Vessel closure having a sealing element, vessel having a vessel closure, and process for manufacturing a closed vessel

Abstract

The invention relates to a vessel closure having a sealing element. The sealing element comprises a polymer composition. The polymer composition contains at least 1 percent by weight of a cycloolefin polymer. The maximum oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the polymer composition, determined according to DIN 53380, is 3000 cm3 m-2 d-1 bar-1.

Description

[0001] Vessel closure with sealing element, vessel with vessel closure and method for producing a closed vessel

[0002] The invention relates to a vessel closure with a sealing element, a vessel with the vessel closure and a method for producing a closed vessel.

[0003] Vessel closures with a sealing element are known from the prior art. In particular, polymer compositions for the sealing element that do not contain PVC or that contain additional polymer components in addition to PVC are relatively costly, and processing the polymer composition is relatively difficult.

[0004] It is often detrimental when relatively large amounts of oxygen penetrate into a filled container sealed with a container closure, especially when the contents are foodstuffs. PVC sealing elements offer good protection against such oxygen penetration into a container. Low-PVC sealing elements often achieve this only inadequately. Therefore, oxygen scavengers are often used in low-PVC polymer compositions for the sealing elements. One example of an oxygen scavenger is sodium sulfite. However, sodium sulfite is often undesirable in compositions for sealing elements of container closures, as this sulfite salt can migrate into the contents and trigger allergic-like reactions in consumers.

[0005] An object of the invention is to provide a vessel closure with a sealing element, wherein the sealing element can be produced at acceptable costs and the sealing element has low or very low oxygen permeability values.

[0006] A further object is to provide a vessel closure with a sealing element that is sterilizable when the vessel closure closes a vessel.

[0007] Yet another object is to provide a vessel closure with a sealing element, wherein the sealing element has low overall migration.

[0008] At least one of the problems is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0009] Disclosed is a vessel closure having a sealing element. The sealing element comprises a polymer composition. The polymer composition may comprise at least 1 wt. % of a cycloolefin polymer. Alternatively or additionally, the polymer composition may have an oxygen transmission rate, determined according to DES! 53380, of not more than 3000 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 In general, wt. % data refer to the total weight of all components of a mixture or composition. For example, wt. % data for components of the polymer composition refer to all components of the polymer composition.

[0010] The sealing element can be substantially disc-shaped or substantially annular.

[0011] The sealing element may have a thickness (in the axial direction of the vessel closure and / or in the axial direction of the vessel) of at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1.0 mm, more preferably at least 1.5 mm, more preferably at least 2.0 mm.

[0012] The sealing element can have a diameter (perpendicular to the axial direction of the vessel closure and / or perpendicular to the axial direction of the vessel) of at most 300 mm, preferably at most 250 mm, more preferably at most 200 mm, more preferably at most 150 mm, more preferably at most 120 mm. The diameter of the sealing element can be at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 15 mm, more preferably at least 20 mm. Particularly preferably, the sealing element has a diameter between 10 mm and 200 mm, in particular between 15 mm and 130 mm.

[0013] The polymer composition can make up a large portion of the sealing element. The sealing element can comprise other components in addition to the polymer composition. The other components can be polymeric or non-polymeric components. For example, the sealing element can comprise one or more films. The film can be a polymeric or non-polymeric film; preferably, the film is a metal foil. In particular, the sealing element consists of the polymer composition.

[0014] A cycloolefin polymer is a polymer made from at least one cyclic (olefinic) monomer. The at least one cyclic monomer may be copolymerized with another monomer, particularly with a non-cyclic monomer. The other monomer may be an olefin, particularly an alpha-olefin. The cycloolefin polymer may also be produced by ring-opening polymerization of at least one cyclic (olefinic) monomer. After polymerization of the at least one cyclic (olefinic) monomer, the polymer may be hydrogenated.

[0015] The cycloolefin polymer cannot contain any segments derived from styrene. Styrene cannot be used as a (co)monomer for the polymerization of the cycloolefin polymer. The cycloolefin polymer cannot contain any aromatic groups. The cycloolefin polymer can be free of one or more aromatic groups.

[0016] The cycloolefin polymer may be uncrosslinked. The cycloolefin polymer may not exhibit any chemical crosslinking.

[0017] The cycloolefin polymer cannot comprise propylene as a comonomer. Propylene cannot have been used as a comonomer in the preparation of the cycloolefin polymer. The cycloolefin polymer cannot comprise any units derived from propylene.

[0018] The cycloolefin polymer cannot be EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber) with a cyclic comonomer. The cycloolefin polymer cannot be EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber). In particular, ethylene-propylene-diene is not a comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer.

[0019] The polymer composition may contain a maximum of 20 wt.% EPDM, preferably a maximum of 15 wt.% EPDM, more preferably a maximum of 10 wt.% EPDM, more preferably a maximum of 5 wt.% EPDM, more preferably a maximum of 1 wt.% EPDM. Preferably, the polymer composition does not contain EPDM. The polymer composition may be free of EPDM.

[0020] In the cycloolefin polymer, at least one ring (cycle) can be integrated or contained in the main chain or backbone of the cycloolefin polymer. The ring (cycle) can be covalently bonded to the main chain or backbone. The main chain or backbone can be the longest series of covalently bonded atoms. The main chain or backbone can form the continuous chain of the polymer.

[0021] Exactly one monomer or at most one monomer can be used to produce the cycloolefin polymer.

[0022] The cycloolefin polymer preferably contains monocyclic units. The cycloolefin polymer may comprise a monocyclic C5 unit. The monocyclic C5 unit may be a ring (cycle) with five carbon atoms.

[0023] The cycloolefin polymer can have a light transmittance, determined according to ISO 13468-2, of at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 82%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 87%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 92%, more preferably at least 95%. The cycloolefin polymer can have a water absorption, determined according to ISO 62, of at most 10%, preferably at most 9%, more preferably at most 8%, more preferably at most 7%, more preferably at most 6%, more preferably at most 5%, more preferably at most 4%, more preferably at most 3%, more preferably at most 2%, more preferably at most 1%, more preferably at most 0.5%, more preferably at most 0.2%, more preferably at most 0.1%, more preferably at most 0.05%.

[0024] The cycloolefin polymer may have a Shore A hardness (determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s) of at least 40. Preferably, the Shore A hardness of the cycloolefin polymer is at least 50, more preferably at least 60, more preferably at least 70, more preferably at least 80, more preferably at least 90.

[0025] The cycloolefin polymer may have a Shore D hardness (determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s) of at least 20. Preferably, the Shore D hardness of the cycloolefin polymer is at least 30, more preferably at least 40, more preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 60, more preferably at least 70, more preferably at least 75.

[0026] The Shore D hardness of the cycloolefin polymer may be at most 90, preferably at most 80, more preferably at most 70, more preferably at most 60, more preferably at most 50. In particular, the Shore D hardness of the cycloolefin polymer is between 70 and 85 or between 72 and 87.

[0027] The cycloolefin copolymer may have a density (determined according to ISO 1183) of at least 0.850 g cm' 3 Preferably, the density of the cycloolefin polymer is at least 0.870 g cm' 3 , preferably at least 0.890 g cm' 3 , preferably at least 0.910 g cm' 3 , preferably at least 0.930 g cm' 3 , preferably at least 0.950 g cm' 3 , preferably at least 0.970 g cm' 3 , preferably at least 0.990 g cm' 3 , preferably at least 1,000 g cm' 3 , more preferably at least 1.010 g cm' 3 .

[0028] The density of the cycloolefin polymer is preferably between 0.900 g cm' 3 and 1,100 g cm' 3 , preferably between 0.920 g cm' 3 and 1,050 g cm' 3 , preferably between 0.930 g cm' 3 and 1.030 g cm' 3 . The density of the cycloolefin polymer is particularly preferably between 0.930 g cm' 3 and 0.950 g cm' 3 , or between 0.970 g cm' 3 and 0.990 g cm' 3 , or between 1,000 g cm' 3 and 1.020 g cm' 3 , or between 1.010 g cm' 3 and 1.030 g cm' 3 .

[0029] The cycloolefin copolymer can have a glass transition temperature (determined according to ISO 11357-1, -2, -3, 10 °C / min) of at least -20 °C. Preferably, the

[0030] Glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer at least 0 °C, more preferably at least 3 °C, more preferably at least 40 °C, more preferably at least 60 °C, more preferably at least 70 °C, more preferably at least 90 °C, more preferably at least 110 °C, more preferably at least 125 °C, more preferably at least 130 °C, more preferably at least 150 °C, more preferably at least 170 °C.

[0031] The glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer may be at most 200 °C, preferably at most 190 °C, more preferably at most 180 °C, more preferably at most 170 °C, more preferably at most 160 °C, more preferably at most 150 °C, more preferably at most 140 °C, more preferably at most 120 °C, more preferably at most 100 °C, more preferably at most 80 °C, more preferably at most 70 °C, more preferably at most 50 °C, more preferably at most 30 °C, more preferably at most 10 °C.

[0032] The glass transition temperature of the cycloolefin copolymer can be between 1 °C and 11 °C, or between 60 °C and 70 °C, or between 73 °C and 83 °C, or between 74 °C and 84 °C, or between 130 °C and 140 °C, or between 129 °C and 139 °C, or between 133 °C and 143 °C, or between 153 °C and 163 °C, or between 173 °C and 183 °C.

[0033] A monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer may be a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin. After polymerization of the cycloolefin polymer, the cycloolefin polymer may comprise at least one monocyclic unit or polycyclic unit. The monocyclic unit or polycyclic unit may be formed by the monocyclic or polycyclic monomer or comonomer.

[0034] Preferably, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer is a monocyclic or polycyclic C3 to C20 olefin. More preferably, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer is a monocyclic or polycyclic C5 to C20 olefin. More preferably, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer is a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C17 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C12 olefin. Particularly preferably, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer is a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 olefin. For example, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer is norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene).

[0035] The monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer can be a monocyclic or polycyclic alkene. The monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer can be a monocyclic C3 to C8 olefin (monocyclopropene to monocyclooctene).

[0036] The monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer can contain at least two rings (cycles). Preferably, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer contains two to twenty, more preferably two to fifteen, more preferably two to ten, more preferably two to eight rings (cycles). The monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer can be a bis- to octacycloolefin. Suitable monomers or comonomers of the cycloolefin polymer are described on pages 4 to 17, in particular on pages 6, 7 and / or in Tables 1 and 2, of EP 0 283 164 A2, the contents of which are incorporated into the present disclosure by reference.

[0037] The monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer can be a homocycle. Preferably, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer is a carbon homocycle.

[0038] The monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer can be a heterocycle. The heterocycle can contain one or more heteroatoms. The heterocycle preferably contains nitrogen, oxygen, and / or sulfur.

[0039] The monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer can be unsubstituted or substituted. Preferably, the monomer or comonomer of the cycloolefin polymer contains at least one of the following substituents: alkenyl, alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxyalkyl, and halogen.

[0040] The cycloolefin polymer can be unsubstituted or substituted. Preferably, the cycloolefin polymer contains at least one of the following substituents: alkenyl, alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxyalkyl, and halogen.

[0041] In general, some molecules (monomers or comonomers) are named herein by the number of their carbon atoms. For example, a C5 olefin is an olefin with 5 carbon atoms, and a C20 olefin is an olefin with 20 carbon atoms.

[0042] The cycloolefin polymer can be prepared by a ring-maintaining or a ring-opening polymerization. The ring-opening polymerization can be a ring-opening metathesis polymerization.

[0043] In a ring-preserving polymerization, one or more rings (cycles) of a monomer can remain in the polymer after polymerization. In other words, one or more rings (cycles) of a monomer cannot be opened by polymerization.

[0044] In a ring-opening polymerization, one or more rings (cycles) of a monomer may not be present in the polymer after polymerization. In other words, one or more rings (cycles) of a monomer may be opened by the polymerization. Preferably, one or more rings (cycles) are present in the polymer after the ring-opening polymerization. A monomer used for the polymerization may contain at least two rings (cycles). In particular, the monomer used for the polymerization contains exactly two rings (cycles) or at most two rings (cycles). One of the rings (cycles) may be opened by the polymerization. Another of the rings (cycles) may be present in the (polymerized) polymer. This means that at least one of the rings (cycles) can be opened during polymerization and another of the rings (cycles) can be incorporated into the polymer or be present in the polymer.

[0045] A monocyclic or polycyclic olefin can have a proportion of at least 2 mol% in the cycloolefin polymer. Preferably, a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin in the cycloolefin polymer has a proportion of at least 5 mol%, more preferably at least 10 mol%, more preferably at least 20 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, more preferably at least 65 mol%.

[0046] A monocyclic or polycyclic olefin can have a proportion of at most 90 mol% in the cycloolefin polymer. Preferably, a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin in the cycloolefin polymer has a comonomer proportion of at most 75 mol%, more preferably at most 60 mol%, more preferably at most 50 mol%, more preferably at most 40 mol%.

[0047] The proportion of a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin in the cycloolefin polymer may be between 25 mol% and 35 mol%, or between 45 mol% and 55 mol%, or between 60 mol% and 70 mol%, or between 60 mol% and 90 mol%, in particular between 70 mol% and 80 mol%.

[0048] In particular, the cycloolefin polymer is a cycloolefin copolymer. The cycloolefin copolymer can be made from at least two different monomers. Preferably, the cycloolefin copolymer is a cycloolefin bipolymer. In a cycloolefin bipolymer, exactly two different types of monomers are used for polymerization.

[0049] A comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be a C2 to C10 (alpha)olefin. Preferably, a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer is a C2 to C8 (alpha)olefin, more preferably a C2 to C6 (alpha)olefin. A comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be ethene, alpha-butene, or alpha-hexene. Most preferably, a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer is ethene. The comonomer can be referred to as a non-cyclic comonomer. A monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can have a comonomer content of at least 2 mol%. Preferably, a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer has a comonomer content of at least 5 mol%, more preferably at least 10 mol%, more preferably at least 20 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, more preferably at least 65 mol%.

[0050] A monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can have a comonomer content of at most 90 mol%. Preferably, a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer has a comonomer content of at most 75 mol%, more preferably at most 60 mol%, more preferably at most 50 mol%, and more preferably at most 40 mol%.

[0051] The comonomer content of a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be between 25 mol% and 35 mol%, or between 45 mol% and 55 mol%, or between 60 mol% and 70 mol%, or between 60 mol% and 90 mol%, in particular between 70 mol% and 80 mol%.

[0052] The non-cyclic comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can have a comonomer content of at most 90 mol%, preferably at most 80 mol%, more preferably at most 60 mol%, more preferably at most 40 mol%, more preferably at most 35 mol%. The non-cyclic comonomer can be any non-cyclic comonomer disclosed herein, and in particular a non-cyclic comonomer described in more detail above. For example, the non-cyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (alpha)olefin, particularly preferably ethene.

[0053] The non-cyclic comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer may have a comonomer content of at least 10 mol%, preferably at least 25 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, more preferably at least 65 mol%. The non-cyclic comonomer may be any non-cyclic comonomer disclosed herein, and in particular a non-cyclic comonomer described in more detail above. For example, the non-cyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (alpha)olefin, particularly preferably ethene.

[0054] The non-cyclic comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can have a comonomer content between 65 mol% and 75 mol%, or between 45 mol% and 55 mol%, or between 30 mol% and 40 mol%, or between 10 mol% and 40 mol%, in particular between 20 mol% and 30 mol%. The non-cyclic comonomer can be any non-cyclic comonomer disclosed herein and in particular a non-cyclic comonomer described in more detail above. For example, the non-cyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (alpha)olefin, particularly preferably ethene.

[0055] A monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can have a comonomer content of at least 10 wt. Preferably, a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer has a comonomer content of at least 20 wt. %, more preferably at least 25 wt. %, more preferably at least 40 wt. %, more preferably at least 50 wt. %, more preferably at least 60 wt. %, more preferably at least 70 wt. %, more preferably at least 80 wt.

[0056] A monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can have a comonomer content of at most 95 wt. Preferably, a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as a comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer has a comonomer content of at most 90 wt. %, more preferably at most 80 wt. %, more preferably at most 70 wt. %, more preferably at most 60 wt. %, more preferably at most 50 wt. %, more preferably at most 40 wt. %, more preferably at most 35 wt.

[0057] The comonomer content of a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can be between 25 wt% and 35 wt%, or between 45 wt% and 55 wt%, or between 60 wt% and 70 wt%, or between 70 wt% and 80 wt%, or between 72 wt% and 82 wt%, or between 78 wt% and 88 wt%, or between 81 wt% and 91 wt%.

[0058] The non-cyclic comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can have a comonomer content of at most 90 wt. %, preferably at most 80 wt. %, more preferably at most 70 wt. %, more preferably at most 60 wt. %, more preferably at most 50 wt. %, more preferably at most 40 wt. %, more preferably at most 30 wt. %, more preferably at most 28 wt. %, more preferably at most 22 wt. %, more preferably at most 19 wt. The non-cyclic comonomer can be any non-cyclic comonomer disclosed herein and in particular a non-cyclic comonomer described in more detail above. For example, the non-cyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (alpha)olefin, particularly preferably ethene.

[0059] The non-cyclic comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can have a comonomer content of at least 5 wt. %, preferably at least 9 wt. %, more preferably at least 12 wt. %, more preferably at least 18 wt. %, more preferably at least 20 wt. %, more preferably at least 30 wt. %, more preferably at least 40 wt. %, more preferably at least 45 wt. %, more preferably at least 50 wt. %, more preferably at least 60 wt. %, more preferably at least 65 wt. The non-cyclic comonomer can be any non-cyclic comonomer disclosed herein and in particular a non-cyclic comonomer described in more detail above. For example, the non-cyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (alpha)olefin, particularly preferably ethene.

[0060] The non-cyclic comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer can have a comonomer content between 9 wt.% and 19 wt.%, or between 12 wt.% and 22 wt.%, or between 18 wt.% and 28 wt.%, or between 20 wt.% and 30 wt.%, or between 30 wt.% and 40 wt.%, or between 45 wt.% and 55 wt.%, or between 65 wt.% and 75 wt.%. The non-cyclic comonomer can be any non-cyclic comonomer disclosed herein and in particular a non-cyclic comonomer described in more detail above. For example, the non-cyclic comonomer is a C2 to C10 (alpha)olefin, particularly preferably ethene.

[0061] For example, the cycloolefin copolymer is an ethene-norbornene copolymer, in particular an ethene-norbornene bipolymer.

[0062] The cycloolefin polymer can be present in the polymer composition at a level of at least 5% by weight. The cycloolefin polymer is preferably present in the polymer composition at a level of at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 25% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 35% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 45% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 55% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 65% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 75% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 85% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, more preferably at least 95% by weight.

[0063] The cycloolefin polymer can be present in the polymer composition at a maximum of 95% by weight. Preferably, the cycloolefin polymer is present in the polymer composition at a maximum of 90% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 85% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 80% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 75% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 70% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 65% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 60% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 55% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 50% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 45% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 40% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 35% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 30% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 25% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 20% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 15% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 10% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 5% by weight. The cycloolefin polymer may be present between 5 wt% and 90 wt%, preferably between 5 wt% and 80 wt%, more preferably between 5 wt% and 70 wt%, more preferably between 5 wt% and 80 wt%.-% and 60 wt.%, more preferably between 5 wt.% and 50 wt.%, more preferably between 5 wt.% and 40 wt.%, more preferably between 10 wt.% and 30 wt.%, more preferably between 15 wt.% and 30 wt.%, more preferably between 20 wt.% and 30 wt.%, more preferably between 22 wt.% and 26 wt.%.

[0064] The cycloolefin polymer may be present in the polymer composition between 50 wt% and 95 wt%, preferably between 60 wt% and 95 wt%, more preferably between 65 wt% and 90 wt%, more preferably between 70 wt% and 90 wt%.

[0065] In particular, the cycloolefin polymer is present between 70 wt% and 80 wt% or between 80 wt% and 90 wt% in the polymer composition.

[0066] The polymer composition may comprise another polymer. The other polymer may be present in the polymer composition at up to 95% by weight. Preferably, the other polymer is present in the polymer composition at between 1% and 95% by weight.

[0067] For example, the cycloolefin polymer is a first polymer in the polymer composition, and the further polymer is a second polymer in the polymer composition. The polymer composition may comprise at least two (different or dissimilar) polymers, preferably at least three (different or dissimilar) polymers, more preferably at least four (different or dissimilar) polymers.

[0068] In general, a polymer disclosed herein may be solid or liquid (solid or liquid state) at 23 °C and 1 bar, in particular, a polymer disclosed herein is solid at 23 °C and 1 bar.

[0069] The further polymer of the polymer composition can be a copolymer, in particular a random copolymer or a block copolymer. The further polymer can be a polyolefin.

[0070] Preferably, ethene is a comonomer of the further polymer as a copolymer. Alternatively or additionally, at least one C3 to C16 (alpha) olefin can be a comonomer of the copolymer.

[0071] Preferably, ethene is a comonomer of the copolymer and at least one C3 to C16 (alpha) olefin is a comonomer of the copolymer. More preferably, ethene is a comonomer of the copolymer and at least one C3 to C8 (alpha) olefin is a comonomer of the copolymer. More preferably, ethene is a comonomer of the copolymer and at least one of propene, alpha-butene, alpha-pentene, alpha-hexene, alpha-heptene, and alpha-octene is a comonomer of the copolymer. Particularly preferably, ethene is a comonomer of the copolymer and alpha-butene or alpha-octene is a comonomer of the copolymer.

[0072] The further polymer as a copolymer can be a bipolymer.

[0073] The further polymer of the polymer composition can be a homopolymer. The further polymer can be a C2 to C4 homopolymer. For example, the further polymer can be homopolyethylene (HDPE or LDPE). Likewise, the further polymer can be homopropene. The further polymer can be homoalpha-polybutene.

[0074] If the further polymer contains ethene as a comonomer, the comonomer content of ethene in the further polymer may be more than 30 mol%, preferably more than 40 mol%, more preferably more than 50 mol%, more preferably more than 55 mol%, more preferably more than 60 mol%, more preferably more than 70 mol%, more preferably more than 80 mol%, more preferably more than 90 mol%.

[0075] The further polymer as a copolymer can be an ethene-alpha-octene copolymer, in particular an ethene-alpha-octene block copolymer.

[0076] The comonomer content of ethene in the further polymer may be less than 90 mol%, preferably less than 80 mol%, more preferably less than 70 mol%, more preferably less than 60 mol%, more preferably less than 50 mol%, more preferably less than 40 mol%, more preferably less than 30 mol%, more preferably less than 20 mol%, more preferably less than 10 mol%.

[0077] The further polymer as a copolymer can be an alpha-butene-ethene copolymer, in particular an alpha-butene-ethene random copolymer.

[0078] The polymer composition may comprise another cycloolefin polymer. The other cycloolefin polymer may be the other polymer of the polymer composition.

[0079] The polymer composition can therefore comprise at least two different cycloolefin polymers. The two different cycloolefin polymers can differ in at least one chemical and / or at least one physical property.

[0080] For example, different cycloolefin polymers can differ in their monomers. If the cycloolefin polymers are cycloolefin copolymers, different cycloolefin copolymers can differ in their comonomer content. Likewise, different cycloolefin copolymers can differ in their comonomer content. For example, different cycloolefin copolymers can be composed of the same comonomers, but at least one of the comonomers in one cycloolefin copolymer can have a different comonomer content than in another cycloolefin copolymer.

[0081] The further cycloolefin polymer may be any cycloolefin polymer disclosed herein.

[0082] The further cycloolefin polymer can be present in the polymer composition at a maximum of 80 wt.%, preferably at a maximum of 70 wt.%, more preferably at a maximum of 60 wt.%, more preferably at a maximum of 50 wt.%, more preferably at a maximum of 40 wt.%, more preferably at a maximum of 30 wt.%. The further cycloolefin polymer can be present in the polymer composition at a maximum of 1 wt.%, preferably at least 3 wt.%, more preferably at least 5 wt.%, more preferably at least 10 wt.%, more preferably at least 15 wt.%, more preferably at least 20 wt.%.

[0083] The further cycloolefin polymer can be present in the polymer composition between 1 wt.% and 80 wt.%, preferably between 1 wt.% and 50 wt.%, more preferably between 3 wt.% and 50 wt.%, more preferably between 3 wt.% and 40 wt.%, more preferably between 5 wt.% and 40 wt.%, more preferably between 10 wt.% and 35 wt.%, more preferably between 15 wt.% and 35 wt.%, more preferably between 20 wt.% and 30 wt.%, more preferably between 22 wt.% and 26 wt.%.

[0084] The polymer composition may contain less than 10 wt.% polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Preferably, the polymer composition contains less than 2 wt.% PVC; more preferably, the polymer composition is free of PVC (within the analytical accuracy at the filing date).

[0085] The polymer composition may contain at least 1 wt.% PVC. Preferably, the polymer composition contains at least 2 wt.%, more preferably at least 5 wt.%, more preferably at least 10 wt.%, more preferably at least 20 wt.%, more preferably at least 30 wt.% PVC. The other polymer in the polymer composition may be PVC.

[0086] The polymer composition may not comprise an oxygen scavenger. The polymer composition may be free of an oxygen scavenger. In particular, the polymer composition does not contain sodium sulfite or is free of sodium sulfite.

[0087] The polymer composition may not contain SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene). The polymer composition may be free of SEBS. In particular, the polymer composition does not contain any styrene-containing component or is free of any styrene-containing component.

[0088] The polymer composition may contain at least 1 wt.% of a component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar. Preferably, the polymer composition contains at least 5 wt.%, more preferably at least 10 wt.%, more preferably at least 15 wt.%, more preferably at least 20 wt.%, of a component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar.

[0089] The component which is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar can be present in the polymer composition in an amount of between 1 wt.% and 60 wt.%, preferably between 1 wt.% and 45 wt.%, more preferably between 1 wt.% and 30 wt.%, more preferably between 5 wt.% and 30 wt.%, more preferably between 5 wt.% and 15 wt.% or between 15 wt.% and 25 wt.%.

[0090] The liquid component may be the other polymer of the polymer composition. Alternatively, the liquid component may be present in the polymer composition in addition to the other polymer.

[0091] The liquid component may be a polyalphaolefin. The liquid component may have a kinematic viscosity, determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104, of at least 4 cSt at a temperature of 100 °C. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid component may have a dropping point, determined according to ASTM 5950, of at most -10 °C.

[0092] The kinematic viscosity of the liquid component at a temperature of 100 °C, determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104, can be between 4 cSt and 1500 cSt, preferably between 50 cSt and 1000 cSt, more preferably between 120 cSt and 1000 cSt, even more preferably between 250 cSt and 1000 cSt.

[0093] The kinematic viscosity of the liquid component at a temperature of 100 °C can also be between 2 cSt and 10 cSt, between 55 cSt and 75 cSt, between 140 cSt and 160 cSt, between 280 cSt and 320 cSt or between 900 cSt and 1100 cSt.

[0094] The dropping point of the liquid component can be a maximum of -20 °C or a maximum of 30 °C.

[0095] The liquid component may have a density, determined according to ASTM D4052, of up to 0.860 g cm' 3 , especially between 0.825 g cm' 3 and 0.855 g cm' 3 , The density of the liquid component can also be between 0.840 g cm' 3 and 0.855 g cm' 3 lay.

[0096] The liquid component may have an average molecular weight Mw, determined according to DIN 55672-1, of at least 440 Da, preferably between 440 Da and 12,000 Da, particularly preferably between 1,000 Da and 10,000 Da, and even more preferably between 3,000 Da and 10,000 Da. The liquid component may be a metallocene component. The liquid component may have been produced by using a metallocene catalyst.

[0097] The liquid component may be a Ziegler-Natta component. The liquid component may have been produced by using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst.

[0098] The liquid component can be a homopolymer or a copolymer.

[0099] The liquid component can be a homopolymer of a C3 to C22 alpha-olefin. To produce the liquid component as a homopolymer, alpha-olefins with a length of C3 to C22 are used as monomers. Preferably, C6 to C14 alpha-olefins or C8 to C10 alpha-olefins are used as monomers for the liquid component as a homopolymer.

[0100] The liquid component may be an alpha-octene homopolymer or an alpha-decene homopolymer, preferably an alpha-decene homopolymer.

[0101] As a copolymer, the liquid component is composed of at least two different alpha-olefins with a length of C3 to C22 as comonomers. Specifically, two different alpha-olefins with a length of C6 to C14 or C8 to C10 are used as comonomers.

[0102] The liquid component can be a bipolymer.

[0103] The liquid component may be a synthetic fluid (at 23 °C and 1 bar), in particular the liquid component is a fully synthetic fluid (at 23 °C and 1 bar).

[0104] The liquid component may be hydrogenated, in particular the liquid component is fully hydrogenated.

[0105] The liquid component can be a mixture of different liquid components. For example, the liquid component can be a mixture of at least two liquid components that differ in their kinematic viscosity and / or their (co)monomers. For this purpose, at least two of the liquid components disclosed herein can be present as a mixture.

[0106] The liquid component may be or comprise a polyalphaolefin. The liquid component may be a mixture of different polyalphaolefins.

[0107] The polymer composition can contain at most one polymeric component or exactly one polymeric component. The at most one polymeric component can be the cycloolefin polymer. In other words, the polymer composition cannot contain any other polymer in addition to the cycloolefin polymer. Therefore, the polymer composition can contain exactly one polymer (exactly one polymer type). Additionally, the polymer composition can contain non-polymeric components. The non-polymeric components can be additives, non-polymeric liquid components, etc.

[0108] In particular, the cycloolefin polymer is present in the polymer composition to an extent of at least 80 wt.%, preferably at least 85 wt.%, more preferably at least 88 wt.%, more preferably at least 90 wt.%, more preferably at least 92 wt.%, more preferably at least 94 wt.%, more preferably at least 95 wt.%.

[0109] The cycloolefin copolymer may be present in the polymer composition at a maximum of 99% by weight. Preferably, the cycloolefin copolymer is present in the polymer composition at a maximum of 98% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 97% by weight, and more preferably at a maximum of 96% by weight.

[0110] The cycloolefin copolymer may be present in the polymer composition between 80 wt% and 100 wt%, preferably between 80 wt% and 99 wt%, more preferably between 85 wt% and 99 wt%, more preferably between 85 wt% and 98 wt%, more preferably between 90 wt% and 98 wt%, more preferably between 92 wt% and 98 wt%, more preferably between 94 wt% and 98 wt%, more preferably between 95 wt% and 97 wt%.

[0111] The polymer composition may contain less than 10 wt.% of a component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar. In particular, the polymer composition contains less than 5 wt.%, more preferably less than 2 wt.%, of a component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar. Most preferably, the polymer composition is free of any component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar (within the limits of analytical accuracy on the filing date).

[0112] The polymer composition may contain less than 10 wt.% white oil. In particular, the polymer composition contains less than 5 wt.%, more preferably less than 2 wt.%, white oil. Most preferably, the polymer composition is free of white oil (within the limits of analytical accuracy on the filing date).

[0113] The polymer composition may comprise a liquid component, for example polyalphaolefin (as described above), and / or comprise little or no white oil.

[0114] The polymer composition may comprise up to 15 wt.%, preferably up to 8 wt.%, more preferably up to 6 wt.%, most preferably up to 5 wt.% of additives. Additives in the polymer composition may be selected from the group consisting of: pigments, nucleating agents, brighteners, stabilizers, surfactants, lubricants, antioxidants, and combinations thereof.

[0115] The polymer composition may have a Shore A hardness, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s, of at least 40. Preferably, the polymer composition has a Shore A hardness of at least 50, more preferably at least 60, more preferably at least 70, more preferably at least 80.

[0116] The Shore A hardness of the polymer composition may be between 40 and 100, preferably between 40 and 95, more preferably between 50 and 95, more preferably between 60 and 95, more preferably between 65 and 95.

[0117] The polymer composition may have a Shore D hardness, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s, of less than 80. In particular, the polymer composition has a Shore D hardness of less than 70, more preferably less than 60, more preferably less than 50.

[0118] The polymer composition may have a compression set, determined according to ASTM D 395, 70°C, 22 h, of at least 50%. In particular, the polymer composition has a compression set of at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 100%, more preferably at least 110%.

[0119] The polymer composition may have a compression set of at most 150%, preferably of at most 140%, more preferably of at most 130%, more preferably of at most 120%, more preferably of at most 110%.

[0120] The polymer composition may have a compression set between 50% and 150%, preferably between 60% and 140%, more preferably between 70% and 130%, more preferably between 80% and 130%, more preferably between 90% and 130%, more preferably between 90% and 120%.

[0121] The polymer composition may have a compression set of at most 50%, preferably of at most 40%, more preferably of at most 30%, more preferably of at most 25%.

[0122] The polymer composition may have a compression set between 5% and 50%, preferably between 5% and 40%, more preferably between 10% and 40%, more preferably between 10% and 30%, more preferably between 15% and 25%. The polymer composition may have a total migration, determined according to DIN-EN 1186-14, of a maximum of 5.5 mg cm' 2 Preferably, the total migration is a maximum of 3.5 mg cm' 2 , preferably a maximum of 2.5 mg cm' 2, preferably a maximum of 2.0 mg cm' 2 , preferably a maximum of 1.5 mg cm' 2 , preferably a maximum of 1.0 mg cm' 2 , preferably a maximum of 0.7 mg cm' 2 , preferably a maximum of 0.5 mg cm' 2 .

[0123] The polymer composition may have an oxygen transmission rate of less than 2700 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 2500 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 2300 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 2000 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 1700 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 1400 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 1100 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1, preferably less than 800 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 700 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 600 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 500 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 400 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 300 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 200 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 150 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , have.

[0124] The polymer composition may have a melting temperature Tm, determined by a second heating curve of a DSC measurement at a heating rate of 10°C / min, of at least 50°C. Preferably, the melting temperature Tm of the polymer composition is at least 60°C, more preferably at least 70°C.

[0125] The polymer composition may have a melting temperature Tm of at most 150°C. Preferably, the melting temperature Tm of the polymer composition is at most 120°C, more preferably at most 100°C.

[0126] The melting temperature Tm of the polymer composition can be between 50 °C and 150 °C. Preferably, the melting temperature Tm of the polymer composition is between 60 °C and 140 °C, more preferably between 70 °C and 130 °C, more preferably between 70 °C and 120 °C, more preferably between 80 °C and 115 °C.

[0127] The melting temperature Tm of the polymer composition can be between 80 °C and 90 °C or between 105 °C and 115 °C.

[0128] Particularly preferably, the polymer composition has no melting temperature (second heating curve of a DSC measurement at a heating rate of 10°C / min). In other words, a melting temperature of the polymer composition may not be measurable or determinable in a second heating curve of a DSC measurement at a heating rate of 10°C / min. The vessel closure may comprise a carrier and the sealing element. The carrier may comprise a flat portion and a skirt portion. Specifically, the carrier may comprise metal, plastic, or metal and plastic. In particular, the main component of the carrier is metal or plastic, in particular metal.

[0129] The vessel closure can be a screw closure. Preferably, the vessel closure is a cam-twist closure. The vessel closure can also be a press-on twist-off vessel closure or a composite closure.

[0130] A disclosed vessel closure device can close a vessel. The vessel comprises a vessel mouth and a closable opening at the end of the vessel mouth. This opening can be closed by one of the disclosed vessel closure devices.

[0131] The container can be a glass container, a plastic container, or a metal container. In particular, the container is a glass container.

[0132] The vessel closure, which closes the opening of the vessel, can comprise a carrier and the sealing element. The carrier can have a lower side, and the vessel mouth can have an upper end. The sealing element of the vessel closure is typically clamped between the vessel mouth and the carrier of the vessel closure, so that the sealing element rests against both the upper end of the vessel mouth and the lower side of the carrier. Specifically, the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the vessel mouth and the lower side of the carrier is a maximum of 1.0 mm. Preferably, this height is a maximum of 0.8 mm, and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.7 mm. The height can be determined in the axial direction of the vessel.

[0133] Analogously, the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the vessel mouth and the lower side of the support can be at least 0.2 mm. Specifically, the height is at least 0.4 mm and particularly preferably at least 0.5 mm. The height of the sealing element can be measured in the axial direction of the vessel.

[0134] Particularly preferably, the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the vessel mouth and the lower side of the carrier is between 0.3 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0135] For example, if the height of the sealing element is 1.2 mm before the vessel closure is applied to a vessel, an impression of the upper end of the vessel mouth into the sealing element (height between the upper end of the vessel mouth and the lower side of the carrier of a maximum of 1.0 mm) without the sealing element being cut through (height of the sealing element between the upper end of the vessel mouth and the lower side of the carrier of at least 0.2 mm) ensures a high level of tightness of the vessel closed with the vessel closure.

[0136] Preferably, a vacuum prevails in the closed vessel. The absolute pressure in the closed vessel can be a maximum of 200 hPa. Specifically, the absolute pressure in the sealed vessel is a maximum of 100 hPa.

[0137] The vessel sealed with the vessel closure can have a maximum safety margin of 10 mm, specifically, the maximum safety margin is 8 mm. Preferably, the maximum safety margin is 6 mm. Most preferably, the maximum safety margin is 4 mm.

[0138] To determine the safety factor, a vessel sealed with a cam-type screw cap is stored at room temperature (23°C) for 30 minutes. The relative position of the vessel closure to the vessel is marked by placing a mark on the vessel closure skirt and the vessel wall such that the circumferential distance between the mark on the vessel closure skirt and the vessel wall is zero. The marks lie on a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vessel. The vessel closure is then completely removed from the vessel by unscrewing it. The vessel closure is then placed on the vessel and tightened until slight resistance is felt. The vessel closure is therefore tightened finger-tight. The circumferential distance between the mark on the vessel closure skirt and the mark on the vessel wall is then measured. The measured distance corresponds to the safety factor, expressed in mm.

[0139] Due to the steep pitch of the threads of vessels and cam-type screw caps, at least in some sections, the precision of measuring the safety margin is high, as the point at which slight resistance is felt (finger-tight) when tightening the vessel cap can be precisely determined. Typically, the precision of measuring the safety margin on closed vessels sealed under identical conditions by different people is approximately ±1 mm.

[0140] An appropriate safety factor ensures that the sealing element exerts an elastic force on at least the upper end of the vessel mouth when the vessel is closed with the vessel closure. This results in a high degree of tightness of the interior of the closed vessel.

[0141] The opening of the vessel can have a diameter of at least 20 mm.

[0142] In particular, the diameter of the opening of the container is a maximum of 120 mm. The container can be a glass container, a plastic container, or a metal container.

[0143] Before the vessel opening is sealed with the vessel closure, the vessel closure can be treated at a temperature of at least 90 °C. Such treatment can be carried out, for example, with steam.

[0144] A headspace can be created in the container after the container has been filled with the food. The headspace in the container is the portion of the container's contents after filling where no food is present. Steam can be added to the headspace before the container closure is applied to the container, thus sealing the opening of the container. In particular, the steam can be water vapor.

[0145] The absolute pressure in the sealed and filled vessel can be a maximum of 200 hPa. Specifically, the pressure in the sealed and filled vessel can be a maximum of 100 hPa.

[0146] To create an impression of the vessel mouth in the sealing element, the sealing element can be deformed by at least 0.2 mm in the axial direction of the vessel during the closing of the vessel opening with the vessel closure and / or during thermal treatment of the closed and filled vessel. This deformation of the sealing element is preferably at least 0.4 mm. Specifically, the deformation is at least 0.5 mm.

[0147] Similarly, the sealing element can be deformed by a maximum of 1.0 mm to form an impression of the vessel mouth into the sealing element during the closing of the vessel opening with the vessel closure and / or during thermal treatment of the closed and filled vessel. In particular, the deformation is a maximum of 0.8 mm. More preferably, the deformation is a maximum of 0.7 mm. This is always in the axial direction of the vessel.

[0148] Particularly preferably, the deformation of the sealing element is between 0.3 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0149] The food can be filled into the container aseptically.

[0150] The food can also be filled into the container at a maximum temperature of 10 °C.

[0151] The food can also be placed in the container at a temperature between 10 °C and 70 °C. Likewise, the food can be placed in the container at a temperature between 70 °C and 98 °C.

[0152] Within the process, the sealed and filled container can be thermally treated. The temperature of the thermal treatment is higher than the temperature of the (solid and / or liquid) food during filling.

[0153] The thermal treatment can be carried out at a temperature of at least 60°C.

[0154] The thermal treatment can also be carried out at a maximum temperature of 135°C (between 60°C and 135°C). In particular, the thermal treatment is carried out at a temperature of up to 135°C (between 60°C and 135°C) at an absolute ambient pressure of no more than 4.0 bar, preferably at an absolute ambient pressure between 1.0 bar and 4.0 bar.

[0155] Preferably, the pressure in the sealed vessel during a thermal treatment is lower than the pressure outside the sealed vessel.

[0156] The embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated by way of example, but not in a manner that transfers or reads limitations from the figures into the claims. Like reference numerals in the figures indicate like elements.

[0157] Figure 1 shows a side view of a cam-type rotary closure 1 with an annular sealing element 3, partly in section;

[0158] Figure 2 shows a side view of the cam screw closure 1 with the sealing element 3 on a vessel 5, partly in section;

[0159] Figure 3 shows the cam-type rotary closure 1 with the sealing element 3 in a bottom view;

[0160] Figure 4 shows an isometric view of a composite closure 61 (Combi-Twist);

[0161] Figure 5 shows a partial axial section of the composite closure 61 (Combi-Twist) of Figure 4;

[0162] Figure 6 shows a side view of a press-on twist-off closure 21 (PT closure) with a sealing element 23, partly in section;

[0163] Figure 7 shows a side view of the PT closure 21 with the sealing element 23 on a vessel 25, partly in section;

[0164] Figure 8 shows a top view of the PT closure 21; Figure 9 shows a side view of a composite closure 41 (Band-Guard) with a sealing element 43, partially in section;

[0165] Figure 10 shows a side view of the composite closure 41 (Band-Guard) with the sealing element 43 on a vessel 45, partly in section;

[0166] Figure 11 shows a top view of the composite closure 41 (Band-Guard);

[0167] Figure 12 shows an enlarged section of the cam-type rotary closure of Figure 2.

[0168] Figures 1 and 3 show a cam-type screw cap 1. The cam-type screw cap 1 can comprise a metallic carrier 11 and can comprise a sealing element 3. In the illustration in Figure 2, the cam-type screw cap 1 is applied to a container 5. A curl 9 can be formed at the lower end of the cam-type screw cap 1. Several cams 7 can be formed circumferentially distributed from the edge curl, in particular the curl 9. Cams 7 can be formed by an axial deformation of the curl 9 and can extend radially further toward the center of the cam-type screw cap 1 than the curl 9. The cam-type screw cap 1 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 comprises four cams 7, which can be evenly distributed circumferentially. The sections partially illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 correspond to section III-III in Figure 3.

[0169] In general, the vessel closure can have at least three cams, preferably at least four cams, more preferably at least six cams. The vessel closure can have three to six cams.

[0170] Near the radially outer end portion of the cam-lock fastener 1, a channel 2 may be formed in the upper portion 10 of the carrier 11. The sealing element 3 may be at least partially disposed in the channel 2. In this embodiment, the sealing element 3 is annular; in other embodiments, the sealing element 3 may be disc-shaped, particularly when the diameter of the cam-lock fastener is small (e.g., a maximum of 30 mm).

[0171] To promote adhesion between the metallic carrier 11 and the sealing element 3, an adhesive varnish can be applied to the side of the metallic carrier 11 that is in contact with the sealing element 3.

[0172] In Figure 2, the cam-type screw cap 1 is applied to a vessel 5. The vessel 5 may include a vessel mouth 5a as the upper portion of the vessel 5. The vessel mouth may include a thread 6 and may include an upper end 4 of the vessel mouth 5a. The thread 6 may be formed circumferentially in the region of the vessel mouth 5a and may extend circumferentially upwards or downwards (depending on the viewing angle).

[0173] To apply the cam-type screw cap 1 to a vessel 5, cams 7 can be brought into contact with portions of the thread 6, and the cam-type screw cap 1 can be rotated clockwise relative to the vessel 5. Due to the design of the thread 6 and the interaction of the cams 7 with the thread 6, the upper end 4 of the vessel mouth 5a can move toward the sealing element 3 during the rotational movement of the cam-type screw cap 1 relative to the vessel 5. By further rotating the cam-type screw cap 1, the upper end 4 of the vessel mouth 5a can press into the sealing element 3 and can deform it, so that a portion of the upper end 4 of the vessel mouth 5a can be covered by the sealing element 3, whereby the vessel 5 can be tightly closed.A tight closure of the vessel 5 is particularly necessary to withstand increased pressure during thermal treatment of the closed vessel 5 at temperatures above 70 °C, 90 °C or even above 120 °C.

[0174] The cam-type screw cap 1, as depicted in Figures 1 to 3, can comprise a safety element, preferably a (flat) safety button 10b, formed in the upper section 10 of the carrier 11. The button 10b is optional. Due to the slope 10a in the upper section 10 of the carrier 11, the button 10b can fold toward the center of the container when a sufficiently large vacuum exists in the container. Such a vacuum can be created by introducing steam into the container before closing the container with the cap.

[0175] If a consumer opens the container by removing the closure, the pressure inside the container rises to ambient pressure, and the button 10b folds away from the center of the container. The folding of the button 10b is accompanied by a characteristic sound, which allows the consumer to recognize that a vacuum existed in the container before the container was opened.

[0176] Figures 4 and 5 show a composite closure 61 (Combi-Twist) which, analogous to the described cam-twist closure 1, can be applied to a vessel by a rotating movement and can be removed from the vessel by a rotating movement.

[0177] The composite closure 61 may include a carrier having an upper metallic portion 71 and may include a plastic portion 72 formed in an L-shape. A channel 78 may be formed near the radial end of the metallic portion 71 of the carrier, and a curl 77 may be formed at the radial end of the metallic portion 71. A sealing element may be disposed at least partially within the channel 78.

[0178] A plurality of threaded elements 74a, 74b formed on the inside of the plastic section 72 can contact or engage with a mating thread in the region of the mouth of a vessel (not shown) to which the composite closure 61 is to be applied. The plastic section 72 of the composite closure 61 can comprise a tamper-evident device 73, which is configured similarly to the tamper-evident device shown in Figures 9 to 11 and will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 9 to 11.

[0179] If the composite closure 61 is screwed onto a vessel by a rotating movement, an analogous interaction of the vessel mouth with the sealing element of the composite closure 61 occurs, as described with reference to the cam-turn closure 1.

[0180] Figures 6 to 8 depict a press-on twist-off closure 21 (PT closure). The PT closure 21 may comprise a metallic carrier 31 with a curl 29 at the lower end of the carrier 31. The PT closure 21 may comprise a button 30a in the upper portion 30 of the carrier 31. The button 30a is optional.

[0181] A sealing element 23 can be formed both in the region of the upper section 30 of the carrier 31 and to a significant extent (at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, or at least 60% of the total volume of the sealing element) on the skirt of the carrier, which extends downward from the upper section 30 of the carrier 31. In contrast to the cam-type screw closure 1 and the composite closure 61, the PT closure 21 can be pressed onto the vessel mouth 25a when applied to a vessel 25. During the pressing onto the vessel mouth 25a, the sealing element 23 can be sufficiently soft to elastically enclose threaded elements 26 of the vessel mouth 25a. Typically, the sealing element 23 is treated with steam before the PT closure 21 is applied to a vessel 5 in order to achieve the necessary softness of the sealing element 23.After cooling of the sealing element 23, a counter thread in the form of a negative of the thread elements 26 of the vessel mouth can be formed in the sealing element 23.

[0182] An upper end 24 of the vessel mouth 25a can contact the sealing element 23.

[0183] To open the vessel 25, the PT closure 21 can be removed from the vessel 25 by a rotating movement. Figures 9 to 11 show a composite closure 41 (Band-Guard) that functions analogously to the described PT closure 21.

[0184] The composite closure 41 can comprise a carrier with a metallic portion 51 and a plastic portion 52. The composite closure 41 can comprise a tamper-evident device 53. The composite closure 41 can comprise an optional button 50a. The tamper-evident device 53 can be configured such that it can be removed from the remaining composite closure 41 when the composite closure 41 is removed from a container 45, and can serve to enable a consumer to verify whether the composite closure 41 has already been removed from the container 45. The button 50a can be configured and functional in a similar manner to the button 10b of the cam-type twist closure 1.

[0185] The plastic portion of the composite closure 41 may include a plurality of axially extending indentations 56 to increase the stability of the closure.

[0186] A sealing element 43 can be arranged in the composite closure 41 such that it contacts both the metallic portion 51 and the plastic portion 52. To close a vessel 45, the composite closure 41 can be pressed onto the vessel mouth 45a of the vessel 45 so that at least the upper end 44 of the vessel mouth 45a can contact the sealing element 43.

[0187] The plastic portion 52 of the carrier may include a plurality of offset projections 54 that can interact with threaded elements 46 of the vessel mouth 45a. To open a vessel 45 sealed with the composite closure 41, the composite closure 41 can be rotated relative to the vessel 45.

[0188] The distance ha of a sealing element 3 between an upper end 4 of a vessel mouth 5a of a vessel 5 and the lower side of a support 11 of the closure 1 is illustrated in Figure 12 with a view to a cam-type screw closure 1 and described here. The distance (height) ha can be determined analogously for other closure types.

[0189] The sealing element 3 clamped between the vessel mouth 5 and the carrier 11 of the vessel closure 1 can have a height hi, which is given when a vessel 5 is closed with the closure 1. If the height ha is too small, the sealing element 3 may be threatened with being cut through or may actually be cut through, which may impair the tightness of the closed vessel 5. If the height ha is too large, the tightness of the closed vessel may be impaired because the contact surface between the upper end 4 of the vessel mouth 5a and the sealing element 3 is not sufficiently large. The composition of the sealing element 3 is crucial to achieving a suitable impression of the upper end 4 of the vessel mouth 5a into the sealing element.

[0190] First examples

[0191] Examples of polymer compositions for sealing elements in a vessel closure are shown in the following tables. Table 1 Table 2 Table 3

[0192] C4C2 is a 1-butene-ethene copolymer with a 1-butene content of more than 80%. The density is 0.870 g cm' 3 The Shore A hardness is 60.

[0193] C2C8 is an ethene-l-octene block copolymer with a compression set at 70 °C of 70% and a Shore A hardness (23 °C) of 60. For example, olefinic block copolymers from the Infuse™ series from Dow can be used.

[0194] COC I is a cycloolefin copolymer of the monomers ethene and norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene). Its Shore A hardness is approximately 89. Its glass transition temperature Tg is approximately 6 °C (determined by ISO 11357-1, -2, -3, 10 °C / min). Its density is approximately 0.940 g cm' 3 .

[0195] COC II is a cycloolefin copolymer of the monomers ethene and norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene). Its Shore D hardness is approximately 77. Its glass transition temperature Tg is approximately 65 °C (determined by ISO 11357-1, -2, -3, 10 °C / min). Its density is approximately 1.010 g cm³. 3 .

[0196] COC III is a cycloolefin copolymer of the monomers ethylene and norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene). Its Shore D hardness is approximately 77. Its glass transition temperature Tg is approximately 78 °C (determined by ISO 11357-1, -2, -3, 10 °C / min). Its density is approximately 1.010 g cm³. 3 .

[0197] COC IV is a cycloolefin copolymer of the monomers ethene and norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene). Its Shore D hardness is approximately 79. Its glass transition temperature Tg is approximately 138 °C (determined by ISO 11357-1, -2, -3, 10 °C / min). Its density is approximately 1.020 g cm³. 3 .

[0198] COC V is a cycloolefin copolymer of the monomers ethene and norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene). The glass transition temperature Tg is approximately 158 °C (determined by ISO 11357-1, -2, -3, 10 °C / min). The density is approximately 1.020 g cm' 3

[0199] COC VI is a cycloolefin copolymer of the monomers ethene and norbornene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene). The glass transition temperature Tg is approximately 178 °C (determined by ISO 11357-1, -2, -3, 10 °C / min). The density is approximately 1.020 g cm' 3

[0200] PAO is a (metallocene) polyalphaolefin (alpha-decene homopolymer) with a kinematic viscosity at 100 °C of about 65 cSt.

[0201] The cycloolefin copolymers (COC I to COC VI) are available from “TOPAS Advanced Polymers”.

[0202] The coefficient of friction is the static friction coefficient determined according to DIN EN ISO 8295.

[0203] In general, the polymer composition may have a static friction coefficient of at most 1.0, preferably at most 0.8, more preferably at most 0.7.

[0204] The total migration is determined according to DIN-EN 1186-14.

[0205] The OTR (oxygen transmission rate) is determined according to DIN 53380.

[0206] The compression set (DSR) is determined according to ASTM D 395, 70 °C, 22 h.

[0207] Shore A hardness is determined at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s (DIN ISO 7619). Shore D hardness is determined analogously (DIN ISO 7619, 23 °C, 15 s).

[0208] The melting temperature T m was determined by a second heating curve of a DSC measurement at a heating rate of 10 °C min' 1 A value of "no" means that no melting temperature could be determined, meaning that no melting temperature is present in the composition.

[0209] In general, no specific component is mandatory in the polymer composition. Specifically, the increased occurrence of a component in the examples does not indicate that this component must necessarily be present in the polymer composition. Rather, components can be omitted from the compositions of the examples or replaced by other component(s). Likewise, components can be added.

[0210] The weight proportions of the components in the compositions and the properties of the compositions of the examples are exemplary. The disclosure is not limited to the weight proportions of the components and / or the properties of the examples.

[0211] Norms or standards for measuring (physical) properties mentioned in this application may refer to the version valid on the priority date or filing date of the application.

[0212] Further examples

[0213] Examples are shown below as embodiments, where the preceding number represents the number of the example.

[0214] 1. A vessel closure (1, 21, 41, 61) having a sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), wherein the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63) comprises a polymer composition, wherein the polymer composition comprises:

[0215] (a) at least 1 wt.% of a cycloolefin polymer, and / or

[0216] (b) where the oxygen transmission rate of the polymer composition, determined according to DIN 53380, is not more than 3000 cm 3 m' 2 d'

[0217] 1 bear' 1 amounts.

[0218] 2. Vessel closure according to example 1, wherein the cycloolefin polymer has a Shore A hardness, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s, of at least 40, preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 60.

[0219] 3. Vessel closure according to one of examples 1 or 2, wherein the cycloolefin polymer has a Shore A hardness, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s, of at least 70.

[0220] 4. Vessel closure according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the cycloolefin polymer has a Shore D hardness, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s, of at least 20, preferably at least 30, more preferably at least 40, more preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 60, most preferably at least 70. Vessel closure according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the cycloolefin polymer has a density, determined according to ISO 1183, of at least 0.850 g cm' 3 preferably at least 0.870 g cm' 3 , more preferably at least 0.890 g cm' 3 , more preferably of at least 0.910 g cm' 3 , more preferably of at least 0.930 g cm' 3 , more preferably of at least 0.950 g cm' 3 , more preferably of at least 0.970 g cm' 3 , more preferably of at least 0.990 g cm' 3 , more preferably of at least 1.010 g cm' 3 , most preferably between 0.920 g cm' 3and 1,050 g cm' 3. Vessel closure according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the cycloolefin polymer has a glass transition temperature, determined according to ISO 11357-1, -2, -3, 10 °C / min, of at least -20 °C, preferably at least 0 °C, more preferably at least 3 °C, more preferably at least 40 °C, more preferably at least 60 °C, more preferably at least 70 °C, more preferably at least 90 °C, more preferably at least 110 °C, more preferably at least 125 °C, more preferably at least 130 °C, more preferably at least 150 °C, more preferably at least 170 °C, most preferably between 0 °C and 190 °C.Vessel closure according to one of the preceding examples, wherein a (co)monomer of the cycloolefin polymer is a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin, preferably the (co)monomer is a monocyclic or polycyclic C3 to C20 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C5 to C20 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C17 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C12 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 olefin, most preferably norbornene. Vessel closure according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the cycloolefin polymer is prepared by ring-maintaining or ring-opening polymerization. Vessel closure according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the cycloolefin polymer is a cycloolefin copolymer.Vessel closure according to Example 9, wherein a (co)monomer of the cycloolefin copolymer is a C2 to C10 (alpha)olefin, preferably a C2 to C8 (alpha)olefin, more preferably a C2 to C6 (alpha)olefin, most preferably ethene. Vessel closure according to Example 9 or 10, wherein a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin as comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer has a comonomer content of at least 10 mol%, preferably at least 20 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, more preferably at least 65 mol%. Vessel closure according to one of examples 9 to 11, wherein ethene as comonomer of the cycloolefin copolymer has a comonomer content of at most 90 mol%, preferably of at most 80 mol%, more preferably of at most 60 mol%, more preferably of at most 40 mol%, more preferably of at most 35 mol%.

[0221] 13. A vessel closure according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the cycloolefin polymer is an ethene-norbornene copolymer.

[0222] 14. Vessel closure according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the cycloolefin polymer is present in the polymer composition at a maximum of 95% by weight, preferably at a maximum of 85% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 50% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 40% by weight, more preferably at a maximum of 30% by weight.

[0223] 15. A vessel closure according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the polymer composition comprises up to 95% by weight of another polymer, in particular wherein the polymer composition comprises between 1% by weight and 95% by weight of another polymer.

[0224] 16. Vessel closure according to example 15, wherein the further polymer is a (random or block) copolymer, preferably wherein ethene and at least one C3 to C8 (alpha-) olefin are comonomers of the (random or block) copolymer, more preferably wherein ethene and at least one C3 to C8 (alpha-) olefin are comonomers of the (random or block) copolymer.

[0225] 17. Vessel closure according to Example 16, wherein ethene as comonomer of the (random or block) copolymer has a comonomer content of more than 50 mol%, preferably more than 60 mol%, more preferably more than 70 mol%.

[0226] 18. Vessel closure according to example 16 or 17, wherein ethene and a C3 to C8(alpha-)olefin, preferably ethene and a C3 to C8(alpha-)olefin, are comonomers of the (random or block) copolymer, most preferably the further polymer is an ethene-octene block copolymer.

[0227] 19. Vessel closure according to Example 16, wherein ethene as a comonomer of the (random or block) copolymer has a comonomer content of less than 50 mol%, preferably less than 40 mol%, more preferably less than 30 mol%, more preferably less than 20 mol%. 0. Vessel closure according to Example 19, wherein a C3 to C16 (alpha) olefin and ethene, preferably a C3 to C8 (alpha) olefin and ethene, are comonomers of the (random or block) copolymer, most preferably the further polymer is a (random) butene-ethene copolymer. 1. Vessel closure according to Example 16, wherein ethene as comonomer of the (random or block) copolymer has a comonomer content of more than 30 mol%, preferably more than 40 mol%, more preferably more than 50 mol%, more preferably more than 55 mol%.

[0228] 22. A vessel closure according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the polymer composition comprises a further cycloolefin polymer.

[0229] 23. Vessel closure according to Example 22, wherein the further cycloolefin polymer is present in the polymer composition at a maximum of 80 wt.%, preferably at a maximum of 70 wt.%, more preferably at a maximum of 60 wt.%, more preferably at a maximum of 50 wt.%, more preferably at a maximum of 40 wt.%, more preferably at a maximum of 30 wt.%.

[0230] 24. A vessel closure according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the polymer composition contains less than 10 wt%, preferably less than 5 wt%, more preferably less than 2 wt%, of polyvinyl chloride, most preferably the polymer composition is free of polyvinyl chloride.

[0231] 25. Vessel closure according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the polymer composition contains between 1 wt.% and 60 wt.%, preferably between 1 wt.% and 45 wt.%, more preferably between 1 wt.% and 30 wt.%, of a component which is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar.

[0232] 26. A vessel closure according to Example 25, wherein the liquid component contains or is a polyalphaolefin having a kinematic viscosity, determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104, of at least 4 cSt at a temperature of 100 °C, and / or having a dropping point, determined according to ASTM 5950, of at most -10 °C.

[0233] 27. The vessel closure of Example 26, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a kinematic viscosity at a temperature of 100°C, determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104, between 4 cSt and 1500 cSt, preferably between 50 cSt and 1000 cSt, more preferably between 120 cSt and 1000 cSt, even more preferably between 250 cSt and 1000 cSt.

[0234] 28. A vessel closure according to example 26 or 27, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a dropping point, determined according to ASTM 5950, of at most -20°C, preferably of at most -30°C.

[0235] 29. A vessel closure according to any one of Examples 26 to 28, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a density, determined according to ASTM D4052, of up to 0.860 g cm' 3 in particular between 0.825 g cm' 3 and 0.855 g cm' 3 .

[0236] 30. Vessel closure according to any one of examples 26 to 29, wherein the polyalphaolefin has an average molecular weight Mw, determined according to DIN 55672-1, of at least 440 Da, preferably between 440 Da and 12,000 Da, particularly preferably between 1,000 Da and 10,000 Da, even more preferably between 3,000 Da and 10,000 Da. 31. Vessel closure according to any one of examples 26 to 30, wherein the polyalphaolefin is a metallocene polyalphaolefin, in particular the polyalphaolefin was produced using a metallocene catalyst.

[0237] 32. Vessel closure according to any one of examples 26 to 31, wherein the polyalphaolefin is a homopolymer or a copolymer, in particular the polyalphaolefin comprises a C3 to C22 alpha-olefin as (co)monomer.

[0238] 33. Vessel closure according to any one of examples 26 to 32, wherein the polyalphaolefin comprises a C6 to C14 alpha-olefin, preferably a C8 to C10 alpha-olefin, as (co)monomer.

[0239] 34. A vessel closure according to any one of examples 1 to 14 and 24 to 25, wherein the polymer composition contains at most one polymeric component, in particular wherein the cycloolefin polymer is the one polymeric component.

[0240] 35. Vessel closure according to any one of examples 1 to 24 and 34, wherein the polymer composition contains less than 10 wt.%, preferably less than 5 wt.%, more preferably less than 2 wt.%, of a component which is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar, most preferably the polymer composition is free from a component which is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar.

[0241] 36. A vessel closure according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the polymer composition comprises up to 15 wt%, preferably up to 8 wt%, more preferably up to 6 wt%, most preferably up to 5 wt%, of additives.

[0242] 37. A vessel closure according to the preceding example, wherein the additives are selected from the group consisting of: pigments, nucleating agents, brighteners, stabilizers, surfactants, lubricants, antioxidants and combinations thereof.

[0243] 38. Vessel closure according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the polymer composition has a Shore A hardness, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23 °C and a holding time of 15 s, of at least 40, preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 60, more preferably at least 70, more preferably at least 80.

[0244] 39. Vessel closure according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the polymer composition has a compression set, determined according to ASTM D 395, 70°C, 22 h, of at least 50%, preferably of at least 60%, more preferably of at least 70%, more preferably of at least 80%, more preferably of at least 90%.

[0245] 40. Vessel closure according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the polymer composition has a total migration, determined according to DIN-EN 1186-14, of not more than 5.5 mg cm' 2 , preferably a maximum of 3.5 mg cm' 2 , preferably a maximum of 2.5 mg cm' 2, preferably a maximum of 1.5 mg cm' 2 , preferably a maximum of 1.0 mg cm' 2 , preferably a maximum of 0.7 mg cm' 2 , has.

[0246] 41. A vessel closure according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the polymer composition has an oxygen transmission rate of less than 1700 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 1400 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 1100 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 800 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 700 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 600 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 500 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1, preferably less than 400 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , preferably less than 300 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 , has.

[0247] 42. Vessel closure according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the polymer composition, determined by a second heating curve of a DSC measurement at a heating rate of 10°C / min, has a melting temperature Tm of at least 50°C, preferably at least 60°C, more preferably at least 70°C.

[0248] 43. Vessel closure according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the polymer composition, determined by a second heating curve of a DSC measurement at a heating rate of 10°C / min, has a melting temperature Tm of at most 150°C, preferably at most 120°C, more preferably at most 100°C.

[0249] 44. Vessel closure according to any one of the preceding examples 1 to 41, wherein the polymer composition, determined by a second heating curve of a DSC measurement at a heating rate of 10°C / min, has no melting temperature Tm.

[0250] 45. Vessel closure according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the vessel closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), wherein the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) comprises metal and / or plastic, in particular comprises metal or plastic as the main component.

[0251] 46. ​​Vessel closure according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the vessel closure (1, 21, 41, 61) is a screw closure, in particular a cam-turn closure (1), a press-on-twist-off closure (21) or a composite closure (41, 61).

[0252] 47. A vessel closure according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin in the cycloolefin polymer has a proportion of at least

[0253] 2 mol%, preferably at least 5 mol%, more preferably at least 10 mol%, more preferably at least 20 mol%, more preferably at least 40 mol%, more preferably at least 60 mol%, more preferably at least 65 mol%.

[0254] 48. Vessel closure according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein exactly one monomer or at most one monomer was used to produce the cycloolefin polymer. 49. Vessel closure according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the cycloolefin polymer comprises a monocyclic C 5 unit.

[0255] 50. Vessel (5, 25, 45) with a vessel mouth (5a, 25a, 45a) and a closable opening at the end of the vessel mouth, wherein the opening is closed with a vessel closure (1, 21, 41, 61) according to one of the preceding claims.

[0256] 51. Vessel according to example 50, wherein the vessel closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), and wherein the sealing element has a height (ha) of at most 1.0 mm, preferably at most 0.8 mm, particularly preferably at most 0.7 mm, in the axial direction of the vessel between an upper end (4, 24, 44) of the vessel mouth and a lower side of the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71).

[0257] 52. Vessel according to example 50 or 51, wherein the vessel closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), and wherein the sealing element has a height (hi) of at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least

[0258] 0.4 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.5 mm, in the axial direction of the vessel.

[0259] 53. Vessel according to any one of examples 50 to 52, wherein the vessel has a safety dimension of a maximum of 10 mm, preferably a maximum of 8 mm, particularly preferably a maximum of 6 mm, most preferably a maximum of 4 mm.

[0260] 54. A method for producing a sealed and filled vessel, comprising the steps of:

[0261] (a) providing a vessel (1, 21, 41, 61) having a vessel mouth (5a, 25a, 45a) and a closable opening at the end of the vessel mouth;

[0262] (b) filling the container with a food product through the opening of the container;

[0263] (c) closing the opening of the vessel with a vessel closure according to any one of the preceding examples.

[0264] 55. The method of Example 54, wherein the vessel closure is treated at a temperature of at least 90°C before the opening of the vessel is closed with the vessel closure.

[0265] 56. The method according to any one of examples 54 or 55, wherein the absolute pressure in the closed and filled vessel is a maximum of 200 hPa, preferably a maximum of 100 hPa. The method according to any one of examples 54 to 56, wherein the sealing element of the vessel closure is deformed by at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.5 mm, in the axial direction of the vessel during the closing of the opening of the vessel with the vessel closure and / or a thermal treatment of the closed and filled vessel to form an impression of the vessel mouth in the sealing element.Method according to one of examples 4 to 57, wherein the sealing element of the vessel closure is deformed during the closing of the opening of the vessel with the vessel closure and / or a thermal treatment of the closed and filled vessel by a maximum of 1.0 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.8 mm, particularly preferably a maximum of 0.7 mm, in the axial direction of the vessel to form an impression of the vessel mouth in the sealing element.

Claims

Claims 1. A vessel closure (1, 21, 41, 61) having a sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), wherein the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63) comprises a polymer composition, wherein the polymer composition comprises: (a) at least 1 wt.% of a cycloolefin polymer, and (b) where the oxygen transmission rate of the polymer composition, determined according to DIN 53380, is not more than 3000 cm 3 m' 2 d' 1 bear' 1 amounts.

2. Vessel closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cycloolefin polymer has a glass transition temperature, determined according to ISO 11357-1, -2, -3, 10 °C / min, of at least -20 °C, preferably at least 0 °C, more preferably at least 3 °C, more preferably at least 40 °C, more preferably at least 60 °C, more preferably at least 70 °C, more preferably at least 90 °C, more preferably at least 110 °C, more preferably at least 125 °C, more preferably at least 130 °C, more preferably at least 150 °C, more preferably at least 170 °C, most preferably between 0 °C and 190 °C.

3. Vascular closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a (co)monomer of the cycloolefin polymer is a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin, preferably the monomer is a monocyclic or polycyclic C3 to C20 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C5 to C20 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C17 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 to C12 olefin, more preferably a monocyclic or polycyclic C7 olefin, most preferably norbornene.

4. A vascular closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a (co)monomer of the cycloolefin copolymer is a C2 to C10 (alpha)olefin, preferably a C2 to C8 (alpha)olefin, more preferably a C2 to C6 (alpha)olefin, most preferably ethene.

5. A vascular closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer composition comprises up to 95% by weight of another polymer.

6. Vascular closure according to claim 5, wherein the further polymer is a (random or block) copolymer, preferably wherein ethene and at least one C3 to C8 (alpha-) olefin are comonomers of the (random or block) copolymer, more preferably wherein ethene and at least one C3 to C8 (alpha-) olefin are comonomers of the (random or block) copolymer.

7. Vessel closure according to claim 6, wherein ethene and a C3 to C16(alpha)olefin, preferably ethene and a C3 to C8(alpha)olefin, comonomers of the (random or Block)copolymer, most preferably the further polymer is an ethene-octene block copolymer or wherein the further polymer is a butene-ethene copolymer. Vessel closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer composition contains between 1 wt.% and 60 wt.%, preferably between 1 wt.% and 45 wt.%, more preferably between 1 wt.% and 30 wt.%, of a component that is liquid at 20°C and 1 bar. Vessel closure according to claim 8, wherein the liquid component contains or is a polyalphaolefin with a kinematic viscosity, determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104, of at least 4 cSt, at a temperature of 100°C, and / or with a dropping point, determined according to ASTM 5950, of at most -10°C.Vessel closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer composition has a Shore A hardness, determined according to DIN ISO 7619 at a temperature of 23°C and a holding time of 15 s, of at least 40, preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 60, more preferably at least 70, more preferably at least 80; and / or wherein the polymer composition has a compression set, determined according to ASTM D 395, 70°C, 22 h, of at least 50%, preferably of at least 60%, more preferably of at least 70%, more preferably of at least 80%, more preferably of at least 90%. Vessel closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer composition comprises a further cycloolefin polymer. Vessel closure according to one of claims 1 to 4 and 8 to 10, wherein the polymer composition contains at most one polymeric component, in particular wherein the cycloolefin polymer is the one polymeric component.A vessel closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a monocyclic or polycyclic olefin in the cycloolefin polymer has a proportion of at least 10 mol%. A vessel (5, 25, 45) having a vessel mouth (5a, 25a, 45a) and a closable opening at the end of the vessel mouth, wherein the opening is closed with a vessel closure (1, 21, 41, 61) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular wherein the vessel closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63). and wherein the sealing element has a height (ha) of a maximum of 1.0 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.8 mm, particularly preferably a maximum of 0.7 mm, in the axial direction of the vessel between an upper end (4, 24, 44) of the vessel mouth and a lower side of the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71). A method for producing a sealed and filled vessel, comprising the steps: (a) providing a vessel (1, 21, 41, 61) having a vessel mouth (5a, 25a, 45a) and a closable opening at the end of the vessel mouth; (b) filling the container with a food product through the opening of the container; (c) closing the opening of the vessel with a vessel closure according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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