Packaging product, packaging group comprising at least two packaging products, method for producing such packaging product

Abstract

The packaged product (1) comprises: a container body (2) defining a cavity (6) and an opening, within the cavity (6) a dose of a food component (4) for interacting with a fluid to prepare a food product, and a package (10) comprising:-a protective sheet (14) covering the container body (2) and not covering the opening, and-a closing sheet (12), and a closing sheet (12) covering the opening (8) and a portion of the protective sheet (14) such that the container body (2) is surrounded between the protective sheet (14) and the closing sheet (12). The closure sheet (12) and the container body (2) are attached to each other along a body attachment section (16). The body attachment section (16) extends around the opening (8) such that the closure sheet (12) defines a diaphragm portion (18) of the sealed cavity (6). The closure sheet (12) and the protective sheet (14) are attached to each other along the sheet attachment section (20). The sheet attachment section (20) extends around the body attachment section (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a packaged product comprising a container body and food components contained therein. The invention also relates to a package assembly comprising multiple such packaged products. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing such packaged products. Background Technology

[0002] In the packaging industry, a certain amount of food components (such as ground coffee) are typically encased in packaged products (such as coffee capsules) that are made of packaging that is substantially impermeable to oxygen, water vapor, and / or ultraviolet light in order to maintain the quality of the food components.

[0003] When placed in a food or beverage preparation machine during the preparation process, this dose of food components interacts with water to prepare a food product, such as a beverage (like coffee or tea). After processing the food components, the resulting food product (e.g., beverage) can be dispensed from the packaged product and dispensed into cups from which the user can ingest the food or beverage. Such capsules are typically made of plastic or plastic laminates or aluminum.

[0004] Once a packaged product has been used to prepare a food product, such as a beverage (like coffee), the used packaged product must be disposed of together with the food components that adhered to the packaged product.

[0005] However, used packaging products (such as used coffee capsules) cannot be easily recycled or composted because impermeable packaging is not made of recyclable, biodegradable, and / or compostable materials. Therefore, a certain amount of waste may be generated. However, efforts are generally made to reduce waste and increase the disposability, compostability, and / or recyclability of used packaging products. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a packaging product comprising:

[0007] A container body that defines a cavity and an opening in the cavity.

[0008] A certain dose of food components is contained within the cavity, the dose of food components being adapted to interact with a fluid introduced into the cavity in order to prepare a food product.

[0009] Packaging, which includes:

[0010] -A protective sheet, arranged to cover the outside of the container body but not the opening, and

[0011] - A closing sheet, arranged to cover at least a portion of the opening and the protective sheet, such that the container body is surrounded, preferably sealed shut, between the protective sheet and the closing sheet.

[0012] The sealing sheet and the container body are attached to each other along a body attachment section that extends around the opening, such that the sealing sheet defines a diaphragm portion that seals the cavity.

[0013] The enclosing sheet and the protective sheet are attached to each other along the sheet attachment section, which extends around the main body attachment section.

[0014] Therefore, the container body and the diaphragm portion can form a separate container that can be safely manipulated and processed in food or beverage preparation machinery. Furthermore, since the protective sheet covers and protects the container body during the storage of the packaged product, the container body can be made of a material that is not completely impermeable to oxygen and moisture. This is especially true when the container is sealed closed by an airtight and water vapor-impermeable sealing and protective sheet.

[0015] Therefore, the container body can be made of various materials (especially biodegradable and / or compostable materials), which reduces the amount of waste that is not easily recycled. Furthermore, because the closed sheet covers the opening, the amount of material required for manufacturing the packaged product is reduced compared to previous capsules that required both a diaphragm and a packaging cover.

[0016] Specifically, the container body may have an inner surface defining the cavity and an outer surface extending opposite to the cavity, and the protective sheet is arranged to cover the outer surface of the container body.

[0017] Preferably, the protective sheet and the container body are tightly sealed to each other along the attachment section of the body. Specifically, the protective sheet can be arranged to tightly cover the outer surface of the container body. Therefore, air and steam cannot enter between the protective sheet and the container body.

[0018] Preferably, the sealing sheet can be directly fastened to the container body. Preferably, the protective sheet can be thermoformed onto the container body.

[0019] Preferably, the sealing sheet and the protective sheet are sealed to each other along the attachment section of the sheets. Therefore, air and vapor cannot enter between the protective sheet and the container body.

[0020] In some specific implementations, the container body may have a shape that is substantially rotationally symmetric, such as a truncated cone shape, and wherein, preferably, the opening has a substantially circular perimeter.

[0021] Therefore, containers with rounded corners are generally easier to manufacture and package, while providing a relatively lightweight container body, thus reducing the amount of material to be composted, recycled, or disposed of.

[0022] In this disclosure, the term "container" can be understood to refer to any container that contains a dose of food components, such as a rigid capsule, tin, or semi-rigid container. The container may be substantially symmetrical or asymmetrical, truncated conical, and / or spherical in shape. Such doses of food components may be suitable for preparing one beverage (single serving), two or more beverages.

[0023] The food component can be a beverage component selected from the following list: roasted and ground coffee, soluble ingredients (such as milk base, chocolate, soup, infusion or herbal tea ingredients), and nutrient-soluble compositions, and more generally any liquid edible composition intended for human or animal consumption, and / or mixtures thereof.

[0024] During the preparation of food products, the food components can be made to interact with a fluid (such as water or milk) injected into the container to produce ingestible substances, such as coffee, tea, milk, cream, soup, fruit puree, medicine, etc.

[0025] In some implementations, the body attachment section and the sheet attachment section may be joined together or formed as a whole. Conversely, the body attachment section and the sheet attachment section may be separated from each other.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the closure sheet may have a weakening line extending around a portion or all of the body attachment section, preferably along a portion or all of the sheet attachment section, such that the closure sheet defines a cover portion, the weakening line being configured to allow the cover portion to be at least partially separated from the remainder of the closure sheet in order to define a retrieval opening in the closure sheet for retrieving the container body and the diaphragm portion from the protective sheet.

[0027] Therefore, the user can easily disassemble the container body, the food components, and the membrane portion by pushing the container body to tear the weakening line, thus removing the container.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the weakening line may extend around the sheet attachment section, preferably along the sheet attachment section, to define a retrieval opening in the closed sheet for allowing removal of the container body from the protective sheet.

[0029] Therefore, the user can easily disassemble the container and remove it from the protective sheet through the access opening.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the weakening line may be made of a perforation line, a scribing line, or a combination thereof, and the weakening line is preferably formed mechanically or by laser.

[0031] Therefore, the weakening line can be easily manufactured and provides consistent mechanical resistance across a range of packaged products.

[0032] The serrated lines may extend only partially through the closed sheet, which maintains a certain tightness across the closed sheet. The perforated lines may extend all the way through the closed sheet, which makes it very easy for the user to tear the weakening lines.

[0033] The weakening line can be made before or after the attachment or sealing of the closed sheet.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the container body may include a flange extending around the opening, the flange having a substantially annular shape, preferably a planar annular shape, the body attachment section extending along the flange, and the protective sheet preferably extending around the flange.

[0035] Therefore, the flange can provide support for the body attachment section on the container body.

[0036] The flange is preferably integral with the container body, for example, it is a single piece. Alternatively, the protective sheet may extend on and around the flange. In some embodiments, the flange may be substantially annular in shape, such as a circular ring.

[0037] According to one embodiment, at least one of the body attachment section and the sheet attachment section can be formed by thermal welding, laser welding, adhesive welding, ultrasonic welding, pressure welding, friction welding and / or any combination thereof.

[0038] Therefore, this welding provides a substantially impermeable seal, which prevents delamination of the corresponding attachments due to pressure differentials, as well as the ingress of dust, moisture, and / or air, thereby extending the shelf life of the packaged product. Preferably, the body attachment section can be completely impermeable.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the maximum gap between the container body and the protective sheet can be less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, more preferably less than 0.25 mm, and even more preferably 0 mm.

[0040] Therefore, the packaging may contain little or no air, which helps maintain the quality of the food components, such as aroma, and extends the shelf life of the packaged product.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the body attachment section and the sheet attachment section may extend around the same plane that is substantially parallel to the opening.

[0042] - The main body attachment section is preferably integral with the sheet attachment section, for example, it is a single piece, or

[0043] - The distance between the body attachment section and the sheet attachment section is preferably between 1 mm and 20 mm.

[0044] Therefore, since the main body attachment section and the sheet attachment section can extend at essentially the same level, the packaging product can be relatively compact, which reduces the amount of material to be composted, recycled, or disposed of.

[0045] In some implementations, the closure sheet may be substantially flat. Specifically, the closure sheet may extend near the opening.

[0046] In some specific implementations, the maximum size of the diaphragm portion (e.g., its diameter) ranges from 15 mm to 150 mm, preferably from 10 mm to 100 mm, and more preferably from 12 mm to 70 mm.

[0047] According to one embodiment, at least one of the protective sheet and the sealing sheet (preferably each) has an oxygen permeability of less than 1 cm³ / m² / day / bar and a water vapor permeability of less than 1 g / m² / day / bar at 23°C and 50% relative humidity.

[0048] Therefore, the protective sheet and / or the sealing sheet can form a reliable barrier against oxygen and moisture, which helps maintain the quality of the food components, such as aroma, and extends the shelf life of the packaged product.

[0049] According to one embodiment, at least one of the protective sheet and the sealing sheet has an average thickness between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, and the sealing sheet is preferably planar.

[0050] Therefore, the protective sheet and / or the sealing sheet can form a reliable barrier against oxygen and moisture, which helps maintain the quality of the food components, such as aroma, and extends the shelf life of the packaged product.

[0051] According to one embodiment, at least one of the protective sheet and the sealing sheet may be made of the following:

[0052] - Biodegradable or compostable materials, including:

[0053] ○ A biopolymer-based material having one or more layers, the biopolymer-based material being selected from the group consisting of: poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA), poly(butylene succinate-co-lactide) (PBSL), poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene terephthalate) (PBST), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), lactic acid polymer (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyesteramine (PEA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly(methylene adipate-co-methylene terephthalate) (PTMAT), polyvinyl alcohol, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), or mixtures thereof; and / or

[0054] ○ A fiber-based material having one or more layers, the fiber-based material being selected from the group consisting of: cellulose, paper, pulp, wood, wood derivatives (MFC, NFC and CNC), bamboo, hemp, flax, sisal, kenaf, miscanthus and nettle and any combination thereof, said fiber-based material having been or not subjected to chemical pretreatment;

[0055] The biodegradable or compostable material is provided with at least one barrier layer, which is preferably selected from the group consisting of: ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), butene glycol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and a metallization layer preferably made of aluminum, and any combination thereof;

[0056] - Recyclable materials, including: polymer-based materials selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), and polyethylene furanate (PEF);

[0057] Preferably, the recyclable material is provided with at least one barrier layer, which is preferably selected from the group consisting of: ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), butene glycol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and a metallization layer preferably made of aluminum, and any combination thereof.

[0058] At least one or each of the protective sheet and the sealing sheet may be made of at least two layers. Furthermore, the container body may be partially or completely biodegradable and / or compostable.

[0059] The fiber-based material can increase the mechanical resistance of the enclosed sheet and / or the protective sheet. The biopolymer-based material can be realized as a laminate, film, injection-molded part, or dispersion coating.

[0060] The barrier layer, or each barrier layer, helps to stop or minimize the permeation of oxygen (OTR) and / or water vapor (WVTR). The barrier layer, or each barrier layer, can be applied by thermoforming, dipping, or spraying.

[0061] Some of the materials listed above can provide the following technical effects:

[0062] Polyethylene (PE) is a very common plastic available in the packaging industry; PE provides good sealing properties.

[0063] Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer that can be processed by extrusion and molding, with injection molding being a common molding technique. PP is recyclable.

[0064] Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) provides relatively good gas and moisture barrier properties. PET is recyclable.

[0065] Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable polyesters. They can be thermoplastic, with melting points ranging from 40°C to 180°C. In industrial production, PHAs are produced through microbial fermentation of sugars or glucose and are extracted and purified from bacteria. PHAs can be processed into films and hollow bodies primarily via injection molding, extrusion, and bubble extrusion.

[0066] One of the simplest and most common forms of PHA is polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). Therefore, PHB is a bio-derived and biodegradable plastic. PHB is non-toxic and biocompatible, and suitable for medical applications. Furthermore, PHB is a relatively good oxygen barrier. Additionally, PHB provides a dimensionally stable body because it is biodegradable and compostable.

[0067] Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is a thermoplastic polyester that is typically (semi-)crystalline and solvent-resistant. PBT has very little shrinkage during molding and has high mechanical strength and heat resistance up to about 150°C.

[0068] Polylactic acid (PLA) or polylactide (PLA) can be obtained from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. PLA can be used as a single enantiomer polymer (i.e., as poly-L-lactide (PLLA) or poly-D-lactide (PDLA)) or as a mixture of both enantiomers. PLA can be processed by extrusion, injection molding, film and sheet casting, and spinning. PLA can be recycled into monomers by pyrolysis or hydrolysis. When purified, the monomers can be used to manufacture virgin PLA without loss of original properties.

[0069] Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) is a water-soluble synthetic polymer with excellent film-forming, emulsifying, and high tensile strength and adhesive properties. PVOH exhibits high flexibility and high oxygen and aroma barrier properties. PVOH is preferably used in combination with suitable stabilizers (such as PET film) and can be crosslinked for stable moisture protection.

[0070] Ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) is commonly used in food applications. Its primary purpose is to provide barrier properties, mainly as an oxygen barrier to improve the shelf life of food packaging and as a hydrocarbon barrier. EVOH is typically co-extruded or laminated as a thin layer between cardboard, foil, or other plastics.

[0071] Polyglycolic acid (PGA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer. PGA can also be a tough, fiber-forming polymer. PGA exhibits relatively high hydrolytic stability, allowing its use in rigid packaging applications without direct contact with food. PGA can be sufficiently stabilized for use as a barrier material in food packaging by combining, blending, or laminating PGA films or resins with PET, PLA, or PHB.

[0072] In some specific implementations, mineral fillers (such as talc or calcium carbonate) may be added to the protective sheet and / or the sealing sheet.

[0073] In some implementations, the container body may be made of at least two layers, each made of a material selected from the aforementioned group of listed materials.

[0074] Preferably, the container body may include:

[0075] -Fiber-based materials or their derivatives or co-products, wherein the fiber-based materials are selected from the group consisting of: hemp, flax, bamboo, sisal, kenaf, miscanthus, nettle, and wood derivatives (MFC, NFC, CNC).

[0076] - A cellulose-based material, selected from the group consisting of paper, wood, and bamboo, wherein the bamboo is in the form of paper, paperboard, or molded pulp components.

[0077] - A biopolymer selected from the group consisting of PLA, PBAT, PCL, PBS, PBSL, PBSA, PBST, PGA, PHA, and / or in a membrane (molded, formed) or injection-molded part.

[0078] - Any combination of them.

[0079] Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging assembly comprising a plurality of packaging products, each packaging product being arranged in a row or grid in accordance with any of the foregoing objects, embodiments or specific implementations, wherein a portion or all of the plurality of packaging products are arranged in a row or grid, and wherein the protective sheet of the plurality of packaging products forms a first integral sheet, and wherein the closing sheet forms a second integral sheet.

[0080] Because the packaging is joined in rows or grids by the protective sheet and the closing sheet, the protective sheet on one side and the closing sheet on the other side form a continuous whole surrounding all the packaged products. In other words, the packaged products share a common protective sheet and a common closing sheet. Therefore, several packaged products can be easily handled and transported.

[0081] According to one implementation, the packaging assembly may include:

[0082] - The first subgroup of packaged products, which is arranged at least in the first row or the first grid, and

[0083] - A second subgroup of packaged products, which is arranged in at least a second row or a second grid.

[0084] In the assembled state, the packaged product of the first subgroup and the packaged product of the second subgroup are fully or partially engaged, such that:

[0085] i) Several packaged products of the first subgroup extend entirely or partially into the gaps between consecutive packaged products of the second subgroup, and

[0086] ii) Several packaged products of the second subgroup extend entirely or partially in the gaps between consecutive packaged products of the first subgroup.

[0087] Therefore, the packaging unit can provide a compact arrangement of the packaged product, which in turn reduces the storage space of the packaged product or, depending on the situation, reduces the size of the auxiliary cover.

[0088] Since the packaged product of the first subgroup is fully engaged with the packaged product of the second subgroup, there may be complete overlap in the height dimension of the packaged products (e.g., capsules) of the first and second subgroups, in which case the packaged group can be more compact in the height dimension.

[0089] Since the packaged product of the first subgroup only partially engages with the packaged product of the second subgroup, there may be partial overlap in the height dimension of the packaged products (e.g., capsules) of the first and second subgroups. In this case, the package group should not be too compact in the height dimension, but the package group may be more compact in the width and / or length dimensions depending on the shape of each packaged product.

[0090] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a packaged product, the method comprising:

[0091] - Provide a container body that defines a cavity and an opening in the cavity.

[0092] - A specific dose of food component is introduced into the cavity, the dose of which is suitable for interacting with the fluid introduced into the cavity, in order to prepare a food product.

[0093] - Packaging is formed in the following ways:

[0094] • Arrange the protective sheet to cover the container body but not the opening, and

[0095] • The closing sheet is arranged to cover at least a portion of the opening and the protective sheet, such that the container body is surrounded between the protective sheet and the closing sheet.

[0096] • The sealing sheet is attached to the container body along the body attachment section, which extends around the opening to define a diaphragm portion configured to seal the cavity, and

[0097] • Attach the protective sheet to the closed sheet along the sheet attachment section, which extends around the body attachment section.

[0098] The steps of providing the container body, introducing a certain amount of food components, and forming the packaging can be performed in various sequences. These steps can be sequential, or there may be intermediate steps between them.

[0099] In some implementations, the protective sheet is arranged to tightly cover the outer surface of the container body.

[0100] In some embodiments, the protective sheet may be thermoformed around the outer surface of the container body. Alternatively, the method may also include preforming the protective sheet into a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the container body.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the arrangement of the protective sheet includes thermoforming the protective sheet to assemble it onto the container body:

[0102] - The protective sheet is formed directly on the container body, or

[0103] - First, the protective sheet is formed on a mold that is substantially similar in shape to the container body, and then the protective sheet is attached to the container body.

[0104] When the protective sheet is formed directly onto the container body (online technology), this method can require fewer steps to manufacture the packaging product.

[0105] When the protective sheet is first formed on the container body and then attached to the container body (offline technology), some process steps can be more easily performed to manufacture the packaging product.

[0106] As an alternative to thermoforming, blow molding or vacuum forming can also be used to assemble the protective sheet onto the container body.

[0107] The words “including,” “include,” “have,” and their derivatives will be interpreted as inclusive rather than exclusive. The term “and / or” used in the context of “X and / or Y” should be interpreted as “X” or “Y” or “X and Y.” Attached Figure Description

[0108] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention are described below, particularly with respect to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some aspects, embodiments, and specific implementations of the foregoing aspects, embodiments, and specific implementations of the invention, and wherein:

[0109] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a packaged product according to one embodiment is shown;

[0110] Figure 2 It shows the manufacturing process. Figure 1 A flowchart of a method for packaging products;

[0111] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C A schematic cross-sectional view of a packaging assembly according to another embodiment is shown, which is in the three stages of a manufacturing method according to one embodiment;

[0112] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the packaging assembly according to yet another embodiment, in an unfolded state, is shown;

[0113] Figure 5 It is shown in the folded state. Figure 4 The packaging set;

[0114] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of the packaging assembly shown in Figure 3 is presented. Detailed Implementation

[0115] Figure 1 A packaged product 1 is shown, comprising a container body 2 and a measured dose of food component 4. The container body 2 defines a cavity 6 containing the measured dose of food component 4. The cavity 6 has an opening 8 defined by the container body 2.

[0116] The container body 2 may have an inner surface 2.1 that forms a cavity 6 and an outer surface 2.2 that extends opposite to the cavity 6. The container body 2 may have a truncated conical shape with rotational symmetry. The cavity 6 may also have a truncated conical shape. Furthermore, the container body 2 may include a flange 2.3 extending around the opening 8. The flange 2.3 may be integral with the container body 2. The flange 2.3 may be substantially in the shape of a planar annulus.

[0117] This dose of food component 4 is suitable for interacting with the fluid introduced into cavity 6 in order to prepare a food product. Food component 4 may be ground coffee. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, container 1 is a rigid capsule, and the dose of ground coffee is suitable for preparing a single serving of beverage. While container 1 is being processed in a preparation machine (not shown), hot water can be injected into chamber 6, where it interacts with food component 4 to prepare a coffee beverage as a food product to be dispensed by the preparation machine.

[0118] The packaged product 1 also includes packaging 10. Packaging 10 includes a protective sheet 14 arranged to cover the outer side 2.2 of the container body 2 but not the opening 8. Specifically, the protective sheet 14 may be arranged to cover the outer surface 2.2 of the container body 2.

[0119] The packaging 10 also includes a sealing sheet 12 arranged to cover the opening 8 and the protective sheet 14, such that the container body 2 can be sealed closed between the protective sheet 14 and the sealing sheet 12. The sealing sheet 12 may preferably be planar.

[0120] The sealing sheet 12 and the container body 2 can be tightly sealed to each other along the body attachment section 16. The sealing sheet 12 can be directly fastened to the container body 2. The protective sheet 14 can be arranged to tightly cover the outer surface of the container body 2. The protective sheet 14 can be thermoformed onto the container body 2. The sealing sheet 12 and the protective sheet 14 can be sealed to each other along the sheet attachment section 20.

[0121] The sealing sheet 12 and the protective sheet 14 can be airtight and watertight. The sealing sheet 12 and / or the protective sheet 14 can be multilayer sheets. The sealing sheet 12 and / or the protective sheet 14 may, for example, include an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) inner layer disposed between two polypropylene (PP) outer layers.

[0122] Each of the protective sheet 14 and the sealing sheet 12 may have an average thickness of approximately 0.5 mm. Each of the protective sheet 14 and the sealing sheet 12 may have an oxygen permeability of less than 1 cm³ / m² / day / bar and a water vapor permeability of less than 1 g / m² / day / bar at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. The protective sheet 14 and the sealing sheet 12 can form a barrier against dust, oxygen, and moisture.

[0123] Container 1 can be sealed shut by an impermeable sealing sheet 12 and a protective sheet 14. The protective sheet 14 can be arranged to tightly cover the outer surface 2.2 of the container body 2. The protective sheet 14 can be thermoformed onto the container body 2.

[0124] The maximum gap between the container body 2 and the protective sheet 14 can be less than 0.25 mm and is preferably 0 mm. Since air and steam cannot enter between the protective sheet 14 and the container body 2 and / or since there may be no air or very little air in the packaging 10, the quality of the food components 4 can be well maintained.

[0125] The closure sheet 12 and the container body 2 are attached to each other along the body attachment section 16. The body attachment section 16 extends around the opening 8 such that the closure sheet 12 defines the diaphragm portion 18 of the sealing cavity 6. The closure sheet 12 can be directly attached (preferably sealed) to the container body 2, preferably attached to the flange 2.3.

[0126] When the opening 8 has a circular perimeter and the flange has a circular shape, the main body attachment section 16 may also have a larger diameter circular perimeter. The closing sheet 12 may have an annular shape. The diaphragm portion 18 may have a diameter of approximately 30 mm.

[0127] The closing sheet 12 and the protective sheet 14 are attached to each other along the sheet attachment section 20. The sheet attachment section 20 extends around the body attachment section 16. The distance between the body attachment section 16 and the sheet attachment section 20 can be about 5 mm and can be substantially constant.

[0128] The protective sheet 14 may surround and extend outside the flange 2.3. The body attachment section 16 may extend along the flange 2.3. The body attachment section 16 and the sheet attachment section 20 may extend around a coplanar plane, which may be defined by the top surface of the flange 2.3 and may be substantially parallel to the opening 8. Figure 1 In the example, the body attachment section 16 and the sheet attachment section 20 may be slightly apart from each other.

[0129] Flange 2.3 provides support for the body attachment section 16 on the container body 2. Since the body attachment section 16 can have a circular perimeter, the sheet attachment section 20 can also have a circular perimeter with a larger diameter.

[0130] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, welds can be formed at the body attachment section 16 and the sheet attachment section 20, respectively. These welds provide a seal that is essentially impermeable to dust, moisture, and air, which helps maintain the quality of food component 4.

[0131] Most or all of the container body 2 may be biodegradable and / or compostable. The container body 2 may be made of biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA). During the storage of the packaged product 1, the container body 2 may be protected from external oxygen and moisture by a protective sheet 14 covering it.

[0132] The closure sheet 12 may have a weakening line 22 that surrounds the body attachment section 16 and extends particularly along the sheet attachment section 20 to define the cover portion 24. The weakening line 22 may be configured such that it allows the cover portion 24 to be completely separated from the rest of the closure sheet 12. The weakening line 22 may be a notch that extends only partially through the closure sheet 12.

[0133] The weakening line 22 may define a retrieval opening (not shown) in the closure sheet 12, which allows the container body 2 and the diaphragm portion to be removed together from the protective sheet 14 after the cap portion 24 has been separated from the rest of the closure sheet 12. The weakening line 22 may extend along the sheet attachment section 20 to define the retrieval opening in the closure sheet 12.

[0134] The weakening line 22 can be made by mechanical stamping or indentation. The weakening line 22 can be a notch that extends only partially through the closed sheet 12 and therefore does not penetrate the entire thickness of the closed sheet 12, thus enhancing the water tightness and air tightness of the packaged product 1.

[0135] The user can easily disassemble the components of the container body 2, food components 4, and diaphragm portion 18, thus disassembling an individual container (e.g., a capsule): push the container body 2 to tear the weakening line 22, and then remove the container through the opening 8. The individual container, including the container body 2, food components 4, and diaphragm portion 18, can be safely manipulated and processed in a beverage preparation machine (not shown).

[0136] Figure 2 A method 100 for manufacturing packaged product 1 is shown. Method 100 includes:

[0137] -102) Provides a container body 2, which defines a cavity 6 and an opening 8 of the cavity 6.

[0138] -104) This dose of food component 4 is introduced into cavity 6, and

[0139] -106) Packaging 10 is formed in the following manner:

[0140] •108) The protective sheet 14 is arranged to cover the container body 2 but not the opening 8, and

[0141] •110) The closing sheet 12 is arranged to cover part of the opening 8 and the protective sheet 14, such that the container body 2 is sealed closed between the protective sheet 14 and the closing sheet 12.

[0142] •112) For example, the sealing sheet 12 is attached to the container body 2 along the body attachment section 16 by laser welding, the body attachment section 16 extending around the opening 8 to define the diaphragm portion 18 of the sealing cavity 6, and

[0143] •114) The protective sheet 14 is attached to the closed sheet 12 along the sheet attachment section 10, the sheet attachment section 10 extending around the main body attachment section 16.

[0144] In addition, method 100 may include: before or after the food component 4 is placed in the cavity 6, 116) thermoforming a protective sheet 14 around the outer surface 2.3 of the container body 2, thus thermoforming directly on the container body 2.

[0145] Figures 3A to 3C A packaging assembly 201 in the manufacturing process is shown. The packaging assembly 201 includes a plurality of packaged products 1. Each of the two illustrated packaged products 1 is substantially as described above. The packaged products 1 are arranged in a row. Their protective sheets 12 form a first integral sheet 212, and their closing sheets 14 form a second integral sheet 214.

[0146] Because the packaging 10 is joined side-by-side by a protective sheet 12 and a closing sheet 14, the protective sheet 12 on one side and the closing sheet 14 on the other side form a continuous whole surrounding all the packaged products 1 of the packaging group 1. In other words, the packaged products 1 share i) a common protective sheet, namely the first integral sheet 212, and ii) a common closing sheet, namely the second integral sheet 214. The packaged products 1 can be easily handled and transported.

[0147] As in Figure 3A and Figure 3B As can be seen in the sequence, a common protective sheet 212 can be set in the mold M and thermoformed onto the container body 2 of the packaged product 1. In an alternative not illustrated, the protective sheet can first be formed on a mold that is substantially similar in shape to the container body, and then attached (preferably sealed) to the container body.

[0148] exist Figure 3BAfter the thermoforming stage, the common closure sheet 214 and the container body 2 can be attached, for example, by laser welding at the body attachment section. Furthermore, the common protective sheet (first integral sheet 212) and the common closure sheet (second integral sheet 214) can be attached, for example, by laser welding at the sheet attachment section ( Figure 1 It is attached at reference 20 in the attached figure.

[0149] Figure 3 to Figure 5 Packaging group 201 is shown, which is related to Figures 3A to 3C The packaging groups shown are similar and may include a first subgroup 201.1 of packaged products 1 and a second subgroup 201.2 of packaged products 1, the first subgroup being arranged, for example, in a first row of 5 packaged products, and the second subgroup being arranged, for example, in a second row of 5 packaged products.

[0150] In the assembled state ( Figure 4 In this configuration, the packaged product 1 of the first subgroup 201.1 and the packaged product 1 of the second subgroup 201.2 are almost completely engaged, such that each packaged product 1 of the first subgroup 201.1 extends almost entirely within the gap 230 between the two consecutive packaged products 1 of the second subgroup 201.2.

[0151] In the assembled state ( Figure 4 In this case, the packaged product 1 of the second subgroup 201.2 is almost completely engaged with the packaged product 1 of the first subgroup 201.1, such that each packaged product 1 of the second subgroup 201.2 extends almost entirely in the gap 230 between the two consecutive packaged products 1 of the first subgroup 201.1.

[0152] Packaging group 201 may also include a foldable portion 222 that links the first subgroup 201.1 to the second subgroup 201.2.

[0153] The foldable portion 222 may preferably include corresponding portions of the closing sheet 12 and the protective sheet 14. The packaging assembly 201 can provide a compact arrangement of the packaged product 1, which in turn reduces the storage space of the packaged product or the size of the optional auxiliary cover 240.

[0154] To retrieve a container from either subgroup 201.1 or subgroup 201.2, the user can tear open the auxiliary cover 240 and then push the container 1 upwards to press it against the cover portion 24 until the weakening line 22 is torn open and the container can be retrieved through the access opening.

[0155] The invention as defined in the appended claims is not limited to the foregoing objects, aspects, embodiments and specific implementations, most of which can be combined.

Claims

1. Packaged product (1), the packaged product comprising: The container body (2) defines a cavity (6) and an opening (8) of the cavity (6). A certain dose of food component (4) is contained within the cavity (6), the dose of food component (4) being adapted to interact with a fluid introduced into the cavity (6) in order to prepare a food product, and Packaging (10), said packaging includes: - A protective sheet (14), the protective sheet being arranged to cover the outer side (2.2) of the container body (2) but not the opening (8), and - A closing sheet (12), which is arranged to cover at least a portion of the opening (8) and the protective sheet (14), such that the container body (2) is surrounded, preferably sealed closed, between the protective sheet (14) and the closing sheet (12). The closure sheet (12) and the container body (2) are attached to each other along a body attachment section (16) extending around the opening (8), such that the closure sheet (12) defines a diaphragm portion (18) sealing the cavity (6), and The enclosing sheet (12) and the protective sheet (14) are attached to each other along the sheet attachment section (20), which extends around the body attachment section (16).

2. The packaging product (1) according to claim 1, wherein the closure sheet (12) has a weakening line (22) extending around a portion or all of the body attachment section (16), preferably extending along a portion or all of the sheet attachment section (20), such that the closure sheet (12) defines a cover portion (24), the weakening line (22) being configured to allow the cover portion (24) to be at least partially separated from the remainder of the closure sheet (12) to define a retrieval opening in the closure sheet (12) for retrieving the container body (2) and the diaphragm portion (18) from the protective sheet (14).

3. The packaging product (1) according to claim 2, wherein the weakening line (22) extends around the sheet attachment section (20), preferably along the sheet attachment section (20), to define a retrieval opening in the enclosing sheet (12) for allowing the container body (2) to be retrieved from the protective sheet (14).

4. The packaged product (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the weakening line (22) is made of a perforation line, a scoring line or a combination thereof, and the weakening line (22) is preferably formed mechanically or by laser.

5. The packaging product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container body (2) includes a flange (2.3) extending around the opening, the flange (2.3) having a substantially annular shape, preferably a planar annular shape, the body attachment section (16) extending along the flange (2.3), and the protective sheet (14) preferably extending around the flange (2.3).

6. The packaging product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the body attachment section (16) and the sheet attachment section (20) is formed by thermal welding, laser welding, adhesive welding, ultrasonic welding, pressure welding, friction welding and / or any combination thereof.

7. The packaging product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum gap between the container body (2) and the protective sheet (14) is preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm, even more preferably less than 0.25 mm, and even more preferably 0 mm, and The protective sheet (14) is thermoformed to fit onto the container body (2). -The protective sheet (14) is formed directly on the container body (2), or - The protective sheet (14) is first formed on a mold that is substantially similar in shape to the container body (2), and the protective sheet (14) is then attached to the container body (2).

8. The packaged product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body attachment section (16) and the sheet attachment section (20) extend about the same plane substantially parallel to the opening (8), -The main body attachment section (16) is preferably integral with the sheet attachment section (20), or - The distance between the main body attachment section (16) and the sheet attachment section (20) is preferably between 1 mm and 20 mm.

9. The packaging product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the protective sheet (14) and the sealing sheet (12), preferably each, has an oxygen permeability of less than 1 cm³ / m² / day / bar and a water vapor permeability of less than 1 g / m² / day / bar at 23°C and 50% relative humidity.

10. The packaging product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the protective sheet (14) and the closing sheet (12) has an average thickness between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, and the closing sheet (12) is preferably planar.

11. The packaged product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the protective sheet (14) and the sealing sheet (12) is made of: - Biodegradable or compostable materials, wherein the biodegradable or compostable materials include: ○ A biopolymer-based material having one or more layers, said biopolymer-based material being selected from the group consisting of: poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA), poly(butylene succinate-co-lactide) (PBSL), poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene terephthalate) (PBST), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), lactic acid polymer (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyesteramine (PEA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly(methylene adipate-co-methylene terephthalate) (PTMAT), polyvinyl alcohol, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), or mixtures thereof; and / or ○ A fiber-based material having one or more layers, the fiber-based material being selected from the group consisting of: cellulose, paper, pulp, wood, wood derivatives (MFC, NFC and CNC), bamboo, hemp, flax, sisal, kenaf, miscanthus and nettle and any combination thereof, the fiber-based material having been or not subjected to chemical pretreatment; The biodegradable or compostable material is provided with at least one barrier layer, which is preferably selected from the group consisting of: ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), butene glycol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and a metallization layer preferably made of aluminum, and any combination thereof; - Recyclable materials, including: polymer-based materials selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), and polyethylene furanate (PEF); Preferably, the recyclable material is provided with at least one barrier layer, which is preferably selected from the group consisting of: ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), butene glycol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and a metallization layer preferably made of aluminum, and any combination thereof.

12. A packaging group (201) comprising a plurality of packaging products (1), each packaging product (1) being a packaging product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion or all of the plurality of packaging products (1) are arranged in a row or grid, and wherein the protective sheet (12) of the plurality of packaging products (1) forms a first integral sheet (212), and wherein the closing sheet (14) of the plurality of packaging products (1) forms a second integral sheet (214).

13. The packaging assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein the packaging assembly comprises: -The first subgroup (201.1) of the packaged product (1), wherein the first subgroup is arranged at least in the first row or the first grid, and -The second subgroup (201.2) of the packaged product (1), the second subgroup being arranged in at least the second row or the second grid. In the assembled state, the packaging product (1) of the first subgroup (201.1) and the packaging product (1) of the second subgroup (201.2) are fully or partially engaged, such that: i) Several packaged products (1) of the first subgroup (201.1) extend wholly or partially in the gaps (230) between the continuous packaged products (1) of the second subgroup (201.2), and ii) Several packaged products (1) of the second subgroup (201.2) extend entirely or partially in the gaps between the consecutive packaged products (1) of the first subgroup (201.1).

14. A method (100) for manufacturing a packaged product (1), said method (100) comprising: -102) Provides a container body (2), the container body defining a cavity (6) and an opening of the cavity (6), -104) A certain dose of food component (4) is introduced into the cavity (6), the dose of food component (4) being adapted to interact with the fluid introduced into the cavity (6) in order to prepare a food product, and -106) Packaging is formed in the following manner (10): • The protective sheet (14) is arranged to cover the container body (2) but not the opening (8), and • The closing sheet (12) is arranged to cover at least a portion of the opening (8) and the protective sheet (14), such that the container body (2) is surrounded between the protective sheet (14) and the closing sheet (12). • The sealing sheet (12) is attached to the container body (2) along the body attachment section (16), the body attachment section (16) extending around the opening (8) to define a diaphragm portion (18) configured to seal the cavity (6), and • The protective sheet (14) is attached to the closed sheet (12) along the sheet attachment section (10), the sheet attachment section (10) extending around the body attachment section (16).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the arrangement of the protective sheet (14) comprises performing one of thermoforming, blow molding or vacuum forming on the protective sheet (14) to assemble it onto the container body (2): - The protective sheet (14) is formed directly on the container body (2), or - First, the protective sheet (14) is formed on a mold that is substantially similar in shape to the container body (2), and then the protective sheet (14) is attached to the container body (2).

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