrier substrate layer (107) comprising polyolefin as sub-layers stacked on top of each other; and B) superimposing the polymer composition F and the polymer composition H onto the barrier layer (105) in this order starting from the barrier layer (105) on the side of the barrier layer (105) facing away from the carrier layer (103), thereby obtaining an inner polymer layer F (108) from the polymer composition F and an inner polymer layer H (109) from the polymer composition H; Features The polymer composition F comprises at least 40 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the polymer composition F, of mPE.

8. A container precursor (400) comprising at least a sheet-like region of a sheet-like composite material (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or a sheet-like composite material (100) obtainable by a method (300) according to claim 7.

9. A closed container (500) comprising at least a sheet-like region of a sheet-like composite material (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or a sheet-like composite material (100) obtainable by a method (300) according to claim 7.

10. A method (600) comprising the following method steps: a. providing at least a sheet-like region of a sheet-like composite material (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or obtainable by a method (300) according to claim 7, said at least a sheet-like region comprising a first longitudinal boundary and a further longitudinal boundary; b. folding said at least sheet region; and c. Bringing the first longitudinal border into contact and joining the further longitudinal border, thereby obtaining a longitudinal seam (402).

11. A method (700) comprising the following method steps: A] providing a container precursor (400) according to claim 8 or a container precursor (400) obtainable by a method (600) according to claim 10; B] forming a bottom region (404) of the container precursor (400) by folding at least the sheet-like region; C] closing the bottom region (404); D] filling said container precursor (400) with a food or beverage product (501); and E] Closing the container precursor (400) in the top region (403), thereby obtaining a closed container (500).

12. Use of a sheet-like composite material (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or obtainable by a method (300) according to claim 7 for producing a container for a food or beverage product.

13. Use of mPE for producing an inner polymer layer F (108) of a sheet-like composite material (100), the sheet-like composite material comprising a layer sequence, the layer sequence comprising the following layers superimposed on one another in the following order from the outer surface (101) of the sheet-like composite material (100) to the inner surface (102) of the sheet-like composite material (100): a. a carrier layer (103), b. a barrier layer (105), c. an inner polymer layer F (108), and d. Inner polymer layer H (109), The barrier layer (105) comprises a sub-layer sequence, wherein the sub-layer sequence comprises - a layer of barrier material (106), and - A barrier substrate layer (107) comprising polyolefin As sub-layers stacked on top of each other, The inner polymer layer F(108) contains mPE in a proportion of at least 40% by weight based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F(108).

14. Use of LDPE for producing an inner polymer layer F (108) of a sheet-like composite material (100), the sheet-like composite material comprising a layer sequence, the layer sequence comprising the following layers superimposed on one another in the following order from the outer surface (101) of the sheet-like composite material (100) to the inner surface (102) of the sheet-like composite material (100): a. a carrier layer (103), b. a barrier layer (105), c. an inner polymer layer F (108), and d. Inner polymer layer H (109), The barrier layer (105) comprises a sub-layer sequence, wherein the sub-layer sequence comprises - a layer of barrier material (106), and - A barrier substrate layer (107) comprising polyolefin As sub-layers stacked on top of each other, wherein the inner polymer layer F(108) comprises -LDPE, and - mPE in a proportion of at least 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer F (108).

15. Use of a combination comprising mPE and LDPE for producing an inner polymer layer F (108) of a sheet-like composite material (100), the sheet-like composite material comprising a layer sequence, the layer sequence comprising the following layers superimposed on one another in the following order from the outer surface (101) of the sheet-like composite material (100) to the inner surface (102) of the sheet-like composite material (100): a. a carrier layer (103), b. a barrier layer (105), c. an inner polymer layer F (108), and d. Inner polymer layer H (109), The barrier layer (105) comprises a sub-layer sequence, wherein the sub-layer sequence comprises - a layer of barrier material (106), and - A barrier substrate layer (107) comprising polyolefin As sub-layers stacked on top of each other.

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