Primary package

Abstract

The invention relates to primary packaging (1) for confectionery, having an inner side for direct contact with the product, for twist-wrap, fold-wrap, or bag-wrap packaging. The primary packaging (1) comprises a glycerin-containing carrier material (4). A functional layer (5) is applied to the inner side to prevent the migration of fats and to prevent sticking.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a primary packaging for goods, with an inner side for direct contact with the goods, for the packaging types twist wrap, fold wrap, top twist wrap and use as a bottom strip.

[0002] Primary packaging is the first packaging that comes into direct contact with the food it contains, such as confectionery.

[0003] In the area of ​​web-based packaging materials, paper-based products are used for many applications. In many cases, and where barrier properties are low, this occurs without any further modifications to the packaging material.

[0004] Since primary packaging has to fulfill a number of functions, including protecting the confectionery from external influences such as humidity, light, temperature fluctuations and contamination, layers are used to give the packaging paper barrier properties against oxygen, water vapor, oil and grease and other substances.

[0005] In addition, primary packaging plays a crucial role in maintaining product quality, safety and shelf life throughout the confectionery life cycle.

[0006] When selecting and designing primary packaging for confectionery, the specific requirements of the products as well as the regulatory requirements applicable to food packaging must be considered.

[0007] Aspects such as barrier properties against moisture and oxygen, light protection, taste and aroma protection as well as the possibility of labelling and informing consumers must be taken into account.

[0008] Depending on the food being packaged, a wide range of packaging materials is available for confectionery. Plastic films such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride are commonly used for packaging candies, chocolate, and other sweets. These films can come in various shapes, sizes, and degrees of transparency.

[0009] Aluminum foil is used in the packaging of delicate foods, such as chocolate bars, due to its protection against moisture, light and oxygen, to ensure the lasting quality of the confectionery.

[0010] Flow packs are flexible, easy-to-open bags often used for confectionery products such as gummy bears and chewing gum. They are convenient for the consumer and protect the confectionery from moisture and air.

[0011] Paper packaging offers an environmentally friendly option. It's particularly easy to print and emboss.

[0012] Choosing the right primary packaging depends on several factors, including the type of confectionery, its shelf life, its retail environment, and brand preferences. Regardless of the packaging chosen, it is important to ensure that it complies with legal requirements and regulations, particularly regarding labeling and food safety.

[0013] First, the primary packaging must be food-safe and must not transfer any harmful substances to the confectionery. This requires the use of materials approved for contact with food and compliant with applicable legal regulations.

[0014] Furthermore, the packaging must provide an appropriate barrier against moisture, oxygen, light, and other environmental influences that could compromise the quality and shelf life of the confectionery. This is especially important for sensitive products such as chocolate.

[0015] The secondary packaging seal must be intact and secure to prevent contamination of the confectionery. This can be achieved by heat sealing, adhesive closure, or other suitable methods.

[0016] The primary packaging must contain all legally required information, including the list of ingredients, nutritional information, allergen information, and the best-before date. Labels must be clear and legible.

[0017] The packaging should present the confectionery products attractively and support the brand image. This can be achieved through appealing design, graphics, and finishing techniques such as embossing or foil lamination. Furthermore, the packaging should be easy for consumers to open and reseal, ensuring user-friendliness.

[0018] In order to minimize environmental impact, environmentally friendly materials that are recyclable, reusable and / or biodegradable should be chosen for packaging.

[0019] DE 10 2013 210 095 B3 describes primary packaging for confectionery, particularly for hard and soft caramels and chocolate products, for twist wrap, fold wrap, top twist wrap, and use as a bottom strip. The primary packaging has a single- or double-sided coating of the carrier material with a wax, paraffin, or hot melt. The carrier material is a satin-finished kraft paper with a basis weight of 10 g / m² to 28 g / m².

[0020] EP 1 885 558 B2 describes a barrier film for packaging purposes, in particular for the packaging of food and beverages and other sensitive goods, in the form of a multilayer film, the mechanical properties of which are largely determined by a biaxially oriented film for which a crystallizable polyolefin is used as the film-forming polymer, and which also has at least one coextruded layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers (EVOH) as a layer or barrier.

[0021] EP 3 943 661 A1 describes a method for producing a packaging material having a layer on a substrate using a casting process for coating the substrate.

[0022] Overall, primary packaging for confectionery is a key aspect in ensuring the quality, safety, and consumer appeal of confectionery products. Its design and manufacturing require a comprehensive understanding of product characteristics as well as a careful consideration of functional, aesthetic, and sustainability aspects.

[0023] The object of the invention is to provide a primary packaging that, due to its physical, chemical, and food-technological properties, is suitable for use as primary packaging for food products, while simultaneously enabling a significant reduction in the packaging material used and the associated packaging costs. Furthermore, the primary packaging should be recyclable. The primary packaging should be producible from renewable raw materials.

[0024] This object is achieved according to the invention by a primary packaging according to the independent claims. Preferred variants, further features, and advantages of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description, the exemplary embodiments, and the drawings.

[0025] In one variant, the carrier material of the primary packaging consists of cellulose fibers, such as bleached hardwood kraft pulp (LBKP), bleached softwood kraft pulp (NBKP), bleached hardwood sulphite pulp (LBSP) or bleached softwood sulphite pulp (NBSP).

[0026] Furthermore, cellulose fibers obtained from paper waste can be used. These cellulose fibers can be used as a blend and may contain portions of other fibers, such as synthetic resin fibers.

[0027] Carrier materials made of long-fibered softwoods, especially spruce or pine, have a sufficiently high tear strength to safely absorb the mechanical stresses when wrapping the packaged goods or confectionery.

[0028] For example, kaolins, calcium carbonate in its natural forms such as limestone, marble or dolomite, precipitated calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, titanium dioxide, talc, silica, aluminum oxide and their mixtures can be used as fillers for the base paper of the carrier material.

[0029] In one variant, the carrier material has a basis weight of 38 g / m 2< to 45 g / m 2< .

[0030] The outside of the carrier material is printed, for example, with ornaments, decorations or the reproduction of brands or manufacturer information.

[0031] A functional layer is applied to the inside of the carrier material.

[0032] This functional layer serves several purposes. Firstly, it prevents the migration of grease. Furthermore, it prevents the product from sticking to the primary packaging.

[0033] The functional layer is in direct contact with the confectionery. Packaging materials for direct food contact (DFC) are designed to protect the food and must meet strict requirements to ensure food safety and consumer health.

[0034] DFC packaging materials must not transfer any harmful substances to food. They must be food-safe and must not release any harmful chemicals. Undesirable substances must not migrate from the packaging into the food. The materials must be designed to prevent the migration of components into food.

[0035] To ensure this, they provide a barrier against moisture, oxygen, light, and other factors to preserve the shelf life and quality of the food. Furthermore, they must not impart any undesirable taste or odor to the food.

[0036] To meet the demand for sustainable packaging materials, the applied functional layer must be environmentally friendly and able to be integrated into the recycling process.

[0037] After applying a print to the outside of the substrate, a glycerin solution, for example, is applied over the entire surface. Optionally, a protective varnish can be applied to the print before soaking the substrate in the glycerin solution.

[0038] The functional layer to prevent the adhesion of confectionery and the contamination of fats is then applied to the inside of the carrier material.

[0039] Due to the heat and blowing speed of the drying air during the production process, part of the glycerin solution is removed from the carrier material. The glycerin imparts flexibility and elasticity to the carrier material. This is particularly useful when the carrier material needs to be folded, bent, or formed to achieve specific packaging shapes.

[0040] Glycerin can help reduce the electrostatic charge of the substrate, which is particularly important in packaging materials to prevent dust attraction and damage to electronic or sensitive products.

[0041] Furthermore, the glycerin on the carrier material can increase the shelf life of the confectionery, especially for long-term storage.

[0042] The addition of glycerin can smooth the surface of the substrate, allowing for better, higher-quality printing. This is crucial when the substrate is used for labels, packaging printing, or other types of markings.

[0043] For example, glycerin can improve the barrier properties of the carrier material against moisture, water vapor, grease, and other substances. This is important to protect the contents of the packaging from external influences.

[0044] In a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, the functional layer is composed of a copolymer of an unsaturated aromatic hydrocarbon and a nitrile.

[0045] Copolymers are of great importance in many areas of chemistry and materials science because they offer the possibility of producing tailor-made polymers with specific properties.

[0046] A copolymer is a polymer produced from the polymerization of two or more different monomers. The different monomer units can have different chemical structures and functional groups, resulting in a variety of polymer structures and properties. Depending on the type and arrangement of the monomer units, copolymers can exhibit specific physical and chemical properties.

[0047] For example, the copolymer applied to the carrier material consists at least partially of an unsaturated hydrocarbon.

[0048] Unsaturated hydrocarbons are a group of organic compounds consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms and containing at least one or more double bonds (C=C) or triple bonds (C=C) between the carbon atoms. Unsaturated hydrocarbons are often found in organic compounds such as alkenes (double bonds), alkynes (triple bonds), and aromatics (special ring structures).

[0049] A nitrile, for example, is used as an additional monomer.

[0050] Nitriles are organic compounds that contain the functional group -C=N, where the carbon atom (C) has a triple bond to a nitrogen atom (N). This functional group is also known as a nitrile group or cyano group. Nitriles can occur in aliphatic form, in which the nitrile group is bonded to an alkyl chain, or in aromatic form, in which it is bonded to an aromatic hydrocarbon.

[0051] Preferably, styrene is used as the monomer of the unsaturated aromatic hydrocarbon.

[0052] Styrene, also known as phenylethene, is an organic compound with the chemical formula CsHs. It belongs to the group of aromatic hydrocarbons and is an unsaturated hydrocarbon with a phenyl group-containing side chain. The chemical structure of styrene shows an aromatic ring (benzene ring) with an attached alkyl group (-CH2-CH=CH2).

[0053] In a particularly advantageous variant, acrylonitrile is used as nitrile.

[0054] Acrylonitrile, also known as propenenitrile, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H3N. It is an unsaturated hydrocarbon belonging to the nitrile group. The chemical structure of acrylonitrile features a nitrile group (-C=N) and a double bond (C=C) between the carbon atoms. The nitrile group is characteristic of this compound.

[0055] For example, a print is applied to the outside of the carrier material, the side that is not in contact with the confectionery.

[0056] The term exterior refers to the outer surface or side of the package, which is usually visible when the product is wrapped and the package is closed or sealed. It plays an important role in the perception and marketing of a product. It can help attract consumer attention, convey information about the product, and promote the brand.

[0057] The print is applied to the carrier material, for example, using a gravure printing process.

[0058] Intaglio printing is a printing technique in which ink is forced into the recesses of a printing cylinder or plate. Intaglio printing is often used in the production of high-quality printed products.

[0059] In gravure printing, the printing plates or cylinders are usually made of metal and have recesses into which the ink is applied. Excess ink on the surface is wiped away, leaving only the ink in the recesses. The substrate to be printed is brought into contact with the printing plate or cylinder. Printing is achieved by applying pressure and / or heat, which transfers the ink from the recesses to the substrate.

[0060] The gravure printing process allows for the reproduction of very fine details and color gradients, making it suitable for applications requiring high print quality. Furthermore, gravure products are often durable and resistant to abrasion and environmental influences.

[0061] In addition to the gravure printing process, all known printing processes can be used to print the carrier material, such as rotary offset printing, flexographic printing, stamping foil printing, color foil printing, calender coating or effect and spot coating.

[0062] Optionally, a protective varnish can be applied to the print to protect it if required.

[0063] In a variant of the invention, the primary packaging has a basis weight of more than 45 g / m 2< and less than 60 g / m 2< after application of the glycerin, the print and the functional layer.

[0064] Basis weight is a physical quantity that indicates the mass of a material per unit area (g / m²). It is often used in materials science and engineering applications to quantify the density or mass distribution of a material over a given area.

[0065] The surface weight of the functional layer applied on the inside is 7 to 9 g / m 2< .

[0066] Films and sheets up to 1 mm thick are tested using strip or shoulder specimens. According to ISO 527-3 and ASTM D 882, strips are the standard specimen shape. This specimen shape can be easily produced using a cutting press or a film cutter. Shoulder specimens are often used in quality control. In this case, a direct-measuring extensometer is required, which can record the specimen strain directly on the specimen. Typical test results include yield stress, yield strain, maximum stress, and nominal elongation at break.

[0067] The tensile properties are determined according to DIN EN ISO 527. In the tensile test, a sample strip of the primary packaging is stretched at a constant speed specified in the test standard and the force F is recorded with the change in length ΔL of the measuring section L 0.

[0068] In a particularly advantageous variant, the primary packaging has a tensile strength in the machine direction according to DIN EN ISO 527 of more than 50 N / mm 2< and less than 60 N / mm 2<.

[0069] Confectionery is generally sensitive to moisture, oxygen, and external influences. Adequate tensile strength of the packaging ensures that the confectionery is protected from environmental influences and its quality is preserved.

[0070] Elongation at break, like tensile strength, is a mechanical property of a material used to characterize its formability and ductility. Elongation at break is usually expressed as a percentage (%) and is an important parameter in evaluating the mechanical properties of materials. Elongation at break is the ratio of the change in length of a material specimen to the original length of the specimen that occurs during a tensile test until failure.

[0071] Preferably, the primary packaging has an elongation at break according to DIN EN ISO 527 in the longitudinal direction of more than 1.8% and less than 2.4%.

[0072] Elongation at break is determined in tensile tests in which a sample of the material is subjected to a controlled tensile force. During the test, the deformation of the sample relative to its original length is measured until it breaks. The maximum extension before breakage is determined as the elongation at break.

[0073] Materials with high elongation at break are capable of significant deformation before failure and are called ductile. Materials with low elongation at break are brittle and fracture without significant deformation.

[0074] Like tensile strength, elongation at break plays an important role, especially in packaging for confectionery, as it describes the deformability and stability of the packaging under mechanical stress.

[0075] In a variant of the invention, the carrier material contains more than 90% paper by weight.

[0076] In one embodiment of the invention, the carrier material has a glycerol content of more than 1 wt.% and less than 4 wt.%, preferably it has a glycerol content of more than 2 wt.% and less than 3 wt.%.

[0077] Confectionery packaging often has to take on a variety of shapes and sizes. A certain degree of elongation at break allows the packaging to adapt to the various typical shapes of the confectionery and securely enclose them.

[0078] In a particularly advantageous variant, the primary packaging is recyclable. Recyclable confectionery packaging is made from materials that can be easily recycled in existing recycling processes. This includes paper, cardboard, corrugated board, and certain plastics that are accepted at many recycling facilities.

[0079] Recyclable confectionery packaging is an important step toward more environmentally friendly packaging solutions. They help reduce waste, conserve resources, and reduce the ecological footprint.

[0080] According to the invention, the production of the primary packaging is carried out in the following steps: Applying a print to a substrate Optimal application of a protective varnish Soaking the substrate in a glycerin solution Applying the functional layer to the substrate

[0081] A print is applied to the outside of the carrier material, the side that is not in contact with the confectionery. A protective varnish can also be applied to the print.

[0082] After applying the print to the outside of the carrier material, a glycerin solution is applied over the entire surface.

[0083] The glycerin gives the carrier material flexibility and elasticity, among other things. This is particularly useful when it needs to be folded, bent, or shaped to achieve specific packaging shapes.

[0084] On the confectionery side, a functional layer is applied to the carrier material of the primary packaging to prevent the migration of fats from the confectionery and to prevent the confectionery from sticking.

[0085] According to the invention, the primary packaging for confectionery, which has a functional layer for preventing the migration of fats, is used for the packaging types twist wrap, fold wrap, top twist wrap and use as a bottom strip.

[0086] Twist-wrap is a packaging method in which a product is wrapped in a piece of packaging material. The packaging material is wrapped around the product, and the ends are twisted to secure the package. This type of packaging is often used for candies, chocolates, and other small sweets. Twist-wrap not only provides hygienic packaging but also gives the products an attractive presentation.

[0087] Gusset wrapping is a packaging method in which a flat, folded piece of packaging material is placed around a product. The packaging material is folded around the product and then taped or sealed at the sides or bottom to close the package.

[0088] Bag wrapping is a packaging method in which a product is placed in a small bag or pouch. The bag is usually twisted or cinched at the top and closed with a ribbon or string to secure the package.

[0089] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments with reference to drawings and from the drawings themselves.

[0090] The only figure shows a sectional view of a primary packaging 1.

[0091] This comprises a glycerin-containing carrier material 4 on which a print 3 is arranged. According to the invention, the primary packaging comprises a functional layer 5 arranged on the inside. In the exemplary embodiment, a protective varnish 2 is arranged on the print 3.

[0092] The primary packaging 1 has a basis weight of 53 g / m 2<.

[0093] The elongation at break determined in tensile tests is 2.1% in this design variant.

[0094] It enables the packaging to adapt to the various typical shapes of confectionery products, such as twist wraps, and to enclose them securely.

[0095] The tensile strength in the machine direction of the primary packaging 1 in this design variant is 57 N / mm 2< .

[0096] Ensuring that the packaging has sufficient tensile strength ensures that the confectionery is protected from environmental influences and its quality is preserved.

Claims

1. Primary packaging (1) for goods, with an inner side for direct contact with the goods, wherein the primary packaging (1) has a glycerin-containing carrier material (4), characterized in that the carrier material (4) has a functional layer (5) on the inside.

2. Primary packaging (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional layer (5) comprises a copolymer of an unsaturated aromatic hydrocarbon and a nitrile.

3. Primary packaging (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the unsaturated, aromatic hydrocarbon is formed from styrene.

4. Primary packaging (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the nitrile is formed from an acrylonitrile.

5. Primary packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the primary packaging (1) has a print (3) on an outer side.

6. Primary packaging (1) according to claim 5, characterized in thatthe primary packaging (1) has a protective varnish (2), preferably a nitrocellulose varnish, on the one print (3).

7. Primary packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the primary packaging (1) has a basis weight of more than 45 g / m 2 and less than 60 g / m 2 has.

8. Primary packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the functional layer (5) has a surface weight of more than 7 g / m 2 and less than 9 g / m 2 has.

9. Primary packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the primary packaging (1) has a tensile strength in MD according to DIN EN ISO 527 of more than 50 N / mm 2 and less than 60 N / mm 2 has.

10. Primary packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the primary packaging (1) has a breaking elongation in the longitudinal direction of more than 1.8% and less than 2.4%.

11. Primary packaging according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the primary packaging (1) contains more than 70% by weight of paper.

12. Primary packaging according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the carrier material (4) contains more than 90% paper by weight.

13. Primary packaging according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the carrier material (4) has a glycerol content of more than 1 wt.% and less than 4 wt.%.

14. A method for producing a primary packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps: - applying a print (3), - applying a protective varnish (2), - impregnating the carrier material (4) in a glycerol solution, - applying the functional layer (5) to the carrier material (4).

15. Use of a primary packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 for the packaging types twist wrap or fold wrap or bag wrap.

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