Container precursor for dimensionally stable food or beverage product container having fibrous barrier layer and tensile strength ratio

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container precursor comprising at least one region of a sheet-like composite material, the sheet-like composite material comprising: a carrier layer; a barrier layer comprising a plurality of fibers; a first inner polymer layer; the longitudinal seam is provided with a folded edge; wherein the partial sheet-like composite material is characterized in that the ratio of the first composite tensile strength in the first composite direction to the further composite tensile strength in the further composite direction is in the range of greater than 0.5 to 1.9. The invention also relates to a container precursor comprising a sheet-like composite having a barrier layer, characterized by a ratio of a first tensile strength to another tensile strength; relates to a method comprising obtaining a longitudinal seam of a container precursor; relates to a method for producing a closed container; to container precursors and closed containers obtainable by these methods; the invention also relates to the use of the container precursor and the sheet-like composite material.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a container preform comprising at least one area of a sheet-like composite material, the sheet-like composite material comprising a layer sequence which, from the outer surface to the inner surface of the sheet-like composite material, comprises the following layers superposed on one another in the following order:

[0002] a. a carrier layer,

[0003] b. a barrier layer comprising a plurality of fibres, and

[0004] c. a first inner polymer layer;

[0005] wherein the sheet-like composite material comprises a first longitudinal edge and another longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge in the transverse direction of the sheet-like composite material; wherein the container preform comprises a longitudinal seam which, from the inside to the outside of the container preform, comprises:

[0006] a) a first ply of the sheet-like composite material,

[0007] b) a second ply of the sheet-like composite material, the second ply being superposed on the first ply, and

[0008] c) a third ply of the sheet-like composite material, the third ply being joined to the second ply;

[0009] wherein the first ply and the second ply are formed by the first longitudinal edge which folds itself to form a hem fold which extends in the longitudinal direction of the sheet-like composite material; wherein the third ply is formed by the other longitudinal edge; wherein a part of the sheet-like composite material consists only of the layers of the sheet-like composite material which are arranged on the side of the carrier layer facing the inner surface, wherein this part of the sheet-like composite material

[0010] - has a first complex direction in the plane of the composite of this part of the sheet-like composite material,

[0011] - has another complex direction which is also in the plane of the composite of this part of the sheet-like composite material but perpendicular to the first complex direction,

[0012] - has a first complex tensile strength in the first complex direction, and

[0013] - has another complex tensile strength in the other complex direction;

[0014] The ratio of the tensile strength of the first composite to the tensile strength of the other composite is in the range of greater than 0.5 to 1.9. The present invention also relates to a container precursor comprising a sheet composite material having a barrier layer, characterized by the ratio of the first tensile strength to the other tensile strength. Further, the present invention relates to a method for obtaining a longitudinal seam of a container precursor, and a method for producing a closed container, a container precursor and a closed container obtainable by these methods, and the use of the container precursor and the sheet composite material.

[0015] For some time, food products, whether for human consumption or animal feed, have been preserved by storing them in cans or jars closed with lids. In this case, the shelf life can be extended, firstly, by separately and very thoroughly sterilizing the food and the container (here, the jar or can) in each case, and then placing the food in the container and closing the container. However, these measures for extending the shelf life of food have proven, after long attempts and tests, to have a series of drawbacks, such as the need for a further sterilization at a later stage. Since cans and jars are essentially cylindrical in shape, the drawback is that they cannot be stored very compactly and space-savingly. In addition, cans and jars have a relatively large inherent weight, which results in increased energy consumption during transportation. Moreover, the production of glass, tinplate or aluminum, even if the raw materials used for this purpose are recycled, requires a relatively high energy consumption. In the case of jars, an aggravating factor is the increased transportation costs. Jars are usually prefabricated at a glassworks and then have to be transported in relatively large volumes to the facilities where the food is distributed. In addition, jars and cans can only be opened with a relatively large amount of force or with the aid of tools, and thus in a relatively laborious manner. In the case of cans, the sharp edges that occur when opening them pose a high risk of injury. In the case of jars, broken glass repeatedly gets into the food during the filling of the jar or the opening of the filled jar, which in the worst case can lead to internal injuries when consuming the food. In addition, both cans and jars have to be labeled in order to identify and promote the food contents. However, jars and cans cannot be printed with information and promotional messages directly. Therefore, in addition to the actual printing, a substrate for this purpose, i.e., paper or a suitable film, as well as fixing devices, adhesives or sealants are required.

[0016] Other packaging systems are known from the prior art for minimizing damage during long-term storage of food and beverage products. These packaging systems are containers produced from sheet-like composite materials (often also referred to as laminates). Such sheet-like composite materials often consist of a polyolefin outer layer, a carrier layer (which gives the container dimensional stability) usually made of cardboard or paper, an adhesion promoter layer, a barrier layer, and a polyolefin inner layer, as disclosed in particular in WO 90 / 09926 A2. Since the carrier layer imparts rigidity and dimensional stability to the container produced from the laminate, these laminate containers can be seen on the production lines for the glass and jars mentioned above. In this regard, the laminate containers mentioned above differ significantly from bags and pouches made from thinner foils without a carrier layer. The dimensionally stable laminate containers already have many advantages compared to conventional jars and cans. However, there is also room for improvement in these packaging systems.

[0017] For example, aluminum foil has been used as a barrier layer for decades. This is driven by the excellent barrier properties of aluminum foil with a thickness of a few micrometers, especially for oxygen. However, aluminum is a material that is relatively energy- and resource-intensive in the production process. In addition, aluminum foil also makes the recycling of the laminate after use of the prior art containers relatively energy-intensive. Recently, these disadvantages have become increasingly relevant. Therefore, the performance of different polymers as barrier layers has been tested. However, none of these polymers have proven suitable for replacing aluminum foil in mainstream standard products. For example, this is because the barrier properties of these polymer layers are worse than those of aluminum foil, especially since the barrier properties of these polymer layers are further affected by the mechanical processing and humidity of the laminate. Recently, prefabricated barrier films with a polymer substrate coated with a thin layer of a material providing a barrier effect, such as aluminum or aluminum oxide, have attracted attention. Such barrier films generally provide good barrier properties, and the materials used are more environmentally friendly than aluminum foil. PET foil is usually used as a substrate coated, for example, by physical or chemical vapor deposition. As mentioned above, the outer and inner layers of the packaging laminate for dimensionally stable food or beverage product containers are often made of polyolefin. If PET foil is used as part of the barrier layer, this causes problems. It has been shown that the combination of polyolefin and PET is disadvantageous in terms of recycling. Recycled products with a combination of PET and polyolefin cannot be used for extrusion coating without further preparation due to insufficient processing properties. Therefore, these recycled products must be separated into a PET fraction and a polyolefin fraction. This is a thermally intensive process that is quite energy-consuming and is thus disadvantageous in terms of eco-friendliness. Even if a polyolefin substrate can be used for the barrier coating, neither the polymer substrate nor the coating material is obtained from renewable material sources. In this regard, even laminates with such a barrier layer are not very sustainable. In addition, the production of coated films by physical or chemical vapor deposition is technically quite complex.

[0018] So-called barrier papers have long been known in the art but have been displaced from commercial products by the barrier layers discussed above due to their superior barrier properties. Recently, another paper-like material—microfibrillated cellulose (MFC)—has become available. This type of paper-like material can not only be made from renewable resources but is even biodegradable, thus surpassing all the aforementioned barrier types in terms of eco-friendliness. Consequently, paper-like barrier layers can significantly improve the sustainability of packaging laminates. Currently, producing long-shelf-life containers from laminates with paper-like barrier layers using standard methods in the art—the so-called sleeve method, which uses preforms for each container, and the so-called tube method, also known as the roll-fed method and the FFS method (form, fill, and seal)—remains a challenge.

[0019] Generally speaking, one object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the disadvantages caused by the prior art.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a dimensionally stable container for a food or beverage product made from a packaging laminate, which has a long shelf life, is as sustainable as possible and can be produced more efficiently in terms of material usage from a wide range of packaging laminate webs with different widths, while allowing flexibility in the choice of the container form. Another object of the present invention is to provide a dimensionally stable container for a food or beverage product made from a packaging laminate, which has a long shelf life, is as sustainable as possible and is more flexible in terms of its production method. In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dimensionally stable container for a food or beverage product made from a packaging laminate, which has a long shelf life, is as sustainable as possible and is more flexible in terms of the orientation of its barrier layer.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide one of the aforementioned advantageous food or beverage product containers, wherein the container includes safe and structurally simple measures to prevent wicking. Another object of the present invention is to provide one of the aforementioned advantageous food or beverage product containers, wherein the container does not include any additional components for preventing wicking. In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide one of the aforementioned advantageous food or beverage product containers, wherein the container includes a hemmed longitudinal seam. Another object of the present invention is to provide one of the aforementioned advantageous food or beverage product containers, wherein the barrier layer of the packaging laminate is made of renewable materials as much as possible.

[0022] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dimensionally stable food or beverage product container made of a packaging laminate that is as sustainable as possible and mechanically more stable. Another object of the present invention is to provide a dimensionally stable food or beverage product container made of a packaging laminate that is as sustainable as possible and exhibits good compression stability in the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0023] Any embodiment of the present invention contributes to at least partially achieving at least one, preferably more than one, of the above-mentioned objectives.

[0024] A first embodiment of the present invention is a container precursor that includes at least one region of a sheet-like composite material, the sheet-like composite material including a layer sequence that includes the following layers superposed on one another in the following order from the outer surface to the inner surface of the sheet-like composite material:

[0025] a. A carrier layer,

[0026] b. A barrier layer containing multiple fibers, and

[0027] c. A first internal polymer layer;

[0028] wherein the sheet-like composite material includes a first longitudinal edge and another longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge in the transverse direction of the sheet-like composite material; wherein the container precursor includes a longitudinal seam that includes, from the inside to the outside of the container precursor:

[0029] a) A first sheet of the sheet-like composite material,

[0030] b) A second sheet of the sheet-like composite material, the second sheet being superposed on the first sheet, and

[0031] c) A third sheet of the sheet-like composite material, the third sheet being joined to the second sheet;

[0032] wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are formed by the first longitudinal edge that folds itself to form a hem fold that extends in the longitudinal direction of the sheet-like composite material; wherein the third sheet is formed by the other longitudinal edge; wherein a part of the sheet-like composite material consists only of the layers of the sheet-like composite material that are arranged on the side of the carrier layer facing the inner surface, and wherein this part of the sheet-like composite material

[0033] - has a first composite direction in the plane of the composite of this part of the sheet-like composite material,

[0034] - has another composite direction that is also in the plane of the composite of this part of the sheet-like composite material but perpendicular to the first composite direction,

[0035] - has a first composite tensile strength in the first composite direction, and

[0036] - has another composite tensile strength in the other composite direction;

[0037] The ratio of the tensile strength of the first composite to the tensile strength of the other composite is in the range of greater than 0.5 to 1.9, preferably greater than 0.5 to 1.8, more preferably greater than 0.5 to 1.7, more preferably 0.6 to 1.6, more preferably 0.7 to 1.5, more preferably 0.8 to 1.4, more preferably 0.9 to 1.3, more preferably greater than 0.9 to 1.2, more preferably 1.0 to 1.2, even more preferably 1 to 1.1. Alternatively, preferably, the ratio of the tensile strength of the first composite to the tensile strength of the other composite is in the range of 0.6 to 1.9, preferably 0.7 to 1.8, more preferably 0.8 to 1.7, more preferably 0.9 to 1.6, more preferably 1.0 to 1.5, more preferably 1.1 to 1.4, more preferably greater than 1.2 to 1.4, even more preferably 1.2 to less than 1.4.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the barrier layer

[0039] - has a first tensile strength in the direction of the first barrier layer, and

[0040] - has another tensile strength in another barrier layer direction perpendicular to the direction of the first barrier layer;

[0041] wherein the ratio of the first tensile strength to the other tensile strength is in the range of greater than 0.5 to less than 1.7, preferably 0.6 to 1.6, more preferably 0.7 to 1.5, more preferably 0.8 to 1.4, more preferably 0.9 to less than 1.4, more preferably 0.9 to 1.3, more preferably greater than 0.9 to 1.2, more preferably 1 to 1.2, even more preferably 1 to 1.1. Alternatively, preferably, the ratio of the first tensile strength to the other tensile strength is in the range of 0.6 to 1.7, more preferably 0.7 to 1.7, more preferably 0.8 to 1.6, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5, more preferably 1.0 to less than 1.4, even more preferably 1.1 to 1.3. This preferred embodiment is the second embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] The third embodiment of the present invention is a container precursor, which includes at least one region of a sheet composite material, and the sheet composite material includes a layer sequence, and the layer sequence includes the following layers superposed on each other in the following order from the outer surface to the inner surface of the sheet composite material:

[0043] a. A carrier layer,

[0044] b. A barrier layer, and

[0045] c. A first internal polymer layer;

[0046] The sheet-like composite material includes a first longitudinal edge and another longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge in the transverse direction of the sheet-like composite material; the container precursor includes a longitudinal seam that extends from the inside of the container precursor towards the outside of the container precursor and includes:

[0047] a) a first sheet of the sheet-like composite material,

[0048] b) a second sheet of the sheet-like composite material, which is superimposed on the first sheet, and

[0049] c) a third sheet of the sheet-like composite material, which is joined to the second sheet;

[0050] wherein the first sheet and the second sheet form the first longitudinal edge, which folds itself to form a hem fold that extends in the longitudinal direction of the sheet-like composite material; the third sheet is formed by the other longitudinal edge; the barrier layer

[0051] - contains a plurality of fibers,

[0052] - has a first tensile strength in the first barrier layer direction, and

[0053] - has another tensile strength in another barrier layer direction perpendicular to the first barrier layer direction;

[0054] wherein the ratio of the first tensile strength to the another tensile strength is in the range of greater than 0.5 to less than 1.7, preferably 0.6 to 1.6, more preferably 0.7 to 1.5, more preferably 0.8 to 1.4, more preferably 0.9 to less than 1.4, more preferably 0.9 to 1.3, more preferably greater than 0.9 to 1.2, more preferably 1 to 1.2, even more preferably 1 to 1.1. Alternatively, preferably, the ratio of the first tensile strength to the another tensile strength is in the range of 0.6 to 1.7, more preferably 0.7 to 1.7, more preferably 0.8 to 1.6, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5, more preferably 1.0 to less than 1.4, even more preferably 1.1 to 1.3.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, a part of the sheet-like composite material consists only of the layers of the sheet-like composite material, which are arranged on the side facing the inner surface of the carrier layer (103); wherein this part of the sheet-like composite material

[0056] - has a first composite direction in the plane of the composite of this part of the sheet-like composite material,

[0057] - has another composite direction, which is also in the plane of the composite of this part of the sheet-like composite material but perpendicular to the first composite direction,

[0058] - having a first composite tensile strength in a first composite direction, and

[0059] - having another composite tensile strength in another composite direction;

[0060] wherein the ratio of the first composite tensile strength to the another composite tensile strength is in the range of greater than 0.5 to 1.9, preferably greater than 0.5 to 1.8, more preferably greater than 0.5 to 1.7, more preferably 0.6 to 1.6, more preferably 0.7 to 1.5, more preferably 0.8 to 1.4, more preferably 0.9 to 1.3, more preferably greater than 0.9 to 1.2, more preferably 1.0 to 1.2, even more preferably 1 to 1.1. Alternatively, preferably, the ratio of the first composite tensile strength to the another composite tensile strength is in the range of 0.6 to 1.9, preferably 0.7 to 1.8, more preferably 0.8 to 1.7, more preferably 0.9 to 1.6, more preferably 1.0 to 1.5, more preferably 1.1 to 1.4, more preferably greater than 1.2 to 1.4, even more preferably 1.2 to less than 1.4. This preferred embodiment is the 4th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 3rd embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the tensile strength of the first composite or the tensile strength of the other composite or each of the two is at least 0.5 kN / m, preferably at least 0.6 kN / m, more preferably at least 0.7 kN / m, more preferably at least 0.8 kN / m, more preferably at least 0.9 kN / m, more preferably 1.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 1.1 kN / m, more preferably at least 1.2 kN / m, more preferably at least 1.3 kN / m, more preferably at least 1.4 kN / m, more preferably at least 1.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 1.6 kN / m, more preferably at least 1.7 kN / m, more preferably at least 1.8 kN / m, more preferably at least 1.9 kN / m, more preferably at least 2.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 2.1 kN / m, more preferably at least 2.2 kN / m, more preferably at least 2.3 kN / m, more preferably at least 2.4 kN / m, more preferably at least 2.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 2.6 kN / m, more preferably at least 2.7 kN / m, more preferably at least 2.8 kN / m, more preferably at least 2.9 kN / m, more preferably at least 3.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 3.1 kN / m, more preferably at least 3.2 kN / m, more preferably at least 3.3 kN / m, more preferably at least 3.4 kN / m, more preferably at least 3.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 3.6 kN / m, more preferably at least 3.7 kN / m, more preferably at least 3.8 kN / m, more preferably at least 3.9 kN / m, more preferably at least 4.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 4.1 kN / m, more preferably at least 4.2 kN / m, more preferably at least 4.3 kN / m, more preferably at least 4.4 kN / m, more preferably at least 4.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 4.6 kN / m, more preferably at least 4.7 kN / m, more preferably at least 4.8 kN / m, more preferably at least 4.9 kN / m, more preferably at least 5.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 5.1 kN / m, more preferably at least 5.2 kN / m, more preferably at least 5.3 kN / m, more preferably at least 5.4 kN / m, more preferably at least 5.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 5.6 kN / m, more preferably at least 5.7 kN / m, more preferably at least 5.8 kN / m, more preferably at least 5.9 kN / m, more preferably at least 6.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 6.1 kN / m, more preferably at least 6.2 kN / m, more preferably at least 6.3 kN / m, more preferably at least 6.4 kN / m, more preferably at least 6.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 6.6 kN / m, more preferably at least 6.7 kN / m, more preferably at least 6.8 kN / m, more preferably at least 6.9 kN / m, more preferably at least 7.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 7.1 kN / m, more preferably at least 7.2 kN / m, more preferably at least 7.3 kN / m, more preferably at least 7.4 kN / m, more preferably at least 7.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 7.6 kN / m, more preferably at least 7.7 kN / m, more preferably at least 7.8 kN / m, more preferably at least 7.9 kN / m, more preferably at least 8.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 8.1 kN / m, more preferably at least 8.2 kN / m, more preferably at least 8.3 kN / m, more preferably at least 8.4 kN / m, more preferably at least 8.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 8.6 kN / m, more preferably at least 8.7 kN / m, more preferably at least 8.8 kN / m, more preferably at least 8.9 kN / m, more preferably at least 9.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 9.1 kN / m, more preferably at least 9.2 kN / m, more preferably at least 9.3 kN / m, more preferably at least 9.4 kN / m, more preferably at least 9.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 9.6 kN / m, more preferably at least 9.7 kN / m, more preferably at least 9.8 kN / m, more preferably at least 9.9 kN / m, more preferably at least 10.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 10.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 11.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 11.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 12.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 12.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 13.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 13.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 14.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 14.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 15.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 15.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 16.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 16.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 17.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 17.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 18.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 18.5 kN / m, more preferably at least 19.0 kN / m, even more preferably at least 19.5 kN / m, most preferably at least 12.0 kN / m. This preferred embodiment is the 5th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st, 2nd and 4th embodiments of the present invention.

[0062] Preferably, the tensile strength of the first composite or the tensile strength of the other composite or each of them does not exceed 100 kN / m, preferably does not exceed 90 kN / m, more preferably does not exceed 80 kN / m, more preferably does not exceed 70 kN / m, even more preferably does not exceed 60 kN / m, most preferably does not exceed 50 kN / m. Among the above preferred values, each value is preferred for the tensile strength of the first composite and is independent of the value of the tensile strength of the first composite; each value is preferred for the tensile strength of the other composite, either alone or in combination with any preferred value of the tensile strength of the first composite.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, each of the first tensile strength or another tensile strength or both is at least 10 MPa, preferably at least 11 MPa, more preferably at least 12 MPa, more preferably at least 13 MPa, more preferably at least 14 MPa, more preferably at least 15 MPa, more preferably at least 16 MPa, more preferably at least 17 MPa, more preferably at least 18 MPa, more preferably at least 19 MPa, more preferably at least 20 MPa, more preferably at least 21 MPa, more preferably at least 22 MPa, more preferably at least 23 MPa, more preferably at least 24 MPa, more preferably at least 25 MPa, more preferably at least 26 MPa, preferably at least 27 MPa, more preferably at least 28 MPa, more preferably at least 29 MPa, more preferably at least 30 MPa, more preferably at least 31 MPa, more preferably at least 32 MPa, more preferably at least 33 MPa, more preferably at least 34 MPa, more preferably at least 35 MPa, more preferably at least 36 MPa, more preferably at least 37 MPa, more preferably at least 38 MPa, more preferably at least 39 MPa, more preferably at least 40 MPa, more preferably at least 41 MPa, more preferably at least 42 MPa, more preferably at least 43 MPa, more preferably at least 44 MPa, more preferably at least 45 MPa, more preferably at least 46 MPa, more preferably at least 47 MPa, more preferably at least 48 MPa, even more preferably at least 49 MPa, most preferably at least 50 MPa. This preferred embodiment is the 6th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 2nd to 5th embodiments of the present invention.

[0064] Preferably, each of the first tensile strength or another tensile strength or both does not exceed 100 MPa, preferably does not exceed 90 MPa, more preferably does not exceed 80 MPa, even more preferably does not exceed 70 MPa, most preferably does not exceed 60 MPa. Among the above preferred values, each value is preferred for the first tensile strength and is independent of the value of the first tensile strength; each value is preferred for the other tensile strength, either alone or in combination with any preferred value of the first tensile strength.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the partial sheet composite material has a first composite tensile stiffness in a first composite direction and another composite tensile stiffness in another composite direction, wherein the ratio of the first composite tensile stiffness to the another composite tensile stiffness is in the range of 0.5 to less than 1.75, preferably 0.6 to 1.70, more preferably 0.7 to 1.70, more preferably 0.8 to 1.70, more preferably 0.90 to 1.70, more preferably 1.00 to 1.70, more preferably 1.10 to 1.70, more preferably 1.20 to 1.65, more preferably 1.25 to 1.60, more preferably 1.30 to 1.55, even more preferably 1.35 to 1.50. This preferred embodiment is the 7th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st, 2nd, and 4th to 6th embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the barrier layer has a first Young's modulus in a first barrier layer direction and another Young's modulus in another barrier layer direction, wherein the ratio of the first Young's modulus to the another Young's modulus is in the range of 0.5 to 2.0, preferably 0.6 to 2.0, more preferably 0.6 to 1.9, more preferably 0.7 to 1.9, more preferably greater than 0.7 to 1.8, more preferably 0.8 to 1.8, more preferably 0.8 to 1.7, even more preferably 0.9 to 1.6, most preferably 1.0 to 1.5. This preferred embodiment is the 8th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 2nd to 7th embodiments of the present invention.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the partial sheet composite material has a first composite tensile stiffness in a first composite direction and another composite tensile stiffness in another composite direction, wherein

[0068] a] The tensile stiffness of the first composite is in the range of 20 kN / m to 600 kN / m, preferably 20 kN / m to 590 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 580 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 570 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 560 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 550 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 540 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 530 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 520 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 510 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 500 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 490 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 480 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 470 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 460 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 450 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 440 kN / m, more preferably 30 kN / m to 430 kN / m, more preferably 40 kN / m to 420 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 410 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 400 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 390 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 380 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 370 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 360 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 350 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 340 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 330 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 320 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 310 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 300 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 290 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 280 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 270 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 260 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 250 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 240 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 230 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 220 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 210 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 200 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 190 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 180 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 170 kN / m, more preferably 60 kN / m to 160 kN / m, more preferably 70 kN / m to 150 kN / m, more preferably 80 kN / m to 140 kN / m, even more preferably 90 kN / m to 130 kN / m, most preferably 100 kN / m to 120 kN / m; or

[0069] b] The tensile stiffness of the other composite is in the range of 10 kN / m to 500 kN / m, preferably 10 kN / m to 490 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 480 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 470 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 460 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 450 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 440 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 430 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 420 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 410 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 400 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 390 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 380 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 370 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 360 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 350 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 340 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 330 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 320 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 310 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 300 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 290 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 280 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 270 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 260 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 250 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 240 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 230 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 220 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 210 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 200 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 190 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 180 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 170 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 160 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 150 kN / m, more preferably 10 kN / m to 140 kN / m, more preferably 20 kN / m to 130 kN / m, more preferably 30 kN / m to 120 kN / m, more preferably 40 kN / m to 110 kN / m, more preferably 50 kN / m to 100 kN / m, even more preferably 60 kN / m to 90 kN / m, most preferably 70 kN / m to 80 kN / m; or

[0070] c] Each of a] and b].

[0071] This preferred embodiment is the 9th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st, 2nd, and the 4th to 8th embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] In the above alternative c], each preferred value of alternative a] is preferably combined with each preferred value of alternative b].

[0073] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the barrier layer has a first Young's modulus in a first barrier layer direction and another Young's modulus in another barrier layer direction, where

[0074] a: the first Young's modulus is in the range of 3,000 MPa to 6,000 MPa, preferably 3,200 MPa to 5,800 MPa, more preferably 3,400 MPa to 5,600 MPa, more preferably 3,500 MPa to 5,500 MPa, more preferably 3,600 MPa to 5,400 MPa, more preferably 3,700 MPa to 5,300 MPa, more preferably 3,800 MPa to 5,200 MPa, even more preferably 3,900 MPa to 5,100 MPa, most preferably 4,000 MPa to 5,000 MPa; or

[0075] b: the other Young's modulus is in the range of 2,000 MPa to 5,000 MPa, preferably 2,100 MPa to 4,900 MPa, more preferably 2,200 MPa to 4,800 MPa, more preferably 2,300 MPa to 4,700 MPa, more preferably 2,400 MPa to 4,600 MPa, more preferably 2,500 MPa to 4,500 MPa, more preferably 2,600 MPa to 4,400 MPa, more preferably 2,700 MPa to 4,300 MPa, more preferably 2,800 MPa to 4,200 MPa, more preferably 2,900 MPa to 4,100 MPa, more preferably 3,000 MPa to 4,000 MPa; or

[0076] c: each of a: and b:.

[0077] This preferred embodiment is the 10th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 2nd to 9th embodiments of the present invention.

[0078] In the above alternative c:], each preferred value of alternative a: is preferably combined with each preferred value of alternative b:.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the barrier layer has

[0080] a} a layer thickness in the range of 10 µm to 50 µm, preferably 10 µm to 45 µm, more preferably 15 µm to 45 µm, more preferably 15 µm to 40 µm, most preferably 20 µm to 40 µm; or

[0081] b}10g / m 2 Up to 60g / m 2 , preferably 10g / m 2 Up to 55g / m 2 , more preferably 10g / m 2 Up to 50g / m 2 , more preferably 15g / m 2 Up to 50g / m 2 , more preferably 15g / m 2 Up to 45g / m 2 , even more preferably 20 g / m 2 Up to 45g / m 2 , most preferably 20g / m 2 Up to 40g / m 2 Basis weight within the range; or

[0082] c} Each of a} and b}.

[0083] This preferred embodiment is the 11th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0084] In the above alternative c}, each preferred value of alternative a} is preferably combined with each preferred value of alternative b}.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the barrier layer provides a barrier to the permeation of one substance selected from the group consisting of oxygen, liquid water, water vapor, and aromatic substances, or provides a barrier to the permeation of a combination of at least two of these substances. This preferred embodiment is the 12th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any of the preceding embodiments of the present invention.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, part of the sheet-like composite material has

[0087] a> not more than 10.0cm 3 / (m 2 · days), preferably no more than 9.5 cm 3 / (m 2 ·day), more preferably no more than 9.0cm 3 / (m 2 · days), more preferably no more than 8.5 cm 3 / (m 2 ·day), more preferably no more than 8.0cm 3 / (m 2 · days), more preferably no more than 7.5 cm 3 / (m 2· day), more preferably not exceeding 7.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 6.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 6.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 5.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 5.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 4.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 4.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 3.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 3.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 2.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 2.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 1.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), even more preferably not exceeding 1.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), most preferably not exceeding 0.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day); or

[0088] b> not exceeding 1.5 g / (m 2 · day), preferably not exceeding 1.4 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 1.3 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 1.2 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 1.1 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 1.0 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 0.9 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 0.8 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 0.7 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 0.6 g / (m 2· day), more preferably not exceeding 0.5 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 0.4 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 0.2 g / (m 2 · day), even more preferably not exceeding 0.2 g / (m 2 · day), most preferably not exceeding 0.1 g / (m 2 · day); or

[0089] each of c > a > and b >.

[0090] This preferred embodiment is the 13th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st, 2nd, and 4th to 12th embodiments of the present invention.

[0091] In the above alternative c >, each preferred value of alternative a > is preferably combined with each preferred value of alternative b >.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment of this container precursor, the barrier layer has

[0093] a / not exceeding 10.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), preferably not exceeding 9.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 9.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 8.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 8.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 7.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 7.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 6.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 6.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 5.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 5.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 4.5 cm 3 / (m 2· day), more preferably not exceeding 4.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 3.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 3.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 2.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), even more preferably not exceeding 2.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), even more preferably not exceeding 1.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), even more preferably not exceeding 1.0 cm 3 / (m 2 · day), most preferably not exceeding 0.5 cm 3 / (m 2 · day); or

[0094] b / not exceeding 1.5 g / (m 2 · day), preferably not exceeding 1.4 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 1.3 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 1.2 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 1.1 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 1.0 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 0.9 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 0.8 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 0.7 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 0.6 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 0.5 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 0.4 g / (m 2 · day), more preferably not exceeding 0.2 g / (m 2 · day), even more preferably not exceeding 0.2 g / (m 2 · day), most preferably not exceeding 0.1 g / (m 2 · day); or

[0095] c / each of a / and b / .

[0096] This preferred embodiment is the 14th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0097] In the above alternative c / , each preferred value of alternative a / is preferably combined with each preferred value of alternative b / .

[0098] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the barrier layer contains less than 50% by weight, preferably less than 40% by weight, more preferably less than 30% by weight, more preferably less than 20% by weight, more preferably less than 10% by weight, more preferably less than 5% by weight, more preferably less than 3% by weight, even more preferably less than 1% by weight of an option selected from the group consisting of aluminum, alumina, and silica, or each combination of at least two of the options, preferably an option selected from the group consisting of the sum of all metals, the sum of all metal oxides, and the sum of all metalloid oxides, or each combination of at least two of the options, in each case based on the total weight of the barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is the 15th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0099] Most preferably, the barrier layer does not contain an option selected from the group consisting of aluminum, alumina, and silica, or does not contain each combination of at least two of the options, preferably does not contain an option selected from the group consisting of metals, metal oxides, and metalloid oxides, or does not contain each combination of at least two of the options.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the barrier layer contains less than 90% by weight, preferably less than 80% by weight, more preferably less than 70% by weight, more preferably less than 60% by weight, more preferably less than 50% by weight, more preferably less than 40% by weight, more preferably less than 30% by weight, more preferably less than 20% by weight, even more preferably less than 10% by weight, most preferably less than 5% by weight of any single polyolefin or any single polycondensate or both, preferably the sum of all polyolefins or the sum of all polycondensates or both, in each case based on the total weight of the barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is the 16th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the barrier layer has a water content in the range of 3.0 wt% to 10.0 wt%, preferably 3.5 wt% to 9.5 wt%, more preferably 4.0 wt% to 9.0 wt%, more preferably 4.5 wt% to 9.0 wt%, more preferably 5.0 wt% to 9.0 wt%, more preferably 5.5 wt% to 8.5 wt%, even more preferably 6.0 wt% to 8.0 wt%, in each case based on the total weight of the barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is the 17th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0102] If multiple fibers are MFCs, the water content of the barrier layer tends to drop below the foregoing range. Such a dry barrier layer shows an increased risk of cracking when folding the sheet-like composite material. If measures are taken to keep the water content of the barrier layer within the foregoing range, this risk is reduced. It can be seen that the water content of the barrier layer within the foregoing range allows for the more reliable production of containers with a long shelf life from the container preform.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the barrier layer contains multiple fibers in a proportion in the range of 50 wt% to 100 wt%, preferably 50 wt% less than 100 wt%, more preferably 60 wt% to 95 wt%, more preferably 70 wt% to 90 wt%, in each case based on the weight of the total solids content of the barrier layer. This preferred embodiment is the 18th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the fibers in the multiple fibers have

[0105] a\ an average length in the range of 0.5 µm to 100 µm, preferably 0.6 µm to 90 µm, more preferably 0.7 µm to 80 µm, more preferably 0.8 µm to 70 µm, even more preferably 0.9 µm to 60 µm, most preferably 1.0 µm to 50 µm; or

[0106] b\ an average diameter less than 1 µm, preferably less than 900 nm, more preferably less than 800 nm, more preferably less than 700 nm, more preferably less than 600 nm, more preferably less than 500 nm, more preferably less than 400 nm, more preferably less than 300 nm, even more preferably less than 200 nm, most preferably less than 100 nm; or

[0107] c\ an average aspect ratio of at least 10, preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 100, most preferably at least 150; or

[0108] A combination of at least two of a, b, c, preferably a combination of all of these terms.

[0109] This preferred embodiment is the 19th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0110] In the above alternative d, each preferred value of alternatives a, b, and c is preferably combined with each preferred value of the corresponding other alternative. The average aspect ratio of the fibers means the ratio of the average length of the fibers to the average diameter of the fibers.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment of this container precursor, on one side facing the outer surface of the barrier layer, or on one side facing the inner surface of the barrier layer, or on both sides, the barrier layer has a specific surface area in the range of 1 m 2 / g to 300 m 2 / g, preferably 1 m 2 / g to 200 m 2 / g, more preferably from 50 m 2 / g to 200 m 2 / g as measured by BET. This preferred embodiment is the 20th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment of this container precursor, the fibers in the plurality of fibers are plant fibers. This preferred embodiment is the 21st embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment of this container precursor, the fibers in the plurality of fibers are one fiber selected from the group consisting of cellulose fibers, lignocellulose fibers, and hemicellulose fibers, or a combination of at least two of them. This preferred embodiment is the 22nd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment of this container precursor, the plurality of fibers form a three-dimensional network or a two-dimensional network. This preferred embodiment is the 23rd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0115] A three-dimensional fiber network means that the fibers in the plurality of fibers form a three-dimensional skeletal structure of interconnected fibers, and there are cavities between the fibers. A two-dimensional fiber network means that the fibers in the plurality of fibers form a sheet-like network structure of interconnected fibers, and there are holes between the fibers.

[0116] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the plurality of fibers are microfibrillated cellulose. This preferred embodiment is the 24th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0117] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the sheet composite material in each case includes at least two folds, preferably at least 3 folds, more preferably at least 4 folds, in addition to the hem fold. This preferred embodiment is the 25th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0118] The foregoing folds are preferably longitudinal folds. Preferably, the container preform is designed for at least a part of these longitudinal folds, more preferably for each longitudinal fold, to form the longitudinal edges of the (preferably closed) container formed by the container preform. In particular, in the context of each of the 25th to 28th embodiments of the present invention, the container preform preferably has a sleeve-like shape. Here, the container preform preferably forms a sleeve that is open at a first end and at the other end opposite the first end. Here, the container preform is preferably designed for producing a single (preferably closed) container by the sleeve method.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the longitudinal seam extends from a first transverse edge of the sheet composite material to the other transverse edge of the sheet composite material, which is opposite the first transverse edge in the longitudinal direction of the sheet composite material. This preferred embodiment is the 26th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0120] Preferably, the longitudinal seam extends from one end of the container preform at the first transverse edge to the other end of the container preform at the other transverse edge of the sheet composite material.

[0121] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the sheet composite material is cut to a size for producing a single (preferably closed) container. This preferred embodiment is the 27th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0122] In this context, the preferred sheet composite material is a blank for producing a single (preferably closed) container.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the sheet composite material includes only one set of score lines in the carrier layer, wherein by folding the sheet composite material along the score lines of the set of score lines and joining the surface areas of the sheet composite material to each other, a single (preferably closed) container can be obtained from the sheet composite material. This preferred embodiment is the 28th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the sheet composite material does not include any longitudinal folds other than hem folds. This preferred embodiment is the 29th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 24th embodiments of the present invention.

[0125] In particular, in the context of each of the 29th to 32nd embodiments of the present invention, preferably, at least one section of the longitudinal seam of the sheet composite material has a tubular shape. Here, the container preform is preferably designed for producing a plurality of (preferably closed) containers by the tube method.

[0126] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the sheet composite material is in the form of a web for producing a plurality of (preferably closed) containers. This preferred embodiment is the 30th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 24th and 29th embodiments of the present invention.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the sheet composite material includes a plurality of sets of score lines in the carrier layer, wherein for each of these sets of score lines, by folding a region of the sheet composite material along the score lines of the set of score lines and joining the surface areas of the region to each other, a (preferably closed) container can be obtained from the region. This preferred embodiment is the 31st embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 24th, 29th, and 30th embodiments of the present invention.

[0128] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the container preform contains a food or beverage product. This preferred embodiment is the 32nd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the first composite direction is at an angle within the following range

[0130] -80° to 100°, preferably 85° to 95°, more preferably 87° to 93°, or

[0131] in the range of from -10° to +10°, preferably from -5° to +5°, more preferably from -3° to +3°

[0132] extends into the longitudinal direction. This preferred embodiment is the 33rd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st, 2nd, 4th to 32nd embodiments of the present invention.

[0133] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the first composite direction is in the processing direction of producing the barrier layer, or the first composite tensile strength is greater than the other composite tensile strength, or both hold. This preferred embodiment is the 34th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st, 2nd, 4th to 33rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0134] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the first barrier layer direction is at an angle within the following range

[0135] in the range of from -80° to 100°, preferably from 85° to 95°, more preferably from 87° to 93°, or

[0136] in the range of from -10° to +10°, preferably from -5° to +5°, more preferably from -3° to +3°

[0137] extends into the longitudinal direction. This preferred embodiment is the 35th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 2nd to 34th embodiments of the present invention.

[0138] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the first barrier layer direction is in the processing direction of producing the barrier layer, or the first tensile strength is greater than the other tensile strength, or both hold. This preferred embodiment is the 36th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 2nd to 35th embodiments of the present invention.

[0139] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the first inner polymer layer comprises at least one (preferably thermoplastic) polymer in a proportion of at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, more preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 97% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight, even more preferably at least 99% by weight, most preferably 100% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the first inner polymer layer. This preferred embodiment is the 37th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0140] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, at least one polymer is at least one polyolefin. This preferred embodiment is the 38th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 37th embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, at least one polyolefin is polyethylene or polypropylene or a mixture of the two. This preferred embodiment is the 39th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 38th embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the polyethylene is LDPE. This preferred embodiment is the 40th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 39th embodiment of the present invention.

[0143] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the first inner polymer layer comprises a blend of a first (preferably thermoplastic) polymer and another (preferably thermoplastic) polymer. This preferred embodiment is the 41st embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 36th embodiments of the present invention.

[0144] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the first inner polymer layer comprises a blend in a proportion of at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, more preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 97% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight, even more preferably at least 99% by weight, most preferably 100% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the first inner polymer layer. This preferred embodiment is the 42nd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 41st embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the first polymer is a first polyolefin, or the other polymer is another polyolefin, or both. This preferred embodiment is the 43rd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 41st or 42nd embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the first polyolefin is a first polyethylene, or the other polyolefin is another polyethylene, or both. This preferred embodiment is the 44th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 43rd embodiment of the present invention.

[0147] Preferably, the first polyethylene is different from the other polyethylene.

[0148] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the first polyethylene is LDPE, or the other polyethylene is mPE, or both. This preferred embodiment is the 45th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 44th embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the first inner polymer layer comprises

[0150] - a first polymer in a proportion in the range of 10% to 50% by weight, preferably 15% to 45% by weight, more preferably 20% to 40% by weight, most preferably 25% to 35% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the blend; or

[0151] - another polymer in a proportion in the range of 50% to 90% by weight, preferably 55% to 85% by weight, more preferably 60% to 80% by weight, most preferably 65% to 75% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the blend; or

[0152] - both.

[0153] This preferred embodiment is the 46th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 41st to 45th embodiments of the present invention.

[0154] In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor, the first inner polymer layer comprises

[0155] - a first polymer in a proportion in the range of 50% to 90% by weight, preferably 55% to 85% by weight, more preferably 60% to 80% by weight, most preferably 65% to 75% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the blend; or

[0156] - another polymer in a proportion in the range of 10% to 50% by weight, preferably 15% to 45% by weight, more preferably 20% to 40% by weight, most preferably 25% to 35% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the blend; or

[0157] - both.

[0158] This preferred embodiment is the 47th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 41st to 45th embodiments of the present invention.

[0159] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the layer sequence includes another inner polymer layer between the barrier layer and the first inner polymer layer. This preferred embodiment is the 48th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0160] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the another inner polymer layer comprises at least one (preferably thermoplastic) polymer in a proportion of at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, more preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 97% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight, even more preferably at least 99% by weight, most preferably 100% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the another inner polymer layer. This preferred embodiment is the 49th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 48th embodiment of the present invention.

[0161] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, at least one polymer in the another inner polymer layer is at least one polyolefin. This preferred embodiment is the 50th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 49th embodiment of the present invention.

[0162] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, at least one polyolefin in the another inner polymer layer is polyethylene or polypropylene or a mixture of the two. This preferred embodiment is the 51st embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 50th embodiment of the present invention.

[0163] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the polyethylene in the another inner polymer layer is LDPE. This preferred embodiment is the 52nd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 51st embodiment of the present invention.

[0164] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the layer sequence includes a first adhesion promoter layer between the carrier layer and the barrier layer, or another adhesion promoter layer between the barrier layer and the first inner polymer layer, preferably another adhesion promoter layer between the barrier layer and the another inner polymer layer, or includes a first adhesion promoter layer and another adhesion promoter layer. This preferred embodiment is the 53rd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0165] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the layer sequence includes an outer polymer layer which is superimposed on the carrier layer on the side of the carrier layer facing the outer surface. This preferred embodiment is the 54th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0166] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the outer polymer layer comprises at least one (preferably thermoplastic) polymer in a proportion of at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, more preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 97% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight, even more preferably at least 99% by weight, most preferably 100% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the outer polymer layer.

[0167] This preferred embodiment is the 55th embodiment of the present invention and preferably depends on the 54th embodiment of the present invention.

[0168] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, at least one polymer in the outer polymer layer is at least one polyolefin. This preferred embodiment is the 56th embodiment of the present invention and preferably depends on the 55th embodiment of the present invention.

[0169] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, at least one polyolefin in the outer polymer layer is polyethylene or polypropylene or a mixture of the two. This preferred embodiment is the 57th embodiment of the present invention and preferably depends on the 56th embodiment of the present invention.

[0170] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the polyethylene in the outer polymer layer is LDPE or HDPE or a mixture of the two. This preferred embodiment is the 58th embodiment of the present invention and preferably depends on the 57th embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the sheet composite material comprises color application superimposed on the carrier layer on the side facing the outer surface. This preferred embodiment is the 59th embodiment of the present invention and preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0172] In a preferred embodiment of the container preform, the carrier layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper stock, preferably consisting of it, or comprises a combination of at least two of these materials, preferably consisting of it. This preferred embodiment is the 60th embodiment of the present invention and preferably depends on any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0173] The 61st embodiment of the present invention is a method that includes the following method steps:

[0174] A. Provide a sheet-like composite material, which comprises a layer sequence that includes the following layers superposed on one another in the following order from the outer surface to the inner surface of the sheet-like composite material:

[0175] a. A carrier layer,

[0176] b. A barrier layer containing a plurality of fibers, and

[0177] c. A first inner polymer layer;

[0178] wherein the sheet-like composite material includes a first longitudinal edge and another longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge in the transverse direction of the sheet-like composite material;

[0179] B. Fold the sheet-like composite material onto itself at the first longitudinal edge, thereby obtaining a hem fold extending in the longitudinal direction of the sheet-like composite material;

[0180] C. Join the other longitudinal edge to the first longitudinal edge, thereby obtaining a longitudinal seam of the container precursor;

[0181] wherein a part of the sheet-like composite material consists only of the layers of the sheet-like composite material, and these layers are arranged on the side of the carrier layer facing the inner surface; and wherein this part of the sheet-like composite material

[0182] - has a first composite direction in the plane of the composite of this part of the sheet-like composite material,

[0183] - has another composite direction, which is also in the plane of the composite of this part of the sheet-like composite material but perpendicular to the first composite direction,

[0184] - has a first composite tensile strength in the first composite direction, and

[0185] - has another composite tensile strength in the other composite direction;

[0186] wherein the ratio of the first composite tensile strength to the other composite tensile strength is in the range of greater than 0.5 to 1.9, preferably greater than 0.5 to

[0187] The sheet composite is preferably the sheet composite of a container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The carrier layer preferably has one or more characteristics of the carrier layer of the sheet composite of a container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the carrier layer is the carrier layer of the sheet composite of a container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The barrier layer preferably has one or more characteristics of the barrier layer of the sheet composite of a container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the barrier layer is the barrier layer of the sheet composite of a container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The first inner polymer layer preferably has one or more characteristics of the first inner polymer layer of the sheet composite of a container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the first inner polymer layer is the first inner polymer layer of the sheet composite of a container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The container precursor is preferably the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, the container precursor is obtained in step C. of the method. The joining in step C. of the method is preferably achieved by sealing.

[0188] In a preferred embodiment of the method, in step A. of the method, the barrier layer has a first tensile strength in a first barrier layer direction and another tensile strength in another barrier layer direction perpendicular to the first barrier layer direction; wherein the ratio of the first tensile strength to the another tensile strength is in the range of greater than 0.5 to less than 1.7, preferably 0.6 to 1.6, more preferably 0.7 to 1.5, more preferably 0.8 to 1.4, more preferably 0.9 to less than 1.4, more preferably 0.9 to 1.3, more preferably greater than 0.9 to 1.2, more preferably 1 to 1.2, even more preferably 1 to 1.1. Alternatively, preferably, the ratio of the first tensile strength to the another tensile strength is in the range of 0.6 to 1.7, more preferably 0.7 to 1.7, more preferably 0.8 to 1.6, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5, more preferably 1.0 to less than 1.4, even more preferably 1.1 to 1.3. This preferred embodiment is the 62nd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 61st embodiment of the present invention.

[0189] The 63rd embodiment of the present invention is a method, which comprises the following method steps:

[0190] A. Providing a sheet composite, the sheet composite comprising a layer sequence, the layer sequence comprising the following layers superposed on each other in the following order from the outer surface of the sheet composite to the inner surface of the sheet composite:

[0191] a. A carrier layer,

[0192] b. A barrier layer, and

[0193] c. The first inner polymer layer;

[0194] wherein the barrier layer

[0195] - comprises a plurality of fibers,

[0196] - has a first tensile strength in the direction of the first barrier layer, and

[0197] - has another tensile strength in another barrier layer direction perpendicular to the direction of the first barrier layer;

[0198] wherein the sheet composite includes a first longitudinal edge and another longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge in the transverse direction of the sheet composite;

[0199] B. Fold the sheet composite onto itself at the first longitudinal edge, thereby obtaining a hem fold extending in the longitudinal direction of the sheet composite;

[0200] C. Join the other longitudinal edge to the first longitudinal edge, thereby obtaining a longitudinal seam of the container precursor;

[0201] wherein the ratio of the first tensile strength to the other tensile strength is in the range of greater than 0.5 to less than 1.7, preferably 0.6 to 1.6, more preferably 0.7 to 1.5, more preferably 0.8 to 1.4, more preferably 0.9 to less than 1.4, more preferably 0.9 to 1.3, more preferably greater than 0.9 to 1.2, more preferably 1 to 1.2, even more preferably 1 to 1.1. Alternatively, preferably, the ratio of the first tensile strength to the other tensile strength is in the range of 0.6 to 1.7, more preferably 0.7 to 1.7, more preferably 0.8 to 1.6, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5, more preferably 1.0 to less than 1.4, even more preferably 1.1 to 1.3.

[0202] The sheet composite is preferably the sheet composite of a container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The carrier layer preferably has one or more characteristics of the carrier layer of the sheet composite of a container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the carrier layer is the carrier layer of the sheet composite of a container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The barrier layer preferably has one or more characteristics of the barrier layer of the sheet composite of a container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the barrier layer is the barrier layer of the sheet composite of a container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The first inner polymer layer preferably has one or more characteristics of the first inner polymer layer of the sheet composite of a container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the first inner polymer layer is the first inner polymer layer of the sheet composite of a container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The container precursor is preferably the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, the container precursor is obtained in step C. of the method. The joining in step C. of the method is preferably achieved by sealing.

[0203] In a preferred embodiment of the method, a part of the sheet composite consists only of the layers of the sheet composite, which are arranged on the side of the carrier layer facing the inner surface; wherein this part of the sheet composite

[0204] - has a first composite direction in the plane of the composite of this part of the sheet composite,

[0205] - has another composite direction, which is also in the plane of the composite of this part of the sheet composite but perpendicular to the first composite direction,

[0206] - has a first composite tensile strength in the first composite direction, and

[0207] - has another composite tensile strength in the other composite direction;

[0208] The ratio of the tensile strength of the first composite to the tensile strength of the other composite is in the range of greater than 0.5 to 1.9, preferably greater than 0.5 to 1.8, more preferably greater than 0.5 to 1.7, more preferably 0.6 to 1.6, more preferably 0.7 to 1.5, more preferably 0.8 to 1.4, more preferably 0.9 to 1.3, more preferably greater than 0.9 to 1.2, more preferably 1.0 to 1.2, even more preferably 1 to 1.1. Alternatively, preferably, the ratio of the tensile strength of the first composite to the tensile strength of the other composite is in the range of 0.6 to 1.9, preferably 0.7 to 1.8, more preferably 0.8 to 1.7, more preferably 0.9 to 1.6, more preferably 1.0 to 1.5, more preferably 1.1 to 1.4, more preferably greater than 1.2 to 1.4, even more preferably 1.2 to less than 1.4. This preferred embodiment is the 64th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 63rd embodiment of the present invention.

[0209] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the longitudinal seam from the inside of the container preform towards the outside of the container preform comprises:

[0210] a) a first ply of the sheet composite material,

[0211] b) a second ply of the sheet composite material, the second ply being superimposed on the first ply, and

[0212] c) a third ply of the sheet composite material, the third ply being joined to the second ply;

[0213] wherein the first ply and the second ply are formed by a first longitudinal edge; wherein the third ply is formed by the other longitudinal edge. This preferred embodiment is the 65th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 61st to 64th embodiments of the present invention.

[0214] Preferably, in step B. of the method, the outer surface of the first ply contacts the outer surface of the second ply at the first longitudinal edge. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, in step C. of the method, the inner surface of the second ply contacts, preferably is joined to, the inner surface of the third ply to form the longitudinal seam.

[0215] In a preferred embodiment of the method, before step C. of the method, the sheet composite material is folded so as to obtain at least two folds, preferably at least 3 folds, more preferably at least 4 folds in each case in addition to obtaining a hem fold. This preferred embodiment is the 66th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 61st to 65th embodiments of the present invention.

[0216] The aforementioned folding is preferably a longitudinal folding. Preferably, the container precursor is designed for at least a part of these longitudinal foldings, more preferably for each longitudinal folding, to form the longitudinal edges of a (preferably closed) container formed from a sheet-like composite material. In particular, in the context of each of the 66th to 69th embodiments of the present invention, the container precursor preferably has a sleeve-like shape. Here, the container precursor preferably forms a sleeve that is open at a first end and at another end opposite the first end. Here, the container precursor is preferably designed for producing a single (preferably closed) container by the sleeve method.

[0217] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the longitudinal seam extends from a first transverse edge of the sheet-like composite material to another transverse edge of the sheet-like composite material, which is opposite the first transverse edge in the longitudinal direction of the sheet-like composite material. This preferred embodiment is the 67th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 61st to 66th embodiments of the present invention.

[0218] Preferably, the longitudinal seam extends from one end of the container precursor at the first transverse edge to the other end of the container precursor at another transverse edge of the sheet-like composite material.

[0219] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the sheet-like composite material is provided in step A. of the method and is cut to a size for producing a single (preferably closed) container. This preferred embodiment is the 68th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 61st to 67th embodiments of the present invention.

[0220] In this context, the preferred sheet-like composite material is a blank for producing a single (preferably closed) container.

[0221] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the sheet-like composite material provided as in step A. of the method includes only one set of scoring lines in the carrier layer, wherein a single (preferably closed) container can be obtained from the container precursor by folding the sheet-like composite material along the scoring lines of the set of scoring lines and joining the surface areas of the sheet-like composite material to each other. This preferred embodiment is the 69th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 61st to 68th embodiments of the present invention.

[0222] In a preferred embodiment of the method, in step C. of the method, the sheet-like composite material does not include any longitudinal folding other than the hemming folding. This preferred embodiment is the 70th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 61st to 65th embodiments of the present invention.

[0223] In particular, in the context of each of the 70th to 72nd and 77th to 81st embodiments of the present invention, in step C. of the method, a tubular shape composed of at least one section of a longitudinal seam of the sheet composite material is obtained by joining another longitudinal edge to the first longitudinal edge. Here, the container precursor is preferably designed for the production of a plurality (preferably closed) containers by the tube method.

[0224] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the sheet composite material provided as in step A. of the method is in the form of a web for the production of a plurality (preferably closed) containers. This preferred embodiment is the 71st embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 61st to 65th and 70th embodiments of the present invention.

[0225] Preferably, in step A. of the method, the web is provided rolled up in the form of a roll. Here, the sheet composite material is preferably rolled up in the longitudinal direction of the sheet composite material.

[0226] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the sheet composite material provided as in step A. of the method includes a plurality of groups of score lines in the carrier layer, wherein for each of these groups of score lines, a (preferably closed) container can be obtained from the area by folding an area of the sheet composite material along the score lines of the group of score lines and joining the surface areas of the area to each other. This preferred embodiment is the 72nd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 61st to 65th, 70th and 71st embodiments of the present invention.

[0227] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first composite direction extends at an angle within the following ranges

[0228] -80° to 100°, preferably 85° to 95°, more preferably 87° to 93°, or

[0229] --10° to +10°, preferably -5° to +5°, more preferably -3° to +3°

[0230] to the longitudinal direction. This preferred embodiment is the 73rd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 61st, 62nd and 64th to 72nd embodiments of the present invention.

[0231] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first composite direction is in the processing direction of producing the barrier layer, or the tensile strength of the first composite is greater than that of the other composite, or both hold. This preferred embodiment is the 74th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 61st, 62nd, 64th to 73rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0232] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first barrier layer direction is at an angle within the following ranges

[0233] -80° to 100°, preferably 85° to 95°, more preferably 87° to 93°, or

[0234] --10° to +10°, preferably -5° to +5°, more preferably -3° to +3°

[0235] extending to the longitudinal direction. This preferred embodiment is the 75th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 62nd to 74th embodiments of the present invention.

[0236] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first barrier layer direction is in the processing direction of producing the barrier layer, or the first tensile strength is greater than the other tensile strength, or both hold. This preferred embodiment is the 76th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 62nd to 75th embodiments of the present invention.

[0237] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the method is used for producing a closed container. This preferred embodiment is the 77th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 61st to 65th and 70th to 76th embodiments of the present invention.

[0238] Preferably, the method is used for producing a plurality of closed containers from a sheet-like composite material.

[0239] In a preferred embodiment of the method, in step C. of the method, a tubular shape is formed from a section of the sheet-like composite material. This preferred embodiment is the 78th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 61st to 65th and 70th to 77th embodiments of the present invention.

[0240] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the tubular shape is filled with a food or beverage product. This preferred embodiment is the 79th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 78th embodiment of the present invention.

[0241] Preferably, it is filled with a food or beverage product during or after step C of the method, such as during step D of the method.

[0242] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the method comprises a further step

[0243] D. forming a closed container from the section by folding the section of the sheet composite material and joining the surface areas of the section to each other.

[0244] This preferred embodiment is the 80th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 78th or 79th embodiment of the present invention.

[0245] In a preferred embodiment of the method, in step D of the method, the tubular shape is closed at a first end and at the other end opposite the first end, thereby obtaining a closed shape, and the closed shape is separated to form a closed container. This preferred embodiment is the 81st embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 80th embodiment of the present invention.

[0246] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the method is used for producing a container precursor. This preferred embodiment is the 82nd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 61st to 69th and 73rd to 76th embodiments of the present invention.

[0247] Preferably, the method is used for producing a container precursor for a single closed container.

[0248] The 83rd embodiment of the present invention is a container precursor obtainable by the method according to any one of the 61st to 69th, 73rd to 76th and 82nd embodiments of the present invention. A preferred container precursor is a container precursor for a closed container, preferably a container precursor for a single closed container.

[0249] The 84th embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a closed container, the method comprising the following method steps:

[0250] A) providing a container precursor according to any one of the 1st to 28th, 33rd to 60th and 83rd embodiments of the present invention;

[0251] B) forming a base region or a top region of the closed container by folding the sheet composite material;

[0252] C) closing the base region or the top region, thereby obtaining an open container;

[0253] D) filling the open container with a food or beverage product; and

[0254] E) Closing the open container in the top region or the base region, thereby obtaining a closed container.

[0255] The 85th embodiment of the present invention is a closed container obtainable by the method according to any one of the 61st to 65th, 70th to 81st, and 84th embodiments of the present invention.

[0256] The 86th embodiment of the present invention is the use of a container preform according to any one of the 1st to 60th and 83rd embodiments of the present invention for the production of (preferably closed) containers for food or beverage products.

[0257] In a preferred embodiment, the container preform is used for the production of a single (preferably closed) container for food or beverage products. In another preferred embodiment, the container preform is used for the production of multiple (preferably closed) containers for food or beverage products.

[0258] The 87th embodiment of the present invention is the use of a sheet composite material for the production of a container preform or for the production of a closed container, wherein in each case the sheet composite material comprises a layer sequence which, from the outer surface of the sheet composite material to the inner surface of the sheet composite material, comprises the following layers superposed on one another in the following order:

[0259] a. A carrier layer,

[0260] b. A barrier layer containing a plurality of fibers, and

[0261] c. A first inner polymer layer;

[0262] wherein the sheet composite material comprises a first longitudinal edge and another longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge in the transverse direction of the sheet composite material; wherein the container preform or the closed container comprises a longitudinal seam which, from the inside of the container preform or the closed container towards the outside of the container preform or the closed container, comprises:

[0263] a) A first ply of the sheet composite material,

[0264] b) A second ply of the sheet composite material, which second ply is superposed on the first ply, and

[0265] c) A third ply of the sheet composite material, which third ply is joined to the second ply;

[0266] wherein the first ply and the second ply are formed by the first longitudinal edge, which folds itself to form a hem fold which extends in the longitudinal direction of the sheet composite material; wherein the third ply is formed by the other longitudinal edge; wherein a part of the sheet composite material consists only of the layers of the sheet composite material which are arranged on the side of the carrier layer facing the inner surface; wherein this part of the sheet composite material

[0267] - having a first composite direction in the plane of the composite of the partial sheet-like composite material,

[0268] - having another composite direction, which is also in the plane of the composite of the partial sheet-like composite material but perpendicular to the first composite direction,

[0269] - having a first composite tensile strength in the first composite direction, and

[0270] - having another composite tensile strength in the other composite direction;

[0271] The ratio of the tensile strength of the first composite to the tensile strength of the other composite is in the range of greater than 0.5 to 1.9, preferably greater than 0.5 to 1.8, more preferably greater than 0.5 to 1.7, more preferably 0.6 to 1.6, more preferably 0.7 to 1.5, more preferably 0.8 to 1.4, more preferably 0.9 to 1.3, more preferably greater than 0.9 to 1.2, more preferably 1.0 to 1.2, and even more preferably 1 to 1.1. Alternatively, preferably, the ratio of the tensile strength of the first composite to the tensile strength of the other composite is in the range of 0.6 to 1.9, preferably 0.7 to 1.8, more preferably 0.8 to 1.7, more preferably 0.9 to 1.6, more preferably 1.0 to 1.5, more preferably 1.1 to 1.4, more preferably greater than 1.2 to 1.4, and even more preferably 1.2 to less than 1.4. The sheet composite is preferably the sheet composite of the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The carrier layer preferably has one or more characteristics of the carrier layer of the sheet composite of the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the carrier layer is the carrier layer of the sheet composite of the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The barrier layer preferably has one or more characteristics of the barrier layer of the sheet composite of the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the barrier layer is the barrier layer of the sheet composite of the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The first internal polymer layer preferably has one or more characteristics of the first internal polymer layer of the sheet composite of the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the first internal polymer layer is the first internal polymer layer of the sheet composite of the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The container precursor is preferably the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The closed container is preferably the closed container according to any embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet composite is used to produce a single container precursor or a single closed container. Here, the preferred container precursor is the container precursor of a plurality of closed containers. In another preferred embodiment, the sheet composite is used to produce a plurality of container precursors or a plurality of closed containers. Here, the preferred plurality of container precursors are a plurality of container precursors, each of which is a single closed container.

[0272] The 88th embodiment of the present invention is a use of a sheet composite for producing a container precursor or for producing a closed container, wherein in each case, the sheet composite comprises a layer sequence that comprises the following layers superposed on one another in the following order from the outer surface of the sheet composite to the inner surface of the sheet composite:

[0273] a. A carrier layer,

[0274] b. A barrier layer, and

[0275] c. A first internal polymer layer;

[0276] The sheet-like composite material includes a first longitudinal edge and another longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge in the transverse direction of the sheet-like composite material; the container precursor or the closed container includes a longitudinal seam that extends from the inside of the container precursor or the closed container towards the outside of the container precursor or the closed container and includes:

[0277] a) a first sheet of the sheet-like composite material,

[0278] b) a second sheet of the sheet-like composite material, which is superimposed on the first sheet, and

[0279] c) a third sheet of the sheet-like composite material, which is joined to the second sheet;

[0280] wherein the first sheet and the second sheet form the first longitudinal edge, which folds itself to form a hem fold that extends in the longitudinal direction of the sheet-like composite material; the third sheet is formed by the other longitudinal edge; the barrier layer

[0281] - contains a plurality of fibers,

[0282] - has a first tensile strength in a first barrier layer direction, and

[0283] - has another tensile strength in another barrier layer direction perpendicular to the first barrier layer direction;

[0284] Wherein the ratio of the first tensile strength to the other tensile strength is in the range of greater than 0.5 to less than 1.7, preferably 0.6 to 1.6, more preferably 0.7 to 1.5, more preferably 0.8 to 1.4, more preferably 0.9 to less than 1.4, more preferably 0.9 to 1.3, more preferably greater than 0.9 to 1.2, more preferably 1 to 1.2, even more preferably 1 to 1.1. Alternatively, preferably, the ratio of the first tensile strength to the other tensile strength is in the range of 0.6 to 1.7, more preferably 0.7 to 1.7, more preferably 0.8 to 1.6, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5, more preferably 1.0 to less than 1.4, even more preferably 1.1 to 1.3. The sheet composite is preferably the sheet composite of the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The carrier layer preferably has one or more characteristics of the carrier layer of the sheet composite of the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the carrier layer is the carrier layer of the sheet composite of the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The barrier layer preferably has one or more characteristics of the barrier layer of the sheet composite of the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the barrier layer is the barrier layer of the sheet composite of the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The first inner polymer layer preferably has one or more characteristics of the first inner polymer layer of the sheet composite of the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the first inner polymer layer is the first inner polymer layer of the sheet composite of the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The container precursor is preferably the container precursor according to any embodiment of the present invention. The closed container is preferably the closed container according to any embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet composite is used to produce a single container precursor or a single closed container. Here, the preferred container precursor is the container precursor of a plurality of closed containers. In another preferred embodiment, the sheet composite is used to produce a plurality of container precursors or a plurality of closed containers. Here, the preferred plurality of container precursors are a plurality of container precursors, each of which is a single closed container.

[0285] Features described as preferred in one category of the present invention (such as according to the container precursor) are similarly preferred in an embodiment of other categories of the present invention (such as methods and uses).

[0286] Sheet composite material

[0287] All laminates that can be conceived in the context of the present invention and that appear to a person skilled in the art to be suitable for producing dimensionally stable food containers in the context of the present invention, in particular sheet laminates or planar laminates, will be considered sheet composites. The sheet composite material used for manufacturing containers for food or beverage products is also referred to as a laminate. Such sheet composite materials have a series of layers that are stacked on top of each other in a sheet-like or planar manner. The sheet composite material generally consists of a polymer layer, a carrier layer, an optional polymer layer and / or an optional adhesion promoter layer, a barrier layer and at least one additional polymer layer, wherein the carrier layer is generally made of cardboard or paper and imparts dimensional stability to the container. Basically, "sheet composite material" is used herein as a general term that includes semi-infinite webs and blanks of such webs. The blank is preferably designed to produce a single container. The sheet composite material can be a flat or three-dimensional object. The latter is especially the case when the sheet composite material has been folded or rolled up.

[0288] The first longitudinal edge and the other longitudinal edge of the sheet composite material are narrow regions adjacent to the respective cutting edges of the sheet composite material. The width of each of the first longitudinal edge and the other longitudinal edge is exactly large enough to allow a longitudinal seam with a hem fold to be formed from the first and second layers of sheet formed by the first longitudinal edge and the third layer of sheet formed by the other longitudinal edge. Accordingly, the width of the first longitudinal edge is preferably in the range of 5 mm to 25 mm, more preferably in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm. The width of the other longitudinal edge is preferably in the range of 3 mm to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm.

[0289] Partial sheet composite material

[0290] A partial sheet composite is an auxiliary conceptual construct used herein to further characterize a sheet composite. The partial sheet composite consists of all the layers of the sheet composite that are arranged on the side of the carrier layer facing the inner surface. Thus, the partial sheet composite particularly includes a barrier layer and a first inner polymer layer. If the corresponding layers are present in the sheet composite, the partial sheet composite also includes a first adhesion promoter layer, another adhesion promoter layer, and another inner polymer layer. The layer that forms the inner surface in the sheet composite is preferably the first inner polymer layer. To verify the characteristics of the partial sheet composite, all the layers of the sheet composite (which are on the side of the carrier layer facing the outer surface) and the carrier layer itself can be separated from the partial sheet composite, as described below in the test method section. The composite plane of the partial sheet composite is preferably the plane in which the partial sheet composite extends in a sheet-like manner. Since the sheet composite and the partial sheet composite can be bent or curved into an arc, the composite plane can also be bent or curved into an arc. In any case, the first composite direction and the other composite direction are both in the composite plane. Preferably, the first composite direction is the processing direction (MD) for producing the barrier layer, where the other composite direction is the cross direction (CD) of the barrier layer. Alternatively, preferably, the other composite direction is the processing direction (MD) for producing the barrier layer, where the first composite direction is the cross direction (CD) of the barrier layer.

[0291] Layer of sheet composite material

[0292] The layers of the layer sequence have been joined to each other in a planar manner (preferably over their entire surface). When the adhesion force between two layers exceeds the van der Waals force, they are joined together. Preferably, the layers joined to each other are selected from the group consisting of being joined to each other by coating, laminating together, sealing together, gluing together, and extruding together, or a combination of at least two of them. The layers joined to each other by coating are preferably joined to each other by melt coating. The preferred melt coating is melt extrusion coating.

[0293] Unless otherwise indicated, in the layer sequence, the layers can occur successively indirectly (i.e., with one or at least two intermediate layers) or directly (i.e., without intermediate layers). This is especially the case when the wording is in the form of one layer being superimposed on another. The wording in the form of the layer sequence includes the enumerated layers means that at least the specified layers are present in the specified sequence. This form of wording does not necessarily mean that the layers occur directly successively. The wording in the form of two layers being adjacent to each other means that the two layers occur directly successively and thus there is no intermediate layer. However, this form of wording does not specify whether the two layers have been joined to each other. Instead, the two layers can be in contact with each other. However, preferably, the two layers are joined to each other (preferably in a planar manner).

[0294] Carrier layer

[0295] The carrier layer used can be any material that appears suitable for the purpose to a person skilled in the art and that has sufficient strength and rigidity to impart a degree of stability to the container made of the sheet-like composite material, such that the container substantially retains its shape in the filled state (dimensional stability). This is a particularly essential feature of the carrier layer, as the present invention relates to the technical field of dimensionally stable containers for food or beverage products. Such dimensionally stable containers are to be distinguished in principle from bags and sachets, which are typically made from thinner films.

[0296] For the carrier layer, as for many plastics, preferred are plant-based fiber materials, in particular pulp, preferably lime-treated, bleached and / or unbleached pulp, with paper, paperboard and cardboard being particularly preferred. Therefore, preferred carrier layers comprise a plurality of fibers. The basis weight of the carrier layer is preferably in the range of 120 g / m². 2 Up to 450g / m 2 In the range of 130g / m 2 Up to 400g / m 2 In the range of 150g / m 2 Up to 380g / m 2 within the range.

[0297] Preferred cardboards generally have a single-layer or multi-layer structure and may be coated on one or both sides with one or more covering layers. Furthermore, preferred cardboards have a residual moisture content of less than 20% by weight, preferably 2% to 15% by weight, and particularly preferably 4% to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the cardboard. Particularly preferred cardboards have a multi-layer structure. Furthermore, the cardboards preferably have at least one, but particularly preferably at least two, covering layers, which are referred to by those skilled in the art as "coatings" or "paper coatings," on the surface facing the outer surface. Furthermore, preferred cardboards have a water content of 100 J / m 2 Up to 360J / m 2 , preferably 120 J / m 2 Up to 350J / m 2 And particularly preferably 135 J / m 2 Up to 310J / m 2 The Scott-Bond value (according to Tappi 569) is within the range of 1.5 to 2.5. The above range makes it possible to provide a composite body from which a container can be easily folded with high tightness and low tolerances.

[0298] Preferably, the carrier layer comprises at least 2, more preferably at least 3, particularly preferably exactly 3 or 5 sub-layers, each sub-layer being a fibrous material-containing layer, wherein these sub-layers are superposed on one another and joined to one another. The fibrous materials of the respective sub-layers may be at least partially different from one another or may be completely identical. Another particularly preferred carrier layer preferably comprises, in the direction from the side of the carrier layer facing the outer surface to the side of the carrier layer facing the inner surface, a superposed and interconnected sequence of sub-layers as follows: a first sub-layer containing a fibrous material, a second sub-layer containing a fibrous material, and a third sub-layer containing a fibrous material. The fibrous materials of the first to third sub-layers may be the same as one another or different from one another. In any case, the fibrous material contains a plurality of fibers. In addition, the preferred carrier layer, in addition to comprising the aforementioned layer sequence, further comprises at least one covering layer as another sub-layer. Preferably, the layer sequence of the first to third sub-layers is superposed on the side of the carrier layer facing the outer surface, with at least one covering layer as another sub-layer. Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the layer sequence of the first to third sub-layers is superposed on the side of the carrier layer facing the inner surface, with at least one covering layer as another sub-layer. Preferably, the average fiber length of the plurality of fibers of the fibrous material of the first sub-layer is less than the average fiber length of the plurality of fibers of the fibrous material of the third sub-layer, preferably less by 0.1 mm to 3 mm, more preferably less by 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, and most preferably less by 1 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0299] The terms "paperboard", "cardboard" and "paper stock" are used herein according to the definitions in Standard DIN 6735:2010. In addition, cardboard is preferably a material having a combination of the properties of paper stock and paperboard. Additionally, cardboard preferably has a basis weight in the range of 150 g / m 2 to 600 g / m 2 range.

[0300] Cover layer

[0301] The preferred covering layer is a "paper surface coating". In papermaking, a "paper surface coating" (also known as a "coating") is a covering layer that contains inorganic solid particles (preferably pigments and additives). The "paper surface coating" is preferably applied as a liquid phase, preferably as a suspension or dispersion, to the surface of a layer of paper-containing material or cardboard. The preferred dispersion is an aqueous dispersion. The preferred suspension is an aqueous suspension. Another preferred liquid phase includes inorganic solid particles, preferably pigments, binders, and additives. Preferred pigments are selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc, silicate, plastic pigments, and titanium dioxide. The preferred kaolin is calcined kaolin. The preferred calcium carbonate is one selected from the group consisting of marble, chalk, and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), or a combination of at least two of them. The preferred silicate is a layered silicate. The preferred plastic pigment is spherical, preferably a hollow sphere. The preferred binder is one selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene, acrylate, acrylonitrile, starch, and polyvinyl alcohol, or a combination of at least two of them, with acrylate being preferred. The preferred starch is one selected from the group consisting of cationically modified starch, anionically modified starch, and fragmented starch, or a combination of at least two of them. The preferred additives are selected from the group consisting of rheology modifiers, light-shielding dyes, optical brighteners, carriers, flocculants, stripping agents, and surface energy modifiers, or a combination of at least two of them. The preferred stripping agent is a coating color stripping agent, preferably a silicone-based or fatty acid-based or both. The preferred surface energy modifier is a surfactant.

[0302] Barrier layer

[0303] The barrier layer preferably has a sufficient barrier effect against one substance selected from the group consisting of oxygen, liquid water, water vapor, and aroma substances, or has a sufficient barrier effect against a combination of at least two of these substances. Therefore, the barrier layer is preferably one selected from the group consisting of an oxygen barrier layer, a water vapor barrier layer, and an aroma substance barrier layer, or a combination of at least two of them. The oxygen barrier layer has a barrier effect against oxygen permeation. The water vapor barrier layer has a barrier effect against water vapor permeation. The aroma substance barrier layer has a barrier effect against aroma substance permeation.

[0304] The barrier layer contains multiple fibers. Preferably, the fibers in the multiple fibers exist across the entire thickness of the barrier layer. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, the barrier layer does not include metallization. More preferably, the barrier layer does not include a barrier coating. Even more preferably, the barrier layer does not include a coating that does not include the fibers in the multiple fibers. Further preferably, the barrier layer does not include any coating. Preferably, the barrier layer is composed of a single material. Here, the preferred material is MFC material.

[0305] The barrier layer is preferably a prefabricated barrier film, which is preferably laminated to the carrier layer, preferably using a first adhesion promoter or an intermediate polymer layer or both as a laminating agent. The barrier layer preferably abuts another adhesion promoter layer, another internal polymer layer or the first internal polymer layer.

[0306] The barrier layer plane is the plane in which the barrier layer extends in a sheet-like manner. Since the sheet-like composite material with the barrier layer can be bent or curved into an arc, the barrier layer plane can also be bent or curved into an arc. In any case, the first barrier layer direction and the other barrier layer direction are both located in the barrier layer plane. Preferably, the first barrier layer direction is the processing direction (MD) for producing the barrier layer, where the other barrier layer direction is the cross direction (CD) of the barrier layer. Alternatively, preferably, the other barrier layer direction is the processing direction (MD) for producing the barrier layer, where the first barrier layer direction is the cross direction (CD) of the barrier layer. Preferably, the first tensile strength of the barrier layer is the maximum value of the barrier layer tensile strength, or the other tensile strength of the barrier layer is the minimum value of the barrier layer tensile strength, or both are true, in each case based on the tensile direction. Alternatively, preferably, the first tensile strength of the barrier layer is the minimum value of the barrier layer tensile strength, or the other tensile strength of the barrier layer is the maximum value of the barrier layer tensile strength, or both are true, in each case based on the tensile direction. Preferably, the processing direction for producing the barrier layer is the direction of the main orientation of the fibers in the plurality of fibers of the barrier layer. The cross direction of the barrier layer is in the same barrier layer plane as the MD, but perpendicular to the MD.

[0307] In the context of the present invention, the fibres in the plurality of fibres of the barrier layer can be any fibres that may seem suitable to a person skilled in the art, in particular all fibres known in the production of paper, cardboard or cartonboard. A fibre is a linearly elongated structure with a length-to-diameter or thickness ratio of at least 3:1. Preferred fibres are plant fibres. Plant fibres are the general term for fibres of plant origin. In plants, plant fibres are present in the form of vascular bundles in the stem or stalk, in the bark (e.g. in the form of bast), and in the form of seed hairs. They are subdivided into seed fibres, bast fibres and hard fibres in DIN 60001-1:2001-05 Textiles - Fibres - Part 1: "Natural fibres and letter codes", Beuth Verlag, Berlin 2001, page 2, or into seed fibres, bast fibres, leaf fibres and fruit fibres in DIN EN ISO 6938:2015-01 "Textiles - Natural fibres - Generic names and definitions", Beuth Verlag, Berlin 2015, page 4, which thus enables the subdivision of hard fibres. Fibres preferred in the context of the present invention include chemical pulp or mechanical pulp or both; the fibres preferably consist of them.

[0308] Particularly preferred fibres of the barrier layer are microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). Preferably, the barrier layer comprises paper or MFC or both. Preferred barrier layers are barrier paper layers or MFC membranes, with MFC membranes being particularly preferred.

[0309] Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC)

[0310] For the plurality of fibres of the barrier layer, every MFC that may seem suitable to a person skilled in the art in the context of the present invention is taken into consideration. MFC has different acronyms, such as cellulose microfibrils, fibrillated cellulose, nanofibrillated cellulose, fibril aggregates, nanoscale cellulose fibrils, cellulose nanofibres, cellulose nanorods, cellulose microfibres, cellulose fibrils, microfibrillated cellulose, microfibril aggregates and cellulose microfibril aggregates. A fibril is a very small fibre microscopically.

[0311] MFC means the following materials: including one selected from the group consisting of partially or fully fibrillated cellulose fibers, partially or fully fibrillated lignocellulose fibers, and partially or fully fibrillated hemicellulose fibers, or a combination of at least two of them, wherein these fibers aggregate to form a three-dimensional network or a two-dimensional network. The non-aggregated fibrils of this network or structure are called elementary fibrils. The aggregates of elementary fibrils are called microfibrils. The average diameter of elementary fibrils is in the order of nm, preferably less than 100 nm, and the average length is in the order of µm, preferably at least 1 µm. For MFC, the average diameter of the fibers and the average length of the fibers herein refer to the elementary fibers of MFC.

[0312] The barrier layer preferably contains MFC in a proportion in the range of 50% to 100% by weight, preferably 50% to less than 100% by weight, more preferably 60% to 95% by weight, and more preferably 70% to 90% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the total solids content of the barrier layer. In addition to MFC, the barrier layer may also contain one or more additives. Preferred additives are selected from the group consisting of fillers (such as clay), binders (such as PVOH or PVAC), dispersants, softeners, and plasticizers, or a combination of at least two of them. A plasticizer is an additive that increases the plasticity of the barrier layer. Preferred plasticizers are one selected from the group consisting of sugar alcohols (such as sorbitol), polyols (such as glycerol), polyethers (such as polyethylene glycol (PEG)), and cellulose derivatives (such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)), or a combination of at least two of them. Preferably, the barrier layer contains a plasticizer in a proportion of less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 5% by weight, and more preferably less than 0.1% by weight, in each case based on the weight of the total solids content of the barrier layer. In addition, the barrier layer may contain various non-MFC fibers, such as cellulose or lignocellulose fine particles and super-large fibers, especially fibers that are not effectively fibrillated.

[0313] MFC is obtained through a fibrillation process of one selected from the group consisting of cellulose fibers, lignocellulose fibers, and hemicellulose fibers, or a combination of at least two of them. Preferably, mechanical shearing is used for the fibrillation process. The fibers are separated into a three-dimensional network of microfibrils or a two-dimensional network of microfibrils, each having a large surface area. The diameter of the fibrils obtained through the fibrillation process is much smaller than that of the original fibers. The fibrillation process includes fibrillating the fibers longitudinally, thus obtaining a three-dimensional network or a two-dimensional network that has a much higher surface area than conventional cellulose fibers or powdered cellulose.

[0314] The fibers used in the fibrillation process are preferably wood cellulose fibers. Preferred wood cellulose fibers are hardwood fibers or softwood fibers or both. MFC can also be obtained from microbial sources, agricultural fibers (such as wheat straw pulp, bamboo, bagasse) or other non-wood fiber sources. MFC is preferably obtained from pulp including pulp from native fibers, where the pulp is preferably one selected from the group consisting of mechanical pulp, chemical pulp and thermomechanical pulp, or a combination of at least two of them. MFC can also be obtained from waste paper or recycled paper.

[0315] Chemical pulp

[0316] Chemical pulp generally refers to the fibrous material formed during the chemical digestion of plant fibers, which usually consists mainly of cellulose.

[0317] Mechanical pulp

[0318] Mechanical pulp refers to the material commonly used to produce specific types of paper. Mechanical pulp is obtained from wood and, unlike chemical pulp, usually contains a relatively high proportion of lignin. Mechanical pulp can be detected by staining the lignin present with a hydrochloric acid solution of phloroglucinol, and thus can be distinguished from chemical pulp. Wurster blue and Wurster red (named after Casimir Wurster) and aniline sulfate are also often used for this purpose. In the case where the paper (wood pulp paper) is produced from mechanical pulp, the high lignin content of the mechanical pulp may cause yellowing. The wood from which mechanical pulp is obtained usually consists mainly of lignocellulose. Lignocellulose consists of cellulose molecules aggregated to form fibers. The lignin matrix penetrates the cellulose, producing a complex that resists compression and tearing. During the production of mechanical pulp, the wood is shredded by various methods. Mechanical pulp is produced by mechanical and / or thermal and / or chemical methods of digesting wood. According to these production modes, mechanical pulp MP is distinguished from thermomechanical pulp (TMP), the former being produced only by the mechanical method of digesting wood, and the latter being produced by a wood digestion method including mechanical steps and thermal steps and optionally also including chemical steps. The aforementioned wood digestion method including mechanical steps and thermal steps and optionally also including chemical steps is also called the refining method. Preferred thermomechanical pulp is chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP). The mechanical methods of digesting wood especially include grinding methods such as wood grinding and pressure grinding. Preferred mechanical pulp MP is ground wood or pressure-ground wood or both. Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the mechanical pulp has been produced from softwood or hardwood or both. Softwood, in contrast to hardwood, refers to lighter wood, for example, with an oven-dry density of less than 0.55 g / cm 3Wood (such as willow, poplar, linden, and almost all softwood timbers). The term "softwood" should not be used interchangeably with the term "soft wood", as the latter mainly refers to the source of the wood and only indirectly to its properties, since there are relatively hard softwood timbers.

[0319] Polymer layer

[0320] Hereinafter, the term "polymer layer" particularly refers to the first inner polymer layer, another inner polymer layer, the outer polymer layer, and the intermediate polymer layer. The "inner" in the "first inner polymer layer" and "another inner polymer layer" means that the corresponding layer is superposed on the barrier layer on the side facing the inner surface of the barrier layer, that is, superposed on the inner side of the barrier layer. The "outer" in the "outer polymer layer" means that the outer polymer layer is superposed on the carrier layer on the side facing the outer surface of the carrier layer, that is, superposed on the outer side of the carrier layer. The "intermediate" in the "intermediate polymer layer" means that the intermediate polymer layer is arranged between the carrier layer and the barrier layer.

[0321] These polymer layers are each based on a polymer or a polymer blend, that is, these polymer layers contain mostly a polymer or a polymer blend. Preferred polymers are thermoplastic polymers, more preferably polyolefins. These polymer layers are preferably combined or applied to the sheet composite during an extrusion process, preferably by melt extrusion coating. Each polymer layer may further contain additional components in addition to the polymer or polymer blend. These additional components of the polymer layers are preferably components that do not adversely affect the polymer melt behavior when applied as a layer. The additional components may be, for example, inorganic compounds such as metal salts, or additional plastics such as additional thermoplastics.

[0322] Generally speaking, suitable polymers for the polymer layers are those that are particularly easy to process due to good extrusion properties. Among them, polymers obtained by chain polymerization are suitable, especially polyolefins, among which cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polycyclic olefin copolymers (POC), especially polyethylene and polypropylene, are particularly preferred, and polyethylene is especially preferred. Among these polyethylenes, HDPE (high density polyethylene), MDPE (medium density polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene), and VLDPE (very low density polyethylene) and blends of at least two of them are preferred. Suitable polymers preferably have a melt flow rate (MFR) in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 25 g / 10 min, preferably in the range of 2 g / 10 min to 20 g / 10 min, and particularly preferably in the range of 2.5 g / 10 min to 15 g / 10 min. Additionally or alternatively, it is preferred that the suitable polymer layer has a density of 0.890 g / cm 3to 0.980 g / cm 3 in the range of, preferably in the range of 0.895 g / cm 3 to 0.975 g / cm 3 and more preferably in the range of 0.900 g / cm 3 to 0.970 g / cm 3 The density in the range. These polymer layers preferably have at least one melting temperature in the range of 80 °C to 155 °C, preferably in the range of 90 °C to 145 °C, more preferably in the range of 95 °C to 135 °C.

[0323] Polyolefin

[0324] In the context of the present invention, preferred polyolefins are polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) or both. Preferred polyethylene is one selected from the group consisting of LDPE, LLDPE, and HDPE, or a combination of at least two of them. Another preferred polyolefin is m-polyolefin (polyolefin produced by means of a metallocene catalyst). Suitable polyethylene has a melt flow rate (MFI - melt flow index = MFR - melt flow rate) in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 25 g / 10 min, preferably in the range of 2 g / 10 min to 20 g / 10 min, and particularly preferably in the range of 2.5 g / 10 min to 15 g / 10 min, and / or in the range of 0.910 g / cm 3 to 0.935 g / cm 3 preferably in the range of 0.912 g / cm 3 to 0.932 g / cm 3 and more preferably in the range of 0.915 g / cm 3 to 0.930 g / cm 3 The density in the range.

[0325] m-polymer

[0326] The m-polymer is a polymer produced with the aid of a metallocene catalyst. A metallocene is an organometallic compound in which the central metal atom is located between two organic ligands, such as cyclopentadienyl ligands. Preferred m-polymers are m-olefins, preferably m-polyethylene (mPE) or m-polypropylene or both. Preferred m-polyethylene is one selected from the group consisting of mLDPE, mLLDPE and mHDPE, or a combination of at least two of them. Preferred m-olefins are characterized at least by a first melting temperature and a second melting temperature. Preferably, in addition to the first melting temperature and the second melting temperature, the m-olefins are also characterized by a third melting temperature. The preferred first melting temperature ranges from 84°C to 108°C, preferably from 89°C to 103°C, more preferably from 94°C to 98°C. The preferred second melting temperature ranges from 100°C to 124°C, preferably from 105°C to 119°C, more preferably from 110°C to 114°C.

[0327] Intermediate polymer layer

[0328] Preferably, the layer sequence of the sheet composite of the present invention includes an intermediate polymer layer disposed between the carrier layer and the barrier layer. The intermediate polymer layer preferably contains at least one (preferably thermoplastic) polymer in a proportion of at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, more preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 97% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight, even more preferably at least 99% by weight, most preferably 100% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the intermediate polymer layer. At least one polymer in the intermediate polymer layer is preferably at least one polyolefin. At least one polyolefin in the intermediate polymer layer is preferably polyethylene or polypropylene or a mixture of both. Preferably, the polyethylene in the intermediate polymer layer is LDPE.

[0329] Color application

[0330] Preferably, the color application is a printed layer or a decoration or both. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, the color application is provided between the outer polymer layer and the carrier layer, or is superimposed on the outer polymer layer on the side facing away from the carrier layer. In the latter case, the color application is preferably not superimposed by any layer of the sheet composite on the side facing away from the carrier layer. Preferably, the color application is adjacent to the outer polymer layer or the carrier layer or both. Preferably, the color application includes at least one colorant, more preferably at least 2 colorants, more preferably at least 3 colorants, more preferably at least 4 colorants, even more preferably at least 5 colorants, most preferably at least 6 colorants.

[0331] Colorant

[0332] Available colorants include solid colorants and liquid colorants known to those skilled in the art and applicable to the present invention. According to DIN 55943:2001-10, colorants are the general term for all coloring substances, especially dyes and pigments. Preferred colorants are pigments. Preferred pigments are organic pigments. Notable pigments in combination with the present invention are especially those mentioned in DIN 55943:2001-10, and those mentioned in "Industrial Organic Pigments, Third Edition" (Willy Herbst, Klaus Hunger Copyright © 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim ISBN: 3-527-30576-9). Pigments are colorants that are preferably insoluble in the application medium. Dyes are colorants that are preferably soluble in the application medium.

[0333] Adhesion promoter polymer / adhesion promoter layer

[0334] Hereinafter, the term "adhesion promoter layer" specifically refers to the first adhesion promoter layer and another adhesion promoter layer, but also refers to each other adhesion promoter layer of the sheet composite according to the present invention. The adhesion promoter layer is the layer in the sheet composite that contains a sufficient amount of at least one adhesion promoter polymer such that the adhesion promoter layer improves the adhesion between the layers adjacent to the adhesion promoter layer. Therefore, the adhesion promoter layer is preferably a polymer layer. The adhesion promoter layer can be located between every two layers in the sheet composite that are not adjacent to each other. Suitable adhesion promoter polymers in the adhesion promoter layer are all the following polymers: which, through functionalization achieved by means of suitable functional groups, are suitable for generating strong bonds by forming ionic or covalent bonds with the surface of the corresponding adjacent layer. Preferred adhesion promoter polymers are functionalized polyolefins. Preferred functionalized polyolefins are acrylic copolymers obtained by copolymerizing ethylene with acrylic acid (such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, acrylate, acrylate derivatives) or a double-bonded carboxylic anhydride (such as maleic anhydride) or at least two of them. Among them, polyethylene-maleic anhydride graft polymer (EMAH), ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer (EAA), or ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer (EMAA) are preferred, and these substances are sold under the trade names Bynel ® and Nucrel 0609HSA ® by DuPont, or under the trade name Escor 6000 ExCo ®Sold by ExxonMobile Chemicals. Particularly preferred adhesion promoter polymers are ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymers. The alkyl group is preferably a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl or pentyl group. Further preferably, the adhesion promoter layer may comprise a blend of two or more different ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymers. Also preferably, the ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymer may have two or more different alkyl groups in the acrylate functional group, for example, an ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymer in which both methyl acrylate units and ethyl acrylate units are present in the same copolymer.

[0335] According to the present invention, it is preferred that the adhesion force between the carrier layer, the polymer layer or the barrier layer and the corresponding next layer is at least 0.5 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 0.7 N / 15 mm, and particularly preferably at least 0.8 N / 15 mm. In one embodiment according to the present invention, it is preferred that the adhesion force between the polymer layer and the carrier layer is at least 0.3 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 0.5 N / 15 mm, and particularly preferably at least 0.7 N / 15 mm. Furthermore, it is preferred that the adhesion force between the barrier layer and the polymer layer is at least 0.8 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 1.0 N / 15 mm, and particularly preferably at least 1.4 N / 15 mm. In the case where the barrier layer indirectly follows the polymer layer via an adhesion promoter layer, it is preferred that the adhesion force between the barrier layer and the adhesion promoter layer is at least 1.8 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 2.2 N / 15 mm, and particularly preferably at least 2.8 N / 15 mm. In one embodiment, the adhesion force between the respective layers is so strong that the adhesion test results in tearing of the carrier layer, particularly in the case of cardboard as the carrier layer, resulting in so-called cardboard fiber tearing.

[0336] Outer surface

[0337] The outer surface of the sheet composite is the surface of the sheet composite that is intended to come into contact with the container environment in the container produced from the sheet composite. This does not contradict the fact that the outer surface in various regions of the composite folds onto itself and joins itself (e.g., self-seals) in various regions of the container.

[0338] Inner surface

[0339] The inner surface of the sheet composite is the surface of the sheet composite that is intended to come into contact with the container contents (preferably food or beverage products) in the container produced from the sheet composite.

[0340] Indentation line

[0341] In the context of the present invention, a groove or score line is a linear material modification that is intended to facilitate folding of a sheet composite material along the score line. Specifically, the score line is intended to allow for as precise a fold as possible along the score line. Thus, a closed container can be formed by folding a sheet composite material having a corresponding set of score lines along the score lines. The sheet composite material can include only one or include multiple such sets of score lines, each of which is arranged and configured to form a corresponding container. Preferably, all sets of score lines of the sheet composite material are the same.

[0342] The sheet composite material preferably has a depression along the score line on one side, preferably on the outer surface side, and the depression is preferably in the form of a material displacement. The sheet composite material preferably has a protrusion along the score line on the opposite side, preferably on the inner surface side.

[0343] In addition to the folding mentioned above, producing the container includes joining the surface areas of the sheet composite material that come into contact by folding. A scoring tool is used to introduce the score line into the sheet composite material, and this process is called scoring. In the context of the present invention, the scoring tool can be any tool suitable for scoring a sheet composite material or a carrier layer. For scoring, the scoring tool preferably includes a linear elevation having the shape of a linear depression. By bringing the sheet composite material or the carrier layer into contact with this linear elevation, a linear depression can be introduced into the sheet composite material or the carrier layer. Thus, the scoring tool can also be called a pressing tool. As a counterpart to the male die tool mentioned above, the scoring tool can also include a female die tool. The female die tool includes a linear recess, which can also be called groove-shaped. The linear recess preferably has the shape of the linear elevation of the male die tool in the direction of its linear extension and is further configured to at least partially receive the material of the sheet composite material or the carrier layer that is displaced by the male die tool during scoring.

[0344] Extrusion / extruder <s

[0345] In the context of the present invention, every extruder known to the person skilled in the art and seemingly suitable for the purposes of the present invention is taken into consideration. An extruder is a device for shaping a substance by forcing the substance (preferably a polymeric substance) through a shaping orifice. A preferred extruder is a screw extruder. In melt extrusion coating, the mass in the form of a lump is applied by forcing the molten mass through the shaping orifice of an extruder onto a substrate, thereby obtaining a planar layer of the mass superposed on the substrate. In the case where the polymer composition is in the form of a lump, the lump is preferably melted for extrusion coating. During extrusion, the polymer is typically heated to a temperature of from 210 °C to 350 °C, which is measured at the molten polymer film below the exit of the die of the extruder. Extrusion can be carried out with the aid of commercially available extrusion tools known to the person skilled in the art, such as extruders, extruder screws, feed blocks, etc. Preferably, at the end of the extruder there is an orifice through which the polymer melt is extruded. The orifice can have any shape that allows the polymer melt to be extruded. For example, the orifice can be angular, oval or circular. Preferably, the orifice has the shape of a funnel groove. After the melt layer has been applied to the substrate by the above-described method, for heat-setting purposes, the melt layer is allowed to cool, this cooling preferably being effected by quenching by surface contact with a surface maintained at a temperature in the range from 5 °C to 50 °C, more preferably maintained in the range from 10 °C to 30 °C. Subsequently, at least the flank is separated from the surface. This separation can be carried out in any manner familiar to the person skilled in the art and seemingly suitable in order to separate the flank quickly, as accurately as possible and cleanly. Preferably, the separation is carried out by means of a knife, a laser beam or a water jet or a combination of two or more of these means, with the use of a knife, in particular a spatula, being particularly preferred.

[0346] Lamination

[0347] Preformed films or layers, such as preferably a carrier layer and a barrier layer, can be joined to one another by lamination. In this case, the preformed layer or film is joined by means of one or more suitable laminating agents. Preferred laminating agents comprise the following polymer compositions, preferably consisting of the following polymer compositions: from the polymer compositions a polymer layer can be obtained, preferably a first adhesion promoter layer or an intermediate polymer layer can be obtained. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the layer sequence includes an intermediate polymer layer between the carrier layer and the barrier layer.

[0348] Joining

[0349] Any joining method that appears suitable to those skilled in the art for use in accordance with the present invention and by which a sufficiently strong connection can be obtained can be considered in the context of the present invention. Preferred joining methods are material-to-material joining methods. A material-to-material joint is understood herein as a joint between joining partners that is produced by an attraction between or within materials. Such a joint must be distinguished from form-fitting joints and friction-fit joints that are produced, in particular, by geometry or friction. Preferred material-to-material joining methods can be one selected from the group consisting of sealing, welding, gluing, and pressing, or a combination of at least two of them. In the case of sealing and welding, the joint is produced by means of a liquid and its solidification. In the case of gluing, chemical bonds are formed between the surfaces of the two objects to be joined, and these chemical bonds produce the joint. In the case of sealing, welding, or gluing, it is generally advantageous to press the surfaces to be joined together. Preferably, pressing two layers is to press the corresponding first surface of the first of the two layers onto the second surface facing the first surface of the second of the two layers over at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, still more preferably at least 80%, still more preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 95% of the first surface. Particularly preferred joints are sealing or welding. Preferred sealing or welding includes contact, heating, and pressing steps, where these steps are preferably carried out in this order. Another order can also be envisaged, in particular the order of heating, contact, and pressing.

[0350] Food or beverage product

[0351] In the context of the present invention, the sheet composite material and the container precursor are preferably designed for the production of containers for food or beverage products. Furthermore, the closed container according to the present invention is preferably a container for food or beverage products. Food and beverage products include all kinds of foods and beverages known to those skilled in the art for human consumption, and also include animal feed. Preferred food and beverage products are liquids above 5 °C, such as dairy products, soups, sauces, and non-carbonated beverages.

[0352] Container precursor

[0353] A container precursor is a preparatory stage of a container, which is produced during the production of a (preferably closed) container from at least a sheet-like composite material. The container precursor is preferably integral. The container precursor includes a longitudinal seam. In the longitudinal seam, a first longitudinal edge of the sheet-like composite material contacts and joins to another longitudinal edge of the sheet-like composite material. Thus, the length of the longitudinal seam is in the longitudinal direction of the container precursor. The longitudinal seam includes, from the inside of the container precursor towards the outside of the container precursor: a first layer of the sheet-like composite material, a second layer of the sheet-like composite material superposed on the first layer, and a third layer of the sheet-like composite material joined to the second layer. The first layer and the second layer are formed by the first longitudinal edge, which folds itself, thereby forming a hem fold. The third layer is formed by the other longitudinal edge. Preferably, the first layer and the second layer are adjacent to each other along the hem fold. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, in the longitudinal seam, the outer surface of the first layer faces the second layer and the third layer. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, in the longitudinal seam, the outer surface of the second layer faces the first layer, and the inner surface of the second layer faces the third layer. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, in the longitudinal seam, the inner surface of the third layer faces the first layer and the second layer. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, in the longitudinal seam, the outer surface of the first layer contacts the outer surface of the second layer. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, in the longitudinal seam, the inner surface of the second layer contacts the inner surface of the third layer, preferably joined to the inner surface of the third layer. The first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are all layers of the same sheet-like composite material, i.e., they are integral. However, one or more layers of the sheet-like composite material may have been modified in one or more of these layers, for example, by reducing the layer thickness or even removing from the corresponding layer.

[0354] A preferred container precursor includes a sheet-like composite material, i.e., the container precursor includes a complete sheet-like composite material. Here, the sheet-like composite material is preferably designed for the production of a single (preferably closed) container. Preferably, the container precursor is designed for the production of a single (preferably closed) container. The sheet-like composite material is preferably a blank cut to a certain size for the production of a single (preferably closed) container. Preferably, the container precursor consists of the blank. Preferably, in each case, the sheet-like composite material includes at least 2 folds, more preferably at least 3 folds, even more preferably at least 4 folds, and most preferably exactly 4 folds in addition to the hem fold.

[0355] Preferably, in each case, the sheet-shaped composite material includes, in addition to the hem fold extending also in the longitudinal direction, at least 2 longitudinal folds, more preferably at least 3 longitudinal folds, even more preferably at least 4 longitudinal folds, and most preferably exactly 4 longitudinal folds. The aforementioned (preferably longitudinal) folds in addition to the hem fold are preferably but not necessarily arranged and configured to form the (preferably longitudinal) edges of a (preferably closed) container formed at least in part by the container precursor. The longitudinal seam preferably extends from the first transverse edge of the sheet-shaped composite material to the other transverse edge of the sheet-shaped composite material, which other transverse edge is opposite the first transverse edge in the longitudinal direction of the sheet-shaped composite material. Preferably, the longitudinal seam extends from the first cut edge of the first transverse edge to the other cut edge of the other transverse edge. Preferably, the sheet-shaped composite material includes only one set of score lines in the carrier layer, wherein a single (preferably closed) container can be obtained from the sheet-shaped composite material by folding the sheet-shaped composite material along the score lines of the set of score lines and joining the surface areas of the sheet-shaped composite material to each other. The preferred container precursor designed for producing a single container has a sleeve-like shape. Here, the container precursor is preferably designed for producing a single (preferably closed) container by the sleeve method. In this case, the container precursor is also referred to as a sleeve. Preferably, the sleeve is open at the top region of the container precursor or at the base region of the container precursor or at both. The top region of the container precursor is the region of the container precursor designed to produce the top region of the container by folding the sheet-shaped composite material and joining the surface areas of the sheet-shaped composite material to each other. The base region of the container precursor is the region of the container precursor designed to produce the base region of the container.

[0356] Another preferred container precursor only includes a region of the sheet composite material, i.e., not the entire sheet composite material. A preferred region of the sheet composite material is a section of the sheet composite material. This section is a region that extends in the transverse direction from the first longitudinal edge of the sheet composite material all the way to the other longitudinal edge of the sheet composite material. The preferred region of the sheet composite material (which is not part of the container precursor) preferably does not have a longitudinal seam and is preferably rolled up to form a roll. Here, the sheet composite material is preferably designed for producing a plurality of (preferably closed) containers. Preferably, the container precursor is designed for producing a plurality of (preferably closed) containers. Preferably, the sheet composite material is in the form of a web. The web is preferably semi-infinite, or segmented and rolled up to form a roll, or both. Preferably, the container precursor is constituted by a region of the sheet composite material, more preferably by a section of the sheet composite material. Preferably, the sheet composite material does not include any longitudinal folds other than hem folds. Further preferably, the sheet composite material is not folded other than hem folds. The longitudinal seam preferably does not extend from the first transverse edge of the sheet composite material all the way to the other transverse edge, which is opposite the first transverse edge in the longitudinal direction. Instead, the section of the sheet composite material includes a longitudinal seam. Preferably, the section of the sheet composite material including the longitudinal seam has a tubular shape. Here, the container precursor is preferably designed for producing at least one (preferably closed) container, more preferably a plurality of (preferably closed) containers, in each case by the tube method. Preferably, the sheet composite material does not include any longitudinal folds other than hem folds. Further preferably, the sheet composite material is preferably not folded other than hem folds. Preferably, the sheet composite material is not folded but bent to form a tubular shape. Preferably, the sheet composite material includes a plurality of sets of indentation lines in the carrier layer, where for each of these sets of indentation lines, a (preferably closed) container can be obtained from a region (preferably a section) of the sheet composite material by folding the region along the indentation lines of the set of indentation lines and joining the surface areas of the region to each other. Preferably, the container precursor (especially in tubular shape) accommodates food or beverage products.

[0357] Hem folding

[0358] In a longitudinal seam, a first longitudinal edge of the sheet composite material is superimposed on another longitudinal edge on one side of the other longitudinal edge of the sheet composite material, and this side faces the inside of the container precursor or the container respectively. This means that if no countermeasure is taken, the cut edge of the first longitudinal edge will be exposed to the inside and thus to the contents of the container. This countermeasure is hemming. In the art, hemming means folding the first longitudinal edge so that the cut edge of the first longitudinal edge stays on the outer surface of the sheet composite material at the first longitudinal edge. Thus, the hemming fold (i.e., the fold line of the hemming fold) extends in the longitudinal direction and thus extends substantially parallel to the length of the longitudinal seam. The hemming fold prevents the cut edge of the first longitudinal edge from being exposed to the inside of the container.

[0359] Container

[0360] The container according to the invention can have many different forms, but preferably has a substantially cubic structure. In addition, the entire area of the container can be formed by the sheet composite material, or can have a two-part or multi-part construction. In terms of the multi-part construction, it is conceivable that, in addition to the sheet composite material, other materials such as plastics are used, which can be used especially in the top region or the base region of the container. However, in this context, it is preferred that the container is formed of the sheet composite material to an extent of at least 50%, particularly preferably at least 70%, and further preferably at least 90% of the area. In a preferred construction, the container according to the invention has at least one edge, preferably, the number of container edges ranges from 4 to 22, particularly preferably from 7 to 12. In the context of the present invention, an edge is understood to mean a region that appears during the folding of the sheet composite material. Examples of edges include the longitudinal contact region between two wall areas of the container, which is also referred to herein as the longitudinal edge. In the container, the container wall is preferably the container area framed by the edge. Preferably, the inside of the container according to the invention houses food or beverage products. Preferably, the closed container does not include any lid or base that is not integrally formed with the sheet composite material, or does not include both. The preferred closed container houses food or beverage products. The preferred closed container is a food or beverage product container, or a dimensionally stable container, or both.

[0361] Edge

[0362] In the present context, an edge or fold is defined as the following linear region of a sheet-like composite material: it is formed by folding the sheet-like composite material, and in each case, at this linear region, two (preferably flat) regions of the sheet-like composite material are adjacent to each other. These edges should be distinguished from cut edges. In the present context, a cut edge is a linear region of the sheet-like composite material that laterally delimits the size of the sheet-like composite material. The term "cut edge" in the present context does not necessarily mean that the sheet-like composite material has actually been cut. The region of the sheet-like composite material that extends along the cut edge and forms the region near the cut edge is referred to herein as the rim.

[0363] Longitudinal and transverse

[0364] Regarding the folding, rims, and seams of a sheet-like composite material (such as a sheet-like composite material in roll form (i.e., in a rolled-up state) or in web form) for producing a plurality of (preferably closed) containers, the term "longitudinal" means the length direction of the sheet-like composite material. Regarding the folding and rims of a sheet-like composite material for producing a single (preferably closed) container, in particular a blank of a sheet-like composite material, the term "longitudinal" means the height direction of the container to be made from the sheet-like composite material. In each case, a first longitudinal rim is opposite to another longitudinal rim in the transverse direction of the sheet-like composite material. Regarding the folding, seams, and edges of a container precursor, the term "longitudinal" means the height direction of the container to be made from the container precursor. Regarding the seams and edges of a container, the term "longitudinal" means the height direction of the container. Regarding the score lines of a set of score lines, the term "longitudinal" means the height direction of the container, which can be obtained by folding along the score lines of the set of score lines and joining the surface regions to each other. In each case, "transverse" means in the same plane as "longitudinal" but perpendicular to "longitudinal".

[0365] Method step

[0366] The method steps of the method according to the present invention are carried out in the order of their symbols. In principle, method steps with symbols that immediately follow each other can be carried out one after another, simultaneously, or overlapping in time. If multiple operations are carried out in the same method step, unless otherwise stated, these operations can be carried out in any order, simultaneously, or overlapping in time.

[0367] Test method

[0368] The following test methods are used in the context of the present invention. Unless otherwise indicated, the measurements are carried out at an ambient temperature of 23 °C, an ambient air pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm), and a relative air humidity of 50%.

[0369] Prepare partial sheet composite material

[0370] A test sample is cut from the sheet composite using a lever safety cutter. For this purpose, the un-folded and un-slotted area of the sheet composite is used. The width of the strip is 15 mm and the strip length is 230 mm. The corresponding test strip within the carrier layer is carefully pulled apart, thereby manually separating the test strip, and then the remaining cardboard fibers in the separated part of the sheet composite are carefully removed using a brush wetted with water. For testing, the test sample thus prepared can be further cut into the required size.

[0371] Separate the individual layers

[0372] If the individual polymer layers of the laminate are to be examined separately herein, the polymer layer to be examined is first separated from the laminate as described below. Three samples of the sheet composite are cut to a certain size. For this purpose, unless otherwise indicated, the un-folded and un-slotted area of the sheet composite is used. Unless otherwise indicated, these samples have a size of 4 cm × 4 cm. If other sizes of the layer to be examined are required for the examination to be carried out, a sample large enough is cut from the laminate. The layer to be examined is separated from each of the aforementioned samples. Specifically, in order to release the joint between the layers, which joint is located on the side of the barrier layer facing the outer surface of the sheet composite, such as the joint between the outer polymer layer and the carrier layer, these samples are introduced into an acetic acid bath (30% acetic acid solution: 30 wt% CH3COOH, the balance made up to 100 wt% with H2O) and heated to 60 °C for 30 minutes. This causes the layers to separate from each other. If necessary, the layers can also be carefully pulled apart by hand. If the required layer cannot be separated easily enough, as an alternative, new samples of the above dimensions are used and these samples are treated as described above in an ethanol bath (99% ethanol). If residues of the carrier layer (especially in the case where the cardboard layer is the carrier layer) are present on the layer to be examined, these residues are carefully removed using a brush. In any case, a sample large enough to support the examination to be carried out (an area of 4 cm 2 ) is cut from each of the three films of the layer to be examined prepared as described above. Then these samples are stored at 23 °C for 4 hours and thus dried. Subsequently, the three samples can be examined. Unless otherwise indicated, the examination result is the arithmetic mean of the results of the three samples.

[0373] Tensile strength of partial sheet composite material

[0374] The material to be tested is conditioned for 24 hours under standard climatic conditions (23 °C, 50 % relative humidity). The test is also carried out under standard climatic conditions. The tensile strength is determined by a tensile test using a universal tensile testing machine Tira test 28025 (Tira GmbH; Eisfelder Straße 23 / 25; 96528 Schalkau, Germany; load cell: 1 kN) in accordance with DIN EN ISO 1924-2:2009-05. For this purpose, 10 samples with dimensions of 15 mm × 180 mm are prepared from the partial sheet-like composite material to be tested. In each case, 5 sample pieces are measured in the first composite direction and 5 other sample pieces are measured in the other composite direction. For each measurement, the sample is clamped in the tensile testing machine in the direction of the layer to be tested (clamping length: 40 mm). The test speed is: V1 = 100 mm / min. For each sample, a force-elongation diagram is obtained. If the diagram shows a local maximum of the force during the elongation of the sample before the sample further elongates and finally breaks, the tensile strength value of the sample is the force at this local maximum divided by the width of the sample (15 mm). If the force-elongation diagram of the sample does not show a local maximum of the force before the sample tears, i.e., if the force increases monotonically until the sample breaks, the tensile strength value of the sample is the maximum force at this local maximum divided by the width of the sample (15 mm). Thus, in each case, the tensile strength is the maximum tensile force per unit width that the partial sheet-like composite material withstands before breaking, in accordance with section 3.1 of DIN EN ISO 1924-2:2009-05. Thus, the tensile strength of the partial sheet-like composite material is reported in kN / m. For each test direction, the arithmetic mean is calculated from the values obtained for the 5 samples. The tensile strengths in the first layer direction and the other layer direction are these arithmetic means.

[0375] Tensile strength of barrier layer

[0376] If the barrier layer is present as part of a laminate, the barrier layer to be tested is first separated from the other layers of the laminate. The separated barrier layer is conditioned for 24 hours under standard climatic conditions (23 °C, 50 % relative humidity). This test is also carried out under standard climatic conditions. The tensile strength is determined by a tensile test using a universal tensile testing machine Tira test 28025 (Tira GmbH; Eisfelder Straße 23 / 25; 96528 Schalkau, Germany; load cell: 1 kN) in accordance with DIN EN ISO 1924-2:2009-05. For this purpose, 10 specimens with dimensions of 15 mm × 180 mm are prepared from the barrier layer to be tested. In each case, 5 specimen strips are measured in the first barrier layer direction and another 5 specimen strips are measured in the other barrier layer direction. For each measurement, the specimen is clamped in the tensile testing machine in the direction of the layer to be tested (clamping length: 40 mm). The test speed is: V1 = 100 mm / min. For each direction, the arithmetic mean value is calculated from the values obtained for the 5 specimens. The tensile strength in the first barrier layer direction and in the other barrier layer direction are these arithmetic mean values. The difference from section 3.1 of DIN EN ISO 1924-2:2009-05 is that the tensile strength of the barrier layer is reported as the maximum tensile force per unit surface area of the specimen cross-section (length × width) that the corresponding barrier layer has withstood before breakage. Thus, the tensile strength of the barrier layer is reported in MPa.

[0377] Young's modulus of barrier layer

[0378] The separated barrier layer is conditioned for 24 hours under standard climatic conditions (23 °C, 50 % relative humidity). This test is also carried out under standard climatic conditions. The Young's modulus is determined using a universal tensile testing machine Tira test 28025 (Tira GmbH; Eisfelder Straße 23 / 25; 96528 Schalkau, Germany; load cell: 1 kN) in accordance with DIN EN ISO 1924-2:2009-05. For this purpose, 10 specimens with dimensions of 15 mm × 180 mm are prepared from the barrier layer to be tested. In each case, 5 specimen strips are measured in the first barrier layer direction and another 5 specimen strips are measured in the other barrier layer direction. For each measurement, the specimen is clamped in the tensile testing machine in the direction of the layer to be tested (clamping length: 40 mm). The test speed is: V1 = 100 mm / min. For each direction, the arithmetic mean value is calculated from the values obtained for the 5 specimens. The Young's modulus in the first barrier layer direction and in the other barrier layer direction are these arithmetic mean values. The Young's modulus is the parameter defined as the modulus of elasticity in section 3.8 of DIN EN ISO 1924-2:2009-05.

[0379] Tensile stiffness of partial sheet composite material

[0380] The partial sheet-shaped composite material is conditioned for 24 hours under standard climatic conditions (23 °C, 50% relative humidity). This test is also carried out under standard climatic conditions. For this test, the Young's modulus is determined according to DIN EN ISO 1924-2:2009-05 using a universal tensile testing machine Tira test 28025 (Tira GmbH; Eisfelder Straße 23 / 25; 96528 Schalkau, Germany; load cell: 1 kN). For this purpose, 10 samples with dimensions of 15 mm × 180 mm are prepared from the partial sheet-shaped composite material to be tested. Before the tensile test, the thickness of each sample is determined as described in the following test method. In each case, 5 sample sheets are measured in the first composite direction and another 5 sample sheets are measured in the other composite direction. For each measurement, the sample is clamped in the tensile testing machine in the direction to be tested (clamping length: 40 mm). The test speed is: V1 = 100 mm / min. Each Young's modulus measured in this way is multiplied by the thickness of the corresponding sample. The result is 5 tensile stiffness values for each direction. For each direction, the arithmetic mean is calculated from these 5 tensile stiffness values. The tensile stiffness in the first composite direction and the other composite direction is these arithmetic means. The Young's modulus is the parameter defined as the modulus of elasticity in section 3.8 of DIN EN ISO 1924-2:2009-05.

[0381] Layer thickness and thickness of partial sheet composite material

[0382] A sheet-shaped composite material sample or a partial sheet-shaped composite material sample with the layer to be tested (each having a surface area of 0.5 cm 2 is used together with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine the layer thickness and the thickness of the partial sheet-shaped composite material. A cross-section through the layer structure of the sheet-shaped composite material or the partial sheet-shaped composite material is prepared manually with a blade (Leica Microtome Blades 819). The cross-section is sputtered with gold (Cressington 108auto, obtained from Cressington Scientific Instruments Ltd., Watford, UK) and then placed in a high vacuum (pressure < 7.0·10 -5Analysis was carried out by SEM (Quanta 450, FEI Deutschland GmbH, Frankfurt) under Pa). The layer thickness of each layer or the thickness of the partial sheet composite was determined using the "xT Microscope Control" software (version 6.2.11.3381, FEI Company, Frankfurt, Germany), respectively. The layer thickness was reported as the average layer thickness. Therefore, three samples were measured as described above, and the arithmetic mean was obtained from the three results.

[0383] Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of sheet material

[0384] The oxygen transmission rate of sheet materials such as barrier layers, partial sheet composites, and sheet composites was determined according to standard ASTM D3985-05 (2010). Unless otherwise specified, the samples were taken from the unslotted and un-folded areas of the material to be tested. In addition, the samples were tested with the side facing the outer surface of the laminate facing the test gas. The area of the sample was 50 cm 2 . The measurement was carried out at an ambient temperature of 23 °C, an ambient air pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm), and a relative air humidity of 50%. The test instrument was an Ox-Tran 2 / 22 obtained from Mocon (Neuwied, Germany). The measurement was carried out without compressed air compensation. For the measurement, samples at ambient temperature were used. In addition, the measurement was carried out with 0% oxygen on the sample side facing the inner surface of the laminate and 100% oxygen on the opposite side, i.e., the sample side facing the outer surface of the laminate. The additional settings and factors affecting the measurement (especially the remaining settings and factors listed in point 16 of standard ASTM D**************

[0385] Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of container

[0386] To determine the oxygen transmission rate of the container, a hole was drilled in the side plate of the filled and closed container. The size of the hole was 10 mm × 40 mm. The container was evacuated through this hole. Then, a metal plate with pipe fittings serving as gas inlet and gas outlet was placed on the hole of the container so that the hole was completely covered by the plate. The gas inlet and gas outlet extended through the hole into the interior of the container. To obtain an airtight connection between the plate and the container, epoxy resin, i.e., Devcon 5 Minute produced by ITW Engineered Polymers, was used. ®Epoxy resin is used as the sealing compound. The resulting setup is shown in Figure 16. Additionally, the container is connected via a pipe fitting to an Ox-tran 2 / 21 type measuring device (Mocon, Neuwied, Germany). The device operates according to the software attached to the device. OTR measurements are carried out using an Ox-tran 12 / 21 type device (Mocon, Neuwied, Germany) and the corresponding software. Among them, the measurements are carried out according to standard ASTM D3985 (2010), DIN 53380-3 (1998-07), ASTM F-2622, Appendix C of ISO 14663-2 or ISO 15105-2 (2003-02). The measurements are continuously carried out at 23 °C and 50% relative air humidity for 24 hours. Five containers with the same structure and produced in the same way are prepared and studied as described above, and the arithmetic mean is calculated, expressed in terms of the number of ml of O2 volume / (package · year).

[0387] Water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of sheet material

[0388] The water vapor transmission rate of sheet materials (such as barrier layers, partial sheet composites, and sheet composites) is determined according to standard ASTM F1249-13. Unless otherwise indicated, the samples are taken from the unslotted and un-folded areas of the material to be tested. In addition, the samples are tested with the side facing the elevated humidity on the side facing the inner surface in the laminate (the side facing the container contents). The measurement area of the sample is 50 cm 2 . The measurements are carried out at an ambient temperature of 23 °C, an ambient air pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm), with a relative air humidity of 50% on the sample side facing the outer surface in the laminate, and a relative air humidity of 0% on the opposite sample side (i.e., the sample side facing the inner surface in the laminate). The test instrument is a 3 / 33 type Permatran - W obtained from Mocon (Neuwied, Germany). For the measurements, samples at ambient temperature are used. The additional settings and factors affecting the measurements (especially the remaining settings and factors listed in point 12 of standard ASTM F1249-13) are defined by the instrument used and its correct use and maintenance protocol according to the manufacturer's manual.

[0389] Water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of container

[0390] To determine the oxygen transmission rate of the container, a hole is made in the side plate of the filled and closed container. The size of the hole is 10 mm × 40 mm. The container is evacuated through this hole and left for drying. After the inside of the container has been dried, a metal plate with pipe fittings serving as a gas inlet and a gas outlet is placed over this hole of the container such that the hole is completely covered by the plate. The gas inlet and the gas outlet extend through the hole into the interior of the container. To obtain an airtight connection between the plate and the container, an epoxy resin, namely Devcon 5 Minute produced by ITW Engineered Polymers, is used ® as a sealing compound. The resulting setup is shown in Figure 16. Additionally, the container is connected via the pipe fittings to a 3 / 33 type Permatran-W measuring device obtained from Mocon (Neuwied, Germany). This device is operated according to the software supplied with the device. The WVTR is determined in accordance with the ASTM F1249-13 standard. The measurement surface of the sample corresponds to the sample surface facing the inner surface in the laminate. The measurement is carried out at an ambient temperature of 23 °C, an ambient air pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm), and an ambient (outside the container) relative humidity of 50%. At the start of the measurement, the relative humidity in the container is 0%. The measuring instrument is a 3 / 33 type Permatran-W obtained from Mocon (Neuwied, Germany). For the measurement, a sample with the ambient temperature is used. The additional settings and influencing factors for the measurement (especially the other factors listed in point 12 of ASTM F1249-13) are pre-determined by the measuring instrument used and its proper use and maintenance protocol according to the manufacturer's manual. The obtained WVTR value is converted to cm 2 number·year of the container wall (inside).

[0391] Liquid tightness

[0392] Use Shell Chemicals' crystal oil 60 containing methylene blue as a test reagent for testing the liquid tightness of the test container. To determine whether a certain container type (shape, structure, and production method) is liquid tight, 250 identical containers of this container type were tested. Each of these 250 containers was cut along its circumference to obtain a first open cup-shaped container part containing the sealed container base and a second open cup-shaped container part containing the sealed container top. The first container part with the container base and the second container part with the container top were first emptied respectively, and then filled with a certain amount of test reagent sufficient to completely cover the bottom of the corresponding cup-shaped container part. Then these parts of the container were stored for 24 hours. After the storage time, the outer sides of each container part were visually inspected to observe whether the test reagent produced a blue discoloration indicating leakage there. If in this test, no more than 1 of the 500 container parts of these 250 identical containers showed such discoloration, these containers were considered liquid tight.

[0393] MFR value

[0394] The MFR value (mass-based melt flow rate, in g / 10min) was measured according to standard DIN EN ISO 1133-1:2012-03 (measured at 190 °C with 2.16 kg unless otherwise indicated). Among them, method A defined in this standard was used, that is, a standardized extrusion tool was applied. The samples were conditioned according to DIN EN ISO 1872-1. The sample mass and the time interval for cutting the extrudate were selected according to Table 4 on page 16 of DIN EN ISO1133-1:2012-03. The mass was determined with an accuracy of 0.1 g according to the note under index c below Table 4.

[0395] Density

[0396] The density was measured according to standard DIN EN ISO 1183-1:2012-04. Among them, method B (Section 5.2 of this standard) was used, that is, a pycnometer was applied. The samples to be studied were conditioned according to DIN EN ISO 1872-1:199-10. Distilled water was used as the immersion liquid. The test temperature was 23 °C. No buoyancy correction was applied.

[0397] Scott Bond value

[0398] The Scott Bond value was determined according to Tappi 569.

[0399] Melting temperature

[0400] Prepare samples for differential scanning calorimetry (DSC):

[0401] For one layer of the laminate, the material to be investigated is separated from the other layers of the laminate as described above. At least 1.0 mg of the sample is weighed using a Kern 770 precision balance obtained from Kern & Sohn GmbH (Balingen, Germany). For this purpose, the empty DSC pan is placed on the balance and tared. Then the sample is weighed. Subsequently, the DSC pan is closed with a lid on a press. The lid should have small holes so that the pan does not deform during the DSC measurement. The sample and the crucible must not deform during the DSC measurement. During sample preparation, care must be taken not to touch the sample and the crucible by hand.

[0402] Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC):

[0403] The melting temperature is determined according to Standard DIN EN ISO 11357-3:2011(E). Differential scanning calorimetry is carried out according to Standard DIN EN ISO 11357-1 (here the version 11357-1:2010-03), as described therein by reference. In addition to the content given in or deviations from this standard, the following details also apply. The calorimeter is a DSC 8000 from PerkinElmer Inc. In this DSC method, the heat flow is measured as a function of temperature. Thus, the graph of this measurement shows the heat flow (dQ / dt) on the vertical axis as a function of the temperature (T) on the horizontal axis. The endothermic direction is always upwards, as shown in Note 2 of Section 3.1 of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03. According to Section 4.2 of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03, heat flow differential calorimetry is carried out. In this case, the reference crucible is always empty, and according to Section 3.10 of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03, the reference position is always used for temperature. However, the reference crucible must always be used. The purge gas used (Sections 5.5 and 9.1.2 of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03) is nitrogen. Before each measurement, the DSC instrument is calibrated using the calibration substances (Sections 3.2 and 5.4 of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03) indium and zinc (according to Appendix C of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03) in accordance with Sections 8.2 to 8.4 of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03. As recommended in 8.4.2 of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03, indium is used as the calibration substance for thermal calibration. The crucibles are fed into the calorimeter via an autosampler. Details about the sample (name, weight, measurement method, position on the autosampler, storage location) are entered via an editor. The measurement is carried out in dynamic mode (3.9.5 of DIN EN ISO 11357-1:2010-03). In this case, the sample is pre-treated by first heating it from 35 °C to 160 °C at 20 °C / min and then holding this temperature for 1 minute. Thereafter, the sample is cooled to 35 °C at 2 °C / min. After that, the measurement process is carried out at a heating rate of 20 °C / min up to 160 °C.

[0404] Evaluation:

[0405] To evaluate the measurement, only use the second heating curve described above. This curve can be selected at "Heat Flow" below "Curves" in the menu. The selected curve is blue and the remaining data is red, and can be removed via "Remove Curve". Then, the melting temperature can be determined from this data by selecting "Peak Area" in the menu "Calculation". Mark the peak and then it will be automatically evaluated. The number of melting temperatures of the sample is exactly the same as the number of endothermic peaks of its second heating curve. If the sample has more than one peak, i.e., more than one melting temperature, then in any case mentioned in this text, the peak at the lowest temperature among these peaks means the single melting temperature.

[0406] Residual moisture content of cardboard and moisture content of barrier layer

[0407] Measure the residual moisture content of the cardboard and the moisture content of the barrier layer according to the ISO 287:2009 standard.

[0408] Adhesion

[0409] Fix two adjacent layers on a rotatable roller that rotates at 40 mm / min during measurement in a 90° peel test instrument (such as the "German rotating wheel fixture" of Instron), and thus determine their adhesion. The sample has been pre-cut into strips 15 mm wide. On one side of the sample, separate the thin layers from each other and hold the separated ends in a tensile device with the vertical pointing upwards. Attach a measuring instrument for determining the tensile force to this tensile device. When the roller rotates, measure the force required to separate the thin layers from each other. This force corresponds to the adhesion between the layers and is reported in N / 15 mm. The separation of the layers can be achieved, for example, mechanically or by means of a controlled pretreatment, such as by immersing the sample in 30% acetic acid at 60 °C for 3 minutes.

[0410] Colorant detection

[0411] Detection of organic colorants can be carried out according to the method described in "Industrial Organic Pigments, Third Edition" (Willy Herbst, Klaus Hunger Copyright © 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim ISBN: 3-527-30576-9). Examples

[0412] The present invention will be described in more detail below by way of examples and drawings, where these examples and drawings are not meant to impose any limitation on the present invention. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0413] Laminated structure

[0414] For the examples (according to the present invention) and comparative examples (not according to the present invention), laminates having the layer structures and layer sequences specified in Tables 1 and 2 below were prepared. The difference between the laminates of the examples and comparative examples lies essentially in the choice of the barrier layer. Other differences only relate to the layers directly adjacent to the barrier layer. In both cases, these layers were chosen to achieve the best adhesion of the carrier layer to the barrier layer. In this way, the influence of differences in adhesion on the container sealability should be avoided.

[0415]

[0416] Table 1 : Layer structure for the laminate of the example

[0417]

[0418] Table 2 : Layer structure for the laminate of the comparative example

[0419] Laminated production

[0420] The laminates of the examples and comparative examples were prepared using an extrusion coating system obtained from Davis Standard. To apply each layer by melt extrusion coating, the polymer was placed in an extruder and melted. The resulting melt was transferred via a feed block to a nozzle and then extruded and coated onto a substrate. The extrusion temperature here was in the range of about 280 °C to 330 °C. The carrier layer and the barrier layer were each provided in the form of a web. The outer polymer layer was applied directly to the carrier layer by melt extrusion coating. The barrier layer was laminated together with the intermediate polymer layer and, where applicable, a first adhesion promoter layer as a laminating agent to the carrier layer that had been pre-coated with the outer polymer layer. Subsequently, another adhesion promoter layer, another inner polymer layer, and a first inner polymer layer were co-extrusion coated onto the barrier layer. By the foregoing method, laminates of the examples and comparative examples were obtained in the form of webs as Figure 4 shown. In each case, the processing direction (MD) of the corresponding barrier layer was in the length direction of the sheet composite web.

[0421] Container production

[0422] Figure 12A closed container of the type shown is made of the laminate prepared as described above. For each of the examples and comparative examples, two different variants of the sleeve method (sleeve method 1 and 2) were used to prepare the closed container.

[0423] Sleeve method 1:

[0424] A plurality of sets of score lines are introduced into the web by a slitting method. Here, these sets of score lines are configured and oriented as Figure 5 shown. The slit web is cut into a plurality of blanks for individual containers by die-cutting. The blanks have the Figure 7 form shown. Here, the longitudinal direction 708 of each blank 700 is at a 90° angle to the processing direction of the barrier layer. The first longitudinal edge of each blank is folded along the longitudinal score line to form a hem fold, thereby obtaining a hem fold. By further folding along the other 4 longitudinal score lines of each blank and heat-air sealing the overlapping folded surfaces (the first longitudinal edge and the other longitudinal edge), a container precursor in the form of a sleeve as Figure 9 shown is obtained (see also the description of the Figure 8 method for preparing the container precursor). These sleeves are used to produce the Figure 12 closed container in the cube shape shown in a CFA 712 standard filling machine obtained from SIG Combibloc (Rinnig, Germany). This is achieved by the Figure 11 [[ID= eighteen]]method, where water is used for food or beverage products.

[0425] Sleeve method 2:

[0426] Sleeve method 2 is the same as sleeve method 1 except for the following aspects: The score lines in the plurality of sets of score lines introduced into the web are configured and oriented as Figure 6 shown. Thus, the longitudinal direction 708 of each blank is parallel to the processing direction (MD) of the barrier layer.

[0427] Evaluation

[0428] The tensile strength of the barrier layer used in the examples and comparative examples was measured in the MD (processing direction of the corresponding barrier layer) and CD (transverse direction of the corresponding barrier layer) before processing the barrier layer to produce the laminate. Additionally, as described above in the test method section, partial sheet composites were prepared from the laminates of the examples and comparative examples. The tensile strength of the partial sheet composites was also measured in the MD and CD of the corresponding barrier layer. In each case, the ratio of the tensile strength in the MD to the tensile strength in the CD is given in Table 3 below.

[0429]

[0430] Table 3 : Ratio of tensile strength in MD and CD

[0431] The difference in the laminate structure between the examples and the comparative examples lies essentially in their barrier layers. Although these barrier layers are generally similar in that they are made of MFC and are thus all sustainable, they differ in the degree of isotropy of their tensile strength. As a result, for some of the laminates of the examples, the ratio of the tensile strength in the MD to the tensile strength in the CD of the barrier layer is closer to 1 compared to some of the laminates of the comparative examples. This has a significant impact on laminate flexibility, i.e., on the suitability for use in sleeve methods 1 and 2 with different indentation line orientations.

[0432] To demonstrate this, the hermeticity of closed containers prepared from the laminates of the examples and the comparative examples by sleeve methods 1 and 2 was investigated for liquids, oxygen, and water vapor. This was done by means of the test methods "Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) of Containers", "Liquid Tightness", and "Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) of Containers" as described above in the Test Methods section. It was found that for these tests, the containers in the comparative examples had lower hermeticity when produced by sleeve method 2 compared to the containers in the comparative examples produced by sleeve method 1. The containers of the examples were different in this regard. Here, the containers prepared by sleeve method 1 showed a similar hermeticity for oxygen, liquid, and water vapor as the containers prepared by sleeve method 2. It can thus be seen that the laminates of this example are suitable for producing containers with a long shelf life by sleeve method 1 as well as by sleeve method 2. In this regard, the laminates of the comparative examples are more suitable for sleeve method 1 than for sleeve method 2.

[0433] Without wishing to be bound by this theory, this result may be due to the fact that in sleeve method 1 and sleeve method 2, the hemming fold has a different orientation with respect to the MD of the barrier layer. Similar to the folds shown in Figure 3a Figs. 3a) to 3c), the hemming fold is a sharp 180° fold where the inner surface of the laminate lies on the outside of the fold. Thus, along the hemming fold, those layers of the sheet composite that are quite close to the inner surface are significantly stretched in a direction perpendicular to the hemming fold. Since the carrier layer is to impart dimensional stability to the container, this layer is relatively thick. As a result, the layers that are significantly stretched at the hemming fold are all the layers on the side of the carrier layer facing the inner surface. These are the layers of the partial sheet composite. Thus, if the tensile strength of the partial sheet composite perpendicular to the hemming fold is insufficient, the barrier layer is particularly likely to rupture, as Figure 3aas shown in Figures 3a) to 3c). Generally, the hems fold is the longest 180° fold of the laminate in the container. Thus, if the barrier layer ruptures along the hems fold, the hermeticity of the container is significantly impaired. Therefore, in order to obtain a long shelf life, it is necessary to avoid breakage of the barrier layer along the hems fold. This can be achieved by a sufficiently high tensile strength of the partial laminate in a direction perpendicular to the hems fold. Thus, if the tensile strength of the partial laminate is significantly different in the MD and CD, the orientation of the hems fold relative to the MD and CD of the barrier layer is crucial for the shelf life of the container. This is the case for the comparative example laminate, but not for the example laminate.

[0434] The conclusion is that the ratio of the tensile strength of the first composite to the tensile strength of the other composite within the scope of the present invention allows minimizing the influence of the orientation of the hems fold on the shelf life of the container. The greater flexibility obtained with respect to the orientation of the hems fold allows a free choice of the orientation for cutting the blanks from the sheet composite web for manufacturing the container without impairing the shelf life of the container. Thus, the orientation and distribution of the blanks on the web can be selected according to the specifications of the container to be produced (i.e., the dimensions of the blanks to be cut from the web) and the given width of the web in order to most effectively use the material of the web, i.e., to minimize waste. This contributes to increasing the production efficiency in terms of material consumption of containers with a long shelf life.

[0435] Despite the disadvantages associated with the hems fold discussed above, it is a safe and effective measure to protect the cut edge of the first longitudinal edge on the inside of the longitudinal seam from the liquid inside the container. If this cut edge were to be exposed to the inside of the container, i.e., to the food or beverage product, it would absorb the liquid (so-called wicking), and the integrity of the container would soon be lost. The hems fold is a safe way to protect the cut edge without additional components such as a sealing strip covering the cut edge on the inside of the longitudinal seam. Thus, the hems fold helps to safely prevent impairment of the shelf life and achieves this without additional components for this purpose.

[0436] Generally speaking, the comparative tests show that the combination of the hems fold and the ratio of the tensile strength of the first composite to the tensile strength of the other composite within the scope of the present invention allows for a more efficient production in terms of material use of containers for food or beverage products with a long shelf life, which are more sustainable and dimensionally stable.

[0437] Unless otherwise indicated in the specification or the corresponding drawings, these drawings are shown in schematic form and not to scale:

[0438] Figure 1 Schematic partial cross-sectional view of the sheet composite according to the invention;

[0439] Figure 2Schematic partial cross-sectional view of another sheet-like composite material of the present invention;

[0440] Figure 3a ) Microscopic image of a 180° fold in a sheet-like composite material not according to the present invention;

[0441] Figure 3b ) Figure 3a ) Details of the microscopic image in;

[0442] Figure 3c) Figure 3b ) Details of the microscopic image in;

[0443] Figure 4 Schematic partial top view of a web of a sheet-like composite material;

[0444] Figure 5 Schematic partial top view of a web of another sheet-like composite material;

[0445] Figure 6 Schematic partial top view of a web of another sheet-like composite material;

[0446] Figure 7 Schematic view of a blank of a sheet-like composite material;

[0447] Figure 8 Flow chart of a method for producing a container preform according to the present invention;

[0448] Figure 9 Schematic view of a container preform of the present invention;

[0449] Figure 10 Schematic partial cross-sectional view of a longitudinal seam;

[0450] Figure 11 Flow chart of a method for producing a closed container according to the present invention;

[0451] Figure 12 Schematic view of a closed container of the present invention; and

[0452] Figure 13 Schematic partial view of a closed container prepared for the above test methods "Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) of a container" or "Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) of a container".

[0453] Figure 1 Cross-sectional view showing the sheet-like composite material 100 of the present invention. This drawing provides a sectional view. The sheet-like composite material 100 includes a layer sequence that includes a carrier layer 103, a barrier layer 104, and a first internal polymer layer 105 stacked on top of each other in the aforementioned order from the outer surface 101 to the inner surface 102 of the sheet-like composite material 100. The barrier layer 104 contains multiple fibers.

[0454] As described above in the test method section, a partial sheet composite can be obtained from the sheet composite 100. The partial sheet composite consists only of the layer of the sheet composite 100 that is disposed on the side facing the inner surface 102 of the carrier layer 103. The partial sheet composite has a first composite direction in the plane of the composite of the partial sheet composite and has another composite direction that is also in the plane of the composite of the partial sheet composite but perpendicular to the first composite direction. The first composite tensile strength of the partial sheet composite refers to the tensile test result in the first composite direction, while the other composite tensile strength of the partial sheet composite refers to the tensile test result in the other composite direction. The ratio of the first composite tensile strength to the other composite tensile strength is about 1.1. Additionally, the barrier layer 104 has a first tensile strength in the first barrier layer direction and another tensile strength in another barrier layer direction perpendicular to the first barrier layer direction. The ratio of the first tensile strength to the other tensile strength is also about 1.1.

[0455] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing another sheet composite 100 of the present invention is presented. This drawing provides a sectional view. The sheet composite 100 includes a layer sequence that consists of the following layers superposed on one another in the aforementioned order from the outer surface 101 to the inner surface 102 of the sheet composite 100: an LDPE outer polymer layer 201, a cardboard carrier layer 103, a first adhesion promoter layer 202, a barrier layer 104, another adhesion promoter layer 203, another LDPE inner polymer layer 204, and a first inner polymer layer 105. The first inner polymer layer 105 consists of a blend of 30 wt% mLLDPE and 70 wt% LDPE based on the weight of the first inner polymer layer 105. The barrier layer 104 is an MFC film.

[0456] As described above in the testing method section, a partial sheet composite material can be obtained from the sheet composite material 100. The partial sheet composite material is composed of a first adhesion promoter layer 202, a barrier layer 104, another adhesion promoter layer 203, another internal polymer layer 204, and a first internal polymer layer 105. The partial sheet composite material has a first composite direction in the plane of the composite of the partial sheet composite material, and has another composite direction that is also in the plane of the composite of the partial sheet composite material but perpendicular to the first composite direction. The first composite tensile strength of the partial sheet composite material refers to the tensile test result in the first composite direction, and the another composite tensile strength of the partial sheet composite material refers to the tensile test result in the another composite direction. The ratio of the first composite tensile strength to the another composite tensile strength is 1.3. Additionally, the barrier layer 104 has a first tensile strength in the first barrier layer direction and another tensile strength in another barrier layer direction perpendicular to the first barrier layer direction. The ratio of the first tensile strength to the another tensile strength is 1.2.

[0457] Figure 3a shows a microscopic image of a 180° fold in a sheet composite material that is not according to the present invention. Figure 3b ), and FIGS. 3c) show Figure 3a details of the microscopic image in ), where a higher magnification is used in FIG. 3c) than in Figure 3b ). The sheet composite material includes a layer sequence that consists of the following layers stacked on top of each other in the foregoing order from the outer surface 101 to the inner surface 102 of the sheet composite material: an LDPE outer polymer layer 201, a cardboard carrier layer 103, a first adhesion promoter layer 202, a barrier layer 104, and an mLLDPE / LDPE blend first internal polymer layer 105. At the 180° fold, the inner surface 102 is stretched and the outer surface 101 is compressed, thereby forming a bulge as seen in Figure 3a ), and Figure 3b ). Therefore, the layers of the sheet composite material that are quite close to the inner surface 102 are significantly stretched at the 180° fold. This involves the first adhesion promoter layer 202, the barrier layer 104, and the first internal polymer layer 105. Thus, if the tensile strength of these layers in the stretching direction at the 180° fold is not high enough, one or more of these layers will rupture when folding the sheet composite material. Here, the barrier layer 104 is an MFC film. The MFC film does not have a large enough tensile strength in the stretching direction at the 180° fold. When folding the sheet composite material, a tear 301 appears in the MFC film. Such a tear impairs the sealing of the container made of the sheet composite material and thus impairs the shelf life of the container.

[0458] Figure 4A schematic partial top view of a web of sheet-like composite material 100 is shown. If sheet-like composite material 100 is Figure 1 or Figure 2 The sheet-like composite material 100 includes a barrier layer 104 comprising a plurality of fibers. The machine direction (MD) 401 of the barrier layer 104 is the direction of primary orientation of the fibers in the plurality of fibers of the barrier layer 104. For practical reasons of production, the MD 401 of the barrier layer 104 will always be in the length direction of the web of the barrier layer 104, while the cross direction (CD) 402 of the barrier layer 104 will be in the width direction of the web. Figure 4 As shown, the MD 401 of the barrier layer 104 will also be the length direction of the web of the sheet-form composite material 100 , while the CD 402 will be the width direction of the web of the sheet-form composite material 100 .

[0459] Figure 5 A schematic partial top view of another web of sheet-like composite material 100 is shown for use in a sleeve process for producing a closed container 1200. The sheet-like composite material 100 may include Figure 1 or Figure 2 Here, the sheet-like composite material 100 comprises a plurality of sections 500, each of which comprises a group 500 of indentation lines. Thus, the sheet-like composite material 100 comprises a plurality of groups 500 of indentation lines. Here, the groups 500 are laterally adjacent to each other, ie, occur laterally one after the other. As in Figure 4 As explained in the context of , the MD 401 of the barrier layer 104 is constrained to be in the length direction of the web, while the CD 402 of the barrier layer 104 is in the width direction of the web.

[0460] Figure 6 A schematic partial top view of a web of another sheet-like composite material 100 is shown. The sheet-like composite material 100 can be used to produce closed containers 1200 in a modified sleeve process or also in a tube process. Figure 5 Like sheet-like composite materials, Figure 6 The sheet-like composite material 100 may also have Figure 1 or Figure 2 The sheet-like composite material 100 includes a plurality of sections 500, each of which includes a set of indentation lines 500. Thus, the sheet-like composite material 100 includes a plurality of indentation lines 500. Figure 5 Differently, here, the groups 500 appear one after another in the lateral direction. The MD 401 of the barrier layer 104 is necessarily in the length direction of the web, while the CD 402 of the barrier layer 104 is in the width direction of the web. This means that Figure 6 The orientation of MD 401 and CD 402 relative to the indentation lines of the indentation line set 500 is the same as Figure 5Rotated by 90° compared to.

[0461] Figure 7 Schematic view showing a blank 700 of the sheet composite material 100. The blank 700 is obtained by cutting the Figure 5 sheet composite material 100 or Figure 6 sheet composite material 100 into dimensions for producing a single closed container 1200 according to the sleeve method. Thus, the blank 700 includes only one set of score lines 500. The set of score lines 500 consists of: longitudinal score lines 705, i.e., score lines extending in the longitudinal direction 708 of the blank 700 and thus oriented in the height direction of the closed container 1200 in the blank 700 before folding; transverse score lines 706, i.e., score lines perpendicular to the longitudinal score lines 705; and diagonal score lines 707. The longitudinal score lines 705 include longitudinal score lines 710 for forming the hem fold 1004. Preparing the closed container 1200 includes folding along the score lines and joining the surface areas of the blank 700 to each other. Additionally, the blank 700 has a first longitudinal edge 701 with a cut edge 703 and another longitudinal edge 702 with a cut edge 704. The other longitudinal edge 702 is opposite the first longitudinal edge 701 in the transverse direction 709 of the blank 700. If the blank 700 is cut to size from the Figure 5 web, the longitudinal direction 708 of the blank 700 forms a 90° angle with the MD 401 of the barrier layer 104. If the blank 700 is cut to size from the Figure 6 web, the longitudinal direction 708 of the blank 700 is parallel to the MD 401 of the barrier layer 104.

[0462] Figure 8 Flowchart showing a method 800 according to the present invention for producing a Figure 9 container precursor 900. The method 800 includes a method step A. 801 of providing a Figure 7 blank 700. In method step B. 802, the blank 1000 is folded onto itself along the longitudinal score line 710 in the first longitudinal edge 701, thereby forming a hem fold 1004 extending in the longitudinal direction 708 of the blank 700. In method step C. 803, the blank 700 is folded along the other longitudinal score lines 705, thereby producing a longitudinal fold 901 to allow the first longitudinal edge 701 to be pressed and sealed to the other longitudinal edge 702, thereby obtaining a container precursor 900 with its longitudinal seam 902.

[0463] Figure 9 Schematic view showing the container precursor 900 of the present invention. The container precursor 900 has been obtained from the Figure 8 method 800 of Figure 7The blank 700 in is obtained. The container preform 900 is in the form of a sleeve, and thus the name "sleeve method". The sleeve is open in the top region 903 and the base region 904, and thus only partially separates its interior 905 from its exterior 906. If the blank 700 has been removed from Figure 5 the web in is cut to size, the longitudinal direction 708 is at a 90° angle to the MD 401 of the barrier layer 104. If the blank 700 has been removed from Figure 6 the web in is cut to size, the longitudinal direction 708 is parallel to the MD 401 of the barrier layer 104.

[0464] Figure 10 shows Figure 9 a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the longitudinal seam 902 of the container preform 900 in. In this case, the blank 700 of the sheet composite material 100 has Figure 1 the layer structure shown. It can be seen that the hem fold 1004 obtained in Figure 8 method step B.802 of method 800 of. The hem fold 1004 prevents the cutting edge 703 of the first longitudinal edge 701 from being exposed to the interior 905 of the container preform 900, and thus also prevents it from being exposed to the interior of the container to be prepared from the container preform 900. In the longitudinal seam 902, the first layer sheet 1001 of the blank 700, the second layer sheet 1002 of the blank 700, and the third layer sheet 1003 of the blank 700 are superimposed on each other in the direction from the interior 905 to the exterior 906. The first layer sheet 1001 and the second layer sheet 1002 are formed by the first longitudinal edge 701, which folds itself to form the hem fold 1004. As can be seen from the figure, the hem fold 1004 extends in the longitudinal direction 708, which in this case means into the plane of the drawing. The third layer sheet 1003 is joined to the second layer sheet 1002 and is formed by the other longitudinal edge 702.

[0465] Figure 11 shows a flow chart of a method 1100 according to the invention, which uses the sleeve method to produce Figure 12 a closed container 1200. Method 1100 includes providing Figure 9Method steps A) 1101 of the container preform 900. The container preform 900 is loaded into a filling machine, wherein, in method step B) 1102, the base region 1204 of the closed container 1200 is formed from the base region 904 of the container preform 900 by folding the blank 700. In method step C) 1103, the base region 1204 is closed by joining the surface regions of the blank 700 to each other via hot air sealing. This results in a container in the form of a beaker that is open at the top region 903. The beaker is sterilized with hydrogen peroxide. In method D) 1104, the beaker is filled with a food or beverage product 1201 via the open top region 903. In method step E) 1105, the top region 1203 of the closed container 1200 is formed from the top region 903 of the container preform 900 and then closed by folding the blank 700 and joining the surface regions of the blank 700 to each other via ultrasonic sealing.

[0466] Figure 12 Schematic view showing the closed container 1200 of the present invention. The closed container 1200 contains a food or beverage product 1201. The closed container 1200 can be obtained Figure 11 by the method 1100 from Figure 9 the container preform 900 therein, which method is based on the sleeve method. Alternatively, the closed container 1200 can also be prepared from Figure 6 the sheet composite material 100 therein by the tube method. The closed container 1200 exactly includes 4 longitudinal edges 1202, which are obtained by folding the blank 700 along the longitudinal indentation line 705. The base region 1204 and the top region 1203 of the closed container 1200 have been obtained by further folding along the indentation lines and sealing the surface regions to each other.

[0467] Figure 13 Schematic partial view showing the closed container prepared for the above test method "Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) of the container" or "Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) of the container". A metal plate 1301 with a gas inlet 1303 and a gas outlet 1304 can be seen. The metal plate 1301 is adhesively bonded to the container in an airtight manner via a sealing compound 1302. In order to measure the OTR or WVTR of the container, the corresponding measuring device will be connected to the gas inlet 1303 and the gas outlet 1304.

[0468] List of reference marks

[0469] 100 Sheet composite material

[0470] 101 Outer surface

[0471] 102 Inner surface

[0472] 103 Carrier layer

[0473] 104 Barrier layer

[0474] 105 First internal polymer layer

[0475] 201 External polymer layer

[0476] 202 First adhesion promoter layer

[0477] 203 Another adhesion promoter layer

[0478] 204 Another internal polymer layer

[0479] 300 Method for producing a sheet composite according to the present invention

[0480] 301 Tear

[0481] 401 Processing direction (MD) for producing the barrier layer

[0482] 402 Transverse direction (CD) for producing the barrier layer

[0483] 500 Section of the sheet composite

[0484] 501 Indentation line group

[0485] 700 Blank

[0486] 701 First longitudinal edge

[0487] 702 Another longitudinal edge

[0488] 703 Cutting edge in the first longitudinal edge

[0489] 704 Cutting edge in the other longitudinal edge

[0490] 705 Longitudinal indentation line

[0491] 706 Transverse indentation line

[0492] 707 Diagonal indentation line

[0493] 708 Longitudinal direction

[0494] 709 Transverse direction

[0495] 710 Longitudinal indentation line for hemming fold

[0496] 800 Method for producing a container precursor according to the present invention

[0497] 801 Method step A.

[0498] 802 Method step B.

[0499] 803 Method step C.

[0500] Container preform according to the present invention

[0501] 901 Longitudinal fold

[0502] 902 Longitudinal seam

[0503] 903 Top region of the container preform

[0504] 904 Base region of the container preform

[0505] 905 Interior of the container preform

[0506] 906 Exterior of the container preform

[0507] 1001 First ply of the sheet composite material

[0508] 1002 Second ply of the sheet composite material

[0509] 1003 Third ply of the sheet composite material

[0510] 1004 Hem fold

[0511] 1100 Method for producing a closed container according to the present invention

[0512] 1101 Method step A)

[0513] 1102 Method step B)

[0514] 1103 Method step C)

[0515] 1104 Method step D)

[0516] 1105 Method step E)

[0517] 1200 Closed container according to the present invention

[0518] 1201 Food or beverage product

[0519] 1202 Longitudinal edge

[0520] 1203 Top region of the closed container

[0521] 1204 Base region of the closed container

[0522] 1301 Metal sheet

[0523] 1302 Sealing compound

[0524] 1303 Gas inlet

[0525] 1304 Gas outlet

Claims

1. A container preform (900), the container preform comprising at least one region of a sheet-like composite material (100), the sheet-like composite material comprising a layer sequence that includes the following layers superposed on one another in the following order from the outer surface (101) to the inner surface (102) of the sheet-like composite material (100): a. A carrier layer (103), b. A barrier layer (104) containing a plurality of fibers, and c. A first inner polymer layer (105); wherein the sheet-like composite material (100) includes a first longitudinal edge (701) and another longitudinal edge (702) opposite the first longitudinal edge (701) in the transverse direction (709) of the sheet-like composite material (100); wherein the container preform (900) includes a longitudinal seam (902), the longitudinal seam including, from the inside (905) to the outside (906) of the container preform (900): a) A first ply (1001) of the sheet-like composite material (100), b) A second ply (1002) of the sheet-like composite material (100), the second ply being superposed on the first ply (1001), and c) A third ply (1003) of the sheet-like composite material (100), the third ply being joined to the second ply (1002); wherein the first ply (1001) and the second ply (1002) are formed by the first longitudinal edge (701), which folds itself to form a hem fold (1004) that extends in the longitudinal direction (708) of the sheet-like composite material (100); wherein the third ply (1003) is formed by the other longitudinal edge (702); wherein a portion of the sheet-like composite material consists only of the layers of the sheet-like composite material (100) arranged on the side of the carrier layer (103) facing the inner surface (102); wherein the portion of the sheet-like composite material - has a first composite direction in the plane of the composite of the portion of the sheet-like composite material, - has another composite direction, which is also in the plane of the composite of the portion of the sheet-like composite material but perpendicular to the first composite direction, - has a first composite tensile strength in the first composite direction, and - has another composite tensile strength in the other composite direction; characterized in that the ratio of the first composite tensile strength to the other composite tensile strength is in the range of greater than 0.5 to 1.

9.

2. A container preform (900), the container preform comprising at least one region of a sheet-like composite material (100), the sheet-like composite material comprising a layer sequence that includes the following layers superposed on one another in the following order from the outer surface (101) to the inner surface (102) of the sheet-like composite material (100): a. A carrier layer (103), b. A barrier layer (104), and c. The first internal polymer layer (105); wherein the sheet composite material (100) includes a first longitudinal edge (701) and another longitudinal edge (702) opposite to the first longitudinal edge (701) in the transverse direction (709) of the sheet composite material (100); wherein the container precursor (900) includes a longitudinal seam (902), and the longitudinal seam includes, from the inside (905) of the container precursor (900) towards the outside (906) of the container precursor (900): a) The first layer (1001) of the sheet composite material (100), b) The second layer (1002) of the sheet composite material (100), the second layer being superimposed on the first layer (1001), and c) The third layer (1003) of the sheet composite material (100), the third layer being joined to the second layer (1002); wherein the first layer (1001) and the second layer (1002) are constituted by the first longitudinal edge (701), and the first longitudinal edge folds itself to form a hem fold (902), and the hem fold extends in the longitudinal direction (708) of the sheet composite material (100); wherein the third layer (1003) is constituted by the other longitudinal edge (702); wherein the barrier layer (104) - contains multiple fibers, - has a first tensile strength in a first barrier layer direction, and - has another tensile strength in another barrier layer direction perpendicular to the first barrier layer direction; characterized in that the ratio of the first tensile strength to the other tensile strength is in the range of greater than 0.5 to less than 1.

7.

3. The container precursor (900) according to claim 1, wherein the first composite tensile strength or the other composite tensile strength or each of the two is at least 1.0 kN / m.

4. The container precursor (900) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fibers among the multiple fibers have a\ an average length in the range of 0.5 μm to 100 μm; or b\ an average diameter less than 1 μm; or c\ an average aspect ratio of at least 10; or d\ a combination of at least two of a\ to c\.

5. The container precursor (900) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fibers among the multiple fibers are a fiber selected from the group consisting of cellulose fibers, lignocellulose fibers, and hemicellulose fibers, or a combination of at least two of them.

6. The container precursor (900) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multiple fibers are microfibrillated cellulose.

7. The container precursor (900) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet composite material (100) is cut to a certain size to produce a single container.

8. The container precursor (900) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sheet composite material (100) is in the form of a web for producing multiple containers.

9. The container preform (900) according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 8, wherein the first composite direction extends at an angle within the following ranges - within the range of -80° to 100°, or - within the range of -10 to +10 to the longitudinal direction (708); wherein the first composite direction is in the processing direction (401) of producing the barrier layer (104), or the first composite tensile strength is greater than the other composite tensile strength, or both hold.

10. A method (800), the method comprising the following method steps: A. Providing a sheet composite material (100), the sheet composite material comprising a layer sequence, the layer sequence comprising the following layers stacked on top of each other in the following order from the outer surface (101) of the sheet composite material (100) to the inner surface (102) of the sheet composite material (100): a. A carrier layer (103), b. A barrier layer (104) comprising a plurality of fibers, and c. A first inner polymer layer (105); wherein the sheet composite material (100) comprises a first longitudinal edge (701) and another longitudinal edge (702) opposite the first longitudinal edge (701) in the transverse direction (709) of the sheet composite material (100); B. Folding the sheet composite material (100) onto itself at the first longitudinal edge (701), thereby obtaining a hem fold (902) extending in the longitudinal direction (708) of the sheet composite material (100); C. Joining the another longitudinal edge (702) to the first longitudinal edge (701), thereby obtaining a longitudinal seam (902) of the container preform (900); wherein a part of the sheet composite material consists only of the layers of the sheet composite material (100) arranged on the side of the carrier layer (103) facing the inner surface (102); wherein the part of the sheet composite material - has a first composite direction in the composite plane of the part of the sheet composite material, - has another composite direction, which is also in the composite plane of the part of the sheet composite material but perpendicular to the first composite direction, - has a first composite tensile strength in the first composite direction, and - has another composite tensile strength in the another composite direction; It is characterized in that The ratio of the first composite tensile strength to the another composite tensile strength is in the range of greater than 0.5 to 1.

9.

11. A method (800), the method comprising the following method steps: A. Providing a sheet composite material (100), the sheet composite material comprising a layer sequence, the layer sequence comprising the following layers stacked on top of each other in the following order from the outer surface (101) of the sheet composite material (100) to the inner surface (102) of the sheet composite material (100): a. A carrier layer (103), b. A barrier layer (104), and c. A first inner polymer layer (105); wherein the barrier layer (104) - comprises a plurality of fibers, - has a first tensile strength in a first barrier layer direction, and - having another tensile strength in another barrier layer direction perpendicular to the direction of the first barrier layer; wherein the sheet composite material (100) includes a first longitudinal edge (701) and another longitudinal edge (702) opposite to the first longitudinal edge (701) in the transverse direction (709) of the sheet composite material (100); B. folding the sheet composite material (100) onto itself at the first longitudinal edge (701) so as to obtain a hem fold (902) extending in the longitudinal direction (708) of the sheet composite material (100); C. joining the another longitudinal edge (702) to the first longitudinal edge (701) so as to obtain a longitudinal seam (902) of the container precursor (900); It is characterized in that The ratio of the first tensile strength to the another tensile strength is in the range greater than 0.5 to less than 1.

7.

12. A container precursor (900), which can be obtained by the method (800) according to claim 10 or 11.

13. A method (1100) for producing a closed container (1200), the method (1100) comprising the following method steps: A) providing a container precursor (900) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9 and 12; B) forming a base region (1204) or a top region (1203) of the closed container (1200) by folding the sheet composite material (100); C) closing the base region (1204) or the top region (1203) so as to obtain an open container; D) filling the open container with a food or beverage product (1201); and E) closing the open container at the top region (1203) or the base region (1204) so as to obtain the closed container (1200).

14. A closed container (1200), which can be obtained by the method (800, 1100) according to claim 10, 11 or 13.

15. Use of a container precursor (900) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and 12 for producing a container for a food or beverage product.

16. Use of a sheet composite material (100) for producing a container precursor (900) or for producing a closed container (1200), wherein in each case the sheet composite material (100) includes a layer sequence, and the layer sequence includes the following layers superposed on one another in the following order from the outer surface (101) to the inner surface (102) of the sheet composite material (100): a. a carrier layer (103), b. a barrier layer (104) containing a plurality of fibers, and c. a first inner polymer layer (105); wherein the sheet composite material (100) includes a first longitudinal edge (701) and another longitudinal edge (702) opposite to the first longitudinal edge (701) in the transverse direction (709) of the sheet composite material (100); wherein the container preform (900) or the closed container (1200) includes a longitudinal seam (902) that, from the interior (905) of the container preform (900) or the closed container (1200) towards the exterior (906) of the container preform (900) or the closed container (1200), includes: a) a first ply (1001) of the sheet composite material (100), b) a second ply (1002) of the sheet composite material (100), the second ply being superposed onto the first ply (1001), and c) a third ply (1003) of the sheet composite material (100), the third ply being joined to the second ply (1002); wherein the first ply (1001) and the second ply (1002) form a first longitudinal edge (701) that folds back on itself to form a hem fold (702) that extends in the longitudinal direction (708) of the sheet composite material (100); wherein the third ply (1003) is formed by the other longitudinal edge (702); wherein a portion of the sheet composite material consists only of the plies of the sheet composite material (100) that are disposed on a side of the carrier layer (103) facing the inner surface (102); wherein the portion of the sheet composite material - has a first complex direction in the plane of the composite of the portion of the sheet composite material, - has another complex direction, which is also in the plane of the composite of the portion of the sheet composite material but perpendicular to the first complex direction, - has a first complex tensile strength in the first complex direction, and - has another complex tensile strength in the other complex direction; characterized in that the ratio of the first complex tensile strength to the other complex tensile strength is in the range of greater than 0.5 to 1.

9.

17. Use of a sheet composite material (100) for producing a container preform (900) or for producing a closed container (1200), wherein in each case the sheet composite material (100) includes a ply sequence that, from the outer surface (101) of the sheet composite material (100) to the inner surface (102) of the sheet composite material (100), includes the following plies superposed on one another in the following order: a. a carrier layer (103), b. a barrier layer (104), and c. a first inner polymer layer (105); wherein the sheet composite material (100) includes a first longitudinal edge (701) and another longitudinal edge (702) opposite the first longitudinal edge (701) in the transverse direction (709) of the sheet composite material (100); wherein the container preform (900) or the closed container (1200) includes a longitudinal seam (902) that, from the interior (905) of the container preform (900) or the closed container (1200) towards the exterior (906) of the container preform (900) or the closed container (1200), includes: a) a first ply (1001) of the sheet composite material (100), b) a second ply (1002) of the sheet composite material (100), the second ply being superimposed onto the first ply (1001), and c) a third ply (1003) of the sheet composite material (100), the third ply being joined to the second ply (1002); wherein the first ply (1001) and the second ply (1002) form a first longitudinal edge (701) that folds back on itself to form a hem fold (902) that extends in the longitudinal direction (708) of the sheet composite material (100); wherein the third ply (1003) forms the other longitudinal edge (702); wherein the barrier layer (104) - comprises a plurality of fibers, - has a first tensile strength in a first barrier layer direction, and - has another tensile strength in another barrier layer direction perpendicular to the first barrier layer direction; characterized in that the ratio of the first tensile strength to the other tensile strength is in the range of greater than 0.5 to less than 1.7.

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