Film packaging system with bag in bag

Abstract

The present invention relates to a film packaging system (10), in particular for packaging human or animal food products, comprising a first, outer packaging bag (12) with a first, outer layer arrangement (18), and a second, inner packaging bag (16) with a second, inner layer arrangement (38), wherein the first packaging bag (12) surrounds a first packaging space (14) in which the second packaging bag (16) is received, and wherein the second packaging bag (16) surrounds a second packaging space (32) which is configured to receive a packaged item. According to the invention, the first and the second packaging bags (12, 16) are connected to each other in a connection area (48) of the film packaging system (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a film packaging system according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a film packaging system comprises, among other things, a first, outer packaging bag with a first, outer layer arrangement, and a second, inner packaging bag with a second, inner layer arrangement, wherein the first packaging bag surrounds a first packaging space in which the second packaging bag is received, and wherein the second packaging bag surrounds a second packaging space which is configured to receive packaged goods. This is preferably a food film packaging system for packaging human or animal food products.

[0002] A generic film packaging system is known from EP 2 308 757 B1. EP 2 308 757 B1 teaches that the inner packaging bag can be opened either by lifting its upper seal or by tearing off its bottom. To allow the user a choice between the two opening methods, the outer packaging bag has an upper perforation above the junction between the outer and inner packaging bags and a lower perforation below this junction. To open the inner packaging bag by lifting its seal, the upper perforation is torn. To open the inner packaging bag by tearing off its bottom, the lower perforation is torn to expose the bottom of the second packaging bag and to allow the second packaging bag to be immersed in a hot water bath, while a section of the upper cap of the outer packaging bag remains as a handling aid.

[0003] Another film packaging system of this type is known from WO 98 / 35885 A1. This known film packaging system makes it possible to transport an inner packaging bag securely packed within an outer packaging bag, with the outer packaging bag being connected only locally to the inner packaging bag.

[0004] Open the packaging bag in such a way that the inner packaging bag can be closed and removed undamaged from the outer packaging bag.

[0005] From EP 1 052 185 A1, a packaging with a tear-off closure is known. This packaging has an outer packaging bag and an inner packaging part which, after opening the packaging bag, serves as a sterile mouthpiece for the consumer to dispense liquid from the packaging. Depending on the embodiment, the inner packaging part is either a film or a tubular or hose-shaped insert.

[0006] When the inner packaging is made of film, the tear lines of the inner film and the outer packaging bag are spaced apart, allowing the packaging to be opened in a single tearing action and the inner packaging to be used as a protruding mouthpiece. The section of the outer packaging bag initially surrounding the mouthpiece is simply peeled away from the inner packaging.

[0007] From EP 0 190 776 A1, a packaging system consisting of an inner and an outer bag is known. The inner bag contains a toxic substance whose contact with living organisms must be strictly avoided. The packaging system is essentially a "flow pack within a flow pack." First, the toxic substance is packaged in a flow pack, with the series of materially connected flow packs forming inner packaging bags, which are then enclosed by a series of materially connected flow packs forming outer packaging bags. The inner packaging bags are sealed separately by transverse seals and a longitudinal seal. The transverse seals of the outer flow packs also create a thermally sealed connection with the inner flow packs.

[0008] From DE 10 2018 214 127 A1 a bag packaging is known which is formed by sealing sections with different seal seam strengths.

[0009] From EP 0 049 978 A1, a pouch packaging formed from pieces of film with a tubular valve element is known. The pouch packaging can have an inner pouch packaging as an outer pouch packaging, wherein the inner and the outer pouch packaging are connected to each other at their two longitudinal ends.

[0010] Other film packaging systems are commonly known for their outer packaging, for example, for reduced-size sweets, so-called "minis." The individual sweet itself is usually packaged in a flow pack made of a single packaging film. Many individually wrapped sweets are then placed inside another flow pack. While the individual sweets are generally opaque, the outer packaging is at least partially transparent.

[0011] The present invention, however, only touches upon the previously described outer packaging incidentally, since the present invention proceeds from a completely different initial situation, along considerations specific to this initial situation regarding the resulting technical problems and their solution.

[0012] The present invention is based on a film packaging, such as a packaging bag, with high barrier properties against the passage of water vapor and oxygen. Such film packaging is used, for example, for packaging ready-made food, including pet food.

[0013] The packaging film used to manufacture such film packaging is usually a film laminate with layers of different materials to ensure the functions expected of the packaging film.

[0014] One known film laminate comprises an exposed, sealable layer, for example made of polypropylene, in particular cast polypropylene (CPP), to allow the film laminate to be joined to another section of the film laminate by sealing, thus forming a packaging bag. This exposed layer forms the inner surface of the finished known film packaging and thus the immediate boundary of the packaging space enclosed by the packaging.

[0015] The well-known film laminate also features a barrier layer, such as an aluminum layer or a ceramic layer made of silicon dioxide (SiOx). This barrier layer prevents the passage of oxygen and water vapor, thus ensuring a longer shelf life for the packaged product.

[0016] The well-known film laminate also features a layer of polyethylene terephthalate, which provides increased strength and stability to the film packaging. For this purpose, the polyethylene terephthalate layer is often oriented by stretching, usually biaxially.

[0017] To connect the individual layers, which are usually incompatible with regard to their material, the layers are joined by intermediate layers of adhesive.

[0018] The different materials used in the well-known film laminate mentioned as an example complicate the disposal and, in particular, the recycling of used packaging. For effective recycling, the different materials must, or rather, should, be separated and collected in separate recycling streams and reprocessed.

[0019] Furthermore, film packaging used for food products undergoes thermal sterilization during the packaging process. This thermal sterilization is typically achieved by heating the film packaging with hot steam. A common method is retort sterilization, where temperatures of at least 120 °C are reached. A typical retort sterilization temperature is, for example, 121 °C. The resulting thermal stress on the film packaging presents a further problem. These films are usually printed with a layer of ink to inform the consumer about the contents and origin of the packaged product. Thermal sterilization can cause thermal distortion of the film laminate, thus distorting the printed image, which typically renders the packaging unusable.Biaxially stretched films, which are attributed a higher barrier effect than unstretched films of the same thickness and material, tend to shrink undesirably when heated excessively.

[0020] The negative effects of thermal sterilization can only be mitigated by using special high-quality components and materials in the film laminate, which, however, increases the cost of the film packaging.

[0021] The processing of the aforementioned film laminate with its material mix on packaging machines is also delicate and requires extensive knowledge and experience and, if necessary, testing until the film laminate can be processed stably with sufficient throughput on a packaging machine in an economically viable way.

[0022] A basic function of the present invention is to offer a cost-effective film packaging with high packaging integrity and packaging safety, which can be easily sterilized thermally, in particular by the aforementioned retort sterilization, without thereby restricting the usability of the film packaging in demanding consumer groups or only being possible by accepting undesirably high rejection rates.

[0023] The first and second packaging bags are connected to each other in a connecting area of ​​the film packaging system.

[0024] By using two packaging bags, the first, outer bag can be used for communication with the consumer and, if necessary, equipped with functional barrier layers to provide a water vapor and / or oxygen barrier. Additionally or alternatively, further barrier effects can be achieved, such as a barrier against oils and / or fats, a barrier against light penetration, and / or a barrier against the packaged goods showing through, thus preventing any impairment of the packaging system's externally perceptible appearance.

[0025] The second, inner packaging bag, which holds the packaged goods, can be designed for thermal sterilization, particularly by the aforementioned retort sterilization, but does not require any communication equipment, such as printing, that could be compromised by thermal sterilization. The first packaging bag, on the other hand, does not need to be thermally sterilized and therefore experiences no or only minimal thermal stress during the production of the film packaging system.

[0026] By connecting the first and second packaging bags section by section, the two packaging bags are significantly immobilized relative to each other, which eliminates uncontrolled movement of the inner packaging bag relative to the outer one and the associated noise generation and / or risk of damage to at least one of the two packaging bags by the other.

[0027] The fact that the two packaging bags are at least partially connected makes the film packaging system appear to the consumer as a single packaging bag, a familiar form of packaging.

[0028] The outer surface of the second packaging bag and the inner surface of the first packaging bag form opposing layers of film in the finished film packaging system. In principle, it is possible to bond a section of the outer surface of the second packaging bag to a section of the inner surface of the first packaging bag in the bonding area, for example, by applying an adhesive layer to one or both of these surfaces. Preferably, a heat-sealant can be applied locally to one or both of these surfaces using a printing process. The heat-sealant can be applied using a printing process, for example, as an aqueous dispersion.

[0029] Alternatively or in addition to an adhesive bond between the first and second packaging bags in the joining area, the first and second packaging bags can be joined in this area by thermal sealing of opposing film layers. Since a sealed bond between opposing film layers does not require the additional application of adhesive or heat-sealant, thermal sealing is preferred over adhesive bonding. Nevertheless, adhesive or heat-sealant can be locally applied to one or both of the opposing film layers to increase the bond strength and / or to achieve a desired shape in the joining area.

[0030] The layer arrangements mentioned above, first and second, each comprise at least one polymer layer. Preferably, at least one layer arrangement consisting of the first and second comprises more than one polymer layer; more preferably, both layer arrangements each comprise more than one polymer layer. According to a preferred embodiment, the first layer arrangement comprises exactly two or exactly three polymer layers. According to a preferred embodiment, the second layer arrangement comprises exactly one or exactly two polymer layers.

[0031] If one of the layer arrangements comprises more than one polymer layer, at least two polymer layers of the layer arrangement can be co-extruded. Likewise, at least two polymer layers can be bonded together by adhesive layers arranged between them.

[0032] The object of the present invention is to provide a film packaging system which, although it comprises two packaging bags, is easy to open.

[0033] The present invention solves this problem with a film packaging system comprising all the features of claim 1. The connecting area linking the two packaging bags also serves this purpose. Typically, the first packaging bag has a first opening area, and the second packaging bag has a second opening area. Each of these opening areas is designed and intended to open the respective packaging bag to provide access to its packaging space. Simultaneous opening of both the first and the second packaging bag by a single opening operation can be achieved by having the connecting area extend at least partially over both the first and the second opening areas.Preferably, both the first and second opening areas are located entirely within the connection area, so that there are no loose wall sections of the first or second packaging bag in either opening area that could interfere with opening. This allows the film packaging system to be opened in a single, simultaneous opening operation, making the packaged goods accessible after this operation.

[0034] To facilitate at least partial formation of the connection area across the first and second opening areas, the first and second opening areas preferably overlap on the film packaging system.

[0035] According to the invention, an opening area of ​​at least the first packaging bag, which is usually fully visible to the consumer, is defined by appropriate optical marking, for example by a printed cutting line or by an edge notch as a tear-off aid.

[0036] According to the invention, both the first and the second packaging bags are opened by breaking the material bond of the layer arrangement of the respective packaging bag in the respective opening area. This breaking of the material bond can be achieved, for example, by cutting or tearing the two packaging bags, or by cutting or tearing off an opening section of both the first and the second packaging bag from the rest of the respective packaging bag. Tearing is preferred because, unlike cutting, it can be carried out without tools.

[0037] In principle, it is possible for the second packaging bag to be connected to the inside of the first packaging bag along its entire outer surface. Preferably, however, the film packaging system has, in addition to the connection area, a free area in which a section of the second packaging bag is unconnected to a section of the first packaging bag. This prevents the transfer of material stresses, such as thermal stresses during sealing, from one packaging bag to the other. Furthermore, it allows the two packaging bags to be connected locally where the connection is needed, preferably in the opening areas of the two packaging bags, without mechanically stressing the product packaged in the second packaging bag through the connection between the first and second bags.

[0038] However, such a free space offers further technical advantages. For example, the free space within the packaging area of ​​the first packaging bag can contain an item different from the second packaging bag. This item can facilitate the consumption of the product packaged in the second bag or be part of an added promotional benefit, such as a prize draw. For example, the item could be a spoon, a stick, a lottery ticket, or something similar.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, to extend the shelf life of the packaged product, a gas different from ambient air, such as an inert or quasi-inert gas like nitrogen or carbon dioxide, can be contained in the space between the first and second packaging bags. Thus, the film packaging system can be a modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).

[0040] According to one possible embodiment of the film packaging system presented here, the connection area extends only along the first and second opening areas of the two packaging bags.

[0041] The first packaging bag can have at least two wall sections, each formed from the first layer arrangement. The two wall sections can be integrally connected and brought together to form the first packaging space by folding or folding, in particular by forming a folded bottom, with their inner surfaces facing each other. The two wall sections can also be separate wall sections. The same applies, mutatis mutandis, to the second packaging bag.

[0042] The film packaging system preferably has a first combination area in which the at least two wall sections from the first layer arrangement are joined together to form the first packaging space. Although the connection of the two wall sections can again be made by gluing, a connection by thermal sealing of the contacting surfaces of the two wall sections is preferred because it is less complex than gluing. Preferably, at least one section of the first combination area is located in the connection area, since forming the connection area in the first combination area generally does not impair the first packaging space or the packaging capacity of the first packaging bag.

[0043] The second packaging compartment also preferably has a second combination area in which wall sections from the second layer arrangement are connected to form the second packaging compartment. Preferably, at least one section of the second combination area is located in the connection area, since forming the connection area in the second combination area generally does not impair the second packaging compartment or the packaging capacity of the second packaging bag.

[0044] In principle, different wall sections of the first packaging bag can be formed from different layer arrangements, each of which can be the first layer arrangement, as long as they exhibit the features specified in this application for the first layer arrangement. The same applies mutatis mutandis to the use of different layer arrangements for different wall sections of the second packaging bag. For reasons of efficiency, preferably the entire first packaging bag is formed from a single uniform first layer arrangement and / or the entire second packaging bag is formed from a single uniform second layer arrangement.

[0045] Preferably, the first combination area runs parallel to the second combination area, in particular the sealing area, of the second packaging bag over at least half its length, preferably over at least three-quarters of its length, and particularly preferably over its entire length.

[0046] Preferably, the first and second combination areas are located at least sectionally adjacent to each other in such a way that the connection area can be formed simultaneously in sections of both combination areas in a common work step.

[0047] The first and / or second packaging bag can each be selected from a four-side seal bag and a three-side seal bag. Alternatively, the first packaging bag can be a stand-up pouch with a bottom section, preferably from the first layer arrangement, sealed or folded between the front and back. In this case, the second packaging bag can advantageously rest on the bottom section within the first packaging bag, thereby relieving mechanical stress on the connection area. Preferably, the area of ​​the second packaging bag closest to the bottom section is free-floating and only rests on the bottom section, but is not connected to it.

[0048] The second packaging bag can also have a sealed or folded bottom section, preferably from the second layer arrangement. However, since the first packaging bag predominantly determines the stability of the film packaging system, it is often sufficient if only the first packaging bag has a bottom section between a wall section forming the front of the packaging bag and a wall section forming the back of the packaging bag, while the second packaging bag does not.

[0049] Especially when the connecting area encompasses the two opening areas of the first and second packaging bags, or even extends essentially only along these two opening areas, the connecting area is relatively far from the bottom or lower edge of the first packaging bag. This is because, to prevent unwanted loss or uncontrolled leakage of packaged product when opening, particularly by tearing, the film packaging system, the opening areas of the two packaging bags are preferably located in the respective head area of ​​the packaging bags, i.e., in the area of ​​the longitudinal end opposite the respective bottom of the packaging bags. In any case, the opening areas are preferably located closer to the longitudinal end opposite the bottom of a packaging bag than to the bottom itself.

[0050] Which section forms the bottom of a packaging bag can be easily identified by the printed design typically found on the bag. If the film packaging system is placed on a flat, horizontal surface so that its printed design appears correctly oriented for viewing, the side resting on the surface is the bottom, and the opposite side is the top or head.

[0051] A key advantage of this film packaging system lies in the aforementioned ability to design the first and second packaging bags optimized for different functions. This can be achieved by differing the first and second layer arrangements with respect to at least one of the following parameters: Barrier effect against the passage of water vapor and / or oxygen, barrier effect against the passage of fats and / or oils, barrier effect against the passage of light from the outside to the inside, barrier effect against the transparency of the packaged product from the inside to the outside, printing with print job, stretching of at least one film layer.

[0052] For example, the first packaging bag can be designed to shield the packaged product from water vapor and / or oxygen. For this purpose, the first layer arrangement can have a metallic, metallized, and / or ceramic barrier layer. A metallic layer, such as aluminum foil, is possible in principle, but not preferred, as this creates additional effort when disposing of the used film packaging system. Metallization, for example, an aluminum layer vapor-deposited in a vacuum or applied to a polymer film in a similar manner, is a sensible option for shielding the packaged product from water vapor and / or oxygen due to its significantly lower mass compared to aluminum foil of the same area. Preferably, an aluminum oxide layer and / or a silicon oxide layer are suitable ceramic barrier layers.Preferably, the first layer arrangement achieves a barrier value of less than 1 cm³ of oxygen per square meter of layer arrangement per day under test conditions of 23 °C and 50% relative humidity in an air atmosphere of 1013 hPa. Alternatively, or preferably additionally, the first layer arrangement achieves a barrier value of less than 1 g of water vapor per square meter of layer arrangement per day under test conditions of 38 °C and 90% relative humidity in an air atmosphere of 1013 hPa. These values ​​can be achieved, for example, with a first layer arrangement comprising a layer of metallized biaxially oriented polypropylene.

[0053] Since the second packaging bag is preferably thermally sterilized, the second layer arrangement preferably does not have a metallization or ceramic barrier layer that could be affected by the thermal stress during sterilization. Thermal sterilization of the first packaging bag is not planned.

[0054] While it is not impossible that the first packaging bag is at least partially transparent, allowing the second packaging bag to be visible through a section of the first, as a rule—at least in its unopened state when the film packaging system is presented to the consumer—only the first packaging bag is visible from the outside. Therefore, the first packaging bag is preferably opaque. Moist foods, such as ready meals with sauce or moist pet food, often contain fat and / or oil, which are highly sensitive to light. One possible reaction is an undesirable change in aroma. Additionally or alternatively, light can cause a color change in the food, making it less appealing to customers.

[0055] Therefore, the first layer arrangement, and preferably only the first layer arrangement used to form the first packaging bag, can advantageously be designed to convey information to the consumer. Preferably, the first layer arrangement, and particularly preferably only the first layer arrangement, has a printed layer of printing inks. In principle, the printed layer can be applied in front to the outside of a layer of the first layer arrangement, with the protective layer then preferably covered by a transparent layer or coated with a protective varnish to protect against abrasion and other mechanical stress. An excellent printed image, while simultaneously protecting it from external influences without additional protective measures, can be achieved by applying the printed layer in reverse to a transparent film of the first layer arrangement.As explained above, the second layer assembly used to form the second packaging bag is preferably free of any printing inks, so that the thermal stress on the second layer assembly during thermal sterilization, particularly during retort sterilization, does not distort or otherwise damage any previously elaborate printing. The printing on the first packaging bag can therefore be done with standard printing inks without requiring specific temperature resistance.

[0056] Preferably, a layer of the first layer arrangement located closer to the second packaging compartment, and / or the second layer arrangement, has a grease and / or oil barrier to prevent the passage of grease and / or oil through the respective layer arrangement. To prevent grease and / or oil migration as early as possible, the grease and / or oil barrier is preferably located in the second layer arrangement, so that grease and / or oil from the packaged goods in the second packaging compartment do not reach the first layer arrangement as far as possible.

[0057] Preferably, the second layer arrangement is opaque, so that the packaged goods contained in the second packaging bag do not show through the second packaging bag and thus cannot disturb the appearance of the print job on the first packaging bag.

[0058] To achieve high mechanical stability, the first layer arrangement can include at least one stretched polymer layer. The first layer arrangement preferably achieves particularly high strength by using a packaging film biaxially oriented through biaxial stretching. Preferably, the first layer arrangement comprises only biaxially stretched polymer films. If the first layer arrangement is intended to define a crack propagation direction for tearing the film packaging system, a monoaxially stretched polymer film can be provided in the first layer arrangement. However, it has proven advantageous to transfer the function of defining a crack propagation direction exclusively to the second packaging bag and thus to the second layer arrangement.

[0059] Preferably, the first layer arrangement does not contain a monoaxially stretched film. Equally preferably, the second layer arrangement does not contain a biaxially stretched film. Biaxially stretched films sometimes tend to shrink under thermal stress, which is understandably undesirable for the second packaging bag.

[0060] Furthermore, the recyclability of the film packaging system discussed here, particularly with the distribution of different functions across the various packaging bags described above, can be significantly improved compared to the conventional packaging bags described earlier. This improved recyclability is based on the possibility of producing the layer arrangements with the highest possible purity of the same polymer, i.e., with the highest possible weight fractions. This polymer then becomes the predominant polymer of the respective layer arrangement. By appropriately distributing the functions expected of the film packaging system between the first and second packaging bags, both bags can be produced cost-effectively using conventional standard polymers.Apart from the use of standard polymers, as mentioned above, standard printing inks without special temperature resistance can be used. Metallic printing inks or printing inks with a metallic effect can also be used without any problems. The same applies to adhesion promoters and adhesives between layers of the first layer arrangement – ​​these also do not need to have special temperature resistance.

[0061] In contrast, the second layer arrangement does not need to meet any special optical requirements. It can use conventional cast polymers, preferably cast polyolefins, and particularly preferably cast polypropylene as the polymer material for its at least one polymer layer.

[0062] The first layer arrangement can be composed of at least 80 wt.%, preferably at least 85 wt.%, particularly preferably at least 90 wt.%, and most preferably at least 95 wt.% or even at least 97 wt.% polymers of the same monomer. This monomer is preferably ethylene or propylene. Propylene, as the predominant polymer, is preferred because of its special properties after biaxial stretching.

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, to increase recyclability, the second layer arrangement can be composed of polymers of the same monomer to at least 80 wt.%, preferably at least 85 wt.%, particularly preferably at least 90 wt.%, and most preferably at least 95 wt.% or even at least 97 wt.%. Again, this monomer is preferably ethylene or propylene, with propylene being preferred as the monomer and consequently polypropylene as the predominant polymer, just as in the first layer arrangement. To ensure that the entire film packaging system can be recycled in a uniform recycling process after use, the predominant monomer of the first packaging bag is preferably the same as the predominant monomer of the second packaging bag, thus guaranteeing the necessary high degree of purity.As stated above, this is propylene, so the polymer content of both film laminates is preferably predominantly polypropylene.

[0064] To form a sufficiently strong, thermally sterilizable second packaging bag, the second layer arrangement can have an innermost sealing layer and an outer polymer layer bonded to it, with a higher temperature resistance than that of the sealing layer. Preferably, these are the only polymer layers of the second layer arrangement, which makes it simple in structure and therefore cost-effective. The outer polymer layer of the second layer arrangement can thus be thermally sealed as an outer polymer layer with an exposed inner surface of the first layer arrangement, provided these two polymer layers are compatible, which is readily the case with the aforementioned preferred material selection for increasing recyclability.

[0065] The outer polymer layer of the second layer arrangement and the inner polymer layer of the first layer arrangement are therefore preferably designed to be sealable on their sides facing each other.

[0066] Preferably, the outermost polymer layer of the second layer arrangement mentioned above is present, and is preferably an outer polymer layer of the second layer arrangement without molecular orientation, i.e., unstretched. Alternatively, it can have a monoaxial orientation in order to guide a tear initiated at the edge of the film packaging system along a desired direction when it is torn open.

[0067] However, tests have shown it to be advantageous that a sufficient tear guide for the entire film packaging system can be provided by a monoaxially oriented sealing layer located at the very center of the second packaging bag. Therefore, the second layer arrangement preferably has a sealing layer located at the very center, which is monoaxially stretched to guide a tear through the layer arrangement of the second packaging bag.

[0068] Preferably, the first packaging bag, which is directly accessible to the consumer, has a tear-off aid on one edge, for example, a notch or a slit extending from the edge a short distance into the packaging space. Since, according to the preferred embodiment described above, the first packaging bag completely surrounds the second packaging bag, a tear initiated in the edge of the first packaging bag initially propagates only within the first layer arrangement. In order to also be able to initiate a tear in a controlled manner in the second packaging bag, it can also have a tear-off aid on its edge, preferably on the edge closest to the tear-off aid on the first packaging bag. This tear-off aid could be a notch or a slit extending from the edge of the second packaging bag a short distance into the packaging space.Thus, a tear initiated in the first packaging bag can only be propagated over a short distance without tear guidance in the first packaging bag until the second packaging bag is reached by the tear, so that as the tear propagates further, the monoaxial stretching of at least one film, preferably exactly one film, in the second packaging bag provides the tear guidance when the packaging system is torn open.

[0069] In addition to or as an alternative to monoaxial stretching for the purpose of crack guidance, the second layer arrangement and / or a layer of the first layer arrangement not involved in the water vapor and / or oxygen barrier layer may preferably have a material weakening, such as an embossing, scoring, or perforation. To protect the integrity of the respective packaging bag, the crack-guiding material weakening does not completely penetrate the layer arrangement containing it in the thickness direction. Preferably, the crack-guiding material weakening only penetrates the layer containing it completely or partially in the thickness direction.

[0070] To provide straight outer edges of the first packaging bag, at least one edge, preferably the top edge, of the film packaging system can be post-processed after its manufacture by cutting with mechanical blades or by beam tools, such as lasers.

[0071] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It illustrates: Fig. 1 a rough schematic top view of an embodiment of a film packaging system according to the invention, and Fig. 2 a rough schematic sectional view along the section plane II-II through the layer arrangements used to form the film packaging system.

[0072] The Figure 1 and 2 are not to scale.

[0073] In Figure 1 An embodiment of a film packaging system according to the invention of the present application is generally designated by 10. The film packaging system 10 comprises a first packaging bag 12 and a second packaging bag 16 which is received in the packaging space 14 of the first packaging bag 12 and is therefore only shown with dashed lines.

[0074] For the sake of the simplest possible description of the present film packaging system, the first packaging bag 12 and the second packaging bag 16 are each shown as four-side seal bags. Each of the two packaging bags, in particular the first, outer packaging bag 12, could also be a packaging bag of a different shape.

[0075] The packaging bag 12, on the front of which the viewer sees Figure 1 The surface, as seen, is formed from two essentially rectangular pieces of foil laminate from a first layer arrangement, which are identical in their layer structure, and from which the viewer can see Figure 1 only the foil laminate piece 18 forming the front 12a of the first packaging bag 12 is visible.

[0076] The two film laminate pieces are joined together by thermal sealing along a rim surrounding the first packaging space 14 to form the packaging bag 12. The area in which the two film laminate pieces are joined by sealing extends from an outer edge 20 of the film laminate pieces to an inner edge 22 of the sealed joint. This area is a first combination area 24 of the film packaging system 10, in which the wall section 26 forming the front 12a and created by the film laminate piece 18 is connected to the wall section forming the back, which is concealed by the film laminate piece itself.

[0077] At edge 20, it is closer to the head-side longitudinal end 12b than to the bottom-side longitudinal end 12c on their Figure 1A notch 28 is formed on the left side of the first packaging bag 12 to serve as a tear-off aid. The notch 28 defines a first opening area 30, which completely spans the first packaging bag 12 from the left section of the rim 20, which bears the notch 28, to the right section of the rim 20, which is parallel to the two longitudinal ends 12b and 12c. The first packaging bag 12 is designed to be opened by tearing along this opening area 30.

[0078] The second packaging bag 16, contained in the first packaging compartment 14 of the first packaging bag 12, is also shown as a four-side seal bag for illustrative purposes only. It also has a second packaging compartment 32, which is bounded around its perimeter by a sealing area 34 as a second combination area. In this area, a front wall section 36 of the second packaging bag 16, consisting of a film laminate piece 38 of a second layer arrangement, is thermally sealed to a rear wall section located behind the front wall section 36, consisting of a film laminate piece of the same structure as the film laminate piece 38.

[0079] The second packaging bag 16 also has a notch 40, preferably on its edge section closer to the edge section of the first packaging bag 12 with the notch 28, to serve as a tear-open aid. The notches 28 and 40 are each located equidistant from the bottom longitudinal end 12c, so that the second opening area 42 of the second packaging bag 16, defined by the notch 40, completely overlaps the first opening area 30 of the first packaging bag 12. The second opening area 40 also completely spans the second packaging bag 16 parallel to both the top longitudinal end 12b and the bottom longitudinal end 12c.

[0080] The sealing area 34 of the second packaging bag 16 is bounded on the outside by an outer edge 44 of the packaging bag 16 and on the inside by an inner edge 46 of the sealing area.

[0081] To ensure that the film packaging system 10 can be opened by a single uniform opening process, in this case: tearing process, the first packaging bag 12 and the second packaging bag are connected to each other in a connection area 48.

[0082] The connection area 48 can be designed in different ways. In its smallest area, the connection area 48 can only consist of the following: Figure 1 The cross-hatched portions 48a of the first and second opening areas 30 and 42 respectively extend from the outer edge 20 of the first packaging bag 12 to the inner edge 46 of the sealing area 34 of the second packaging bag 16.

[0083] Preferably, in this connection area 48, the outer surface of the second film laminate piece 38 is thermally sealed to the inner surface of the first film laminate piece 18. Alternatively or additionally to thermal sealing, the connection area 48 can be formed section by section or completely by interposing an adhesive layer, i.e., by bonding the outer surface of the second film laminate piece 38 to the inner surface of the first film laminate piece 18.

[0084] This smallest connection area 48a ensures that a crack initiated at notch 28 in the first packaging bag 12 is continued in the area of ​​notch 40 of the second packaging bag 16 in the second packaging bag 16.

[0085] To ensure that only one of the foil laminate pieces 18 and 38 propagates the opening crack originally introduced into the notch 28 over the greatest possible length, for example by using a monoaxially stretched foil in the foil laminate piece, the entire first opening area 30 and thus also the entire second opening area 42 is preferably designated as a connection area. This option of the connection area 48 comprises in Figure 1 The surface area 48b, which corresponds to the opening area. The second embodiment of the connection area 48 as surface area 48b thus also includes the previously mentioned surface areas 48a.

[0086] To achieve the most secure possible connection between the first and second packaging bags 12 and 16, respectively, the connection area 48 can comprise further sections. For example, the connection area 48 can have a surface area 48c located below surface area 48a and / or a surface area 48d located above surface area 48a. Surface areas 48c and 48d preferably extend from the outer edge 20 of the first packaging bag to the inner edge 46 of the sealing area 34 of the second packaging bag 16, in order to create the largest possible connection area between the packaging bags 12 and 16 and to avoid reducing the size of the second packaging space 32 due to the formation of the connection area 48.

[0087] In particular, if the connection area 48 also includes the surface area 48c, the connection area 48 can include the surface section 48e running along the head-side longitudinal end 12b.

[0088] The connecting area 48 preferably extends into both the combination area 24 and the sealing area 34 in order to connect the two packaging bags 12 and 16. This differs from the illustration of the preferred embodiment of the connecting area 48 in Figure 1 The connection area 48 can be located at a distance from the outer edge 20 of the first packaging bag and / or from the inner edge 46 of the sealing area 34. However, to achieve the most secure connection possible, it is recommended to fully utilize the width dimensions of the combination area 24 and the sealing area 34 for the formation of the connection area 48.

[0089] Where the two packaging bags 12 and 16 are not connected by the connecting area 48, the second packaging bag 16 lies unconnected opposite the first packaging bag 12 in a freedom area 50 within the first packaging space 14. However, the second packaging bag 16 is sufficiently immobilized relative to the first packaging bag 12 by the connecting area 48.

[0090] Another significant advantage of the film packaging system 10 presented here is shown Figure 2 In Figure 2 is a section along the section plane II-II through the film packaging system 10 of Figure 1 shown schematically, with the connection area 48 in the Figure 2 The example shown includes area 48b (and consequently also area 48a). Any sections of the film packaging system 10 located behind the cutting plane are shown in Figure 2 not of interest and therefore not shown.

[0091] The in Figure 2 The cross-section shown extends from the outer side 12a of the first packaging bag 12, which is presented to the consumer, to the inner side 16b of the second packaging bag 16.

[0092] The inner surface 16b of the second packaging bag 16 is preferably formed by a sealable layer 52 made of monoaxially oriented polypropylene. The sealable layer 52 serves to bond with a sealable layer 52 of another film laminate piece of the same structure. Due to monoaxial stretching, the monoaxially oriented polypropylene layer 52 exhibits a molecular orientation that runs parallel to the longitudinal edges 12b and 12c. The sealable layer 52 therefore also serves to guide the crack propagation of an opening tear for opening the film packaging system 10.

[0093] Following the sealable layer 52, a bonding agent layer 54 extends from the second packaging space 32, connecting the sealable layer 52 to a polypropylene layer 56, which has a higher temperature resistance than the sealable layer 52. The polypropylene layer 56 can also be monoaxially oriented, preferably exhibiting an orientation parallel to the molecular orientation of the layer 52 in the film laminate piece 38.

[0094] The adhesion-promoting layer 54 can, for example, be formed by extruded polypropylene or can be formed from an aliphatic solvent-containing composition.

[0095] The side of the polypropylene layer 56 facing away from the second packaging space 32 forms the outer side 16a of the second packaging bag 16.

[0096] The inner surface 12d of the first packaging bag 12 is formed by a layer 58 of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP). This layer provides high strength and gives the first packaging bag 12, and thus the film packaging system 10 as a whole, stability and rigidity.

[0097] Due to the material compatibility of the directly opposing film layers 56 and 58, both of which are made of polypropylene and both of which are preferably designed to be sealable, the two films can be joined together in the connection area 48 by thermal sealing. Figure 2 The sealing zone, in which the two film layers 56 and 58 are joined, is shown with vertical hatching and designated with reference numeral 60. Alternatively or additionally to thermal sealing, the two film layers 56 and 58 can also be joined by an adhesive layer placed between them.

[0098] On its side facing away from the sealing zone 60 or, more generally, from the connection with the film layer 56, the BOPP layer 58 bears a barrier layer 62, for example, a vapor-deposited metallization, particularly of aluminum. Alternatively, the barrier layer can be a ceramic barrier layer, for example, of aluminum oxide or silicon oxide. The barrier layer 62 serves to shield the first packaging compartment 14, and thus also the second packaging compartment 32, from the ingress of oxygen and water vapor. This protects the packaged goods from oxidation and moisture.

[0099] Following the barrier layer 62, in the direction away from the first packaging compartment 14 and the second packaging compartment 32, is an adhesive layer 64, which can, for example, comprise a solvent-free adhesive, in particular polyurethane, with a coating weight of, for example, 1 to 2 g / m², preferably of about 1.5 g / m², and which bonds the barrier layer 62 to the reverse-printed transparent outer layer 66, preferably also made of BOPP. As a reverse-printed outer layer 66, the outer layer 66 has a printed design 68 on its side facing the barrier layer 62, for example, in four-color printing. The BOPP outer layer 66, which also exhibits comparatively high strength, thus protects the printed design 68 from undesirable external influences.

[0100] Thus, the first packaging bag 12, which itself does not require thermal sterilization for packaging foodstuffs, has the necessary barrier layer and the print application required for communication or information transfer to the consumer. Because the first packaging bag 12 is essentially not subjected to thermal stress, the barrier layer and the print application can be provided in high quality, and the polymer layers, in this case polymer layers 58 and 66 made of polypropylene, as well as any adhesion promoter and adhesive layers, can be formed essentially from standard material compositions.

[0101] During the production of the film packaging system 10, only the second, inner packaging bag 16, which contains the goods to be packaged, is subjected to thermal stress. However, the second packaging bag 16 can readily be thermally sterilized and thus thermally stressed, since, firstly, it is not visible from the outside due to the surrounding first packaging bag 12, which is preferably opaque, and secondly, it can be made of materials such as cast polypropylene, which readily withstand the thermal stress of sterilization, particularly in retort sterilization processes. The second packaging bag 16 does not need to have any special optical or barrier properties and can therefore also be made essentially from standard material compositions.

[0102] Furthermore, not only does each individual packaging bag 12 and 16 of the film packaging system 10 consist predominantly of polypropylene, and thus of a polymer of the same monomer, but consequently, the film packaging system 10 as a whole consists predominantly of polypropylene. Therefore, the film packaging system 10 can be easily recycled in its entirety after use. This recycling process works all the better the purer the film packaging system 10 is. Initial tests have shown that, with excellent external appearance and coloring achieved through printing, and simultaneously with excellent barrier properties, the film packaging system 10 can be composed of more than 90% by weight, and even up to more than 97% by weight, of polypropylene. According to current regulations, it is therefore considered a mono-material.

Claims

1. A film packaging system (10), in particular for packaging foodstuffs for human or animal consumption, comprising a first, outer packaging pouch (12) with a first, outer layer arrangement (18), and a second, inner packaging pouch (16) with a second, inner layer arrangement (38), wherein the first packaging pouch (12) surrounds a first packaging space (14) in which the second packaging pouch (16) is accommodated, and wherein the second packaging pouch (16) surrounds a second packaging space (32) which is designed to accommodate a packaged product, wherein the first and second packaging pouches (12, 16) are connected to one another in a connecting region (48) of the film packaging system (10), wherein the first packaging pouch (12) has a first opening region (30) defined by optical marking and the second packaging pouch (16) has a second opening region (42), which opening regions (30, 42) are designed and intended to open the respective packaging pouches (12, 16) by severing the material continuity of the layer arrangement (18, 38) of the respective packaging pouch (12, 16) in the respective opening region (30, 42), characterised in that the connecting region (48) extends, at least in sections, over both the first and the second opening regions (30, 42), so that the film packaging system (10) can be opened by a single joint opening operation in such a way that the packaged product is accessible following this opening operation.

2. Film packaging system (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the connection between the first and second packaging pouches (12, 16) in the connecting region (48) is formed by heat sealing and / or by bonding together opposing film layers (56, 58) of the first and second packaging pouches (12, 16).

3. Film packaging system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the visual marking defining the first opening region (30) is a printed cutting line or an edge notch (28) serving as a tear-open aid.

4. Film packaging system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that both the first and the second opening regions (30, 42) are located entirely within the connecting region (48).

5. Film packaging system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the film packaging system (10) additionally comprises a freedom region (50) in which a section of the second packaging pouch (16) lies opposite a section of the first packaging pouch (12) without being connected.

6. Film packaging system (10) according to claim 5, characterised in that the freedom region (50) in the packaging space (14) of the first packaging pouch (12) contains an object different from the second packaging pouch and / or a gas different from the ambient air.

7. Film packaging system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first packaging pouch (12) comprises at least two wall sections (26) each formed from the first layer arrangement (18), wherein the film packaging system (10) comprises a first combination region (24) in which the at least two wall sections (26) of the first packaging pouch (12) are joined together to form the first packaging space (14), wherein at least one section of the first combination region (24) is located in the connecting region (48).

8. Film packaging system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second packaging pouch (16) comprises at least two wall sections (36) each formed from the second layer arrangement (38), wherein the film packaging system (10) comprises a second combination region (34) in which the at least two wall sections (36) of the second packaging pouch (16) are joined together to form the second packaging space (32), wherein at least one section of the second combination region (44) is located in the connecting region (48).

9. Film packaging system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first layer arrangement (18) and the second layer arrangement (38) differ with respect to at least one of the following parameters: - barrier effect against the passage of water vapour and / or oxygen, - barrier effect against the passage of fats and / or oils, - barrier effect against the passage of light from the outside to the inside, - barrier effect against the packaged product being visible from the inside to the outside, - printing with a print application (68), - stretching of at least one film layer.

10. Film packaging system (10) according to claim 9, characterised in that the first layer arrangement (18) comprises a metallic and / or a metallized and / or a ceramic barrier layer (62).

11. Film packaging system (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the first layer arrangement (18) comprises a print application (68) in reverse or front printing.

12. Film packaging system (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the first layer arrangement (18) comprises at least one stretched polymer layer (58, 66), wherein the stretched polymer layer (58, 66) is monoaxially or preferably biaxially stretched.

13. Film packaging system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first layer arrangement (18) consists of at least 80% by weight, preferably at least 85% by weight, particularly preferably at least 90% by weight of polymers of the same monomer, or / and that the second layer arrangement (38) consists of at least 80% by weight, preferably at least 85% by weight, particularly preferably at least 90% by weight, of polymers of the same monomer, wherein, most preferably, the predominant monomer of the first packaging pouch (12) is the same as the predominant monomer of the second packaging pouch (16).

14. Film packaging system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second layer arrangement (38) comprises an innermost sealing layer (52) and a further outer polymer layer (56) bonded thereto, having a higher temperature resistance than that of the sealing layer (52).

15. Film packaging system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second layer arrangement (38) comprises an innermost sealing layer (52) which is monoaxially stretched to guide a tear through the layer arrangement of the second packaging pouch.

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