Packaged article and packaged food product

Abstract

The present invention relates to a packaging article comprising a cylindrical container made of a multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising paperboard and an organic or inorganic barrier layer. The container has a dispensing opening. The packaging article further includes at least one sleeve element having at least one sleeve element peripheral wall, the sleeve element configured to slide over at least a top end portion of the container peripheral wall and made of a multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising paperboard and an organic or inorganic barrier layer. The packaged article further comprises at least one base element having at least one base element peripheral wall, the base element at least partially surrounding and preferably immovably attached to the bottom end portion of the container peripheral wall. The invention also relates to a packaged food product.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging article and to a packaged food product. BACKGROUND

[0002] Packaging articles for packaging various types of content have various different shapes, sizes and materials. For example, packaging articles made of paper are known from the prior art and are generally promoted as being environmentally friendly and more sustainable, for example, compared to plastics.

[0003] However, existing packaging articles made of paper generally do not provide the same protection for the content as other materials, such as plastics or glass, for example. This can adversely affect one or more properties of the content, for example, which can result in a reduced shelf life of the content.

[0004] Generally, the absorption of oxygen and / or moisture by the packaged content can cause the sensory properties of the product to deteriorate, which is of course undesirable. In some cases, the transfer of gas and / or moisture through the packaging wall can compromise food safety. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the packaging is barrier to gas, in particular oxygen, and moisture, at least for sensitive food products.

[0005] Furthermore, existing packaging articles made of paper generally suffer from a reduced structural stability compared to packaging articles made of other materials, for example, plastics or glass. This can adversely affect the handling properties of the packaging article.

[0006] US 2017 / 0057687 Al is a patent application by Borer et al. disclosing a container comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve that can be one slid into the other to open and close the container. The inner sleeve is printed with various matter and the outer sleeve comprises openings forming windows so that when the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve are moved relative to each other, the matter printed on the inner sleeve is revealed. The container disclosed in this patent can be made of any kind of material, such as paperboard, but it does not disclose a solution to protect the content from oxygen or moisture interaction. On the contrary, the reading windows opened in the outer sleeve significantly reduce the possibility of a tight protection of the content when the container is closed. Moreover, the container assembly has little resistance when vertically stacked, since in its upright stacked position, the compression forces applied to the container are supported only by the inner sleeve.

[0007] US 2011 / 0204015 A1 is a patent application by West et al. disclosing a lidded biodegradable jar. The jar wall is made of a permeation barrier material that prevents the leakage of semi-solid content through the jar wall, but the patent does not disclose a barrier to oxygen and moisture transmission, especially after the first opening (so-called "open shelf life"): for the construction of US'015, a complex lidding solution must be applied in order to ensure proper moisture and oxygen barrier at the interface between the jar and the lid. Moreover, the container has a moderate resistance capacity when vertically stacked, since in its upright stacked position the compression forces are supported only by the jar wall.

[0008] US 2377471 is a US patent by Williamson disclosing a classic box container comprising a dispensing opening in one of the lateral panels thereof. The container is an assembly of separate elements, each element being formed from a flat blank. The container is almost unable to barrier oxygen and moisture, especially after the first opening and use of the box, and has a moderate resistance capacity when stacked.

[0009] Therefore, in particular in view of the above-mentioned drawbacks, it is an object of the present application to provide a packaging article that provides greater protection to the content inside the packaging article. It is a further object of the present application to provide a packaging article having improved handling properties and mechanical resistance properties.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] In a first aspect, the present application relates to a packaging article.

[0012] The packaging article comprises at least one cylindrical container made of a multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising a paperboard and organic and / or inorganic barrier layers. The paperboard has a grammage comprised between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 and a cellulose content higher than 90%, preferably higher than 95%, more preferably higher than 99%. The cylindrical container comprises at least one container peripheral wall and a container bottom closure, both defining at least one compartment for packaging a content.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the container peripheral wall can be made of a cellulose-based multilayer material having barrier properties against oxygen and / or moisture transmission and comprising at least the following layers from its inner side (oriented towards the inside of the container) to its outer side:

[0014] at least one organic sealing layer made of ethylene acrylic or methacrylic ionomer, said heat sealing layer being comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 20 g / m2 between 4 g / m 2 and 9 g / m 2 , preferably between 4 g / m

[0015] - at least one inorganic barrier layer, the at least one inorganic barrier layer providing moisture barrier properties and being selected from the list consisting of: a metal, a metalloid or a combination thereof, said inorganic layer having a thickness between 1 nm and 100 nm, and

[0016] - at least one organic barrier layer, the at least one organic barrier layer providing oxygen barrier properties and comprising a polymer selected from the list consisting of: polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) or a combination thereof, the amount of the polymer being 0.5 g / m 2 to 20 g / m 2 , preferably the amount of the polymer being 1 g / m 2 to 10 g / m 2 , more preferably the amount of the polymer being 2 g / m 2 to 8 g / m 2 ,

[0017] - a paper layer, the paper layer having a grammage in the range of 30 g / m 2 to less than 120 g / m 2 ,

[0018] - an adhesive, preferably a water-based or a solventless adhesive, the adhesive having a base compound, the base compound being preferably selected from the list consisting of: polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyurethane (PU), acrylic, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), starch-based adhesive, modified cellulose-based adhesive or a combination thereof, said adhesive layer having a thickness preferably in the range of 1 pm to 10 pm,

[0019] - a paperboard or a paperboard, the paperboard or the paperboard having a grammage in the range of 120 g / m 2 to 600 g / m 2 .

[0020] The container further comprises at least one dispensing opening configured to allow dispensing of the packaged content from the container through the dispensing opening. The dispensing opening can be of the type requiring complete opening of the package, typically by removing at least one element from the rest of the package. Alternatively or in addition, the package can comprise a second type of dispensing opening not requiring complete opening of the package, in particular one dispensing opening requiring only displacement of one element relative to the rest of the package, for example by twisting, turning or flipping a portion of the package relative to the rest of the package to open / close the package.

[0021] The multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising paperboard and organic and / or inorganic barrier layers improves the resistance of the container to oxygen and moisture transmission and thus the resistance of the packaging article to oxygen and moisture transmission, for example compared to packaging articles known in the art made of paper. This results in better protection, preservation and / or longer shelf life of the content within the container.

[0022] As understood in the context of the present invention, a "cylinder" preferably has a circular cross-section (or "base line"). However, within the framework of the present invention, other shapes (e.g. polygonal or elliptical base line (i.e. cross-section)) can also be considered as "cylindrical". Preferably, the cylinder is a right cylinder. However, oblique cylinders can also be considered.

[0023] As understood in the context of the present invention, "paperboard" is a cellulosic flat structure of one or more paper layers having a grammage of between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 At less than 120 g / m2, the cellulosic flat structure would be considered as the term "paper" in the context of the present invention.

[0024] The packaging article further comprises at least one "top" sleeve element having at least one sleeve element peripheral wall configured to slide over at least a top end portion of the cylindrical container peripheral wall such that the sleeve element peripheral wall at least partially encloses the container peripheral wall and the sleeve element at least partially covers the dispensing opening. The sleeve element is made of a multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising at least one paperboard and organic and / or inorganic barrier layers. The paperboard has a grammage of between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 and a cellulose content of higher than 90 %, preferably higher than 95 %, more preferably higher than 99 %. As mentioned above, the multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising paperboard and organic and / or inorganic barrier layers improves the resistance of the container to oxygen and moisture transmission.

[0025] The sleeve element is configured to slide over at least a top end portion of the container peripheral wall, such that the sleeve element peripheral wall at least partially encloses the container peripheral wall and the sleeve element at least partially covers the dispensing opening, which provides greater protection for the contents within the container. In particular, this provides at least double wall protection for the packaged contents via the container peripheral wall and the sleeve element peripheral wall. Furthermore, this allows the dispensing opening of the container to be re-closed after initial opening in a way that maintains the oxygen and moisture barrier properties using the sleeve element.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, such a sleeve element can be used for advertising and / or information labelling and / or decorative purposes, for example by providing printing at least partially on the sleeve element, whereas the container can be primarily configured to protect and / or preserve the contents of the packaged article, in particular in a hygienic and / or food-safe manner. For example, the container can be free of printing, adhesive etc. This minimizes the risk of printing colours or adhesive, for example, diffusing into the packaged contents (for example even if the barrier layer is very thin and / or the packaged contents are stored for a long time). This can also allow the container and the sleeve element to be made of different materials and / or different material compositions and / or in different thicknesses. The sleeve element peripheral wall can completely enclose the container peripheral wall in the circumferential direction along a certain portion of the length of the container.

[0027] The packaged article further comprises at least one "bottom" base element having at least one base element peripheral wall at least partially enclosing a bottom end portion of the container peripheral wall and optionally but preferably being immovably attached to the bottom end portion of the container peripheral wall. Said base element is made of paperboard having a grammage of between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 and a cellulose content of above 90 %, preferably above 95 %, more preferably above 99 %.

[0028] Preferably but not necessarily, the base element is made of a multi-layer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising said paperboard. The base element provides a support surface for the packaged article so as to rest on, for example, a table top. This allows the base element to be primarily configured to provide a reliable and robust interface between the packaged article and an outer surface, for example a table top. Preferably, the base element does not contain / hold any packaged contents. Preferably, the base element does not come into direct contact with the packaged contents of the packaged article. Thus, this eliminates or at least reduces deformation of the base element caused by the packaged contents, which increases the stability of the packaged article when resting on a surface by means of the base element. Preferably, the container bottom closure remains covered / sealed on the container throughout the entire use of the packaged article, i.e. at least until the packaged contents of the packaged article have been completely dispensed from the packaged article.

[0029] Furthermore, the respective paperboard is configured to have a grammage of between 120 g / m2 2 and 600 g / m2 2 The increased grammage of the paperboard increases the robustness and stability of the packaging article, especially in the vertical or "axial" (top load) direction. However, the paperboard material is also particularly advantageous in that it has sufficient flexibility, especially in the transverse direction, to be able to be collapsed after use, so that it can occupy a smaller space when it is disposed of for recycling. In particular, the container and / or sleeve element and / or base element is preferably dimensionally stable / rigid.

[0030] Configuring the paperboard to have a relatively high (e.g. higher than 90%, preferably higher than 95%, more preferably higher than 99%) cellulose content, for example compared to materials having a lower cellulose content, reduces the density and / or production costs of the packaging article and / or increases the biodegradability and / or recyclability of the packaging article.

[0031] In an important aspect of the application, the sleeve element is dimensioned and configured such that, when the packaging is in its fully closed configuration, the sleeve element overlaps the container element by at least 25 mm, preferably at least 50 mm, more preferably at least 80 mm, depending on the dimensions of the container as disclosed below.

[0032] In another important aspect of the application, the sleeve element and the container element have a functional clearance (i.e. the difference between the inner diameter of the sleeve element of the packaging and the outer diameter of the container element) that is sufficient to ensure the correct attachment of the two in the closed configuration of the packaging and such that a complex capping scheme, such as a screw thread or snap mechanism, is not required. By selecting a functional clearance of preferably between 50 pm and 500 pm, preferably between 100 pm and 300 pm, it is ensured that the top sleeve element can be easily slid onto the core container element, while the fit between the two elements is high enough to prevent one element from sliding relative to the other without the application of an external force.

[0033] The combination of the functional clearance and the overlap between the sleeve element and the container element ensures the tightness of the packaging in its closed configuration, thereby achieving a so-called "open shelf life". Open shelf life means that when the packaging is first opened, it can be re-closed after first use, guaranteeing very limited moisture and oxygen intake of the contents.

[0034] The packaging article, more particularly the container, is configured to contain and / or preserve a food material, i.e. any material used as food, e.g. edible / drinkable material, or material used to make / produce food, in the compartment for at least a certain period of time. The packaged material, e.g. the food material, can be a liquid and / or a solid substance. Preferably, the packaged material is a solid and is in a flowable form, in particular in the form of a powder. The powder can have various particle size values, from small diameter particles to coarse diameter particles, or be a mixture of large diameter powder particles and small diameter powder particles. The powder can also take the form of kibbles or solid particulate articles of various shapes and sizes, these particulate foods being or not being individually pre-packaged food products. The type of food product can be a wide range, e.g. coffee granules or solids, potato chips, chocolate solids, pet food kibbles, compacted edible articles such as compacted coffee dose blocks, etc.

[0035] The above-mentioned components of the packaging article, e.g. the container, the sleeve element and the base element, can be provided under a range of different sizes. Preferably, the container can have a width / diameter in the range of 20 mm to 200 mm. Preferably, the container can have a length in the range of 50 mm to 500 mm, preferably in the range of 75 mm to 250 mm.

[0036] Preferably, the diameter of the elements is such as to allow a comfortable handling of these elements with the hand of a user. The diameter is advantageously comprised between 20 mm and 200 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 100 mm.

[0037] The dispensing opening can be arranged at an end of the container, e.g. at the top end of the container. Alternatively or additionally, the dispensing opening can be at least partially defined in the container peripheral wall.

[0038] The container bottom closure can be a metal film and / or foil, e.g. metal, e.g. aluminium, or a metallized material, e.g. metallized paper or metallized plastic, such as metallized polyolefin, preferably metallized polypropylene or metallized polyethylene terephthalate (PET), having a thickness preferably comprised between 5 microns and 30 microns, more preferably between 10 microns and 15 microns. Alternatively or additionally, the container bottom closure can be made of a non-metallized plastic, e.g. a polymeric such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or a polyolefin layer such as polyethylene (PE) having a thickness comprised between 20 microns and 60 microns.

[0039] The content percentage of the above-mentioned materials, e.g. cellulose content, is defined in weight % relative to the total weight of the respective material.

[0040] Preferably, at least a portion of the base element protrudes from the container beyond the container bottom closure. Thus, when the container stands on a surface, e.g. a table top, at which time the base element rests on the surface, the base element can space the container bottom closure from the surface. This can prevent mechanical damage to the container bottom closure. Furthermore, this can allow the packaged goods to be well supported on the surface substantially independently of the state of the container bottom closure, e.g. even if the container bottom closure is deformed, e.g. in case the container bottom closure bulges due to the weight and / or volume of the packaged contents within the container.

[0041] Preferably, the packaged goods further comprise at least one flange. The sleeve element, preferably the bottom end of the sleeve element, can be configured to at least partially abut the flange when the sleeve element is slid on the container. Preferably, the flange is defined at the interface between the base element and the container. In other words, the flange can serve as a stop for the sleeve element, which can enable easier, more intuitive and / or more reliable closure of the packaged goods by a user. Furthermore, the flange can provide tactile and / or optical feedback to the user to ensure that the container is properly closed by means of the sleeve element. The flange can be provided by at least dimensioning the base element to be wider than the container in the direction in which the flange extends, e.g. by configuring the base element to have a larger diameter than the container.

[0042] Preferably, the flange can be at least partially defined by the top end of the base element, preferably at least partially defined by the top end of the peripheral wall of the base element. In other words, the bottom end of the sleeve element can at least partially rest against and / or abut the top end of the peripheral wall of the base element when the sleeve element is slid on the container. Preferably, the shape and / or size, e.g. circumference, of the top end of the base element can substantially match the shape and / or size of the bottom end of the sleeve element.

[0043] This abutment feature of the base element and the sleeve element when the packaged goods is in its fully closed configuration ensures that the mechanical resistance of the packaged goods to a top load, i.e. in the vertical or “axial” direction, is guaranteed, as the force exerted in the vertical direction is taken up by the following three points of contact:

[0044] - a first point of contact at the interface between the upper edge of the cylindrical container and the inner surface of the sleeve element upper wall,

[0045] - a second point of contact at the interface between the lower edge of the cylindrical container (and the cylindrical container bottom closure) and the inner surface of the base element lower wall, and

[0046] - a third point of contact between the lower edge of the sleeve element and the upper edge of the base element.

[0047] In this configuration, the three constituent elements of the packaging article, i.e. the container, the sleeve element and the base element, collectively support the stacking forces exerted on the packaging article in the axial (vertical) direction. Thus, the compression forces individually applied to each element of the packaging article are reduced and the integrity of each of the container, the sleeve element and the base element is preserved. The amount of material used to manufacture each of these elements can be reduced, but the mechanical resistance of the overall packaging article is maintained.

[0048] Thus, the stackability of the overall packaging article is guaranteed, which ensures that the integrity of each individual package is not affected when many such packages are stacked on each other for shipping or storage.

[0049] Preferably, the sleeve element and / or the base element are "cylindrical". More preferably, the sleeve element and / or the base element are shaped as a cylinder having a circular base line (i.e. "cross section"). The inner and / or outer diameter of the cylinder forming the sleeve element and the cylinder forming the base element can be identical. Within the framework of the present specification, "cylindrical" means that the container, the sleeve element and / or the base element can be formed as a cylinder also having an elliptical or polygonal cross section.

[0050] Preferably, the sleeve element and / or the container are configured such that the sleeve element can be removed from and slid on the container multiple times. This can allow the container to be opened and re-closed multiple times by the sleeve element.

[0051] Preferably, the packaging article further comprises at least one container top closure configured to close, preferably sealingly close, a dispensing opening of the upper edge of the cylindrical container so as to prevent the packaged content from being dispensed through the dispensing opening. Preferably, the container top closure can be at least partially removed from the dispensing opening, preferably can be peeled off from the dispensing opening.

[0052] In one embodiment, the upper edge of the container peripheral wall can comprise an inwardly inclined portion directed towards the interior of the container. An annular ring (or "collar" or "gasket") is sealed on the inner side of the container below the inwardly inclined portion. The annular ring can be a flat ring comprising an inclined outer portion at its periphery. The outer diameter and width of the annular ring are such that at least the inclined outer portion of the annular ring radially overlaps the inwardly inclined portion of the container to allow a proper sealing between the two. Preferably, the radial overlap between the inclined portion of the annular ring and the inclined portion of the container upper edge has a width comprised between 1 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 3 mm and 7 mm. The flat innermost portion of the annular ring projects inwardly from the container inclined portion, forming an inward sealing surface of the annular ring sufficient to allow a proper sealing of the container top closure thereon. Preferably, the inward sealing surface of the annular ring has a width comprised between 1 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 2 mm and 3 mm. The annular ring inclined portion has the effect of rigidifying the ring in axial and radial directions. Similarly, the inwardly inclined portion of the container upper edge also rigidifies this portion of the container in radial and axial directions. By convention, the "axial direction" is the direction oriented along the vertical axis of symmetry of the packaged article, while the "radial direction" is the direction oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. By sealing the two inclined portions described above, the sealing portion between the annular ring and the container wall has a good capacity of resistance to mechanical deformation in axial direction and more importantly in radial direction.

[0053] The annular ring can be made of a paper web, paperboard, metal, plastic such as biodegradable or recyclable polymers or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the annular ring is made of a multilayer paperboard having barrier properties against oxygen and / or moisture transmission. More precisely, in this preferred embodiment, the annular ring is a flat ring comprising at least the following layers from its upper side to its lower side (oriented towards the interior of the container):

[0054] - at least one organic sealing layer made of an ethylene acrylic or methacrylic ionomer, said heat sealing layer being applied in an amount comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount comprised between 4 g / m 2 and 9 g / m 2 , then

[0055] - at least one inorganic barrier layer providing moisture barrier properties and selected from the list consisting of a metal, a metalloid or a combination thereof, said inorganic layer having a thickness comprised between 1 nm and 100 nm, and

[0056] - at least one organic barrier layer, the at least one organic barrier layer providing oxygen barrier properties and comprising a polymer selected from the list consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) or combinations thereof, the amount of the polymer being comprised between 0.5 g / m2and 20 g / m2, 2 , preferably the amount of the polymer being comprised between 1 g / m2and 10 g / m2, 2 , more preferably the amount of the polymer being comprised between 2 g / m2and 8 g / m2, 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 ,

[0057] - a paper layer, the paper layer having a grammage comprised between 30 g / m2and less than 120 g / m2, 2 , 2 ,

[0058] - an adhesive, preferably water-based or solvent-free adhesive, the adhesive having a base compound, the base compound being preferably selected from the list consisting of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyurethane (PU), acrylic, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), starch-based adhesive, modified cellulose-based adhesive or combinations thereof, the adhesive layer having a thickness preferably comprised between 1 pm and 10 pm,

[0059] - a paperboard or paperboard, the paperboard or paperboard having a grammage comprised between 120 g / m2and 600 g / m2. 2 , 2 ,

[0060] The oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties achieved by the toroidal ring are preferably similar to the barrier properties of the material used to manufacture the container peripheral wall. The sealing overlap between the container and the ring and the orientation of the layers in each of the two elements guarantee that the barrier properties in the sealing zone have the proper continuity. To this end, it is also preferred that the cellulose layer (e.g. paper, paperboard, paperboard) in the container peripheral wall is oriented towards the outside, while the organic and inorganic barrier layers and the sealing layer are oriented towards the inside of the container, conversely, the barrier layers and the sealing layer of the toroidal ring are oriented towards the outside and its cellulose layer is oriented towards the inside of the container (in contact with the container content). The toroidal ring ensures that the oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties between the container and the container top closure have the proper continuity.

[0061] The container top closure is preferably sealed to the upper surface of the annular ring protruding inwardly from the container inclined portion along the entire perimeter of the ring. As described above, the role of the annular ring is to mechanically reinforce the rigidity of the container in the area of the opening of the container, so that any radial force applied to the container wall in the upper region of the container does not cause the container to deform.

[0062] Due to its inclined profile, the upper portion of the container peripheral wall surrounding the dispensing opening also facilitates the insertion of the container into the sleeve element, which facilitates the reclosability of the packaged article. This is particularly important since the packaged article is designed to be opened and reclosed several times.

[0063] The container top closure can be a film and / or a foil, for example metallic, for example aluminum, or a metallized material, for example metallized paper or metallized plastic, such as metallized polyolefin, preferably metallized polypropylene. Alternatively or additionally, the container top closure can be made of plastic (for example a polymer, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET)).

[0064] In one embodiment, the top closure is a multilayer film comprising an aluminum foil layer, preferably having a thickness of between 20 microns and 60 microns, and a sealable plastic layer, for example a polyolefin, such as a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) layer, adhered to the aluminum foil layer with an adhesive. The sealable plastic layer is preferably between 10 microns and 40 microns, more preferably between 20 microns and 30 microns. This peelable aluminum foil film has the advantage of achieving extremely high barrier properties against the transmission of oxygen and moisture. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) values measured for this type of aluminum film are so low as to be almost unmeasurable, thus being considered a reference in terms of barrier efficiency in the industry.

[0065] However, in an alternative embodiment, in order to guarantee a high cellulose content to achieve the recyclability of the packaged article, the top closure can be made of a heat-sealable or ultrasonic-sealable paper-based film that can be recycled in a paper stream process. To this end, the film can comprise at least 90% of cellulose fibers. In this case, the film can comprise at least one of an organic and / or inorganic very thin layer attached to a paper layer in order to provide oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties similar to those of the container peripheral wall. In a preferred embodiment of the application, the film comprises, in order from its outer side to its inner side (the inner side being the one in contact with the contents of the container):

[0066] - a paper layer having a grammage in the range of 30 g / m 2 to less than 120 g / m 2 ,

[0067] - at least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) or a combination thereof, the amount of polymer being comprised between 0.5 g / m2and 20 g / m2, 2 , preferably the amount of polymer being comprised between 1 g / m2and 10 g / m2, 2 , more preferably the amount of polymer being comprised between 2 g / m2and 8 g / m2, 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 ,

[0068] - at least one inorganic barrier layer selected from the list consisting of a metal, a metalloid or a combination thereof, said inorganic layer having a thickness comprised between 1 nm and 100 nm, and

[0069] - at least one organic sealing layer made of ethylene acrylic or methacrylic ionomer, said heat sealing layer being applied in an amount comprised between 2 g / m2and 20 g / m2, 2 , preferably in an amount comprised between 4 g / m2and 9 g / m2. 2 , 2 , 2 .

[0070] Generally, inorganic layers provide a barrier to moisture (i.e. water vapor) transmission, while organic layers provide a barrier to oxygen transmission.

[0071] The peelable film is preferably attached to the container’s peripheral wall by a heat sealing process, but alternative solutions such as ultrasonic sealing processes can also be used.

[0072] In other words, the container top closure can provide a moisture and oxygen barrier, which can be removed upon the initial opening of the packaged item by the consumer (e.g. after removal of the sleeve element). Subsequently, the container opening can be reclosed by sliding (or re-sliding) the sleeve element onto the container. After removal of the container top closure during the first use of the packaged item, the sleeve element can provide oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties to the packaged item.

[0073] The container further comprises a container bottom closure (or “container bottom wall”), which is preferably made of a material achieving similar oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties as the material used to manufacture the container wall.

[0074] In one embodiment, the container bottom closure can be a multilayer foil comprising a first metallized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer having a thickness of 12 microns, attached to a second polyethylene (PE) layer having a thickness of 40 microns. This polyethylene layer provides good sealing properties to seal the container bottom to the bottom edge of the container peripheral wall.

[0075] Alternatively, the container bottom can be made of a multilayer cellulose-based material having oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties. In one embodiment, the multilayer material comprises at least the following layers from its outer side to its inner side (oriented towards the interior of the container):

[0076] - at least one organic sealing layer made of ethylene acrylic or methacrylic ionomer, said heat sealing layer being applied in an amount comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount comprised between 4 g / m 2 and 9 g / m 2 , then

[0077] - at least one inorganic barrier layer providing moisture barrier properties and selected from the list consisting of a metal, a metalloid or a combination thereof, said inorganic layer having a thickness comprised between 1 nm and 100 nm, and

[0078] - at least one organic barrier layer providing oxygen barrier properties and comprising a polymer selected from the list consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) or a combination thereof, in an amount comprised between 0.5 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount comprised between 1 g / m 2 and 10 g / m 2 , more preferably in an amount comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 8 g / m 2 ,

[0079] - a paper layer having a grammage in the range of 30 g / m 2 to less than 120 g / m 2 ,

[0080] - an adhesive, preferably a water-based or solvent-free adhesive, the adhesive having a base compound, the base compound being preferably selected from the list consisting of: polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyurethane (PU), acrylic, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene glycol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), starch-based adhesive, modified cellulose-based adhesive or a combination thereof, the adhesive layer having a thickness preferably in the range of 1 pm to 10 pm,

[0081] - a paperboard or paperboard having a grammage in the range of 120 g / m 2 to 600 g / m 2 .

[0082] Preferably, the outer surface of the peripheral portion of the container bottom closure is sealed to the inner surface of the container peripheral wall by a heat sealing process.

[0083] The base element comprises a base element bottom closure at least partially covering the surface of the bottom opening in the base element. The base element bottom closure can be made of at least a paperboard material or paper, for example, a paperboard or paper material having a grammage between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 and / or a cellulose content higher than 90%, preferably higher than 95%, more preferably higher than 99%.

[0084] In one embodiment, similarly to the configuration of the sleeve element top wall, the base element bottom closure can be made of a material comprising at least the following layers from its outer side to its inner side (the inner side being the side oriented towards the interior of the base element):

[0085] - at least one organic sealing layer made of ethylene acrylic or methacrylic ionomer, the heat sealing layer being applied in an amount between 2 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount between 4 g / m 2 and 9 g / m 2 , followed by

[0086] - at least one inorganic barrier layer providing moisture barrier properties and selected from the list consisting of: a metal, a metalloid or a combination thereof, the inorganic layer having a thickness between 1 nm and 100 nm, and

[0087] - At least one organic barrier layer providing oxygen barrier properties, and comprising a polymer selected from the list of: polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butene glycol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), or combinations thereof, wherein the amount of the polymer is 0.5 g / m³. 2 Up to 20g / m 2 Preferably, the amount of the polymer is 1 g / m³. 2 Up to 10g / m 2 More preferably, the amount of the polymer is 2 g / m³. 2 Up to 8g / m 2 ,

[0088] - Paper layer, which has a density of 30 g / m³ 2 to less than 120g / m 2 Weight within the range

[0089] - An adhesive, preferably a water-based or solvent-free adhesive, having a base compound preferably selected from the list of: polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyurethane (PU), acrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butene glycol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), starch-based adhesive, modified cellulose-based adhesive, or combinations thereof, wherein the adhesive layer has a thickness preferably in the range of 1 μm to 10 μm.

[0090] - Paperboard or cardboard, the paperboard or cardboard having a strength of 120g / m³ 2 Up to 600g / m 2 The weight within the range.

[0091] Alternatively or additionally, films and / or foils (e.g., sealable paper, sealable plastic films, metals (e.g., aluminum) or metallized materials, such as metallized paper or metallized plastics, such as metallized polyolefins, preferably metallized polyethylene or polypropylene) may be attached to the outer surface of the base element wall and the outer surface of the bottom closure. Alternatively or additionally, the bottom closure of the base element may be made of plastic (e.g., polymers, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET)).

[0092] In one embodiment, the film and / or foil that can be attached to the outer surface of the base element wall and the outer surface of the bottom closure may sequentially comprise the following layers from its outer side to its inner side (the inner side being the side in contact with the outer surface of the base element wall and the outer surface of the bottom closure):

[0093] - Paper layer, which has a density of 30 g / m³ 2 to less than 120g / m 2 Weight within the range

[0094] - at least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) or combinations thereof, the amount of polymer being comprised between 0.5 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably the amount of polymer being comprised between 1 g / m 2 and 10 g / m 2 , more preferably the amount of polymer being comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 8 g / m 2 ,

[0095] - at least one inorganic barrier layer selected from the list consisting of a metal, a metalloid or combinations thereof, said inorganic layer having a thickness comprised between 1 nm and 100 nm, and

[0096] - at least one organic sealing layer made of ethylene acrylic or methacrylic ionomer, said heat sealing layer being applied in an amount comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount comprised between 4 g / m 2 and 9 g / m 2 .

[0097] The additional film serves to protect the sealing edge between the bottom wall and the bottom closure from scratches or accidental peeling.

[0098] Preferably, similar configurations apply to the sleeve element.

[0099] Typically, the constituent elements of the package according to the present application are selected from packaging materials comprising a high cellulose content and having barrier properties against oxygen and moisture. Such barrier properties are achieved by incorporating organic and / or inorganic layers in the structure of the packaging material, such as to provide an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) value lower than 1, preferably lower than 0.5 cm 3 / m 2 / day when measured at 23°C and 50% relative humidity (RH), and a water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) value lower than 1, preferably lower than 0.5 g / m 2 / day when measured at 23°C and 85% RH.

[0100] Preferably, the packaged content is a bulk solid, preferably a flowable bulk solid, preferably a flowable powder. The powder can comprise granules and / or particles. Preferably, the packaged content is a coffee powder, preferably a soluble and / or freeze-dried coffee powder, or a milk powder.

[0101] Preferably, the packaged content is an edible product for human and / or animal consumption, and / or the packaged content is configured for producing an edible product for human and / or animal consumption.

[0102] Preferably, when the sleeve element is slid onto the container, the sleeve element peripheral wall and the container peripheral wall axially overlap, preferably along the longitudinal axis of the container, by at least 4 cm, more preferably by at least 5 cm, more preferably by at least 7.5 cm, more preferably by at least 10 cm, more preferably by at least 12.5 cm, more preferably by at least 15 cm. In other words, the sleeve element peripheral wall can extend over the container peripheral wall in the axial direction by the values mentioned above.

[0103] Preferably, the sleeve element and the container are configured to be connected in a frictional manner when the sleeve element is slid onto the container, preferably at least by friction between the container peripheral wall and the sleeve element peripheral wall. This can provide a relatively robust connection and / or seal between the sleeve element and the container. This can increase the shelf life of the content in the packaged article. Furthermore, this can prevent the sleeve element from inadvertently falling off the container, for example when a user only grips the sleeve element and lifts the package by the sleeve element.

[0104] Preferably, when the sleeve element is slid onto the container, the sleeve element peripheral wall overlaps the container peripheral wall in the axial direction along at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70% of the axial length of the container. It is believed that these lengths can provide a sufficient frictional connection between the sleeve element and the container, as well as sufficient moisture and oxygen barrier properties, to keep the packaged content fresh.

[0105] Preferably, the base element peripheral wall overlaps the container peripheral wall in the axial direction along at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30% of the axial length of the container. It is believed that this overlap can provide a stable connection of the base element to the container.

[0106] Preferably, the container and / or the sleeve element and / or the base element comprises at least 50% by volume of paper, more preferably at least 60% by volume of paper, more preferably at least 70% by volume of paper, more preferably at least 80% by volume of paper, more preferably at least 90% by volume of paper, more preferably at least 95% by volume of paper.

[0107] Preferably, at least one opening is defined in the sleeve element, preferably in the sleeve element peripheral wall, more preferably adjacent to the top end of the sleeve element peripheral wall. The opening can be configured to function as a venting hole allowing gas to enter and / or exit the packaged article through the venting hole during opening of the sleeve element. This can at least partly equalize the pressure within the packaged article relative to the environment, thereby facilitating removal of the sleeve element. Alternatively or additionally, the opening can be configured as a pouring opening allowing dispensing of the packaged content through the pouring opening after sliding the sleeve element upwardly and / or away from the base element.

[0108] Preferably, the container is free of printing and / or labels, and optionally wherein the sleeve element and / or the base element are printed at least along the outer surface of the respective peripheral wall.

[0109] In the context of the present application, any barrier layer can be provided as an organic barrier layer, for example a barrier layer made of polyethylene vinyl alcohol type polymer or compound thereof (PVOH, EVOH, BVOH or compound thereof). The thickness of the organic layer (e.g. the thickness of the PVOH layer) can be less than 20 pm, preferably less than 10 pm, or more preferably less than 8 pm. Any organic layer in the structure, if present, is preferably deposited by an aqueous dispersion process, which enables low thickness, easy separation of molecules during recycling, and thus higher compatibility with paper recycling stream processes. Any inorganic barrier layer in the packaging material structure, if present, can comprise a metal such as aluminum and / or a metalloid such as SiOx (silicon oxide) or AlOx (aluminum oxide). The barrier layer can also be made of a combination of various layers, for example at least one organic layer (e.g. PVOH) and at least one inorganic layer (e.g. aluminum).

[0110] Importantly, several paperboard-based packaging material structures can be used to manufacture the various elements of the present package. The various constituent elements of the package can be made of the same or different packaging materials. But typically and preferably, the packaging materials used are laminates comprising a high cellulose content to enable recyclability in a paper stream process, and further comprising at least one layer providing barrier properties against oxygen and / or moisture transmission.

[0111] A first preferred packaging material structure is a multilayer comprising the following layers from the outside to the inside:

[0112] - a paperboard layer having a grammage comprised between 120 g / m2and 600 g / m2, 2 and 600 g / m2, 2

[0113] - an optional adhesive layer having a grammage comprised between 0.5 g / m2and 10 g / m2, 2 and 10 g / m2, 2 ​of between 30 g / m

[0114] - a paper layer having a grammage of between 30 g / m 2 and less than 120 g / m 2 ,

[0115] - at least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) or combinations thereof, the amount of polymer being of between 0.5 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably the amount of polymer being of between 1 g / m 2 and 10 g / m 2 , more preferably the amount of polymer being of between 2 g / m 2 and 8 g / m 2 ,

[0116] - at least one inorganic barrier layer selected from the list consisting of a metal, a metalloid or combinations thereof, said inorganic layer having a thickness of between 1 nm and 100 nm, and

[0117] - at least one organic heat sealable layer made of acrylic or methacrylic polymers or polyolefins grafted with at least one type of ionomer (preferably sodium ionomer), said heat sealable layer being applied in an amount of between 2 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount of between 4 g / m 2 and 9 g / m 2 .

[0118] The inorganic layer comprises a metal or a metalloid selected from the list consisting of aluminum, aluminum oxide (AIOx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), said metal and / or metalloid being deposited by vacuum deposition or transfer metallization.

[0119] The second preferred packaging material structure is multilayer, comprising from the outside to the inside the following layers:

[0120] - a paperboard layer having a grammage of between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 ,

[0121] - an optional adhesive layer having a grammage of between 0.5 g / m 2 and 10 g / m 2 ,

[0122] - a paper layer having a grammage of between 30 g / m 2and less than 120 g / m 2 between 10 g / m

[0123] - at least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) or combinations thereof, the amount of polymer being comprised between 0.5 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably the amount of polymer being comprised between 1 g / m 2 and 10 g / m 2 , more preferably the amount of polymer being comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 8 g / m 2 ,

[0124] - at least one inorganic barrier layer selected from the list consisting of a metal, a metalloid or combinations thereof, said inorganic layer having a thickness comprised between 1 nm and 100 nm, and

[0125] - at least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) or combinations thereof, the amount of polymer being comprised between 0.5 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably the amount of polymer being comprised between 1 g / m 2 and 10 g / m 2 , more preferably the amount of polymer being comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 8 g / m 2 ,

[0126] - at least one organic heat seal layer made of a polyolefin applied by extrusion, said heat seal layer being applied in an amount comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount comprised between 4 g / m 2 and 9 g / m 2 .

[0127] The inorganic layer comprises a metal or a metalloid selected from the list consisting of aluminum, aluminum oxide (AlOx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), said metal and / or metalloid being deposited by vacuum deposition or transfer metallization.

[0128] In one embodiment of the present application, the orientation of the layers of the first preferred packaging structure or of the second preferred packaging structure described above can be reversed for the construction of any one (or all) of the following elements of the packaged article: sleeve element peripheral wall, sleeve element top wall, base element peripheral wall and / or base element bottom closure.

[0129] In other words, in this case, the order of the layers of the first preferred packaging structure described above, in the case of being applicable to the embodiments of the present application, is from the inside to the outside:

[0130] - a paperboard layer having a grammage comprised between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 ,

[0131] - an optional adhesive layer having a grammage comprised between 0.5 g / m 2 and 10 g / m 2 ,

[0132] - a paper layer having a grammage comprised between 30 g / m 2 and less than 120 g / m 2 ,

[0133] - at least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list consisting of: polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) or combinations thereof, in an amount comprised between 0.5 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount comprised between 1 g / m 2 and 10 g / m 2 , more preferably in an amount comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 8 g / m 2 ,

[0134] - at least one inorganic barrier layer selected from the list consisting of: a metal, a metalloid or combinations thereof, said inorganic layer having a thickness comprised between 1 nm and 100 nm, and

[0135] - at least one organic heat seal layer made of acrylic or methacrylic polymers or polyolefins grafted with at least one type of ionomer (preferably sodium ionomer), said heat seal layer being applied in an amount comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount comprised between 4 g / m 2 and 9 g / m 2 .

[0136] Alternatively, in case of applicability to embodiments of the present application, the order of the layers of the second preferred packaging structure described above, from the inner side (i.e. the side of the material oriented towards the interior of the packaged article) to the outer side, can be:

[0137] - a paperboard layer having a grammage comprised between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 ,

[0138] - an optional adhesive layer having a grammage comprised between 0.5 g / m 2 and 10 g / m 2 ,

[0139] - a paper layer having a grammage comprised between 30 g / m 2 and less than 120 g / m 2 ,

[0140] - at least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) or combinations thereof, in an amount comprised between 0.5 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount comprised between 1 g / m 2 and 10 g / m 2 , more preferably in an amount comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 8 g / m 2 ,

[0141] - at least one inorganic barrier layer selected from the list consisting of a metal, a metalloid or combinations thereof, said inorganic layer having a thickness comprised between 1 nm and 100 nm, and

[0142] - at least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) or combinations thereof, in an amount comprised between 0.5 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount comprised between 1 g / m 2 and 10 g / m 2 , more preferably in an amount comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 8 g / m 2 ,

[0143] - at least one organic heat seal layer made of a polyolefin applied by extrusion, said heat seal layer having a grammage comprised between 2 g / m2 and 20 g / m 2 between 4 g / m 2 and 9 g / m 2 are applied.

[0144] This embodiment of the first and second preferred packaging structure provides a metallized appearance to the outer surface of the packaging article. In this case, the cellulose-based layer is thus oriented towards the interior of the packaging article and is not visible from the outside when the packaging article is closed.

[0145] In the preferred embodiment where the container, sleeve element and base element have a circumferential wall that is formed as a cylinder, these elements are preferably manufactured by rolling flat material into a tube and seaming the longitudinal edges of the tube in an "edge-to-edge" configuration, i.e. without overlapping the edges, with a flat seaming strip applied on at least one side of the tube. The seaming strip is a flexible foil or film with a thickness preferably less than 50 microns. Preferably, the seaming strip is attached along the entire length of the longitudinal seam of the tube and overlaps both edges of the tube that need to be abutted, with the overlap on each edge preferably being at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, but preferably not more than 10 mm. Preferably, two seaming strips are applied on both sides of the tube. Preferably, the seaming strip is a tear-resistant heat-sealable multilayer strip film comprising polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in a PE / PET or PE / PET / PE configuration.

[0146] In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the sleeve and / or base element can be printed, preferably with a food-grade ink. Digital (inkjet or laser printing) can be used, however flexographic printing process is preferred. As an alternative or in addition to printing, at least a portion of the outer surface of the sleeve and / or base element can be labeled.

[0147] In a second aspect, the present invention also relates to a packaged food product comprising at least one packaging article according to any of the embodiments described herein and at least one food material contained within the container of the packaging article.

[0148] Preferably, the food material is a bulk solid, preferably a flowable bulk solid, preferably a flowable powder. The powder can comprise granules and / or particles. Preferably, the packaged content is coffee or milk powder, preferably soluble coffee powder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0149] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following description of presently preferred embodiments thereof, given with reference to the drawings, and will become apparent from the drawings, in which:

[0150] Figure 1a partially exploded view of a packaging article according to an embodiment of the application is schematically illustrated;

[0151] Figure 2 a packaging article in the assembled condition is schematically illustrated; Figure 1

[0152] Figure 3 a packaging article is schematically illustrated Figure 1 and Figure 2 an enlarged view of a container top closure of a packaging article is schematically illustrated;

[0153] Figure 4 an enlarged view of a container bottom closure of a packaging article is schematically illustrated Figure 1 and Figure 2 an enlarged view of a container bottom closure of a packaging article is schematically illustrated according to an embodiment of the application;

[0154] Figure 5 an enlarged view of a container bottom closure of a packaging article is schematically illustrated according to another embodiment of the application; and Figure 1 Figure 2 an enlarged view of a container bottom closure of a packaging article is schematically illustrated according to another embodiment of the application;

[0155] Figure 6 an enlarged view of a container bottom closure of a packaging article is schematically illustrated according to another embodiment of the application; Figure 1 Figure 2 an enlarged view of a container bottom closure of a packaging article is schematically illustrated according to another embodiment of the application;

[0156] Figure 7A and Figure 7B are schematic illustrations showing one packaging element being partially lifted with respect to other packaging elements in order to open a dosing opening;

[0157] Figure 8A and Figure 8B are schematic partial cross-sectional views showing two configurations of the orientation of the cellulose and oxygen / moisture barrier layers in the sleeve element or base element, respectively;

[0158] Figure 9A is a schematic fully exploded perspective view showing the arrangement of the constituent elements of one embodiment of a packaging article according to the application;

[0159] Figure 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a packaging article according to the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0160] Figure 1 and Figure 2 ​​​A packaging article 100 is shown, comprising a cylindrical container 102 made of a multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate. The multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprises a paperboard, an organic barrier layer and an inorganic barrier layer. The paperboard can have a grammage comprised between 120 g / m2 2 and 600 g / m2 2 and / or can have a cellulose content higher than 90%, preferably higher than 95%, more preferably higher than 99%. More precisely, preferably, the container peripheral wall can be made of a cellulose-based multilayer material having barrier properties against oxygen and / or moisture transmission and comprising at least the following layers from its inner side (oriented towards the inside of the container) to its outer side:

[0161] - at least one organic sealing layer made of an ethylene acrylic or methacrylic ionomer, said heat sealing layer being applied in an amount comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount comprised between 4 g / m 2 and 9 g / m 2 , then

[0162] - at least one inorganic barrier layer providing moisture barrier properties and selected from the list consisting of a metal, a metalloid or a combination thereof, said inorganic layer having a thickness comprised between 1 nm and 100 nm, and

[0163] - at least one organic barrier layer providing oxygen barrier properties and comprising a polymer selected from the list consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) or a combination thereof, in an amount comprised between 0.5 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount comprised between 1 g / m 2 and 10 g / m 2 , more preferably in an amount comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 8 g / m 2 ,

[0164] - a paper layer having a grammage in the range of 30 g / m 2 to less than 120 g / m 2 ,

[0165] - an adhesive, preferably a water-based or solvent-free adhesive, the adhesive having a base compound, the base compound being preferably selected from the list consisting of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyurethane (PU), acrylic, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene glycol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), starch-based adhesive, modified cellulose-based adhesive or combinations thereof, the adhesive layer having a thickness preferably in the range of 1 pm to 10 pm,

[0166] - a paperboard or paperboard having a grammage in the range of 120 g / m 2 to 600 g / m 2 .

[0167] The container 102 comprises a container peripheral wall 104 and a container bottom closure (or "container bottom wall") 106, both defining at least one compartment 108 for packaging a content (e.g. a food material). The container 102 further comprises a dispensing opening 110 configured to allow dispensing of the packaged content from the container 102 through the dispensing opening 110.

[0168] In Figure 1 one preferred embodiment illustrated, the container bottom wall 106 is a multilayer foil comprising a first metallized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer having a thickness of 12 microns, attached to a second polyethylene (PE) layer having a thickness of 40 microns. The polyethylene layer provides good sealing properties to seal the container wall to the bottom portion of the container peripheral wall.

[0169] The packaging article 100 further comprises a sleeve element 114 having a sleeve element peripheral wall 116. The sleeve element further comprises Figure 1 a sleeve element top wall 150 illustrated, at least partially closing a top end of said sleeve element.

[0170] The sleeve element 114 is configured to slide over at least a top end portion 118 of the container peripheral wall 104, such that the sleeve element peripheral wall 116 at least partially encloses the container peripheral wall 104 and the sleeve element 114 at least partially covers the dispensing opening 110. The sleeve element 114 can be made of a multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising a paperboard and an organic barrier layer. The paperboard can have a grammage between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 and / or a cellulose content higher than 90%, preferably higher than 95%, more preferably higher than 99%.

[0171] The packaging article 100 further comprises a base element 122 having a base element peripheral wall 124. The base element 122 comprises a base element bottom wall (or bottom "closure") 160 at least partially closing a lower extremity of said base element. The base element 122 at least partially surrounds and preferably, but not strictly necessarily, is immovably attached to a bottom end portion 128 of the container peripheral wall 104. In other words, the base element 122 is at least partially slidable on the container peripheral wall 104 and is optionally, but preferably, firmly attached to this container peripheral wall. The base element 122 can be made of paperboard having a grammage comprised between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 and / or a cellulose content higher than 90%, preferably higher than 95%, more preferably higher than 99%. The base element 122 can be made of paperboard and optionally of a multi-layer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising an organic barrier layer.

[0172] The packaging article 100 further comprises a container top closure 132 configured to close, preferably sealingly close, the dispensing opening 110 so as to prevent dispensing of the packaged content through the dispensing opening 110. The container top closure 132 can be sealed (e.g. by heat sealing, adhesive and / or welding) to the top (i.e. upper edge) portion 118 of the container peripheral wall, in particular around the dispensing opening 110, but alternatively and preferably, the top closure 132 can also be sealed to a ring (or "collar" or "gasket") 180 which is itself attached to the top (i.e. upper edge) portion 118 of the container peripheral wall, as exemplified in Figure 3 、 Figure 9A and Figure 9B The container top closure 132 is at least partially removable from the dispensing opening 110, for example upon initial opening of the container 102. Once the container top closure 132 has been at least partially removed from the dispensing opening 110, the container 102 (more specifically the dispensing opening 110) can be re-closed and re-opened, preferably multiple times, by sliding the sleeve element 114 on the container 102 and removing it from the container.

[0173] The packaging article 100 further comprises a second opening 140 defined in the sleeve element peripheral wall 116. The second opening 140 can be configured to be at least partially closable, preferably reclosable, preferably multiple times. The second opening 140 is closed by the container peripheral wall when the sleeve element 114 is slid (e.g. fully slid) onto the container 102, and / or the second opening 140 can be opened and reclosed by rotation of the sleeve element 114 relative to the container 102 (e.g. by providing a cut along a portion of the container peripheral wall 104 configured to overlap the second opening 140 in the sleeve element peripheral wall 116 when the second opening 140 is open).

[0174] The second opening 140 can be configured to function as a vent allowing gas to enter and / or exit the packaging article 100 during and / or prior to opening of the sleeve element 114. Alternatively or additionally, the second opening 140 can function as a pouring opening allowing dispensing of the content thereof, preferably after sliding the sleeve element 114 upwards and / or away from the container 102.

[0175] In an optional embodiment only, the element 142 can be displaceable towards the second opening 140, preferably via an interaction between the sleeve element 114 and the container 102 when the sleeve element 114 is slid onto the container 102 or further onto the container. This can allow at least partial reclosing of the second opening 140 by means of the displaceable element 142.

[0176] Preferably, the cylindrical container 102 is devoid of printing and / or labels. The sleeve element 114 can comprise one or more printing and / or labels 144, as shown in Figure 1 and 2 .

[0177] The packaging article 100 further comprises a flange 146. The flange 146 is defined by an end 147 of the base element 122, in particular by a distal edge 148 of the base element peripheral wall 124. The sleeve element 114 is configured to at least partially abut the flange 146 when the sleeve element 114 is slid on the container 102, as shown in Figure 2 .

[0178] More precisely, this abutment feature of the base element with the sleeve element when the packaging article is in its fully closed configuration, ensures that the mechanical resistance of the packaging article to a top load (i.e. in the vertical direction) is guaranteed, as the force applied in the vertical direction is taken by three contact points:

[0179] - a first contact point at the interface between the upper edge of the cylindrical container and the inner surface of the sleeve element upper wall,

[0180] - a second contact point at the interface between the lower edge of the sleeve element and the inner surface of the base element, and

[0181] - a third contact point between the lower edge of the sleeve element and the upper edge of the base element.

[0182] Thus, the stackability of the entire packaged article is guaranteed, which ensures that the integrity of each individual package is not affected when many such packages are stacked on top of each other for shipping or storage.

[0183] Figure 3 An enlarged view of the container top closure 132 of the packaged article 100 is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As schematically shown in Figure 3 , the container top closure 132 is attached, preferably sealingly attached, preferably adhesively attached to an annular ring (or "collar" or "gasket") 180 of the container 102. The container top closure 132 can be configured to be peeled off from the annular ring 180, in particular from the annular ring 180, and / or the container top closure 132 can be pierceable to at least partially open the dispensing opening 110. The annular ring 180 can be made of paperboard. Alternatively, the annular ring 180 can be formed as part of the container peripheral wall 104. As described above, the main role of the annular ring 180 is to mechanically reinforce the rigidity of the container in the area of the dispensing opening 110 of the container 102, such that any radial force exerted on the container wall in the upper region of the container does not cause the container to deform. Moreover, the annular ring 180 is preferably made of a material having barrier properties against the transmission of oxygen and moisture, such that the oxygen and / or moisture barrier between the container 102 and the container top closure 132 is continuous.

[0184] Figure 4 to Figure 6 Different embodiments for configuring the container bottom closure 106 are schematically shown. As schematically shown in Figure 4 , the bottom closure 106 can be attached, preferably sealingly attached, preferably adhesively attached to the inner side 154 of the container peripheral wall 104.

[0185] As schematically shown in Figure 5 , the bottom closure 106 can be attached to an outwardly flared portion 158 of the container 102, which outwardly extends, in particular radially outwardly, away from the compartment 108. The outwardly flared portion 158 extends axially away from the dispensing opening 110.

[0186] As schematically shown in Figure 6As schematically shown, the bottom closure 106 can be attached to a portion 160 of the container 102 that extends outward away from the compartment 108, specifically radially outward, and axially toward the dispensing opening 110.

[0187] like Figure 7A and Figure 7B As depicted, the packaging may include a metering feed opening 170 in the side of the sleeve element 114. By lifting the sleeve element 114 (without separating it from the rest of the packaging), a channel is formed between the internal compartments of the packaging and the metering feed opening 170 to create a passage for the product. The diameter of the metering feed opening (between 5 mm and 30 mm) is sufficient to allow some product to flow out in a metered amount and flow rate, which allows for convenient metering of the product, such as... Figure 7B As illustrated. After metered feeding, sleeve element 114 is pushed back onto the remainder of the package to close it.

[0188] exist Figure 8A and Figure 8B The diagram illustrates two alternative configurations of the sleeve element 114 and / or base element 122.

[0189] As described above, base element 122 includes a base element peripheral wall 124 and a base element bottom wall 160, the base element bottom wall at least partially covering the surface of the bottom opening in the base element. Sleeve element 114 includes a sleeve element peripheral wall 116 and a sleeve element top wall 150, the sleeve element top wall at least partially closing the top end of the sleeve element.

[0190] In one embodiment, the peripheral wall of the base element may be made of a cellulose-based material (e.g., paper or paperboard-based), with at least one layer of oxygen and / or moisture barrier material attached to the cellulose-based material. The oxygen and / or moisture barrier material may include at least one of an organic layer and / or an inorganic layer. The at least one oxygen and / or moisture barrier layer may be attached to the cellulose base layer by extrusion, lamination, or an aqueous dispersion process. As for the inorganic layer, it may be deposited as an ultrathin layer of nanometer thickness using a vacuum deposition process.

[0191] exist Figure 8A In one illustrated embodiment, the peripheral walls of the base element and the sleeve element are made of a multi-layered packaging material structure, which comprises, from the outside to the inside, the following layers:

[0192] - Cardboard layer, which has a density between 120 g / m² 2 and 600g / m 2 between the weights,

[0193] - An optional adhesive layer having a concentration between 0.5 g / m³ 2and 10 g / m 2 of grammage,

[0194] - a paper layer having a grammage comprised between 30 g / m 2 and less than 120 g / m 2 ,

[0195] - at least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) or a combination thereof, the amount of polymer being comprised between 0.5 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably the amount of polymer being comprised between 1 g / m 2 and 10 g / m 2 , more preferably the amount of polymer being comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 8 g / m 2 ,

[0196] - at least one inorganic barrier layer selected from the list consisting of a metal, a metalloid or a combination thereof, said inorganic layer having a thickness comprised between 1 nm and 100 nm, and

[0197] - at least one organic heat seal layer made of acrylic or methacrylic polymers or polyolefins grafted with at least one type of ionomer (preferably sodium ionomer, preferably ethylene acrylic or methacrylic ionomer), said heat seal layer being applied in an amount comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount comprised between 4 g / m 2 and 9 g / m 2 .

[0198] The inorganic layer can comprise a metal or a metalloid selected from the list consisting of aluminum, aluminum oxide (AIOx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), said metal and / or metalloid being deposited by vacuum deposition or transfer metallization.

[0199] In the embodiment schematically illustrated in Figure 8A , the set of barrier layers 190, including in particular the metallized layer, is oriented towards the inside of the container (not visible from the outside when the package is closed), while the cellulose (paperboard, paper) layer 200 is oriented towards the outside of the container.

[0200] In the alternative embodiment of the application illustrated in Figure 8B , the set of barrier layers 190, including in particular the metallized layer, is oriented towards the outside of the container (visible from the outside when the package is closed), while the cellulose (paperboard, paper) layer 200 is oriented towards the inside of the container. Figure 8AThe order of the layers of the peripheral wall is reversed compared to the first embodiment illustrated. In this alternative embodiment, the set of barrier layers 190, notably comprising a metallized layer, is oriented towards the outside, while the cellulose (paperboard, paper) layer 200 is oriented towards the inside of the container. This configuration gives the packaging article 100 a metallic appearance from the outside, notably when it is closed. This alternative embodiment provides a packaging article with such an outer surface that has a very smooth surface, even at a microscopic level, due to the metallized layer and the outermost organic heat-sealable layer. This smooth surface provides an advantage when printing on the outer surface of the base element 122 and / or the outer surface of the sleeve element 114, and is therefore preferred. This smooth surface enables the use of flexographic printing technology, which is less expensive than digital printing technology, which is usually required to print on a rough paperboard or paper surface.

[0201] In the two embodiments described above with reference to Figure 8A and Figure 8B , the base element bottom wall 160 and the sleeve element top wall 150 can be made of the same material as the material of the peripheral wall of the base element and sleeve element to which they are attached. The sleeve element top wall 150 comprises a flat disc with a slightly downwardly inclined outer circumferential portion 151, as illustrated in Figure 8A and Figure 8B . The upper portion 152 of the sleeve element peripheral wall 114 is also inclined towards the internal volume of the sleeve, so that the inclined portions 151, 152 of the two elements overlap and can be sealed together, as illustrated in Figure 8A and Figure 8B .

[0202] In the embodiments depicted in Figure 8A and Figure 8B , an additional film 210 can be attached to the outer surface of the inclined portion 152 of the sleeve element peripheral wall and to the outer surface of the top wall 150. The additional film 210 comprises, in order from its outer side to its inner side (the inner side being the side in contact with the outer surface of the sleeve element peripheral wall 116 and top wall 150):

[0203] - a paper layer having a grammage in the range of 30 g / m 2 to less than 120 g / m 2 ,

[0204] - at least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) or combinations thereof, in an amount of 0.5 g / m 2 to 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount of 1 g / m 2 to 10 g / m 2More preferably, the amount of the polymer is 2 g / m³. 2 Up to 8g / m 2 ,

[0205] - At least one inorganic barrier layer, selected from the list of the following: metals, quasi-metals, or combinations thereof, wherein the inorganic layer has a thickness between 1 nm and 100 nm.

[0206] - At least one organic sealing layer, said at least one organic sealing layer being made of acrylic acid or methacrylate ionomer (preferably ethylene acrylic acid or methacrylate ionomer), said heat-sealing layer having a heat-sealing concentration between 2 g / m 2 and 20g / m 2 The amount is preferably between 4 g / m 2 and 9g / m 2 The amount applied between them.

[0207] An additional membrane is used to protect the sealing area 220 between the peripheral wall of the sleeve 116 and the top closure 150 from scratches or accidental peeling. Furthermore, in Figure 8B In the illustrated embodiment, when the peripheral wall of the sleeve 116 is made of a material in which the cellulose layer turns inward toward the interior of the packaged article and the oxygen and / or barrier layer turns outward, it is found that the oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties in the sealed area 220 may be reduced because the seal occurs between the innermost cellulose base layer 200 of the peripheral wall of the sleeve and the outermost cellulose layer of the top closure 150 of the sleeve. In this case, it is found that a membrane 210 comprising at least one layer of oxygen and / or moisture barrier material (especially the oxygen and / or moisture barrier material as described above) can provide additional oxygen and / or barrier protection to protect the contents of the packaged article. This additional protection is due to the adjacent placement of the organic and inorganic barrier layers of the membrane 210 to the organic and / or inorganic barrier layers 190 of the peripheral wall 116 of the sleeve 114.

[0208] The same construction applies to the base element 122 and the base element closure (or "wall") 160 attached to the base element.

[0209] Figure 9A and Figure 9B An embodiment of the packaged article 100 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 9A This is a split view of the various constituent elements described above, and Figure 9B This refers to packaged articles 100 that are in their fully closed configuration.

[0210] Container 102 is made of a cylindrical tube forming a container periphery 104. The bottom portion of the container periphery 104 is closed by a container bottom wall 106, and the upper portion of the container periphery 104 is closed by a peelable membrane 132 via an annular ring 180, which forms an interface between the membrane 132 and the container periphery 104. The internal volume of container 102 defines a compartment 108 for containing the product.

[0211] The top sleeve element 114 is made of a cylindrical tube forming a sleeve peripheral wall 116, which has an inner diameter that allows it to slide frictionally against the container peripheral wall 102 to open and close the packaged article 100. The top of the sleeve peripheral wall 104 is closed by a sleeve top wall 150, which is covered on its outer side by a membrane 210 that overlaps with the sealing area between the sleeve top wall 150 and the sleeve peripheral wall 102.

[0212] The base element 122 is made of a cylindrical tube forming a peripheral wall 124 of the base element, the peripheral wall having an inner diameter that allows it to be placed frictionally on the peripheral wall 102 of the container. The bottom of the peripheral wall 124 of the base element is closed by a base element bottom wall (or "closure") 160, the outer side of which is covered by a membrane 210, which overlaps with the sealing area between the base element bottom wall 160 and the peripheral wall 124 of the base element. Preferably, the base element 122 is permanently attached to the container 102.

[0213] The peripheral walls 104, 116, and 124 of the container, sleeve element, and base element, as well as the bottom wall 160 of the base element and the top wall 150 of the sleeve element, can be made of a multi-layer packaging material structure, which includes the following layers from the outside to the inside:

[0214] - Cardboard layer, which has a density between 120 g / m² 2 and 600g / m 2 between the weights,

[0215] - An optional adhesive layer having a concentration between 0.5 g / m³ 2 and 10g / m 2 weight

[0216] - Paper layer, which has a density between 30 g / m² 2 and less than 120g / m 2 between the weights,

[0217] - At least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list of: polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butene glycol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), or combinations thereof, wherein the amount of the polymer is 0.5 g / m³. 2 Up to 20g / m2 , preferably the amount of polymer is comprised between 1 g / m 2 and 10 g / m 2 , more preferably the amount of polymer is comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 8 g / m 2 ,

[0218] - at least one inorganic barrier layer selected from the list consisting of a metal, a metalloid or a combination thereof, said inorganic layer having a thickness comprised between 1 nm and 100 nm, and

[0219] - at least one organic heat seal layer made of a polyolefin acrylic or methacrylic polymer or grafted ionomer (preferably sodium ionomer, preferably ethylene acrylic or methacrylic ionomer), said heat seal layer being applied in an amount comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount comprised between 4 g / m 2 and 9 g / m 2 .

[0220] The inorganic layer can comprise a metal or a metalloid selected from the list consisting of aluminum, aluminum oxide (AIOx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), said metal and / or metalloid being deposited by vacuum deposition or transfer metallization.

[0221] The film 210 can be made of a multilayer material comprising, in order from its outer side to its inner side (inner side pointing towards the inside of the packaged article) the following layers:

[0222] - a paper layer having a grammage in the range of 30 g / m 2 to less than 120 g / m 2 ,

[0223] - at least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), butylene diol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) or a combination thereof, the amount of polymer being comprised between 0.5 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably the amount of polymer is comprised between 1 g / m 2 and 10 g / m 2 , more preferably the amount of polymer is comprised between 2 g / m 2 and 8 g / m 2 ,

[0224] - at least one inorganic barrier layer, the at least one inorganic barrier layer being selected from the list consisting of a metal, a metalloid or a combination thereof, said inorganic layer having a thickness of between 1 nm and 100 nm, and

[0225] - at least one organic sealing layer, the at least one organic sealing layer being made of an ethylene acrylic or methacrylic ionomer, said heat sealing layer being applied in an amount of between 2 g / m 2 and 20 g / m 2 , preferably in an amount of between 4 g / m 2 and 9 g / m 2 .

[0226] In the embodiments illustrated in Figure 9A and Figure 9B , the material used to form the peripheral wall of the sleeve element 114 and of the base element 122 can thus be laminated with the cellulose layer 200 facing the outer side of the packaged article 100, and the organic and / or inorganic barrier layer 190 against the transmission of oxygen and / or moisture is oriented to face the inside of the packaged article 100. Thus, in the embodiments illustrated in Figure 9A and Figure 9B , the external appearance of the packaged article 100 in its closed condition is that of a cellulose (paper or paperboard) package.

[0227] However, the materials of the peripheral walls of the sleeve element and of the base element can be reversed, so that the external appearance of the package can be that of a metallized package.

[0228] The height of the sleeve element and of the base element can be the same, but they can also have different heights. However, in the highly preferred embodiments of the present application, the height of the sleeve element and of the base element is chosen so that, in the closed configuration of the packaged article, the lower edge of the sleeve element 114 contacts the flange 146 of the base element 122, as illustrated in Figure 9B , the inner surface of the sleeve element top wall 150 contacts the upper surface of the container, and the inner surface of the base element bottom wall 160 contacts the lower surface of the container 102.

[0229] For the purposes of illustration, various aspects and embodiments of the present application have been described. However, the present application should not be unduly limited to any of the details of the disclosure above, as the skilled person will understand that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present application and that these changes and modifications still fall within the scope of the present application. In particular, the present application should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. On the contrary, the scope of the present application is determined only by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

[0230] Generally, the package according to the present application provides the user with a certain number of advantages and benefits as follows.

[0231] The package has a unique structural design that employs a paperboard package with a unique tubular shape and size; the construction is made of paperboard that is recyclable in a paper stream process.

[0232] The package comprises an innovative closure system: a tubular package with a novel "lift and press" mechanism for closure that enables user-friendly opening, closure and resealing (easy to seal and reseal while also having safety and protection). Specifically, the only attachment of the upper sleeve element onto the core container is done by one sliding over the other. The functional gap between the two is sufficient to ensure proper attachment and makes it unnecessary to have complex lidding solutions such as threading or snap mechanisms. By choosing a functional gap preferably between 50 pm and 500 pm, preferably between 100 pm and 300 pm, it is ensured that the top sleeve element can be easily slid onto the core container element while the fit between the two elements is high enough to prevent one element from sliding relative to the other without the application of an external force. The "functional gap" refers to the difference between the inner diameter of the sleeve element of the package and the outer diameter of the container element.

[0233] The innovative package according to the present invention provides a so-called "open shelf life" capability, which means that after the package is first opened for use, its closed configuration allows for a high level of barrier, which extends the shelf life of the content. This open shelf life is possible due to the very low moisture and oxygen transmission when the top sleeve element fully closes the container element. In this closed position, the package still has an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) value of less than 1, preferably less than 0.5 cm 3 / m 2 / day when measured at 23°C and 50% relative humidity (RH), and the package still has a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) value of less than 1, preferably less than 0.5 g / m 2 / day when measured at 23°C and 85% RH. This is due to the fact that the functional gap (i.e. the space) between the inner surface of the sleeve element and the outer surface of the container element is small enough and at the same time the overlap between the sleeve element and the container element is high enough to ensure that when movement between the two is allowed by the application of a sliding force, the transmission of moisture and gases is largely prevented.

[0234] The package according to the present invention can advantageously comprise holes / perforations in the paperboard structure that enable precise and user-friendly dosing of the content of the package as "dosing" or "dose dispenser" (i.e. a mechanism that allows the user to dispense a specific amount of product from the package, which is typically used for precise and convenient use).

[0235] The packaging is made of sustainable material: a tubular paperboard packaging made of eco-friendly / biodegradable / recyclable and / or compostable material, with built-in barrier capabilities to ensure a longer shelf life and freshness of the product without significant impact on the organoleptic properties.

[0236] The packaging comprises customizable features, in particular the tubular paperboard packaging, which can be customized to fit different product types and customer needs, such as size, shape or color.

[0237] The packaging comprises a particularly high barrier functionality against the passage of gases and moisture through its walls. The developed packaging material provides high barrier functionality properties, such as oxygen transmission rate (OTR), moisture resistance (WVTR), odor barrier properties, which enhance food protection and usability.

[0238] Optionally, but preferably, the packaging material is UV-resistant or light-protecting, thus particularly suitable for packaging certain food categories that are sensitive to UV.

[0239] While the tubular packaging is resistant to stacking forces and top load mechanical stresses, which the packaging is subjected to when shipped and stored in stacks, the tubular packaging uses a paperboard material that is flexible enough so that it can be folded or collapsed, thus occupying a smaller space when discarded after use.

[0240] The packaging according to the present invention is a shock-absorbing / cushioning system: the mechanical elasticity of the current tube material and the headspace integrated into the packaging cavity form an airbag feature, thus protecting sensitive products from mechanical impacts during transport or handling.

[0241] The simple shape of this packaging forms a stackable design, which minimizes product movement / optimizes transportation.

[0242] The use of a paperboard material with a very high cellulose content produces a sound-damping effect and reduces noise during shipping and when opening, closing and resealing. In this respect, this packaging is very user-friendly.

[0243] The preferred shape and diameter of the tube are chosen so that they are adapted to the human hand, thus achieving a highly ergonomic and easy-to-grasp design.

[0244] The present invention comprises the following aspects:

[0245] 1. A packaging article, comprising:

[0246] - at least one container, preferably cylindrical, made of a multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising a paperboard and an organic barrier layer, the paperboard having a grammage comprised between 120 g / m2and 300 g / m2, preferably between 150 g / m2and 250 g / m2, and a thickness comprised between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.15 mm and 0.3 mm, and the organic barrier layer having a thickness comprised between 0.1 pm and 10 pm, preferably between 0.5 pm and 5 pm, and 2and 600 g / m 2 and a cellulose content higher than 90%, preferably higher than 95%, more preferably higher than 99%, the container comprising at least one container peripheral wall, a container bottom closure and at least one dispensing opening, the at least one container peripheral wall and the container bottom closure defining at least one compartment for packaging content, the at least one dispensing opening being configured to allow dispensing of the packaged content from the container through the dispensing opening,

[0247] at least one sleeve element having at least one sleeve element peripheral wall, the sleeve element being configured to slide over at least a top end portion of the container peripheral wall such that the sleeve element peripheral wall at least partially encloses the container peripheral wall and the sleeve element at least partially covers the dispensing opening, the sleeve element preferably being made of a multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising a paperboard and an organic barrier layer, the paperboard preferably having a grammage comprised between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 and a cellulose content higher than 90%, preferably higher than 95%, more preferably higher than 99%, and

[0248] optionally, at least one base element having at least one base element peripheral wall, the base element at least partially enclosing and preferably immovably attached to a bottom end portion of the container peripheral wall, the base element being made of a paperboard having a grammage comprised between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 and a cellulose content higher than 90%, preferably higher than 95%, more preferably higher than 99%, preferably wherein the base element is made of a multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising the paperboard.

[0249] 2. The packaging article according to aspect 1, wherein at least a portion of the base element protrudes from the container beyond the container bottom closure.

[0250] 3. The packaging article according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising at least one flange, wherein the sleeve element, preferably a distal end of the sleeve element, is configured to at least partially abut the flange when the sleeve element is slid over the container, the flange preferably being defined at an interface between the base element and the container.

[0251] 4. The packaging article according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the flange is at least partially defined by a distal end of the base element, preferably at least partially defined by a distal end of a wall of the base element.

[0252] 5. The packaging article according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sleeve element and / or the container are configured such that the sleeve element can be removed from the container and slid on the container multiple times.

[0253] 6. The packaging article according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising at least one container top closure configured to close, preferably sealingly close, the dispensing opening to prevent dispensing of the packaged content through the dispensing opening, wherein the container top closure can be at least partially removed from the dispensing opening.

[0254] 7. The packaging according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the base element comprises a base element bottom closure.

[0255] 8. The packaging according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the packaged content is a bulk solid, preferably a flowable bulk solid, preferably a flowable powder.

[0256] 9. The packaging article according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the packaged content:

[0257] is an edible product for human and / or animal consumption;

[0258] and / or

[0259] is configured for producing an edible product for human and / or animal consumption.

[0260] 10. The packaging article according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sleeve element peripheral wall and the container peripheral wall axially overlap, preferably along the longitudinal axis of the container, when the sleeve element is slid onto the container, by at least 4 cm, more preferably by at least 5 cm, more preferably by at least 7.5 cm, more preferably by at least 10 cm, more preferably by at least 12.5 cm, more preferably by at least 15 cm.

[0261] 11. The packaging article according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sleeve element peripheral wall overlaps the container peripheral wall in the axial direction along at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70% of the axial length of the container, when the sleeve element is slid onto the container.

[0262] 12. The packaging article according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sleeve element and the container are configured to be connected frictionally, preferably at least by friction between the container peripheral wall and the sleeve element peripheral wall, when the sleeve element is slid on the container.

[0263] 13. The packaging article according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the container and / or the sleeve element and / or the base element comprises at least 50% by volume of paper, more preferably at least 60% by volume of paper, more preferably at least 70% by volume of paper, more preferably at least 80% by volume of paper, more preferably at least 90% by volume of paper, more preferably at least 95% by volume of paper.

[0264] 14. The packaging article according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein at least one opening is defined in the sleeve element, preferably in the sleeve element peripheral wall, wherein:

[0265] the opening is configured to function as a vent hole allowing gas to enter and / or exit the packaging article through the vent hole during and / or prior to opening of the sleeve element;

[0266] and / or

[0267] wherein the opening is configured as a pouring opening allowing dispensing of the packaged contents through the pouring opening, preferably after sliding the sleeve element upwards and / or away from the base element.

[0268] 15. The packaging article according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the container is free of printing and / or labels, and optionally wherein the sleeve element is printed.

[0269] 16. A packaged food product comprising:

[0270] at least one packaging article according to any one of the preceding aspects; and

[0271] at least one food material contained within the container of the packaging article.

[0272] 17. The packaged food product according to aspect 16, wherein the food material is a bulk solid, preferably a flowable bulk solid, preferably a flowable powder.

Claims

1. A packaging article (100), comprising: - at least one container (102) made of a multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising a paperboard having a grammage comprised between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 and a cellulose content higher than 90%, preferably higher than 95%, more preferably higher than 99%, and an organic and / or inorganic barrier layer, said container comprising at least one container peripheral wall (104), a container bottom wall (106) and at least one dispensing opening (110), said at least one container peripheral wall and said container bottom wall defining at least one compartment (108) for packaging contents, said at least one dispensing opening being configured to allow dispensing of packaging contents from said container (102), - at least one sleeve element (114) having at least one sleeve element peripheral wall (116) and a sleeve element top wall (150), the sleeve element (114) being configured to slide over at least a top end portion of the container peripheral wall such that the sleeve element peripheral wall at least partially overlaps and at least partially encloses the container peripheral wall, and the sleeve element at least partially covers the dispensing opening, the sleeve element being made of a multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising a paperboard having a grammage comprised between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 and a cellulose content higher than 90%, preferably higher than 95%, more preferably higher than 99%, and - at least one sleeve element (114) having at least one sleeve element peripheral wall (116) and a sleeve element top wall (150), the sleeve element (114) being configured to slide over at least a top end portion of the container peripheral wall such that the sleeve element peripheral wall at least partially overlaps and at least partially encloses the container peripheral wall, and the sleeve element at least partially covers the dispensing opening, the sleeve element being made of a multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising a paperboard having a grammage comprised between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 and a cellulose content higher than 90%, preferably higher than 95%, more preferably higher than 99%, and - at least one base element (122) having at least one base element peripheral wall (124) and one bottom wall (160) at least partially closing a lower end of the base element (122), the base element (122) at least partially surrounding a bottom end portion of the container peripheral wall (104), the base element (122) being made of paperboard having a grammage comprised between 120 g / m 2 and 600 g / m 2 and a cellulose content higher than 90%, preferably higher than 95%, more preferably higher than 99%, wherein the base element (122) optionally comprises a multi-layer oxygen and moisture barrier paperboard laminate.

2. The packaging article (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the base element (122) protrudes from the container (102) beyond the container bottom closure.

3. The packaging article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one flange (146), wherein the sleeve element (114), preferably a distal end (147, 148) of the sleeve element (114), is configured to at least partially abut the flange (146) when the sleeve element (114) is slid over the container element (102).

4. The packaging article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a functional gap between the sleeve element (114) and the container (102) is between 50 pm and 500 pm, preferably between 100 pm and 300 pm.

5. The packaging article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one container top closure (132) configured to close, preferably sealingly close, the dispensing opening (110), wherein the container top closure is at least partially removable from the dispensing opening.

6. The packaging article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging content: - is an edible product for human and / or animal consumption; and / or - is configured for producing an edible product for human and / or animal consumption.

7. The packaging article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve element peripheral wall (116) and the container peripheral wall (104) axially overlap, preferably along the longitudinal axis of the container, at least 25 mm, more preferably at least 50 mm, more preferably at least 75 mm, more preferably at least 100 mm, when the sleeve element is slid onto the container, when the packaging article (100) is in its fully closed configuration.

8. The packaging article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve element peripheral wall (116) overlaps the container peripheral wall (104) in axial direction along at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, of the axial length of the container element (102), when the sleeve element (114) is slid onto the container, when the packaging article (100) is in its fully closed configuration.

9. The packaging article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve element (114) and the container (102) are configured to be connected frictionally, preferably at least by friction between the container peripheral wall and the sleeve element peripheral wall, when the sleeve element is slid over the container.

10. The packaging article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container and / or the sleeve element and / or the base element comprises at least 50% by volume of paper, more preferably at least 60% by volume of paper, more preferably at least 70% by volume of paper, more preferably at least 80% by volume of paper, more preferably at least 90% by volume of paper, more preferably at least 95% by volume of paper.

11. The packaging article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one opening is defined in the sleeve element, preferably in the sleeve element peripheral wall, wherein: the opening is configured to function as a vent hole allowing gas to enter and / or exit the packaging article through the vent hole during and / or prior to opening of the sleeve element; and / or wherein the opening is configured as a pour opening allowing dispensing of the packaging contents through the pour opening after sliding the sleeve element upwardly and / or away from the base element.

12. The packaging article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is free of printing and / or labels, and optionally, wherein the sleeve element is printed.

13. A packaged food product, comprising: at least one packaging article (100) according to any one of the preceding claims; and at least one food material contained within the container of the packaging article.

14. The packaged food product according to claim 13, wherein the food material is a bulk solid, preferably a flowable bulk solid, preferably a flowable powder.

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