Container closure having sealing element, container having container closure, and method for producing closed container

Abstract

The invention relates to a container closure with a sealing element. The sealing element comprises a polymer composition. The polymer composition comprises at least 1 wt% of a cycloolefin polymer. The polymer composition has an oxygen transmission, OTR, as determined according to DIN 53380 of at most 3000 cm < 3 > m <-2 > d <-1 > bar <-1 >.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a container closure having a sealing element, a container having the container closure, and a method for manufacturing a closed container. Background Art

[0002] Container closures having a sealing element are known in the prior art. In particular, polymer compositions for sealing elements that are PVC-free or contain other polymer components in addition to PVC are relatively cost-intensive, and the processing of the polymer compositions is relatively difficult.

[0003] If oxygen reaches the container closed and filled with the container closure to a relatively large extent, this is generally disadvantageous, especially if the filling material is food. A sealing element composed of PVC provides good protection against oxygen penetration into the container. Sealing elements with a low PVC content generally do not achieve this sufficiently. Therefore, oxygen scavengers are usually used in polymer compositions of sealing elements with a low PVC content. An example of an oxygen scavenger is sodium sulfite. Here, sodium sulfite is generally not desired in the composition of the sealing element for the container closure because such sulfite can enter the filling material and can cause an allergic-like reaction in consumers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a container closure having a sealing element, wherein the sealing element can be manufactured at an acceptable cost and the sealing element has a low or very low oxygen transmission value.

[0005] Another object is to provide a container closure having a sealing element that can be sterilized when the container closure closes the container.

[0006] Still another object is to provide a container closure having a sealing element, wherein the sealing element has a low total migration.

[0007] At least one of the above objects is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0008] A container closure having a sealing element is disclosed herein. The sealing element comprises a polymer composition. The polymer composition may comprise at least 1 wt% of a cycloolefin polymer. Alternatively or additionally, the oxygen transmission rate of the polymer composition measured according to DIN 53380 may be at most 3000 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1

[0009] Typically, wt% (weight percentage) data relates to the total weight of all components of a mixture or composition. For example, wt% data of the components of a polymer composition relates to all components of the polymer composition.

[0010] The sealing element can be substantially disc-shaped or substantially ring-shaped.

[0011] The thickness of the sealing element (in the axial direction of the container closure and / or in the axial direction of the container) can be at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1.0 mm, more preferably at least 1.5 mm, more preferably at least 2.0 mm.

[0012] The diameter of the sealing element (perpendicular to the axial direction of the container closure and / or perpendicular to the axial direction of the container) can be at most 300 mm, preferably at most 250 mm, more preferably at most 200 mm, more preferably at most 150 mm, more preferably at most 120 mm. The diameter of the sealing element can be at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 15 mm, more preferably at least 20 mm. Particularly preferably, the diameter of the sealing element is between 10 mm and 200 mm, especially between 15 mm and 130 mm.

[0013] The polymer composition can constitute the majority of the sealing element. In addition to the polymer composition, the sealing element can also contain other components. The other components can be polymer components or non-polymer components. For example, the sealing element can contain one or more membranes. The membrane can be a polymer membrane or a non-polymer membrane, preferably, the membrane is a metal membrane. In particular, the sealing element consists of a polymer composition.

[0014] A cycloolefin polymer is a polymer prepared from at least one cyclic (olefin) monomer. The at least one cyclic monomer can be copolymerized with other monomers (especially with non-cyclic monomers). The other monomers can be olefins, especially α-olefins. A cycloolefin polymer can also be prepared by ring-opening polymerization of at least one cyclic (olefin) monomer. After polymerization of the at least one cyclic (olefin) monomer, the polymer can be hydrogenated.

[0015] The cycloolefin polymer can not have segments derived from styrene. Styrene can not be used as a (co)monomer for polymerizing the cycloolefin polymer.

[0016] The cycloolefin polymer can not contain aromatic groups. The cycloolefin polymer can not have one or more aromatic groups.

[0017] The cycloolefin polymer can be uncrosslinked. The cycloolefin polymer can not have chemical crosslinking.

[0018] The cycloolefin polymer may not contain propylene as a comonomer. Propylene may not be used as a comonomer in the preparation of the cycloolefin polymer. The cycloolefin polymer may not contain units derived from propylene.

[0019] The cycloolefin polymer may not be EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber) having a cyclic comonomer. The cycloolefin polymer may not be EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber). In particular, ethylene-norbornene is not a comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer.

[0020] The polymer composition may contain up to 20 wt%, preferably up to 15 wt%, more preferably up to 10 wt%, more preferably up to 5 wt%, more preferably up to 1 wt% of EPDM. Preferably, the polymer composition does not contain EPDM. The polymer composition may be free of EPDM.

[0021] In the cycloolefin polymer, at least one ring may be incorporated or included in the main chain of the cycloolefin polymer. The ring may be covalently bonded in the main chain. The main chain may be the longest chain of covalently bonded atoms. The main chain may form a continuous polymer chain.

[0022] Exactly one monomer or at most one monomer may be used to prepare the cycloolefin polymer.

[0023] Preferably, the cycloolefin polymer contains monocyclic units. The cycloolefin polymer may contain monocyclic C5 units. The monocyclic C5 unit may be a ring having 5 carbon atoms.

[0024] The light transmittance of the cycloolefin polymer measured according to ISO 13468-2 may be at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 82%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 87%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 92%, more preferably at least 95%.

[0025] The water absorption of the cycloolefin polymer measured according to ISO 62 may be at most 10%, preferably at most 9%, more preferably at most 8%, more preferably at most 7%, more preferably at most 6%, more preferably at most 5%, more preferably at most 4%, more preferably at most 3%, more preferably at most 2%, more preferably at most 1%, more preferably at most 0.5%, more preferably at most 0.2%, more preferably at most 0.1%, more preferably at most 0.05%.

[0026] The Shore A hardness of the cycloolefin polymer (measured according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s) is at least 40. Preferably, the Shore A hardness of the cycloolefin polymer is at least 50, more preferably at least 60, more preferably at least 70, more preferably at least 80, more preferably at least 90.

[0027] The Shore D hardness of the cycloolefin polymer (measured according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s) is at least 20. Preferably, the Shore D hardness of the cycloolefin polymer is 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 75.

[0028] The Shore D hardness of the cycloolefin polymer can be at most 90, preferably at most 80, more preferably at most 70, more preferably at most 60, more preferably at most 50. In particular, the Shore D hardness of the cycloolefin polymer is between 70 and 85 or between 72 and 87.

[0029] (Measured according to ISO 1183) The density of the cycloolefin copolymer can be at least 0.850 g / cm -3 . Preferably, the density of the cycloolefin polymer is at least 0.870 g / cm -3 , more preferably at least 0.890 g / cm -3 , more preferably at least 0.910 g / cm -3 , more preferably at least 0.930 g / cm -3 , more preferably at least 0.950 g / cm -3 , more preferably at least 0.970 g / cm -3 , more preferably at least 0.990 g / cm -3 , more preferably at least 1.000 g / cm -3 , more preferably at least 1.010 g / cm -3 .

[0030] The density of the cycloolefin polymer is preferably between 0.900 g / cm -3 and 1.100 g / cm -3 , more preferably between 0.920 g / cm -3 and 1.050 g / cm -3 , more preferably between 0.930 g / cm -3 and 1.030 g / cm -3 . More preferably, the density of the cycloolefin polymer is between 0.930 g / cm -3 and 0.950 g / cm -3 , or between 0.970 g / cm -3 and 0.990 g / cm -3between, or at 1.000 g / cm -3 to 1.020 g / cm -3 between, or at 1.010 g / cm -3 to 1.030 g / cm -3 between.

[0031] (Measured at 10 °C / min according to ISO 11357-1, ISO 11357-2, ISO 11357-3) The glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer can be at least -20 °C. Preferably, the glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer is at least 0 °C, more preferably at least 3 °C, more preferably at least 40 °C, more preferably at least 60 °C, more preferably at least 70 °C, more preferably at least 90 °C, more preferably at least 110 °C, more preferably at least 125 °C, more preferably at least 130 °C, more preferably at least 150 °C, more preferably at least 170 °C.

[0032] The glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer can be at most 200 °C, preferably at most 190 °C, more preferably at most 180 °C, more preferably at most 170 °C, more preferably at most 160 °C, more preferably at most 150 °C, more preferably at most 140 °C, more preferably at most 120 °C, more preferably at most 100 °C, more preferably at most 80 °C, more preferably at most 70 °C, more preferably at most 50 °C, more preferably at most 30 °C, more preferably at most 10 °C.

[0033] The glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer can be between 1 °C and 11 °C, or between 60 °C and 70 °C, or between 73 °C and 83 °C, or between 74 °C and 84 °C, or between 130 °C and 140 °C, or between 129 °C and 139 °C, or between 133 °C and 143 °C, or between 153 °C and 163 °C, or between 173 °C and 183 °C.

[0034] The monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer can be a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin. After the polymerization of the cycloolefin polymer, the cycloolefin polymer can contain at least one monocyclic unit or polycyclic unit. The monocyclic unit or polycyclic unit can be formed from a monocyclic or polycyclic monomer or formed from a monocyclic or polycyclic comonomer.

[0035] Preferably, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer is a monocyclic or polycyclic C3 to C20 olefin. More preferably, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer is a monocyclic or polycyclic C5 to C20 olefin. More preferably, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer is a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C17 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C12 olefin. More preferably, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer is a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 olefin. For example, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer is norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene).

[0036] The monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer can be a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin. The monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer can be a monocyclic C3 to C8 olefin (monocyclic propylene to monocyclic octene).

[0037] The monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer can contain at least two rings. Preferably, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer contains 2 to 20 rings, more preferably 2 to 15 rings, more preferably 2 to 10 rings, more preferably 2 to 8 rings. The monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer can be a bicyclic to octacyclic olefin. Suitable monomers or comonomers of the cycloolefin polymer are described on pages 4 to 17 of EP 0 283 164 A2, particularly on pages 6, 7 and / or Tables 1 and 2, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0038] The monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer can be a homocyclic ring. Preferably, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer is a carbon homocyclic ring.

[0039] The monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer can be a heterocyclic ring. The heterocyclic ring can contain one or more heteroatoms. Preferably, the heterocyclic ring contains nitrogen, oxygen and / or sulfur.

[0040] The monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer can be unsubstituted or substituted. Preferably, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer contains at least one of the following substituents: alkenyl, alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxyalkyl and halogen.

[0041] The cycloolefin polymer can be unsubstituted or substituted. Preferably, the cycloolefin polymer contains at least one of the following substituents: alkenyl, alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxyalkyl and halogen.

[0042] Generally, some molecules (monomers or comonomers) are referred to herein according to their number of carbon atoms. For example, a C5 olefin is an olefin having 5 carbon atoms, and a C20 olefin is an olefin having 20 carbon atoms.

[0043] The cycloolefin polymer can be prepared by ring-retaining or by ring-opening polymerization. The ring-opening polymerization can be ring-opening metathesis polymerization.

[0044] In ring-retaining polymerization, one or more rings of the monomer can be present in the polymer after polymerization. In other words, one or more rings of the monomer can not be opened by polymerization.

[0045] In ring-opening polymerization, one or more rings of the monomer can not be present in the polymer after polymerization. In other words, one or more rings of the monomer can be opened by polymerization.

[0046] Preferably, one or more rings are present in the polymer after ring-opening polymerization. The monomer used for polymerization may contain at least two rings. In particular, the monomer used for polymerization contains exactly two rings or at most two rings. One of the rings can be opened by polymerization. The other ring can be present in the (polymerized) polymer. That is, at least one ring can be opened during the polymerization process, and the other of the rings can be incorporated into the polymer or present in the polymer.

[0047] The fraction of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins in the cycloolefin polymer is at least 2 mol%. Preferably, the fraction of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins in the cycloolefin polymer is at least 5 mol%, more preferably at least 10 mol%, more preferably at least 20 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, more preferably at least 65 mol%.

[0048] The fraction of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins in the cycloolefin polymer can be at most 90 mol%. Preferably, the fraction of the comonomer of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins in the cycloolefin polymer is at most 75 mol%, more preferably at most 60 mol%, more preferably at most 50 mol%, more preferably at most 40 mol%.

[0049] The fraction of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins in the cycloolefin polymer can be between 25 mol% and 35 mol%, or between 45 mol% and 55 mol%, or between 60 mol% and 70 mol%, or between 60 mol% and 90 mol%, especially between 70 mol% and 80 mol%.

[0050] In particular, the cycloolefin polymer is a cycloolefin copolymer. The cycloolefin copolymer can be prepared from at least two different monomers. Preferably, the cycloolefin copolymer is a cycloolefin binary copolymer. In the cycloolefin binary copolymer, exactly two different types of monomers are used for polymerization.

[0051] The comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be a C2 - C10 (α)-olefin. Preferably, the comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer is a C2 - C8 (α)-olefin, more preferably a C2 - C6 (α)-olefin. The comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be ethylene, α-butene or α-hexene. Most preferably, the comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer is ethylene. The comonomer can be referred to as a non-cyclic comonomer.

[0052] The comonomer fraction of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins as the comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be at least 2 mol%. Preferably, the comonomer fraction of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins as the comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer is at least 5 mol%, more preferably at least 10 mol%, more preferably at least 20 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, more preferably at least 65 mol%.

[0053] The comonomer fraction of the monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be up to 90 mol%. Preferably, the comonomer fraction of the monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer is up to 75 mol%, more preferably up to 60 mol%, more preferably up to 50 mol%, more preferably up to 40 mol%.

[0054] The comonomer fraction of the monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be between 25 mol% and 35 mol%, or between 45 mol% and 55 mol%, or between 60 mol% and 70 mol%, or between 60 mol% and 90 mol%, particularly between 70 mol% and 80 mol%.

[0055] The comonomer fraction of the non-cyclic comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be up to 90 mol%, preferably up to 80 mol%, more preferably up to 60 mol%, more preferably up to 40 mol%, more preferably up to 35 mol%. The non-cyclic comonomer can be any non-cyclic comonomer disclosed herein, particularly the non-cyclic comonomers described in more detail above. For example, the non-cyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (α) olefin, more preferably ethylene.

[0056] The comonomer fraction of the non-cyclic comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be at least 10 mol%, preferably at least 25 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, more preferably at least 65 mol%. The non-cyclic comonomer can be any non-cyclic comonomer disclosed herein, particularly the non-cyclic comonomers described in more detail above. For example, the non-cyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (α) olefin, more preferably ethylene.

[0057] The comonomer fraction of the non-cyclic comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be between 65 mol% and 75 mol%, or between 45 mol% and 55 mol%, or between 30 mol% and 40 mol%, or between 10 mol% and 40 mol%, particularly between 20 mol% and 30 mol%. The non-cyclic comonomer can be any non-cyclic comonomer disclosed herein, particularly the non-cyclic comonomers described in more detail above. For example, the non-cyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (α) olefin, more preferably ethylene.

[0058] The comonomer fraction of the monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be at least 10 wt%. Preferably, the comonomer fraction of the monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer is at least 20 wt%, more preferably at least 25 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%.

[0059] The comonomer fraction of the monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be at most 95 wt%. Preferably, the comonomer fraction of the monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be at most 90 wt%, more preferably at most 80 wt%, more preferably at most 70 wt%, more preferably at most 60 wt%, more preferably at most 50 wt%, more preferably at most 40 wt%, more preferably at most 35 wt%.

[0060] The comonomer fraction of the monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be between 25 wt% and 35 wt%, or between 45 wt% and 55 wt%, or between 60 wt% and 70 wt%, or between 70 wt% and 80 wt%, or between 72 wt% and 82 wt%, or between 78 wt% and 88 wt%, or between 81 wt% and 91 wt%.

[0061] The comonomer fraction of the non-cyclic comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be at most 90 wt%, preferably at most 80 wt%, more preferably at most 70 wt%, more preferably at most 60 wt%, more preferably at most 50 wt%, more preferably at most 40 wt%, more preferably at most 30 wt%, more preferably at most 28 wt%, more preferably at most 22 wt%, more preferably at most 19 wt%. The non-cyclic comonomer can be any non-cyclic comonomer disclosed herein, particularly the non-cyclic comonomers described in more detail above. For example, the non-cyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (α) olefin, more preferably ethylene.

[0062] The comonomer fraction of the non-cyclic comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be at least 5 wt%, preferably at least 9 wt%, more preferably at least 12 wt%, more preferably at least 18 wt%, more preferably at least 20 wt%, more preferably at least 30 wt%, more preferably at least 40 wt%, more preferably at least 45 wt%, more preferably at least 50 wt%, more preferably at least 60 wt%, more preferably at least 65 wt%. The non-cyclic comonomer can be any non-cyclic comonomer disclosed herein, particularly the non-cyclic comonomers described in more detail above. For example, the non-cyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (α) olefin, more preferably ethylene.

[0063] The comonomer fraction of the non-cyclic comonomer in the cycloolefin copolymer can be between 9 wt% and 19 wt%, or between 12 wt% and 22 wt%, or between 18 wt% and 28 wt%, or between 20 wt% and 30 wt%, or between 30 wt% and 40 wt%, or between 45 wt% and 55 wt%, or between 65 wt% and 75 wt%. The non-cyclic comonomer can be any non-cyclic comonomer disclosed herein, particularly the non-cyclic comonomers described in more detail above. For example, the non-cyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (α) olefin, more preferably ethylene.

[0064] For example, the cycloolefin copolymer is an ethylene-norbornene copolymer, particularly an ethylene-norbornene binary copolymer.

[0065] The cycloolefin polymer can be present in the polymer composition in an amount of at least 5 wt%. Preferably, the cycloolefin polymer is present in the polymer composition in an amount of at least 10 wt%, more preferably at least 15 wt%, more preferably at least 20 wt%, more preferably at least 25 wt%, more preferably at least 30 wt%, more preferably at least 35 wt%, more preferably at least 40 wt%, more preferably at least 45 wt%, more preferably at least 50 wt%, more preferably at least 55 wt%, more preferably at least 60 wt%, more preferably at least 70 wt%, more preferably at least 75 wt%, more preferably at least 80 wt%, more preferably at least 85 wt%, more preferably at least 90 wt%, more preferably at least 95 wt%.

[0066] The cycloolefin polymer can be present in the polymer composition in an amount of at most 95 wt%. Preferably, the cycloolefin polymer is present in the polymer composition in an amount of at most 90 wt%, more preferably at most 85 wt%, more preferably at most 80 wt%, more preferably at most 75 wt%, more preferably at most 70 wt%, more preferably at most 65 wt%, more preferably at most 60 wt%, more preferably at most 55 wt%, more preferably at most 50 wt%, more preferably at most 45 wt%, more preferably at most 35 wt%, more preferably at most 30 wt%, more preferably at most 25 wt%, more preferably at most 20 wt%, more preferably at most 15 wt%, more preferably at most 10 wt%, more preferably at most 15 wt%, more preferably at most 10 wt%, more preferably at most 5 wt%.

[0067] The cycloolefin polymer may be present in the polymer composition in an amount between 5 wt% and 90 wt%, preferably between 5 wt% and 80 wt%, more preferably between 5 wt% and 70 wt%, more preferably between 5 wt% and 60 wt%, more preferably between 5 wt% and 50 wt%, more preferably between 5 wt% and 40 wt%, more preferably between 10 wt% and 30 wt%, more preferably between 15 wt% and 30 wt%, more preferably between 20 wt% and 30 wt%, more preferably between 22 wt% and 26 wt%.

[0068] The cycloolefin polymer may be present in the polymer composition in an amount between 50 wt% and 95 wt%, preferably between 60 wt% and 95 wt%, more preferably between 65 wt% and 90 wt%, more preferably between 70 wt% and 90 wt%.

[0069] In particular, the cycloolefin polymer is present in the polymer composition in an amount between 70 wt% and 80 wt% or between 80 wt% and 90 wt%.

[0070] The polymer composition may comprise other polymers. The other polymers may be present in the polymer composition in an amount up to 95 wt%. Preferably, the other polymers are present in the polymer composition in an amount between 1 wt% and 95 wt%.

[0071] For example, the cycloolefin polymer is the first polymer in the polymer composition and the other polymers are the second polymers in the polymer composition. The polymer composition may comprise at least two (different or different types) polymers, preferably at least three (different or different types) polymers, more preferably at least four (different or different types) polymers.

[0072] Generally, the polymers disclosed herein may be solid or liquid (solid or liquid aggregation state) at 23 °C and 1 bar, in particular the polymers disclosed herein are solid at 23 °C and 1 bar.

[0073] The other polymers of the polymer composition may be copolymers, in particular random copolymers or block copolymers. The other polymers may be polyolefins.

[0074] Preferably, ethylene is a comonomer of the other polymers that are copolymers. Alternatively or additionally, at least one C3 to C16 (α-) olefin may be a comonomer of the copolymer.

[0075] Preferably, ethylene is a comonomer of the copolymer, and at least one C3 to C16 (α-) olefin is a comonomer of the copolymer. More preferably, ethylene is a comonomer of the copolymer, and at least one C3 to C8 (α-) olefin is a comonomer of the copolymer. More preferably, ethylene is a comonomer of the copolymer, and at least one of propylene, α-butene, α-pentene, α-hexene, α-heptene, and α-octene is a comonomer of the copolymer. More preferably, ethylene is a comonomer of the copolymer, and α-butene or α-octene is a comonomer of the copolymer.

[0076] Other polymers as the copolymer can be binary copolymers.

[0077] Other polymers of the polymer composition can be homopolymers. Other polymers can be C2 to C4 homopolymers. For example, other polymers can be homopolyethylene (HDPE or LDPE). Similarly, other polymers can be homopropene. Other polymers can be homopoly-α-polybutene.

[0078] If other polymers contain ethylene as a comonomer, the comonomer fraction of ethylene in such other polymers can be greater than 30 mol%, preferably greater than 40 mol%, more preferably greater than 50 mol%, more preferably greater than 55 mol%, more preferably greater than 60 mol%, more preferably greater than 70 mol%, more preferably greater than 80 mol%, more preferably greater than 90 mol%.

[0079] Other polymers as the copolymer can be ethylene-α-octene copolymers, especially ethylene-α-octene block copolymers.

[0080] The comonomer fraction of ethylene in other polymers can be less than 90 mol%, preferably less than 80 mol%, more preferably less than 70 mol%, more preferably less than 60 mol%, more preferably less than 50 mol%, more preferably less than 40 mol%, more preferably less than 30 mol%, more preferably less than 20 mol%, more preferably less than 10 mol%.

[0081] Other polymers as the copolymer can be α-butene-ethylene copolymers, especially α-butene-ethylene random copolymers.

[0082] The polymer composition can include other cycloolefin polymers. Other cycloolefin polymers can be other polymers of the polymer composition.

[0083] Therefore, the polymer composition can include at least two different cycloolefin polymers. The two different cycloolefin polymers can be different in at least one chemical property and / or at least one physical property.

[0084] For example, different cycloolefin polymers can differ by their monomers. If the cycloolefin polymer is a cycloolefin copolymer, different cycloolefin copolymers can differ by different comonomers. Similarly, different cycloolefin copolymers can differ by different comonomer fractions. For example, different cycloolefin copolymers can be composed of the same comonomers, but the comonomer fraction of at least one of the comonomers in the cycloolefin copolymer can be different from that in other cycloolefin copolymers.

[0085] Other cycloolefin polymers can be any cycloolefin polymer disclosed herein.

[0086] Other cycloolefin polymers can be present in the polymer composition in an amount of up to 80 wt%, preferably up to 70 wt%, more preferably up to 60 wt%, more preferably up to 50 wt%, more preferably up to 40 wt%, more preferably up to 30 wt%. Other cycloolefin polymers can be present in the polymer composition in an amount of at least 1 wt%, preferably at least 3 wt%, more preferably at least 5 wt%, more preferably at least 10 wt%, more preferably at least 15 wt%, more preferably at least 20 wt%.

[0087] Other cycloolefin polymers can be present in the polymer composition in an amount between 1 wt% and 80 wt%, preferably between 1 wt% and 50 wt%, more preferably between 3 wt% and 50 wt%, more preferably between 3 wt% and 40 wt%, more preferably between 5 wt% and 40 wt%, more preferably between 10 wt% and 35 wt%, more preferably between 15 wt% and 35 wt%, more preferably between 20 wt% and 30 wt%, more preferably between 22 wt% and 26 wt%.

[0088] The polymer composition can contain less than 10 wt% of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Preferably, the polymer composition contains less than 2 wt% of PVC, and more preferably, the polymer composition is free of PVC (within the analytical accuracy range at the filing date).

[0089] The polymer composition can contain at least 1 wt% of PVC. Preferably, the polymer composition contains at least 2 wt%, more preferably at least 5 wt%, more preferably at least 10 wt%, more preferably at least 20 wt%, more preferably at least 30 wt% of PVC. The other polymer of the polymer composition can be PVC.

[0090] The polymer composition can not contain an oxygen scavenger. The polymer composition can be free of an oxygen scavenger. In particular, the polymer composition does not contain or is free of sodium sulfite.

[0091] The polymer composition may not contain SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene). The polymer composition may be without SEBS. In particular, the polymer composition does not contain a component containing styrene or is without a component containing styrene.

[0092] The polymer composition may contain at least 1 wt% of a component that is liquid at 20 °C and 1 bar. Preferably, the polymer composition contains at least 5 wt%, more preferably at least 10 wt%, more preferably at least 15 wt%, more preferably at least 20 wt% of a component that is liquid at 20 °C and 1 bar.

[0093] The component that is liquid at 20 °C and 1 bar may be present in the polymer composition in an amount between 1 wt% and 60 wt%, preferably between 1 wt% and 45 wt%, more preferably between 1 wt% and 30 wt%, more preferably between 5 wt% and 30 wt%, more preferably between 5 wt% and 15 wt% or between 15 wt% and 25 wt%.

[0094] The liquid component may be another polymer of the polymer composition. Alternatively, in addition to other polymers, the liquid component may be present in the polymer composition.

[0095] The liquid component may be a poly-α-olefin. The kinematic viscosity of the liquid component at a temperature of 100 °C as determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104 may be at least 4 cSt. Alternatively or additionally, the dropping point of the liquid component as determined according to ASTM 5950 is at most -10 °C.

[0096] The kinematic viscosity of the liquid component at a temperature of 100 °C as determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104 may be between 4 cSt and 1500 cSt, preferably between 50 cSt and 1000 cSt, more preferably between 120 cSt and 1000 cSt, even more preferably between 250 cSt and 1000 cSt.

[0097] The kinematic viscosity of the liquid component at a temperature of 100 °C may also be between 2 cSt and 10 cSt, between 55 cSt and 75 cSt, between 140 cSt and 160 cSt, between 280 cSt and 320 cSt or between 900 cSt and 1100 cSt.

[0098] The dropping point of the liquid component may be at most -20 °C or at most 30 °C.

[0099] The density of the liquid component as determined according to ASTM D4052 is up to 0.860 g cm -3 , especially at 0.825 gcm -3 to 0.855 g cm -3between. The density of the liquid component can also be between 0.840 g / cm -3 and 0.855 g / cm -3 .

[0100] The average molecular weight Mw of the liquid component determined according to DIN 55672-1 is at least 440 Da, preferably between 440 Da and 12,000 Da, particularly preferably between 1,000 Da and 10,000 Da, and even more preferably between 3,000 Da and 10,000 Da.

[0101] The liquid component can be a metallocene component. The liquid component can be prepared by using a metallocene catalyst.

[0102] The liquid component can be a Ziegler-Natta component. The liquid component can be prepared by using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst.

[0103] The liquid component can be a homopolymer or a copolymer.

[0104] The liquid component can be a homopolymer of C3 to C22 α-olefins. To prepare the liquid component as a homopolymer, therefore, α-olefins with a length of C3 to C22 are used as monomers. Preferably, C6 to C14 α-olefins or C8 to C10 α-olefins are used as monomers for the liquid component as a homopolymer.

[0105] The liquid component can be an α-octene homopolymer or an α-decene homopolymer, preferably an α-decene homopolymer.

[0106] As a copolymer, the liquid component consists of at least two different α-olefins with a length of C3 to C22 as comonomers. Specifically, two different α-olefins with a length of C6 to C14 or C8 to C10 are used as comonomers.

[0107] The liquid component can be a binary copolymer.

[0108] The liquid component can be a synthetic fluid (at 23 °C and 1 bar), in particular, the liquid component is a fully synthetic fluid (at 23 °C and 1 bar).

[0109] The liquid component can be hydrogenated, in particular, the liquid component is fully hydrogenated.

[0110] The liquid component can be a mixture of different liquid components. For example, the liquid component can be a mixture of at least two liquid components, where the at least two liquid components are different in terms of their kinematic viscosity and / or their (co)monomers. For this purpose, at least two of the liquid components disclosed herein can exist as a mixture.

[0111] The liquid component can be a poly-α-olefin or contain a poly-α-olefin. The liquid component can be a mixture of different poly-α-olefins.

[0112] The polymer composition can contain at most one polymer component or exactly one polymer component. The at most one polymer component can be a cycloolefin polymer. In other words, the polymer composition can contain no other polymers except the cycloolefin polymer. Thus, exactly one polymer (exactly one polymer type) can be present in the polymer composition. Additionally, the polymer composition can contain non-polymer components. The non-polymer components can be additives, non-polymer liquid components, etc.

[0113] In particular, the cycloolefin polymer is present in the polymer composition in an amount of at least 80 wt%, preferably at least 85 wt%, more preferably at least 88 wt%, more preferably at least 90 wt%, more preferably at least 92 wt%, more preferably at least 94 wt%, more preferably at least 95 wt%.

[0114] The cycloolefin copolymer can be present in the polymer composition in an amount of at most 99 wt%. Preferably, the cycloolefin copolymer is present in an amount of at most 98 wt%, more preferably at most 97 wt%, more preferably at most 96 wt%.

[0115] The cycloolefin copolymer can be present in the polymer composition in an amount between 80 wt% and 100 wt%, preferably between 80 wt% and 99 wt%, more preferably between 85 wt% and 99 wt%, more preferably between 85 wt% and 98 wt%, more preferably between 90 wt% and 98 wt%, more preferably between 92 wt% and 98 wt%, more preferably between 94 wt% and 98 wt%, more preferably between 95 wt% and 97 wt%.

[0116] The polymer composition can contain less than 10 wt% of components that are liquid at 20 °C and 1 bar. In particular, the polymer composition contains less than 5 wt%, more preferably less than 2 wt% of components that are liquid at 20 °C and 1 bar. Most preferably, the polymer composition has no components that are liquid at 20 °C and 1 bar (within the analytical accuracy range at the filing date).

[0117] The polymer composition can contain less than 10 wt% of white oil. In particular, the polymer composition contains less than 5 wt%, more preferably less than 2 wt% of white oil. Most preferably, the polymer composition has no white oil (within the analytical accuracy range at the filing date).

[0118] The polymer composition can contain a liquid component (such as a poly-α-olefin (as described above)) and / or contain little or no white oil.

[0119] The polymer composition may contain up to 15 wt%, preferably up to 8 wt%, more preferably up to 6 wt%, and most preferably up to 5 wt% of additives.

[0120] The additives in the polymer composition may be selected from the group consisting of pigments, nucleating agents, whitening agents, stabilizers, surfactants, lubricants, antioxidants, and combinations thereof.

[0121] The Shore A hardness of the polymer measured at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s according to DIN ISO 7619 is at least 40. Preferably, the Shore A hardness of the polymer composition is at least 50, more preferably at least 60, more preferably at least 70, and more preferably at least 80.

[0122] The Shore A hardness of the polymer composition may be between 40 and 100, preferably between 40 and 95, more preferably between 50 and 95, more preferably between 60 and 95, and more preferably between 65 and 95.

[0123] The Shore D hardness of the polymer composition measured at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s according to DIN ISO 7619 may be less than 80. In particular, the Shore D hardness of the polymer composition is less than 70, more preferably less than 60, and more preferably less than 50.

[0124] The compression set of the polymer composition measured according to ASTM D 395 at 70 °C for 22 h is at least 50%. In particular, the compression set of the polymer composition is at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 100%, and more preferably at least 110%.

[0125] The compression set of the polymer composition may be at most 150%, preferably at most 140%, more preferably at most 130%, more preferably at most 120%, and more preferably at most 110%.

[0126] The compression set of the polymer composition may be between 50% and 150%, preferably between 60% and 140%, more preferably between 70% and 130%, more preferably between 80% and 130%, more preferably between 90% and 130%, and more preferably between 90% and 120%.

[0127] The compression set of the polymer composition may be at most 50%, preferably at most 40%, more preferably at most 30%, and more preferably at most 25%.

[0128] The compression set of the polymer composition can be between 5% and 50%, preferably between 5% and 40%, more preferably between 10% and 40%, more preferably between 10% and 30%, more preferably between 15% and 25%.

[0129] The total migration of the polymer composition determined according to DIN-EN 1186-14 can be at most 5.5 mg / cm -2 . Preferably, the total migration is at most 3.5 mg / cm -2 , more preferably at most 2.5 mg / cm -2 , more preferably at most 2.0 mg / cm -2 , more preferably at most 1.5 mg / cm -2 , more preferably at most 1.0 mg / cm -2 , more preferably at most 0.7 mg / cm -2 , more preferably at most 0.5 mg / cm -2 .

[0130] The oxygen transmission rate of the polymer composition can be less than 2700 cm 3 m -2 / d -1 / bar -1 , preferably less than 2500 cm 3 m -2 / d - 1 / bar -1 , more preferably less than 2300 cm 3 m -2 / d -1 / bar -1 , more preferably less than 2000 cm 3 m -2 / d -1 / bar -1 , more preferably less than 1700 cm 3 m -2 / d -1 / bar -1 , more preferably less than 1400 cm 3 m -2 / d -1 / bar -1 , more preferably less than 1100 cm 3 m -2 / d -1 / bar -1 , more preferably less than 800 cm 3 m -2 / d -1 / bar -1 , more preferably less than 700 cm 3 m -2 / d-1 bar -1 , more preferably less than 600 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 , more preferably less than 500 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 , more preferably less than 400 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 , more preferably less than 300 cm 3 m -2 d - 1 bar -1 , more preferably less than 200 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 , more preferably less than 150 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 .

[0131] The melting temperature Tm of the polymer composition determined from the second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 °C / min can be at least 50 °C. Preferably, the melting temperature Tm of the polymer composition is at least 60 °C, more preferably at least 70 °C.

[0132] The melting temperature Tm of the polymer composition can be at most 150 °C. Preferably, the melting temperature Tm of the polymer composition is at most 120 °C, more preferably at most 100 °C.

[0133] The melting temperature Tm of the polymer composition can be between 50 °C and 150 °C. Preferably, the melting temperature Tm of the polymer composition is between 60 °C and 140 °C, more preferably between 70 °C and 130 °C, more preferably between 70 °C and 120 °C, more preferably between 80 °C and 115 °C.

[0134] The melting temperature Tm of the polymer composition can be between 80 °C and 90 °C or between 105 °C and 115 °C.

[0135] Particularly preferably, the polymer composition does not have a melting temperature (second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 °C / min). In other words, the melting temperature of the polymer composition can be unmeasurable or undeterminable in the second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 °C / min.

[0136] A container closure may include a carrier and a sealing element. The carrier may include a planar section and a skirt section. In particular, the carrier may include metal, plastic, or a combination of metal and plastic. In particular, the main component of the carrier is metal or plastic, especially metal.

[0137] The container closure may be a screw closure. Preferably, the container closure is a lug closure. The container closure may also be a press-on twist-off vessel closure or a composite closure.

[0138] The disclosed container closure may close a container. The container includes a vessel mouth and a closable opening at the end of the vessel mouth. The opening may be closed by one of the disclosed container closures.

[0139] The container may be a glass container, a plastic container, or a metal container. In particular, the container is a glass container.

[0140] The container closure for closing the opening of the container may include a carrier and a sealing element. The carrier may have a lower side, and the vessel mouth may have an upper end. The sealing element of the container closure is generally clamped between the vessel mouth and the carrier of the container closure such that the sealing element contacts both the upper end of the vessel mouth and the lower side of the carrier. In particular, the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the vessel mouth and the lower side of the carrier is at most 1.0 mm. This height is preferably at most 0.8 mm, and particularly preferably at most 0.7 mm. This height may be determined in the axial direction of the container.

[0141] Similarly, the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the vessel mouth and the lower side of the carrier may be at least 0.2 mm. In particular, this height is at least 0.4 mm, and particularly preferably at least 0.5 mm. The height of the sealing element may be measured in the axial direction of the container.

[0142] Particularly preferably, the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the vessel mouth and the lower side of the carrier is between 0.3 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0143] For example, if the height of the sealing element is 1.2 mm before the container closure is applied to the container, the indentation of the upper end of the vessel mouth in the sealing element (the height between the upper end of the vessel mouth and the lower side of the carrier is at most 1.0 mm) without the sealing element being cut through (the height between the upper end of the vessel mouth and the lower side of the carrier is at least 0.2 mm) ensures a high sealing performance of the container closed by the container closure.

[0144] Preferably, a vacuum is maintained in a closed container. The absolute pressure in the closed container can be at most 200 hPa. In particular, the absolute pressure in the closed container is at most 100 hPa.

[0145] The safety dimension of a container closed by a container closure can be at most 10 mm; in particular, the safety dimension is at most 8 mm. The safety dimension is preferably at most 6 mm. Most preferably, the safety dimension is at most 4 mm.

[0146] To determine the safety dimension, a container closed by a lug closure is stored at room temperature (23 °C) for 30 minutes. The relative position of the container closure with respect to the container is marked by applying marks on the skirt of the container closure and on the container wall such that the circumferential distance between the mark on the skirt of the container closure and the mark on the container wall is zero. The marks are located on a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container. Subsequently, the container closure is completely removed from the container by unscrewing. Subsequently, the container closure is placed on the container and opened until a slight resistance can be felt. Thus, the container closure is screwed on in a finger-tight manner. Subsequently, the circumferential distance between the mark on the skirt of the container closure and the mark on the container wall is measured. The measured distance corresponds to the safety dimension in mm.

[0147] Due to the at least partially large-pitch threads of the threads of the container and the lug closure, the measurement accuracy of the safety dimension is high because the point at which a slight resistance can be felt during the screwing on of the container closure (in a finger-tight manner) can be determined precisely. On closed containers that have been closed by different persons under the same conditions, the measurement accuracy of the safety dimension is typically about ±1 mm.

[0148] An appropriate safety dimension ensures that when the container is closed by the container closure, the sealing element exerts an elastic force on at least the upper end portion of the container mouth. This results in a high sealing property inside the closed container.

[0149] The diameter of the opening of the container can be at least 20 mm. In particular, the diameter of the opening of the container is at most 120 mm.

[0150] The container can be a glass container, a plastic container or a metal container.

[0151] Before closing the opening of the container by the container closure, the container closure can be treated at a temperature of at least 90 °C. Such treatment can be carried out using steam, for example.

[0152] After the container has been filled with food, a headspace can be formed in the container. After filling, the headspace in the container is the part of the container contents where food is not present. Before applying the container closure to the container, steam can be supplied to the headspace and then the opening of the container can be closed. In particular, the steam can be water vapor.

[0153] The absolute pressure in the closed and filled container can be at most 200 hPa. In particular, the pressure in the closed and filled container can be at most 100 hPa.

[0154] In order to form an indentation of the container neck in the sealing element, the sealing element can be deformed by at least 0.2 mm in the axial direction of the container during closing of the container opening with the container closure and / or during heat treatment of the closed and filled container. This deformation of the sealing element is preferably at least 0.4 mm. In particular, the deformation is at least 0.5 mm.

[0155] Similarly, the sealing element can be deformed by at most 1.0 mm in order to form an indentation of the container neck in the sealing element during closing of the container opening with the container closure and / or during heat treatment of the closed and filled container. In particular, the deformation is at most 0.8 mm. More preferably, the deformation is at most 0.7 mm. In each case in the axial direction of the container.

[0156] Particularly preferably, the deformation of the sealing element is between 0.3 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0157] Food can be introduced into the container aseptically.

[0158] Food can also be introduced into the container at a temperature of at most 10 °C.

[0159] Food can also be introduced into the container at a temperature between 10 °C and 70 °C.

[0160] Likewise, food can be introduced into the container at a temperature between 70 °C and 98 °C.

[0161] In this method, the closed and filled container can be heat-treated. Thus, in this case, the temperature of the heat treatment is higher than the temperature of the (solid and / or liquid) food during filling of the container.

[0162] The heat treatment can be carried out at a temperature of at least 60 °C.

[0163] The heat treatment can also be carried out at a temperature of at most 135 °C (between 60 °C and 135 °C). In particular, the heat treatment is carried out at an absolute ambient pressure of at most 4.0 bar (preferably between 1.0 bar and 4.0 bar absolute ambient pressure) and at a temperature up to 135 °C (between 60 °C and 135 °C).

[0164] Preferably, the pressure in the closed container during heat treatment is lower than the pressure outside the closed container.

[0165] Embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of examples and not in a way that transfers or interprets limitations from the drawings into the claims. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0166] Figure 1 A side view of a lug closure 1 having an annular seal element 3, shown partly in section;

[0167] Figure 2 A side view of a lug closure 1 having a seal element 3 on a container 5, shown partly in section;

[0168] Figure 3 A bottom view of a lug closure 1 having a seal element 3;

[0169] Figure 4 A perspective view of a Combi - Twist closure 61;

[0170] Figure 5 Partially shown is an Figure 4 axial section of the Combi - Twist closure 61 from

[0171] Figure 6 A side view of a press - turn - open closure 21 (PT closure) having a seal element 23, shown partly in section;

[0172] Figure 7 A side view of a PT closure 21 having a seal element 23 on a container 25, shown partly in section;

[0173] Figure 8 A top view of a PT closure 21;

[0174] Figure 9 A side view of a Combi - Twist closure 41 (Band - Guard) having a seal element 43;

[0175] Figure 10 A side view of a Combi - Twist closure 41 (Band - Guard) having a seal element 43 on a container 45, shown partly in section;

[0176] Figure 11 A top view of a Combi - Twist closure 41 (Band - Guard);

[0177] Figure 12 Partially shown is from Figure 2 an enlarged detail of a lug closure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0178] Figure 1 and Figure 3 shows lug closure 1. The lug closure 1 may include a metal carrier 11 and may include a sealing element 3. In the illustration in Figure 2 , the lug closure 1 is applied to a container 5. A curl 9 may be formed at the lower end portion of the lug closure 1. A plurality of lugs 7 may be formed circumferentially distributed from the edge side curl (particularly the curl 9). The lugs 7 may be formed by axial deformation of the curl 9 and may extend more radially towards the center of the lug closure 1 than the curl 9. Figures 1 to 3 The shown lug closure 1 includes four lugs 7 which may be formed in a circumferentially uniformly distributed manner. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The part partially shown in Figure 3 corresponds to the cross-section III-III in

[0179] Generally, a container closure may have at least three lugs, preferably at least four lugs, more preferably at least six lugs. The container closure may have three to six lugs.

[0180] At a position near the radially outer end section of the lug closure 1, a channel 2 may be formed in the upper section 10 of the carrier 11. The sealing element 3 may be at least partially arranged in the channel 2. In this embodiment, the sealing element 3 is annular; in other embodiments, the sealing element 3 may be disc-shaped, particularly if the diameter of the lug closure is small (e.g., at most 30 mm).

[0181] For the adhesion between the metal carrier 11 and the sealing element 3, an adhesive paint may be applied on the side where the metal carrier 11 contacts the sealing element 3.

[0182] In Figure 2 , the lug closure 1 is applied to the container 5. The container 5 may include a container mouth 5a as the upper section of the container 5. The container mouth may include a thread 6 and may include an upper end 4 of the container mouth 5a. The thread 6 may be formed circumferentially in the area of the container mouth 5a and may extend circumferentially upwards or downwards (depending on the viewing angle).

[0183] In order to apply the lug closure 1 to the container 5, the lug 7 can be brought into contact with a section of the thread 6, and the lug closure 1 can be rotated clockwise relative to the container 5. Due to the configuration of the thread 6 and the interaction between the lug 7 and the thread 6, during the rotational movement of the lug closure 1 relative to the container 5, the upper end portion 4 of the container mouth 5a can move in the direction of the sealing element 3. Due to the further rotational movement of the lug closure 1, the upper end portion 4 of the container mouth 5a can be pressed into the sealing element 3 and the sealing element 3 can be deformed such that the sealing element 3 can cover a part of the upper end portion 4 of the container mouth 5a, thereby enabling the container 5 to be sealed in a sealed manner. A tight seal of the container 5 is necessary, in particular, to withstand the increased pressure during the heat treatment of the closed container 5 at temperatures above 70 °C, 90 °C or even above 120 °C.

[0184] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the lug closure 1 can include a safety element formed in the upper section 10 of the carrier 11, preferably a (flat) safety button 10b. The button 10b is optional. Due to the pitch 10a in the upper section 10 of the carrier 11, if there is a sufficiently large negative pressure in the container, the button 10b can fold in the direction of the center of the container. Such a vacuum can be generated by introducing water vapor into the container before the container is closed by the closure.

[0185] If the consumer opens the container by removing the container closure, the pressure in the container rises to the ambient pressure, and the button 10b folds away from the center of the container. The folding of the button 10b is accompanied by a characteristic noise by which the consumer can identify that a vacuum has been maintained in the container before the container was opened.

[0186] Figure 4 and Figure 5 shows a Combi-Twist closure 61 similar to the lug closure 1 described above, which can be applied to the container by a rotational movement and can be removed from the container by a rotational movement.

[0187] The Combi-Twist closure 61 can include a carrier having an upper metal section 71, and can include a plastic section 72 formed in an L-shape. At a position near the radial end of the metal section 71 of the carrier, a channel 78 can be formed, and a crimp 77 can be formed at the radial end of the metal section 71. The sealing element can be at least partially arranged in the channel 78.

[0188] A plurality of threaded elements 74a, 74b formed on the inner side of the plastic section 72 can come into contact with or engage with mating threads in the mouth region (not shown) of the container to which the composite closure 61 is to be applied. The plastic section 72 of the composite closure 61 can include a tamper-evident means 73, which is constructed to be similar to the tamper-evident means in Figures 9 to 11 and will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 9 to 11 .

[0189] If the composite closure 61 is screwed onto the container by a rotational movement, an interaction between the mouth of the container and the sealing element of the composite closure 61 occurs as described with reference to the lug closure 1.

[0190] In Figures 6 to 8 , a press-to-open closure 21 (PT closure) is shown. The PT closure 21 can include a metal carrier 31 having a crimped portion 29 at the lower end thereof. The PT closure 21 can include a button 30a in the upper section 30 of the carrier 31. The button 30a is optional.

[0191] A sealing element 23 can be formed in the region of the upper section 30 of the carrier 31 and to a significant extent (at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50% or at least 60% of the total volume of the sealing element) on the skirt of the carrier, where the skirt extends downward from the upper section 30 of the carrier 31. In contrast to the lug closure 1 and the composite closure 61, the PT closure 21 can be pressed onto the mouth 25a of the container during application to the container 25. During pressing onto the mouth 25a of the container, the sealing element 23 can be soft enough to elastically surround the threaded element 26 of the mouth 25a of the container. For this purpose, the sealing element 23 is usually treated with steam before the PT closure 21 is applied to the container 5 to cause the sealing element 23 to have the necessary softness. After the sealing element 23 has cooled, a mating thread in the complementary (negative) form of the threaded element 26 of the mouth of the container can be formed in the sealing element 23.

[0192] The upper end 24 of the mouth 25a of the container can contact the sealing element 23.

[0193] To open the container 25, the PT closure 21 can be removed from the container 25 by a rotational movement.

[0194] Figures 9 to 11 A composite closure 41 (Band-Guard) is shown, which functions similarly to the described PT closure 21.

[0195] The composite closure 41 may include a carrier having a metal section 51 and a plastic section 52. The composite closure 41 may include an anti-tamper component 53. The composite closure 41 may include an optional button 50a. The anti-tamper component 53 may be configured to remove the anti-tamper component 53 from the remainder of the composite closure 41 when the composite closure 41 is removed from the container 45, and may provide an indication to the consumer as to whether the composite closure 41 has been removed from the container 45. The construction and function of the button 50a are similar to those of the button 10b of the lug closure 1.

[0196] The plastic section of the composite closure 41 may include a plurality of axially extending recesses 56 to enhance the stability of the closure.

[0197] A sealing element 43 may be disposed in the composite closure 41 such that it contacts both the metal section 51 and the plastic section 52. To close the container 45, the composite closure 41 may be pressed onto the container neck 45a of the container 45 such that at least the upper end portion 44 of the container neck 45a contacts the sealing element 43.

[0198] The plastic section 52 of the carrier may include a plurality of offset protrusions 54 that may interact with the threaded element 46 of the container neck 45a. To open the container 45 closed by the composite closure 41, the composite closure 41 may be rotated relative to the container 45.

[0199] Figure 12 For the lug closure 1, the distance h between the upper end portion 4 of the container neck 5a of the container 5 and the lower side of the carrier 11 of the closure 1 of the sealing element 3 is shown and described herein. Similarly, the distance (height) h may be determined for other closure types. 3 , and is described herein. Similarly, the distance (height) h may be determined for other closure types. 3 .

[0200] The sealing element 3 clamped between the container neck 5 and the carrier 11 of the container closure 1 may have a height h as given when the container 5 is closed by the closure 1. 3 . If the height h 3 is too low, there may be a risk of creating a cut in the sealing element 3 or creating a cut in the sealing element 3, as a result of which the sealing of the closed container 5 may be impaired. If the height h 3 is too high, the sealing of the closed container may be impaired due to an insufficiently large contact area between the upper end portion 4 of the container neck 5a and the sealing element 3. To achieve a proper indentation of the upper end portion 4 of the container neck 5a in the sealing element, the composition of the sealing element 3 is decisive.

[0201] First partial embodiment

[0202] Examples of polymer compositions for sealing elements in container closures are shown in the table below.

[0203] Table 1

[0204]

[0205] Table 2

[0206]

[0207] Table 3

[0208]

[0209] C4C2 is a 1-butene-ethylene copolymer with a 1-butene content of greater than 80%. The density is 0.870 g / cm -3 . The Shore A hardness is 60.

[0210] C2C8 is an ethylene-1-octene block copolymer with a compression set of 70% at 70 °C and a Shore A hardness (at 23 °C) of 60. For example, olefin block copolymers from the Infuse TM series from The Dow Chemical Company (DOW) can be used.

[0211] COC I is a cycloolefin copolymer of monomer ethylene and norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene). The Shore A hardness is approximately 89. The glass transition temperature Tg (measured at 10 °C / min by ISO11357-1, ISO11357-2, ISO11357-3) is approximately 6 °C. The density is approximately 0.940 g / cm -3 .

[0212] COC II is a cycloolefin copolymer of monomer ethylene and norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene). The Shore D hardness is approximately 77. The glass transition temperature Tg (measured at 10 °C / min by ISO11357-1, ISO11357-2, ISO11357-3) is approximately 65 °C. The density is approximately 1.010 g / cm -3 .

[0213] COC III is a cycloolefin copolymer of monomer ethylene and norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene). The Shore D hardness is approximately 77. The glass transition temperature Tg (measured at 10 °C / min by ISO11357-1, ISO11357-2, ISO11357-3) is approximately 78 °C. The density is approximately 1.010 g / cm -3 .

[0214] COC IV is a cycloolefin copolymer of monomeric ethylene and norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene). The Shore D hardness is about 79. The glass transition temperature Tg (measured by ISO11357-1, ISO11357-2, ISO11357-3 at 10 °C / min) is about 138 °C. The density is about 1.020 g cm -3 .

[0215] COC V is a cycloolefin copolymer of monomeric ethylene and norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene). The glass transition temperature Tg (measured by ISO11357-1, ISO11357-2, ISO11357-3 at 10 °C / min) is about 158 °C. The density is about 1.020 g cm -3 .

[0216] COC VI is a cycloolefin copolymer of monomeric ethylene and norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene). The glass transition temperature Tg (measured by ISO11357-1, ISO11357-2, ISO11357-3 at 10 °C / min) is about 178 °C. The density is about 1.020 g cm -3 .

[0217] PAO is a (metallocene) polyalphaolefin (alpha-decene homopolymer) with a kinematic viscosity at 100 °C of about 65 cSt.

[0218] The cycloolefin copolymers (COC I to COC VI) are available from "TOPAS Advanced Polymers".

[0219] The coefficient of friction is the coefficient of static friction determined according to DIN EN ISO 8295.

[0220] Generally, the coefficient of static friction of the polymer composition can be at most 1.0, preferably at most 0.8, more preferably at most 0.7.

[0221] The total migration is determined according to DIN-EN 1186-14.

[0222] OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate) is determined according to DIN 53380.

[0223] DVR (Compression Set) is determined according to ASTM D 395 at 70 °C for 22 h.

[0224] The Shore A hardness (DIN ISO 7619) is measured at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s. The Shore D hardness (DIN ISO 7619, 23 °C, 15 s) is measured in a similar manner.

[0225] by means of a second heating curve determined by DSC measurement at a heating rate of 10 °C / min -1 to determine the melting temperature T m A value of "none" means that the melting temperature cannot be determined, i.e., there is no melting temperature in the composition.

[0226] Generally, a specific component does not necessarily exist in the polymer composition. In particular, the addition of a component in the examples does not mean that the component must be present in the polymer composition. On the contrary, the components of the compositions of the examples can be omitted or other components can be used instead. Similarly, components can be added.

[0227] The weight fractions of the components in the compositions of the examples and the properties of the compositions are exemplary. The present disclosure is not limited to the values of the weight fractions of the components and / or the values of the properties of the examples.

[0228] The standards for measuring (physical) properties mentioned in this application may relate to the versions valid in each case on the priority date or the filing date of this application.

[0229] Other examples

[0230] The examples are shown below as embodiments, where the preceding numbers represent the example numbers.

[0231] 1. A container closure (1, 21, 41, 61) having a sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), wherein the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63) comprises a polymer composition, and wherein the polymer composition comprises:

[0232] (a) at least 1 wt% of a cycloolefin polymer, and / or

[0233] (b) wherein the oxygen transmission rate of the polymer composition determined according to DIN 53380 is at most 3000 cm 3 m -2 d - 1 bar -1 .

[0234] 2. The container closure according to Example 1, wherein the Shore A hardness of the cycloolefin polymer determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s is at least 40, preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 60.

[0235] 3. The container closure according to any one of Examples 1 and 2, wherein the Shore A hardness of the cycloolefin polymer determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s is at least 70.

[0236] 4. The container closure according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the Shore D hardness of the cycloolefin polymer measured at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s according to DIN ISO 7619 is at least 20, preferably at least 30, more preferably at least 40, more preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 60, and most preferably at least 70.

[0237] 5. The container closure according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the density of the cycloolefin polymer measured according to ISO 1183 is at least 0.850 g / cm -3 、preferably at least 0.870 g / cm -3 、more preferably at least 0.890 g / cm -3 、more preferably at least 0.910 g / cm -3 、more preferably at least 0.930 g / cm -3 、more preferably at least 0.950 g / cm- 3 、more preferably at least 0.970 g / cm -3 、more preferably at least 0.990 g / cm -3 、more preferably at least 1.010 g / cm -3 、most preferably between 0.920 g / cm -3 and 1.050 g / cm -3 .

[0238] 6. The container closure according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin polymer measured at 10 °C / min according to ISO 11357-1, ISO 11357-2, ISO 11357-3 is at least -20 °C, preferably at least 0 °C, more preferably at least 3 °C, more preferably at least 40 °C, more preferably at least 60 °C, more preferably at least 70 °C, more preferably at least 90 °C, more preferably at least 110 °C, more preferably at least 125 °C, more preferably at least 130 °C, more preferably at least 150 °C, more preferably at least 170 °C, and most preferably between 0 °C and 190 °C.

[0239] 7. The container closure according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the (co)monomer of the cycloolefin polymer is a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin, preferably, the (co)monomer is a monocyclic or polycyclic C3 to C20 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C5 to C20 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C17 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C12 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 olefin, and most preferably norbornene.

[0240] 8. The container closure according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cycloolefin polymer is prepared by ring-closing or by ring-opening polymerization.

[0241] 9. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the cycloolefin polymer is a cycloolefin copolymer.

[0242] 10. The container closure according to embodiment 9, wherein the (co)monomers of the cycloolefin copolymer are C2 to C10 (α)-olefins, preferably C2 to C8 (α)-olefins, more preferably C2 to C6 (α)-olefins, and most preferably ethylene.

[0243] 11. The container closure according to embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the copolymer fraction of the monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer is at least 10 mol%, preferably at least 20 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, and more preferably at least 65 mol%.

[0244] 12. The container closure according to any one of embodiments 9 to 11, wherein the copolymer fraction of ethylene as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer is at most 90 mol%, preferably at most 80 mol%, more preferably at most 60 mol%, more preferably at most 40 mol%, and more preferably at most 35 mol%.

[0245] 13. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the cycloolefin polymer is an ethylene-norbornene copolymer.

[0246] 14. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the cycloolefin polymer is present in the polymer composition in an amount of at most 95 wt%, preferably at most 85 wt%, more preferably at most 50 wt%, more preferably at most 40 wt%, and more preferably at most 30 wt%.

[0247] 15. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the polymer composition comprises up to 95 wt% of other polymers, especially wherein the polymer composition comprises other polymers in the range of 1 wt% to 95 wt%.

[0248] 16. The container closure according to embodiment 15, wherein the other polymer is a (random or block) copolymer, preferably wherein ethylene and at least one C3 to C16 (α)-olefin are comonomers of the (random or block) copolymer, and more preferably wherein ethylene and at least one C3 to C8 (α)-olefin are comonomers of the (random or block) copolymer.

[0249] 17. The container closure according to embodiment 16, wherein the copolymer fraction of ethylene as a comonomer of the (random or block) copolymer is greater than 50 mol%, preferably greater than 60 mol%, and more preferably greater than 70 mol%.

[0250] 18. The container closure according to embodiment 16 or 17, wherein ethylene and C3 to C16 (α) olefins, preferably ethylene and C3 to C8 (α) olefins, are comonomers of a (random or block) copolymer, and most preferably the other polymer is an ethylene-octene block copolymer.

[0251] 19. The container closure according to embodiment 16, wherein the comonomer fraction of ethylene as a comonomer of a (random or block) copolymer is less than 50 mol%, preferably less than 40 mol%, more preferably less than 30 mol%, and even more preferably less than 20 mol%.

[0252] 20. The container closure according to embodiment 19, wherein C3 to C16 (α) olefins and ethylene, preferably C3 to C8 (α) olefins and ethylene, are comonomers of a (random or block) copolymer, and most preferably the other polymer is a (random) butene-ethylene copolymer.

[0253] 21. The container closure according to embodiment 16, wherein the comonomer fraction of ethylene as a comonomer of a (random or block) copolymer is greater than 30 mol%, preferably greater than 40 mol%, more preferably greater than 50 mol%, and even more preferably greater than 55 mol%.

[0254] 22. The container closure according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the polymer composition comprises other cycloolefin polymers.

[0255] 23. The container closure according to embodiment 22, wherein the other cycloolefin polymer is present in the polymer composition in an amount of at most 80 wt%, preferably at most 70 wt%, more preferably at most 60 wt%, more preferably at most 50 wt%, more preferably at most 40 wt%, and even more preferably at most 30 wt%.

[0256] 24. The container closure according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the polymer composition contains less than 10 wt%, preferably less than 5 wt%, more preferably less than 2 wt% of polyvinyl chloride, and most preferably the polymer composition is free of polyvinyl chloride.

[0257] 25. The container closure according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the polymer composition contains a component that is liquid at 20 °C and 1 bar in an amount between 1 wt% and 60 wt%, preferably between 1 wt% and 45 wt%, more preferably between 1 wt% and 30 wt%.

[0258] 26. The container closure according to embodiment 25, wherein the liquid component contains a polyalphaolefin or the liquid component is a polyalphaolefin, and the kinematic viscosity of the polyalphaolefin at a temperature of 100 °C as measured according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104 is at least 4 cSt and / or the dropping point of the polyalphaolefin as measured according to ASTM 5950 is at most -10 °C.

[0259] 27. The container closure according to embodiment 26, wherein the kinematic viscosity of the polyalphaolefin at a temperature of 100 °C as measured according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104 is between 4 cSt and 1500 cSt, preferably between 50 cSt and 1000 cSt, more preferably between 120 cSt and 1000 cSt, and even more preferably between 250 cSt and 1000 cSt.

[0260] 28. The container closure according to embodiment 26 or 27, wherein the dropping point of the polyalphaolefin as measured according to ASTM 5950 is at most -20 °C, preferably at most -30 °C.

[0261] 29. The container closure according to any one of embodiments 26 to 28, wherein the density of the polyalphaolefin as measured according to ASTM D4052 is up to 0.860 g / cm -3 , particularly between 0.825 g / cm -3 and 0.855 g / cm -3 .

[0262] 30. The container closure according to any one of embodiments 26 to 29, wherein the average molecular weight Mw of the polyalphaolefin as measured according to DIN 55672-1 is at least 440 Da, preferably between 440 Da and 12000 Da, particularly preferably between 1000 Da and 10000 Da, and even more preferably between 3000 Da and 10000 Da.

[0263] 31. The container closure according to any one of embodiments 26 to 30, wherein the polyalphaolefin is a metallocene polyalphaolefin, in particular the polyalphaolefin has been prepared using a metallocene catalyst.

[0264] 32. The container closure according to any one of embodiments 26 to 31, wherein the polyalphaolefin is a homopolymer or copolymer, and in particular the polyalphaolefin contains C3 to C22 alpha-olefins as (co)monomers.

[0265] 33. The container closure according to any one of embodiments 26 to 32, wherein the polyalphaolefin contains C6 to C14 alpha-olefins as (co)monomers, preferably C8 to C10 alpha-olefins.

[0266] 34. A container closure according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14 and 24 to 25, wherein the polymer composition contains at most one polymer component, in particular wherein the cycloolefin polymer is the one polymer component.

[0267] 35. A container closure according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24 and 34, wherein the polymer composition contains less than 10 wt%, preferably less than 5 wt%, more preferably less than 2 wt% of components that are liquid at 20 °C and 1 bar, and most preferably, the polymer composition has no components that are liquid at 20 °C and 1 bar.

[0268] 36. A container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the polymer composition contains up to 15 wt%, preferably up to 8 wt%, more preferably up to 6 wt%, most preferably up to 5 wt% of additives.

[0269] 37. A container closure according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the additives are selected from the group consisting of pigments, nucleating agents, brightening agents, stabilizers, surfactants, lubricants, antioxidants, and combinations thereof.

[0270] 38. A container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the Shore A hardness of the polymer composition measured at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s according to DIN ISO 7619 is at least 40, preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 60, more preferably at least 70, more preferably at least 80.

[0271] 39. A container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the compression set of the polymer composition measured at 70 °C for 22 h according to ASTM D 395 is at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%.

[0272] 40. A container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the total migration of the polymer composition measured according to DIN-EN 1186-14 is at most 5.5 mg / cm -2 , preferably at most 3.5 mg / cm -2 , more preferably at most 2.5 mg / cm -2 , more preferably at most 1.5 mg / cm -2 , more preferably at most 1.0 mg / cm -2 , more preferably at most 0.7 mg / cm -2 .

[0273] 41. A container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the oxygen transmission rate of the polymer composition is less than 1700 cm 3 m-2 d -1 bar -1 、 preferably less than 1400 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 、 more preferably less than 1100 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 、 more preferably less than 800 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 、 more preferably less than 700 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 、 more preferably less than 600 cm 3 m -2 d - 1 bar -1 、 more preferably less than 500 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 、 more preferably less than 400 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 、 more preferably less than 300 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 。

[0274] 42. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the melting temperature Tm of the polymer composition determined by the second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 °C / min is at least 50 °C, preferably at least 60 °C, more preferably at least 70 °C.

[0275] 43. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the melting temperature Tm of the polymer composition determined by the second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 °C / min is at most 150 °C, preferably at most 120 °C, more preferably at most 100 °C.

[0276] 44. The container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments 1 to 41, wherein the polymer composition determined by the second heating curve measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 °C / min does not have a melting temperature Tm.

[0277] 45. A container closure according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the container closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and a sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), wherein the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) comprises metal and / or plastic, in particular comprising metal or plastic as a main component.

[0278] 46. A container closure according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the container closure (1, 21, 41, 61) is a screw-on closure, in particular a lug closure (1), a press-and-turn open closure (21) or a composite closure (41, 61).

[0279] 47. A container closure according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the fraction of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins in the cycloolefin polymer is at least 2 mol%, preferably at least 5 mol%, more preferably at least 10 mol%, more preferably at least 20 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, more preferably at least 65 mol%.

[0280] 48. A container closure according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein exactly one monomer or at most one monomer has been used to prepare the cycloolefin polymer.

[0281] 49. A container closure according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cycloolefin polymer comprises monocyclic C5 units.

[0282] 50. A container (5, 25, 45) having a container mouth (5a, 25a, 45a) and a closable opening at the end of the container mouth, wherein the opening is closed by a container closure (1, 21, 41, 61) according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0283] 51. The container according to embodiment 50, wherein the container closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and a sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), and wherein the height (h 3 ) of the sealing element between the upper end (4, 24, 44) of the container mouth and the lower side of the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) in the axial direction of the container is at most 1.0 mm, preferably at most 0.8 mm, particularly preferably at most 0.7 mm.

[0284] 52. The container according to embodiment 50 or 51, wherein the container closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and a sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), and wherein the height (h 3) is at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.5 mm.

[0285] 53. The container according to any one of embodiments 50 to 52, wherein the safety dimension of the container is at most 10 mm, preferably at most 8 mm, particularly preferably at most 6 mm, and most preferably at most 4 mm.

[0286] 54. A method for manufacturing a closed and filled container, comprising the following steps:

[0287] (a) Providing a container (1, 21, 41, 61) having a container mouth (5a, 25a, 45a) and a closable opening at the end of the container mouth;

[0288] (b) Filling the container with food through the opening of the container;

[0289] (c) Closing the opening of the container with a container closure according to any one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0290] 55. The method according to embodiment 54, wherein the container closure is treated at a temperature of at least 90 °C before closing the opening of the container with the container closure.

[0291] 56. The method according to any one of embodiments 54 and 55, wherein the absolute pressure in the closed and filled container is at most 200 hPa, preferably at most 100 hPa.

[0292] 57. The method according to one of embodiments 54 to 56, wherein during closing the opening of the container with the container closure and / or during heat treatment of the closed and filled container, the sealing element of the container closure is deformed axially along the container by at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.5 mm, to form an indentation of the container mouth in the sealing element.

[0293] 58. The method according to one of embodiments 4 to 57, wherein during closing the opening of the container with the container closure and / or during heat treatment of the closed and filled container, the sealing element of the container closure is deformed axially along the container by at most 1.0 mm, preferably at most 0.8 mm, particularly preferably at most 0.7 mm, to form an indentation of the container mouth in the sealing element.

Claims

1. A container closure (1, 21, 41, 61) having a sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), wherein the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63) comprises a polymer composition, and wherein the polymer composition comprises: (a) at least 1 wt% of a cycloolefin polymer, and (b) wherein the oxygen transmission rate of the polymer composition determined according to DIN 53380 is at most 3000 cm 3 m -2 d - 1 bar -1 .

2. The container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin polymer determined according to ISO 11357-1, ISO 11357-2, ISO 11357-3 at 10 °C / min is at least -20 °C, preferably at least 0 °C, more preferably at least 3 °C, more preferably at least 40 °C, more preferably at least 60 °C, more preferably at least 70 °C, more preferably at least 90 °C, more preferably at least 110 °C, more preferably at least 125 °C, more preferably at least 130 °C, more preferably at least 150 °C, more preferably at least 170 °C, most preferably between 0 °C and 190 °C.

3. The container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the (co)monomer of the cycloolefin polymer is a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin, preferably the (co)monomer is a monocyclic or polycyclic C3 to C20 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C5 to C20 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C17 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C12 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 olefin, most preferably norbornene.

4. The container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the (co)monomer of the cycloolefin copolymer is a C2 to C10 (α) olefin, preferably a C2 to C8 (α) olefin, more preferably a C2 to C6 (α) olefin, most preferably ethylene.

5. The container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer composition comprises up to 95 wt% of other polymers.

6. The container closure according to claim 5, wherein the other polymer is a (random or block) copolymer, preferably wherein ethylene and at least one C3 to C16 (α) olefin are the comonomers of the (random or block) copolymer, more preferably wherein ethylene and at least one C3 to C8 (α) olefin are the comonomers of the (random or block) copolymer.

7. The container closure according to claim 6, wherein ethylene and C3 to C16 (α) olefins, preferably ethylene and C3 to C8 (α) olefins are the comonomers of the (random or block) copolymer, most preferably the other polymer is an ethylene-octene block copolymer or wherein the other polymer is a butene-ethylene copolymer.

8. The container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer composition contains a component that is liquid at 20 °C and 1 bar in an amount between 1 wt% and 60 wt%, preferably between 1 wt% and 45 wt%, more preferably between 1 wt% and 30 wt%.

9. The container closure according to claim 8, wherein the liquid component contains a polyalphaolefin or the liquid component is a polyalphaolefin, and the kinematic viscosity of the polyalphaolefin at a temperature of 100 °C as measured according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104 is at least 4 cSt and / or the dropping point of the polyalphaolefin as measured according to ASTM 5950 is at most -10 °C.

10. The container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Shore A hardness of the polymer composition as measured according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s is at least 40, preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 60, more preferably at least 70, more preferably at least 80; and / or wherein the compression set of the polymer composition as measured according to ASTM D 395 at 70 °C for 22 h is at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%.

11. The container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer composition comprises other cycloolefin polymers.

12. The container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 8 to 10, wherein the polymer composition contains at most one polymer component, in particular wherein the cycloolefin polymer is the one polymer component.

13. The container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fraction of monocyclic or polycyclic olefins in the cycloolefin polymer is at least 10 mol%.

14. A container (5, 25, 45) having a container mouth (5a, 25a, 45a) and a closable opening at the end of the container mouth, wherein the opening is closed by a container closure (1, 21, 41, 61) according to any one of the preceding claims, in particular wherein the container closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and a sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63). and wherein the height (h 3 ) of the sealing element between the upper end portion (4, 24, 44) of the container mouth and the lower side portion of the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) in the axial direction of the container is at most 1.0 mm, preferably at most 0.8 mm, particularly preferably at most 0.7 mm.

15. A method for manufacturing a closed and filled container, the method comprising the following steps: (a) providing a container (1, 21, 41, 61) having a container mouth (5a, 25a, 45a) and a closable opening at the end of the container mouth; (b) filling the container with food through the opening of the container; (c) closing the opening of the container with a container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images