Multi-layer structure of plastic pipe

Abstract

The invention relates to a tubular body (1) obtained by an extrusion and labeling process comprising the following consecutive steps: (a) forming a part or all of a tubular label (3) from a film mainly comprising a resin; (b) continuously introducing a label (3) into the calibration element; (c) continuously extruding or co-extruding a layer (2) on the concave side of the label (3), said layer mainly comprising a resin, the resin of the extruded layer (2) and the resin of the label (3) being of the same kind; (d) continuously contacting the layer (2) with the concave surface of the label (3), step (c) being carried out in the calibration element as the label passes through the calibration element.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to an earlier European application number EP22183206.6 filed on July 5, 2022 in the name of AISAPACK HOLDING SA, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of tubular packaging, in particular to the field of flexible tubes for liquid or viscous products. More precisely, the present invention relates to a labeled flexible tube suitable for recycling and manufactured by the extrusion and labeling processes described in publications WO2015 / 159234A1, WO2018 / 051235A1 and WO2018 / 203210A1, the contents of which and in particular the processes described therein are incorporated in their entirety into the present application by reference. Background Art

[0004] Tubular bodies made by extrusion and labeling are used to make unwelded labeled packages, such as flexible tubes for liquid or viscous products, or such as cartridges for glue or mastic. These packages and methods of making them by extrusion and labeling are described in the publications mentioned above.

[0005] Publication WO 2015 / 159234 A1 describes a process and an apparatus for producing these packages by extrusion and labelling, as well as the packages obtained.

[0006] Publication WO 2018 / 051235 A1 describes a manufacturing process in which the label comprises at least two layers, one of which has a melting point at least 20° C. higher than the melting point of the extruded tubular body.

[0007] Publication WO2018 / 203210A1 describes a flexible skirt obtained by extrusion and labeling, which exhibits elastic behavior, that is, it recovers its original shape after deformation. The skirt is characterized by a label and an extruded layer, the tensile strength of the label is greater than 3500N / mm 2 , the tensile strength of the extruded layer is less than 1200N / mm 2 .

[0008] Prior art publications, and in particular the publications mentioned above, do not teach how to make recyclable packaging by extrusion and labeling. In particular, the prior art does not teach how to produce a tubular body by extrusion and labeling using a label and an extruded body formed using the same family of resins to achieve their recycling. For example, in the publication WO2015 / 159234, although a variety of materials are mentioned for the extruded portion and the label, in its specific implementation, the label includes at least one layer having a melting point greater than 160°C and at least one layer of the same type as the extruded tubular body. More precisely, in the example, for a polyethylene (PE) tubular body, PET / PE, PE / PET / PE, PA / PE, aluminum / PE, PE / aluminum / PE, paper / PET / PE labels are used. Due to the mixture of materials used to make these structures, none of these structures can be easily recycled. The same problem of material mixing is encountered in the publication WO2018 / 051235, where the same combination makes recycling difficult and requires pre-separation of layers.

[0009] The same problem arises in publication WO 2018 / 203210, which describes a mixture of different materials for the main layer.

[0010] There is thus a need to develop processes and devices making it possible to obtain packaging that can be largely or completely recycled in a simple manner at the end of its life, without having to treat the primary packaging before its recycling, such as separating its layers or its component parts (body, label, shoulder, cap, etc.). Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention makes it possible to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages by proposing a tubular body made by extrusion and labeling, which can be easily recycled. In one embodiment, the tubular body according to the invention is produced by means of the process described in the publications identified above, the contents of which are incorporated into the present application by reference. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, a process from WO2015 / 159234A1 is used, wherein the tubular body is obtained by an extrusion and labeling process, which comprises the following consecutive steps:

[0012] (a) A label formed partially or entirely of a tube made of a film composed of a recyclable resin;

[0013] (b) introducing a tag into the calibration element;

[0014] (c) extruding a layer on the concave side of the label;

[0015] (d) contacting the layer with the concave surface of the label,

[0016] Step (c) is performed in a calibration element.

[0017] The above-mentioned publication is incorporated by reference in its entirety with respect to the methods described therein.

[0018] In general, the present invention can be used to increase production rates because the molten and extruded material is no longer in direct contact with the surface of the calibrated element. The friction of the molten and extruded material on the calibrated element encountered in standard extrusion processes is eliminated, allowing for increased production rates.

[0019] The packaging resulting from this manufacturing process provides very high adhesion between the label and the tubular body. Compared to prior art packaging produced with an adhesive label subsequently applied to the extruded body, the risk of the label becoming non-adhesive during use of the packaging is eliminated.

[0020] The invention also enables the production of small or large diameter decorative tubes. It offers very high flexibility and can be used in new extrusion facilities or enables modifications and adaptations to existing facilities.

[0021] The principles of the invention and its embodiments are defined in the claims at the end of this specification.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a tubular body obtained by an extrusion and labeling process comprising the following successive steps:

[0023] (a) a label formed partially or entirely into a tubular shape by a film mainly comprising a resin;

[0024] (b) continuously introducing tags into the calibration element;

[0025] (c) continuously extruding or co-extruding a layer on the concave side of the label, the layer mainly comprising a resin, the resin of the extruded layer being of the same kind as the resin of the label;

[0026] (d) bringing the layer into continuous contact with the concave surface of the label,

[0027] wherein step (c) is performed in the calibration element as the tag passes through the calibration element, and wherein the content of the same type of resin is greater than 70%.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of extrusion and labeling comprising the following consecutive steps:

[0029] (a) forming a tubular label partially or entirely from a film mainly comprising a resin;

[0030] (b) continuously introducing tags into the calibration element;

[0031] (c) continuously extruding or co-extruding a layer on the concave side of the label, the layer mainly comprising a resin, the resin of the extruded layer being of the same kind as the resin of the label;

[0032] (d) bringing the layer into continuous contact with the concave surface of the label,

[0033] wherein step (c) is performed in the calibration element as the tag passes through the calibration element, and wherein the resin of the same type is greater than 70%.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the invention, the label and the extruded material forming the tubular body comprise mainly the same kind of resin, so as to enable recycling of the package at the end of its life.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, the tubular body is mainly based on the same kind of resin that enables recycling; the content of the same kind of resin in the labeled tubular body is preferably greater than 85%, advantageously greater than 95%.

[0036] In an embodiment, the tubular body is mainly based on polyethylene, the content of polyethylene in the labeled tubular body being greater than 70%, preferably greater than 85%, advantageously greater than 95%.

[0037] In an embodiment, the tubular body is mainly based on HDPE, the content of HDPE in the labeled tubular body being greater than 70%, preferably greater than 85%, advantageously greater than 95%.

[0038] In an embodiment, when the tubular body is recycled from HDPE bottles, the tubular body 1 mainly comprises HDPE, whose mass flow rate, that is to say its MFR (190° C., 2.16 kg, measured according to standard ISO 1133) is less than 4, preferably less than 1.

[0039] In an embodiment, the tubular body is mainly based on polypropylene, the content of polypropylene in the label tubular body being greater than 70%, preferably greater than 85%, advantageously greater than 95%.

[0040] In an embodiment, the tubular body is at least partially made of recycled resin. The tubular body may contain one or more layers of recycled resin. For food compatibility reasons, it is generally recommended to prevent the recycled layer from forming an inner layer of the packaging and being positioned in contact with the packaged product.

[0041] In an embodiment, the tubular body of the label is made of recycled polyethylene, the content of recycled polyethylene being greater than 30%, preferably greater than 50%, advantageously greater than 70%.

[0042] In an embodiment, the tubular body of the label is made of recycled polypropylene, the content of recycled polypropylene being greater than 30%, preferably greater than 50%, advantageously greater than 70%.

[0043] According to the invention, in an embodiment, the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the tubular body of the label on stainless steel is less than 0.25, preferably less than 0.2, advantageously less than 0.17 (Standard ISO 8295).

[0044] According to the invention, in an embodiment, the tubular body advantageously has a thickness variation at the level of the inner surface and this thickness variation is positioned in line with the edge of the label, said thickness variation forming a bead or a recess.

[0045] In an embodiment, the thickness variation forms a bead-like protrusion, the thickness of the bead-like protrusion is between 1% and 30% of the total thickness, preferably between 5% and 20% of the total thickness.

[0046] According to the invention, the bead-like protrusion makes it possible to increase the circumferential strength of the tubular body at the level of the discontinuity created by the edge of the label.

[0047] In an embodiment, the thickness variation forms a recess, the depth of the recess being between 1% and 30% of the total thickness, preferably between 5% and 20% of the total thickness.

[0048] According to the invention, the recess makes it possible to reduce the circumferential strength of the tubular body at the level of the edge of the label, so as to facilitate the opening of the tubular body at the end of its life.

[0049] According to the present invention, in an embodiment, the width of the bead-like protrusions or recesses is between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm.

[0050] In an embodiment, the edges of the labels are arranged end to end and are separated by a gap of between 0 and 2 mm, preferably between 0 and 500 microns, and advantageously between 0 and 100 microns.

[0051] In an embodiment, the edges of the labels overlap and form an overlap of between 0 and 2 mm, preferably between 0 and 500 microns and advantageously between 0 and 100 microns.

[0052] In an embodiment, a strip between the label and the extruded resin connects the edges of the label, the width of the strip being between 2 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 7 mm.

[0053] In an embodiment, a strip on the outer surface of the tubular body connects the edges of the label, the strip having a width between 2 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 7 mm.

[0054] According to the invention, in an embodiment, the tubular body advantageously comprises a barrier layer to oxygen and / or odours and / or substances capable of migrating into the package.

[0055] The tubular body according to the invention has a high resistance to stress cracking and provides a strong barrier to water vapor or oxygen.

[0056] In an embodiment, the extruded layer is advantageously formed from a resin or resin mixture that is particularly resistant to stress cracking. The MFR (190° C., 2.16 kg, measured according to standard ISO 1133) of the resin or resin mixture forming the layer is less than 50, preferably less than 25, advantageously less than 4.

[0057] In an embodiment, the thickness of the tubular body is preferably between 150 micrometers and 1500 micrometers, in particular between 200 micrometers and 1200 micrometers.

[0058] In an embodiment, the thickness of the label is between 10 microns and 120 microns, preferably between 20 microns and 80 microns. Of course, other dimensions are also possible. The label 3 preferably covers all surfaces of the tubular body.

[0059] The tubular body according to the present invention advantageously provides an excellent barrier to water vapor and oxygen. The tubular body has a barrier to water vapor of less than 0.1, preferably less than 0.05 g / tube / day / 100% H2O. The tubular body also has a thickness of less than 6 cm 3 / tube / day / bar and preferably an oxygen permeability of less than 0.75. The barrier to oxygen is advantageously provided by the label. There are many solutions for imparting barrier properties to oxygen. The label may, for example, contain a bi-oriented or metallized layer or a layer with a SiOx coating. Other barrier layers widely used in the packaging field, such as EVOH, PA layers, may also be used, as long as these layers do not reduce the recyclability of the tubular body due to their properties or proportions.

[0060] In an embodiment, the labeled tubular body comprises at least one barrier layer in the label, the thickness of said barrier layer being less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, advantageously less than 1% of the total thickness.

[0061] In an embodiment, the labeled tubular body comprises at least one barrier layer located in the extruded layer. According to the invention, the thickness of the barrier layer is less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, advantageously less than 2% of the total thickness.

[0062] In an embodiment, the barrier layer may be an EVOH resin layer or a metallization layer or a SiOx layer.

[0063] The invention provides several advantages where the appearance of the tubular body and thus of the packaging is concerned.By modifying the choice of label, in particular the choice of varnish layer on the label surface, a glossy or matt surface of the tubular body can be produced.

[0064] The invention enables a complete decoration of a tubular body to be obtained. According to an embodiment of the invention, the label extends radially around all of the tubular body. The label can be applied so that it completely surrounds the tubular body in the circumferential direction without leaving gaps between the edges of the label. Thus, it is possible to create a continuous pattern or an uninterrupted text that extends around the circumference of the body of the tubular body without visible joins between the edges of the decorative label.

[0065] It may also be advantageous for the decoration of the label to cover all of the tubular body in the axial direction.

[0066] In an embodiment, the invention relates to a product, such as a package, comprising at least one tubular body as defined in the present application. The product may be a tube or a bottle or a cartridge or some other form of packaging or some other object.

[0067] Definitions of terms used in the disclosure of the present invention

[0068] The following terms and abbreviations are used in the disclosure of this invention:

[0069] Label: A film, comprising one or more layers and forming the outer surface of the tubular body. The outer surface of the label is usually printed and painted.

[0070] PP: Polypropylene

[0071] HDPE: High-density polyethylene

[0072] EVOH: Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol

[0073] Bead: A localized increase in thickness of the tubular body wall positioned to coincide with the label edge

[0074] Recess: A localized reduced thickness of the tubular body wall located to coincide with the label edge

[0075] · Strip: Film that connects the edges of the label BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] The invention will be better understood from the description of a non-limiting embodiment of the invention and from the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0077] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A preferred embodiment of the tubular body according to the invention is illustrated in cross section, wherein the edges of the labels are arranged end to end.

[0078] Figure 1 An embodiment of the invention is illustrated wherein the wall of the tubular body features a bead-like protrusion that coincides with the edge of the label.

[0079] Figure 2An alternative embodiment is illustrated in which the wall of the tubular body features a recess that coincides with the edge of the label.

[0080] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the tubular body is illustrated wherein the edges of the labels overlap.

[0081] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a tubular body is illustrated, wherein a strip 6 is secured to the inner surface of the label and connects the edges.

[0082] Figure 5 Another embodiment of a tubular body is illustrated, wherein a strip 6 is secured to the outer surface of the label and connects the edges.

[0083] Figures 6 to 8 A returnable packaging comprising a tubular body 1 produced according to the invention is illustrated.

[0084] Figure 6 A recyclable flexible tube for liquid or viscous products such as toothpaste, cosmetics or food is illustrated.

[0085] Figure 7 A returnable bottle comprising a tubular body 1 produced according to the invention is illustrated. The bottle enables the delivery of a liquid product, such as a cream or milk, or a food, such as a juice.

[0086] Figure 8 A recyclable mono-material cartridge comprising a tubular body 1 produced according to the invention is illustrated. The cartridge enables the delivery of viscous products such as glue or putty. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] The invention relates in particular to the flexible or rigid tubular portion of the package made by extrusion and labelling and referred to in this specification as the tubular body.

[0088] The production of recyclable tubular bodies, that is to say mainly comprising the same kind of resin (label and extruded layer), requires in particular specific characteristics on the label. In particular, it has been determined experimentally that the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the label in the tool used to manufacture the tubular body must be less than a critical value, beyond which rupture of the label is seen, making the production of tubular bodies or the production of packaging with a high level of rejects impossible.

[0089] According to the invention, it has been determined experimentally that the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the label on stainless steel should ideally be less than 0.25, preferably less than 0.2, advantageously less than 0.17, said coefficient of friction being measured according to standard ISO 8295.

[0090] Since the label is located on the surface of the produced tubular body, the outer surface of the tubular body according to the invention has a friction coefficient on stainless steel of less than 0.25, preferably less than 0.2, advantageously less than 0.17, the friction coefficient being measured according to standard ISO 8295 and according to experimentally determined values.

[0091] As described above, according to the present invention, the label and the extruded layer are mainly composed of the same kind of resin, so as to enable recycling of the package at the end of its life.

[0092] According to the invention, the label corresponds to 2% to 30%, preferably 5% to 15% of the thickness of the tubular body. The beaded protrusions serve to compensate for the reduction in properties at the level of the label edge; the recesses serve to reinforce the reduction in properties at the level of the label edge.

[0093] Figure 1 A labeled tubular body 1 is illustrated, comprising an extruded layer 2 covered by a label 3, the edges 4a and 4b of which are arranged end to end. The outer surface of the label (also the outer surface of the tubular body) has a coefficient of friction on stainless steel of less than 0.2.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the label 3 and the extruded layer 2 are mainly based on polyethylene, preferably on HDPE.

[0095] Example 1:

[0096] Coefficient of friction of label on stainless steel: 0.15

[0097] Multi-layer structure of label 3:

[0098] -HDPE 25 micron (printed and painted outer surface)

[0099] -Binder 5 microns

[0100] -EVOH 10 microns

[0101] -Binder 5 microns

[0102] -HDPE 25 microns

[0103] Extrusion layer 2

[0104] -Thickness 330 microns

[0105] -Resin HDPE

[0106] The content of HDPE in the tubular body 1 is 95%.

[0107] Therefore, the tubular body 1 can be easily recycled in the HDPE recycling channel.

[0108] According to another embodiment, the label comprises a recycled HDPE layer.

[0109] According to another embodiment (Example 2), the label is made of recycled HDPE and layer 2 is coextruded and formed into a multilayer structure.

[0110] Example 2:

[0111] Tag 3

[0112] -Recycled HDPE 70 micron

[0113] Extrusion layer 2 is multi-layer (co-extrusion)

[0114] - Recycled HDPE 370 micron (layer in contact with label)

[0115] -Binder 10 microns

[0116] -EVOH 20 microns

[0117] -Binder 10 microns

[0118] -HDPE 20 microns (inner surface)

[0119] The percentage of recycled HDPE in the tubular body 1 is 88%. The percentage of virgin HDPE is 4%. Therefore, the tubular body 1 is easily recyclable in a HDPE recycling channel.

[0120] According to other embodiments, the tubular body comprises a barrier layer in the label 3 and another barrier layer in the layer 2. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for trapping the recovery layer between two barrier layers positioned respectively close to the inner and outer surfaces of the tubular body. This configuration makes it possible to avoid the migration of molecules present in the recovery resin towards the inner surface of the tubular body and towards the outer surface of the tubular body. The barrier layer is advantageously a thin layer, such as a metallized layer or a SiOx layer or a layer formed by other equivalent materials.

[0121] Figure 1 A bead 5 is illustrated, located on the inner surface of the tubular body 1 and in line with the edges 4a and 4b of the label 3. The bead at least partially compensates for any discontinuity in the circumferential properties of the tubular body at the level of the label edge. Figure 1 In the example illustrated, the thickness of the tubular body is 400 microns and the additional thickness created by the beads is 40 microns, i.e. the bead thickness corresponds to 10% of the total thickness. In other embodiments of the invention, the bead thickness is equal to the thickness of the label, i.e. 60 microns, which corresponds to 15% of the total thickness. According to the invention, the bead thickness varies between 1% and 30% of the total thickness, preferably between 5% and 20%.

[0122] The width of the bead 5 is between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm. The bead 5 makes it possible to increase the burst resistance of the tubular body 1, in particular in the event of an impact.

[0123] according to Figure 2 Another embodiment of the invention illustrated, the tubular body 1 has an extruded layer 2 of locally reduced thickness at the level of the edges 4a and 4b of the label 3, forming a recess 5'. The depth of the recess 5' is between 1% and 30%, preferably between 5% and 20%, of the total thickness of the wall of the tubular body 1. The recess 5' allows to increase the weakness of the tubular body at the level of the label edge, so as to facilitate tearing of the tubular body at the end of its life. This enables the user to reduce the amount of product residue in the packaging before recycling.

[0124] For example, for a wall thickness of the tubular body of 300 microns, a depth of the recess 5' of 30 microns corresponds to 10% of the thickness of the tubular body. For this reduction in thickness, the discontinuity created by the label edge is increased. The local reduction in the properties of the tubular body makes it easier to tear the tubular body.

[0125] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the edges 4a and 4b of the label overlap. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the extruded layer forms a bead-like protrusion 5 which reinforces the area where the edges 4a, 4b of the label 3 are superimposed.

[0126] The overlap is between 0 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 0 and 500 microns, advantageously between 0 and 100 microns.

[0127] In an embodiment, the edges 4a and 4b of the label 3 are fixed one to the other by welding or gluing. Alternatively, the edges 4a, 4b are not fixed to each other.

[0128] In an embodiment not illustrated, the tubular body 1 features a recess 5 ′ at the level of its wall, at the level of the overlap of the edges 4 a , 4 b of the label 3 .

[0129] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated, in which an internal strip 6 connects the edges 4a and 4b of the label. The strip 6 is advantageously welded to the inner surface of the label. Alternatively, the strip 6 is glued or fixed by other equivalent means. According to the principles of the invention, the strip 6 is preferably made of a resin that is the same or similar to the resin of the label 3 or the extruded layer 2, so that the tubular body can be easily recycled.

[0130] exist Figure 4In the embodiment illustrated, the extruded layer 2 forms a bead-like projection 5 reinforcing the wall at the level of the edges 4 a , 4 b of the label 3 .

[0131] In a non-illustrated embodiment of the invention, the tubular body 1 is characterized by a recess 5' (eg, Figure 2 exemplified), rather than from Figure 4 The bead-like protrusion 5 thus combines the recess 5 ′ and the inner strip 6 .

[0132] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated, in which an external strip 6' connects the edges 4a and 4b of the label 3. The strip 6' is advantageously welded to the outer surface of the label 3. Alternatively, the strip 6' is glued or fixed by other equivalent means. According to the principles of the invention, the strip 7 is preferably made of a resin that is the same or similar to the resin of the label 3 or the extruded layer 2, so that the tubular body 1 can be easily recycled.

[0133] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment illustrated, the extruded layer 2 forms a bead-like projection 5 reinforcing the wall at the level of the edges 4 a , 4 b of the label 3 .

[0134] In a non-illustrated embodiment of the invention, the tubular body 1 is characterized by a recess 5' (eg, Figure 2 exemplified), rather than from Figure 5 The bead-like protrusion 5 thus combines the recess 5' and the outer strip 6'.

[0135] Figures 6 to 8 Examples of packages produced from a tubular body 1 according to the invention are illustrated. These packages can be easily recycled.

[0136] Figure 6 A flexible tube 7 intended to contain a viscous or pasty product is illustrated. The tube 7 features a tubular body 1 produced by extrusion and labeling according to the principles and embodiments of the invention described in detail above. One end of the tubular body is connected to a head 8, which includes an orifice for removing the product contained in the package. The package also includes an opening and closing system schematically represented by a cap 9 that matches the head 8. The cap 9 and the head 8 can form a separable object, such as Figure 6 The cap illustrated is screwed onto the neck. Alternatively, the closing system 9 and the head 8 are inseparable. The head 8 and the cap 9 advantageously form one and the same object.

[0137] According to the invention, the flexible tube 7 formed by the tubular body 1, the head 8 and the opening and closing system 9 consists essentially of the same kind of resin, so as to enable the entire package to be recycled at the end of its life, without having to separate the parts (tubular body 1, head 8 and cap 9) forming the package 7. For example, if the tubular body 1 produced according to the invention is based on HDPE, the shoulder 8 and the cap 9 will therefore also preferably be based on HDPE.

[0138] Therefore, according to the invention, the content of resin of the same kind in the complete flexible pipe is at least 75%, preferably greater than 85% and advantageously greater than 95%.

[0139] According to the principles of the invention, the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the flexible pipe 7 on stainless steel is less than 0.25, preferably less than 0.2 and advantageously less than 0.17 (Standard ISO 8295).

[0140] Figure 7 A bottle intended to contain a viscous or pasty product is illustrated. The bottle 11 comprises a tubular body 1 produced by extrusion and labeling according to the principles and embodiments of the present invention. One end of the tubular body 1 is connected to a head 8, which comprises an orifice for removing the product contained in the package. A bottom 12 is fixed to a second end of the tubular body 1. The package 11 also comprises an opening and closing system schematically represented by a cap 9 that matches the head 8. The cap 9 and the head 8 may form two separable objects, such as Figure 7 Illustrated cap 9 screwed onto the neck. Closure system 9 and head 8 are advantageously connected to each other by suitable means, such as a tongue.

[0141] According to the principles and embodiments of the present invention, the bottle 11 comprising the tubular body 1, the head 8, the bottom 12 and the opening and closing system 9 mainly comprises the same kind of resin, so as to enable the packaging to be recycled at the end of its life. For example, if the tubular body 1 produced according to the present invention is based on PP, the shoulder 8, the bottom 12 and the cap 9 will therefore also be based on PP.

[0142] Therefore, according to the principles and embodiments of the present invention, the content of the same type of resin in the bottle is at least 75%, preferably greater than 85%, and advantageously greater than 95%.

[0143] According to the principles and embodiments of the present invention, the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the bottle 11 on stainless steel is less than 0.25, preferably less than 0.2, and advantageously less than 0.17 (Standard ISO 8295).

[0144] Figure 8A cartridge 13 is illustrated which is intended to contain a viscous or pasty product such as glue or putty. The cartridge 13 comprises a tubular body 1 produced by extrusion and labeling according to the invention. One end of the tubular body is connected to a head 8 which comprises an orifice for removing the product contained in the package 13. The orifice is usually produced by cutting off the end of a nozzle before use. A sliding bottom 12 blocks the second end of the tubular body and slides to remove the product it contains. The package 13 also comprises an opening and closing system schematically represented by a cap 9 which matches the head 8. The cap 9 and the head 8 may form two separate objects, such as Figure 8 The cap is illustrated screwed onto the neck. The closing system 9 and the head 8 are advantageously connected to each other by suitable means, such as a tongue.

[0145] According to the principles and embodiments of the present invention, the barrel 13 comprising the tubular body 1, the head 8, the bottom 12 and the opening and closing system 9 is mainly made of the same kind of resin in order to enable the packaging to be recycled at the end of its life. For example, if the tubular body 1 produced according to the present invention is based on HDPE, the shoulder 8, the bottom 12 and the cap 9 will also be based on HDPE.

[0146] Therefore, according to the invention, the content of resin of the same kind in the barrel 13 is at least 75%, preferably greater than 85% and advantageously greater than 95%.

[0147] According to the invention, the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the barrel 13 on stainless steel is less than 0.25, preferably less than 0.2 and advantageously less than 0.17 (Standard ISO 8295).

[0148] The embodiments described in this application are described by way of illustrative examples and should not be considered as limiting the present invention. Other embodiments may use devices or materials equivalent to the devices or materials described. For example, although Figures 1 to 5 The embodiments illustrated in the figure include beaded protrusions 5 or recesses 5', but the invention and its principles are equally applicable to tubular body embodiments without beaded protrusions or recesses. Depending on the circumstances, the embodiments may also be combined with each other, or a device used in one embodiment may be used in another embodiment. Dimensions are also given by way of example or preferred values ​​and may vary depending on the circumstances. Likewise, the indicated materials are indicated by way of illustrative examples, and other equivalent or suitable materials may be envisaged.

[0149] The present description mainly relates to forming a tubular body of a tube 7, a bottle 11, a cartridge 13, but other applications are of course possible within the framework of the invention, for example forming other objects.

Claims

1. A tubular body (1) obtained by an extrusion and labeling process comprising the following consecutive steps: (a) a label (3) formed partially or entirely into a tubular shape by a film mainly comprising a resin; (b) continuously introducing the tags (3) into a calibration element; (c) continuously extruding or co-extruding a layer (2) on the concave side of the label (3), the layer mainly comprising a resin, the resin of the extruded layer (2) and the resin of the label (3) being of the same kind; (d) bringing said layer (2) into continuous contact with the concave surface of said label (3), step (c) is performed in the calibration element as the tag passes through the calibration element, The resins of the same type account for more than 70%.

2. The tubular body according to claim 1, wherein: The resin is recyclable and / or recycled.

3. Tubular body according to claim 1 or 2, said tubular body (1) being mainly based on polyethylene or HDPE or polypropylene or HDPE with a mass flow rate of less than 4.

4. A tubular body according to any one of the preceding claims, said tubular body (1) being at least partly made of recycled resin.

5. A tubular body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The friction coefficient of the outer surface of the label (3) on stainless steel is less than 0.

25.

6. Tubular body according to any of the preceding claims, said tubular body (1) having a thickness variation at the level of the inner surface and said thickness variation coincides with the edge (4a, 4b) of said label (3), said thickness variation forming a bead-like protrusion (5) or a recess (5').

7. Tubular body according to the preceding claim, the thickness of the bead-like protrusion (5) or the depth of the recess (5') being between 1% and 30% of the total thickness.

8. The tubular body according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the width of the bead-like protrusion (5) or the recess (5') is between 0.5 mm and 10 mm.

9. A tubular body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The edges (4a, 4b) of the labels (3) are arranged end to end and are separated by a gap of between 0 mm and 2 mm.

10. A tubular body according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein: The edges (4a, 4b) of the labels overlap and form an overlap between 0 mm and 2 mm.

11. The tubular body according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an internal strip (6) between the label (3) and the extruded resin (2), the internal strip connecting the edges (4a, 4b) of the label (3), the width of the strip (6) being between 2 mm and 10 mm.

12. The tubular body according to any one of the preceding claims, comprises an external strip (6') located on the outer surface of the tubular body (1) and connecting the edges (4a, 4b) of the label (3), the width of the external strip (6') being between 2 mm and 10 mm.

13. The tubular body according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one layer acting as a barrier to oxygen and / or to odours and / or to substances capable of migrating into the packaging.

14. Tubular body according to the preceding claim, said barrier layer being located in said label (3).

15. Tubular body according to claim 13 or 14, said barrier layer being located in the extruded layer (2).

16. The tubular body according to any one of claims 13 to 15, the barrier layer having a thickness corresponding to at least 10% of the total thickness of the label and of the extruded layer, respectively.

17. A package comprising a tubular body according to any one of the preceding claims.

18. Package according to the preceding claim, which is a tube (7) or a bottle (11) or a cartridge (13).

19. A method of extruding and labeling comprising the following consecutive steps: (a) a label formed partially or entirely into a tubular shape by a film mainly comprising a resin; (b) continuously introducing the tags into a calibration element; (c) continuously extruding or co-extruding a layer on the concave side of the label, the layer mainly comprising a resin, the resin of the extruded layer and the resin of the label being of the same type; (d) bringing the layer into continuous contact with the concave surface of the label, step (c) is performed in the calibration element as the tag passes through the calibration element, The resins of the same type account for more than 70%.

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