Individually packaged components and individual packaging

Abstract

A portioning packaging element (1a; 1b) for forming the wall of a portioning package (1) for containing extractable material includes at least one first layer made of a first plastic material, which is substantially free of aluminum particles. Furthermore, the portioning packaging element (1a; 1b) may be substantially free of carbon black particles. The portioning package (1) includes such a portioning packaging element. This portioning package (1) and / or the portioning packaging element (1a; 1b) enables improved sorting capabilities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the preparation of beverages or similar beverages from extractive materials (e.g., coffee powder) contained in portion packaging (e.g., portion capsules), and to a portion packaging for containing extractive materials and its components, particularly a portion packaging cup and a portion packaging lid. Background Technology

[0002] Extraction devices for preparing beverages from extractable material contained in dispensed packaging, such as coffee machines, espresso machines, or tea makers, are known. In many such systems, the dispensed packaging is designed in capsule form (dispensing capsules), in which the extractable material is sealed, for example, in an airtight manner. During extraction, the capsule is punctured on two opposing sides. Brewing fluid (usually hot water) is injected from the first side. The brewed beverage is then extracted from the capsule from the second side.

[0003] In the realm of capsule recycling, capsules with walls primarily composed of plastic are known. The need for the most complete recycling possible for such capsules is growing. Coffee capsules made from plastic materials without carbon black particles, with a white layer in the capsule wall, are known from DE102014109555. Carbon black particles are commonly used to dye capsules dark, but this can cause the capsules to be incorrectly sorted in waste sorting facilities. DE102014109555 teaches that by omitting the carbon black particles and instead providing a white layer in the capsule wall, this incorrect sorting can be prevented.

[0004] However, it has been found that even when the capsule walls are virtually free of carbon black particles and the capsules include a white layer, particularly as an inner layer, the ability to sort capsules in waste sorting facilities appears to warrant improvement. Conversely, reliable identification in such waste sorting facilities also seems to depend on other factors. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a capsule wall and a capsule having such a capsule wall, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and particularly ensures, allows or simplifies improved reliability in the waste sorting process.

[0006] This objective is achieved by the invention as defined in the patent claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a dispensing packaging element is provided for forming a dispensing packaging wall—that is, the element is a dispensing packaging cup or a dispensing packaging lid. The dispensing packaging element comprises at least a first layer made of a first plastic material, and is characterized in that it is substantially free of aluminum particles.

[0008] "Practically aluminum-free" means that the aluminum content (by weight) is at most 0.08%, that is, the weight percentage of aluminum is between 0 and 0.08%. Specifically, the aluminum pigment content (by weight) can be at most 0.08%, and particularly, the weight percentage of aluminum not present as aluminum pigment does not exceed 0.01%. Dyes used for particulate capsule coloring often include aluminum pigments, as described below, which makes sorting in waste sorting facilities more difficult.

[0009] Packaged components can also be completely free of aluminum particles—but it is generally impossible to eliminate the possibility of trace contamination; such contamination may be less than 0.01% by weight.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, a portioning packaging element is provided for forming a portioning packaging wall—that is, the element being a portioning packaging cup or a portioning packaging lid. The portioning packaging element comprises at least a first layer made of a first plastic material, and is characterized in that the weight percentage of aluminum pigment is at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, a portioning packaging element is provided for forming the wall of a portioning package—that is, the element is a portioning cup body or a portioning package lid. The portioning packaging element includes a first layer made of at least a first plastic material, and is characterized in that its aluminum weight percentage is at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%.

[0012] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a dispensing packaging element comprising a first layer made of at least a first plastic material for forming walls for receiving dispensing extractable material, and wherein the weight percentage of aluminum is at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%, and / or the weight percentage of aluminum pigment is at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%, for improving reliability in waste sorting processes. Here, the dispensing capsule element may particularly include aluminum pigment.

[0013] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a dispensing packaging element comprising a first layer made of at least a first plastic material for forming walls for receiving dispensing extractable material, wherein the weight percentage of aluminum is at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%, and / or the weight percentage of aluminum pigment is at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%, for improving reliability in waste sorting processes. Here, the dispensing capsule element may particularly include aluminum pigment.

[0014] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a fractionating capsule element comprising at least a first layer of a first plastic material for forming the wall of a fractionating capsule containing extractable material, wherein the weight percentage of aluminum is at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%, and / or the weight percentage of aluminum pigment is at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%, for use in waste sorting facilities that use infrared spectroscopy (e.g., near-infrared spectroscopy) to identify different materials, particularly different polymer materials, simplifying the sorting of the fractionating capsule element. Here, the fractionating capsule element may particularly include aluminum pigment.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a fractionating capsule element comprising at least a first layer of a first plastic material for forming the wall of a fractionating capsule containing extractable material, wherein the weight percentage of aluminum is at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%, and / or the weight percentage of aluminum pigment is at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%, for use in waste sorting facilities that use infrared spectroscopy (e.g., near-infrared spectroscopy) to identify different materials, particularly different polymer materials, simplifying the sorting of the fractionating capsule element. Here, the fractionating capsule element may particularly include aluminum pigment.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a portioning capsule element comprising at least one first layer made of a first plastic material for forming the wall of a portioning package containing extractable material, wherein the portioning capsule element contains at most 0.08% by weight, particularly at most 0.05%, and / or at most 0.08% by weight, particularly at most 0.05%, aluminum pigment, for the purpose of simplifying waste sorting and improving the sorting reliability of the portioning package element; wherein, particularly in the waste sorting process, infrared spectroscopy (e.g., near-infrared spectroscopy) is used to identify different materials, particularly different polymer materials. Here, the portioning package element particularly may include aluminum pigment; and / or the portioning package element contains at most 0.08% by weight, particularly at most 0.05%.

[0017] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a fractionation package for containing extractable materials, wherein the fractionation package includes at least one fractionation package element for forming the fractionation package wall, said element comprising at least one first layer made of a first plastic material having an aluminum weight percentage of at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%, and / or an aluminum pigment weight percentage of at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%, for the purpose of simplifying waste sorting and improving the sorting reliability of at least one fractionation package element; wherein, particularly in the waste sorting process, infrared spectroscopy (e.g., near-infrared spectroscopy) is used to identify different materials, particularly different polymer materials.

[0018] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a portioning package for containing extractable materials, wherein the portioning package includes at least one portioning package element for forming the portioning package wall, said element comprising at least one first layer made of a first plastic material having an aluminum weight percentage of at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%, and / or an aluminum pigment weight percentage of at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%, for reducing the probability of misclassification of the portioning package element during waste sorting; wherein, particularly during waste sorting, infrared spectroscopy (e.g., near-infrared spectroscopy) is used to identify different materials, particularly different polymer materials.

[0019] The various aspects of this invention can be combined with each other.

[0020] This invention is based on the novel understanding that, in addition to carbon black particles, aluminum particles, particularly aluminum pigments, can also cause inadequate sorting in waste sorting facilities. Infrared radiation used in waste sorting facilities is scattered by aluminum pigments, and this scattering can lead to misclassification, manifesting as materials being incorrectly classified or unclassifiable. Conversely, because carbon black particles absorb the applied infrared radiation, they can also be misclassified.

[0021] Another insight of the present invention is that the improved sorting effect in waste sorting facilities is at least largely independent of the color selection of capsule elements; therefore, a white layer, or especially an inner white layer, is not required to achieve the improved sorting effect.

[0022] The study found that for capsule cups and caps that are otherwise aluminum-free, a fairly reliable classification can be achieved by near-infrared spectroscopy when the proportion of aluminum pigment in the dye of the capsule cups and caps does not exceed about 0.4% by weight. In this case, the weight percentage of pigment in the capsule cup or cap (i.e., the "added amount") is between 4% and 22%, particularly between 6% and 18%; for example, between 6% and 18% for the cap and between 11% and 17% for the cup.

[0023] Individually packaged, such as in individual capsules.

[0024] In an embodiment, the portioning packaging element includes a wall, namely a portioning packaging wall.

[0025] In this embodiment, the portioning packaging element is a portioning packaging cup.

[0026] In other embodiments, the dispensing element is a dispensing cap. The dispensing cap may be shape-stable and therefore not, for example, a foil sheet included in some dispensing packages for sealing the dispensing cup.

[0027] In this embodiment, the portioning packaging elements are essentially free of carbon black particles. This method effectively prevents misclassification, meaning that highly reliable sorting can be achieved.

[0028] "Practically free of carbon black particles" means that the proportion (by weight) of carbon black particles is at most 0.08%, that is, the proportion of carbon black particles is between 0 and 0.08%. A carbon black particle proportion of only about 0.01% by weight also makes identification more difficult. Partitioned packaging elements can also be completely free of carbon black particles—where possible trace contamination cannot be completely ruled out: for example, this contamination may not exceed 0.002% by weight.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first layer is essentially free of aluminum particles.

[0030] In an embodiment, the first layer forms the outer layer of the portioning packaging element. Therefore, the first layer can form the outer and / or inner layer of the portioning package. Specifically, the first layer can form the outer layer of the portioning package. If the first layer thus comprises aluminum or, in particular, aluminum pigment, and if they are substantially free of aluminum particles, then their weight percentage must be correspondingly low.

[0031] In an embodiment, the fractionating packaging element includes aluminum pigment, particularly in the first layer. Specifically, the aluminum pigment in the first layer may constitute at most 0.08% by weight of the fractionating packaging element, particularly at most 0.05%.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first plastic material comprises polypropylene. Due to its mechanical and thermal properties, polypropylene is well-suited for manufacturing components of coffee capsules, such as the capsule body and cap. Typically, polypropylene can be readily identified in waste sorting facilities using infrared spectroscopy.

[0033] Specifically, the first plastic material may consist of at least 60% by weight, particularly 70% by weight, of polypropylene. More specifically, it may consist of at least 80% by weight, particularly 90% by weight, of polypropylene.

[0034] For example, a portioning packaging element can be composed of polypropylene at a weight percentage between 60 and 80%. The same applies to portioning packaging.

[0035] In addition to the first layer, the packaged element may include one or more additional layers, such as at least one layer made of biodegradable material.

[0036] In one embodiment, the portioning packaging element includes a second layer made of a second plastic material, particularly a biodegradable material. Specifically, the second layer may be adjacent to the first layer or connected to the first layer via another layer located therebetween.

[0037] The second plastic material may in particular include polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, especially polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), or butanediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH). These plastic materials can form an oxygen barrier, which is important for the quality and storage capacity of sensitive extraction materials such as coffee powder. Furthermore, these plastic materials are water-soluble, which contributes to environmental friendliness. The second plastic material may include, for example, at least 50% by weight, and particularly at least 70% by weight, a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, such as one of the above (PVOH, EVOH, BVOH) or a mixture of at least two of them. In other embodiments, the second plastic material comprises between 1 and 5% by weight of such a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer.

[0038] In one embodiment, the portioning packaging element comprises between 1 and 5% by weight of this polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. The same applies to portioning packaging. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar technical features. The drawings show:

[0040] Figure 1 A side view of the design for individual capsule packaging;

[0041] Figure 2 According to Figure 1 A 3D view of the capsule's individual packaging cup;

[0042] Figure 3 According to Figure 1 A 3D view of the capsule's individual packaging cap;

[0043] Figures 4a to 6b For classifying images;

[0044] Figure 7 Gray levels used for encoding classification results.

[0045] Components not essential for understanding the invention are not shown to some extent. The described embodiments are exemplary or for explaining the subject matter of the invention and are not intended to be limiting. Detailed Implementation

[0046] according to Figure 1 The package shown is designed as capsule 1, which is basically a cube shape with rounded edges. However, the extended dimensions increase slightly upwards, so mathematically speaking, the capsule has the shape of a truncated pyramid. The horizontal side in the figure is perpendicular to the bottom surface 5 (…). Figure 1The angle of inclination of the dashed line is very small, preferably at most 2°, for example only about 1°. Furthermore, the height of the capsule above the bottom surface roughly corresponds to the length of the edge of the base surface.

[0047] Capsule 1 includes a dispensing cup body (or capsule cup body) 1b, and a dispensing cap (or capsule cap) 1a fixed thereto along an outer peripheral flange. The capsule cup body forms the capsule bottom surface and surrounds a sidewall, which is axially (parallel to) Figure 1 The axis shown by the dashed line (upper end in the figure) terminates with a flange at its outward-facing end. The capsule cap 1a arches outward (and is axially "perpendicular") through a cap surface that is substantially parallel to the capsule body, offset outward relative to the circumferential flange, i.e. Figure 1 The center faces upwards.

[0048] Capsule 1 is filled with extraction material, such as coffee powder ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image).

[0049] Figure 2 The capsule cup 1b is shown before filling and before sealing. The capsule cup flange has an extension that may be larger than the extension of the finished capsule flange.

[0050] Figure 3 A capsule cap 1a and a capsule cup 1b are shown, manufactured, for example, by injection molding. The capsule cap 1a includes a cap surface, a transition region forming an arch, and a cap flange in the central region.

[0051] Figure 1 Capsules of the type shown 1 Figure 2 Capsule cup 1b of the type shown and Figure 3 The type of capsule cap 1a shown is known from the prior art, for example from WO 2015 / 099690.

[0052] However, the fractionation packages and fractionation package elements or fractionation packages (especially capsules) and fractionation package elements (especially capsule elements) described herein are essentially free of aluminum particles.

[0053] In capsule manufacturing, the capsule element (capsule cup 1b) is first filled with the extraction material, followed by positioning another capsule element (capsule cap 1a). Ultrasonic welding is then performed to create an airtight capsule. Depending on the initial extensions of the capsule cup flange and the capsule cap flange, the protruding flange portions may optionally be removed after welding.

[0054] Because capsule elements are essentially free of aluminum particles, the scattering of infrared light incident upon them is minimal. This simplifies the sorting of capsule elements in waste sorting facilities, where infrared spectroscopy (e.g., near-infrared spectroscopy) is used to identify different materials, particularly different polymers. For example, a capsule element may include a polypropylene layer, which can be identified in this way.

[0055] To achieve a substantially aluminum-free composition, capsule elements are either completely free of aluminum particles (except for unavoidable trace amounts of aluminum contamination), or they include aluminum pigments, particularly in the polypropylene layer, but in extremely low amounts. For example, aluminum pigments may constitute at most 0.08% by weight of the capsule element in any given case.

[0056] In addition, the capsule elements do not contain carbon black particles that absorb infrared light and thus cause misclassification.

[0057] Experiments have shown that the classification effect based on infrared spectroscopy largely depends on the content of aluminum particles.

[0058] Figures 4a to 6b The classification images obtained from the experiment are shown below. The sample filling pattern used for encoding the classification results is shown below. Figure 7 As shown: the two types of cross-sections correspond to the correct classification (polypropylene is identified), the dotted filling is incorrectly classified as other plastics (PET or PA-6), and the black area indicates that the near-infrared spectroscopy measurement results cannot be classified as a certain type of plastic.

[0059] In the experiment, near-infrared spectroscopy was used to detect the packaging components in a batch of waste sorting facilities; Figures 4a to 5b It is a capsule cup body. Figure 6a , Figure 6b It is also a capsule cup.

[0060] These fractional packaging elements comprise pigments within a polypropylene layer. This polypropylene layer forms the outer layer of the respective fractional packaging element.

[0061] The individually packaged components do not contain carbon black particles.

[0062] exist Figure 4a In the dye, the aluminum pigment weight percentage is 0.3%. Figure 4b In this mixture, the aluminum pigment accounts for 0.65% by weight, and other properties are the same.

[0063] exist Figure 5a In the dye, the aluminum pigment weight percentage is 0.27%. Figure 5b In this mixture, the aluminum pigment accounts for 0.83% by weight, and other properties are the same.

[0064] exist Figure 6a In the dye, the aluminum pigment weight percentage is 0%. Figure 6b In this mixture, the aluminum pigment accounts for 2.1% by weight, and other properties are the same.

[0065] The dye accounts for approximately 14% by weight in the respective packaging elements (addition amount in the capsule cup) and between 12% and 14% (addition amount in the capsule cap).

[0066] like Figures 4a to 6b As clearly shown, for cases where the weight percentage of aluminum pigment is relatively low ( Figure 4a , Figure 5a , Figure 6a A higher proportion of correct classifications exist (section lines); however, for cases with a higher weight percentage of aluminum pigment ( Figure 4b , Figure 5b , Figure 6b There is a higher proportion of misclassifications (dots or black), either because they are classified as another type of plastic (dots) or because they cannot be classified as any type of plastic (black).

[0067] These experiments suggest that providing no more than 0.4% by weight of aluminum pigment in the dye is advantageous, thereby achieving sufficiently good sorting capacity in waste sorting facilities.

[0068] According to such Figures 4a to 6b The classification image shown can create a so-called threshold distribution map, based on which the thresholds in the waste sorting facility can be controlled so that materials located at the position where the classification result points to polypropylene can be sorted by pulsed airflow.

Claims

1. A portioning packaging element for forming a wall for containing portioned packaging of extractable material, comprising at least a first layer made of a first plastic material, wherein the portioning packaging element is substantially free of aluminum particles.

2. The packaged element according to claim 1, wherein the weight percentage of aluminum is at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%.

3. The portioning packaging element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weight percentage of aluminum pigment is at most 0.08%, particularly at most 0.05%.

4. The portioning packaging element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is substantially free of carbon black particles.

5. The portioning packaging element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first layer forms the outer layer of the portioning packaging element.

6. The packaging element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first plastic material comprises polypropylene, and in particular, the weight percentage of polypropylene in the first plastic material is at least 60%, and especially at least 80%.

7. The portioning packaging element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a second layer made of a second plastic material, wherein the second plastic material comprises a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, wherein the weight percentage is at least 50%.

8. A portioning package comprising a portioning package element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the portioning package element is a capsule cup or a capsule cap.

9. The portioned packaging according to claim 8, comprising an extraction material, particularly coffee powder, sealed in an airtight manner within the portioned packaging.

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