Web of packaging material for forming packages filled with a pourable product, packaging blank for forming packages filled with a pourable product and package filled with a pourable product

Abstract

There is described a web of packaging material (1) comprising a multilayer structure having at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material (4) and at least one layer of fibrous material (3) interposed between the at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material (4). The web of packaging material (1) comprises a plurality of successively arranged repeat units (8) and a plurality of transition sections (10), each transition section (10) being interposed between a respective first repeat unit (8) and a respective second repeat unit (8). Each transition section (10) comprises a first zone (18) and a second zone separate from the first zone (18). The basis weight of fibrous material in the respective first zone (18) of each transition section (10) is less than 50% of the basis weight of fibrous material in the second zone (19) and / or a first thickness of fibrous material in the respective first zone (18) is at least half of a second thickness of fibrous material in the respective second zone (19) and / or the layer of fibrous material (3) comprises a hole or a recess in each first zone (18).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a web of packaging material for forming packages filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a packaging blank for forming packages filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a package filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, formed from a web of packaging material or from a packaging blank.BACKGROUND ART

[0004] Many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high-temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging material.

[0005] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for liquid or pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated web of packaging material. The web of packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a fibrous base layer, e.g. of paper or cardboard, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, such as UHT milk, the web of packaging material also comprises a layer of gas-barrier material (a gas-barrier layer), e.g. an aluminium foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner face of the package eventually contacting the food product.

[0006] Packages of this sort can be produced on fully automatic packaging apparatuses, which form the packages from a tube formed form the web of packaging material having a plurality of successively arranged repeat units.

[0007] The packaging apparatus advances and sterilizes the web of packaging material, which is then formed into a tube and filled with the pourable product before the tube is formed into individual sealed packages.

[0008] The formation of the tube results in the creation of a longitudinal seam. The formation of the sealed packages further requires to transversally seal and cut the tube along transversal cross-sections by means of a sealing device and a cutting device. The sealing device comprises a sealing element and a counter-sealing element, which are designed to engage the tube from opposite sides thereof and to compress the tube along the respective transversal cross-section. The sealing element comprises an initiator for inducing the sealing. The initiator may comprise one or more ultrasound emitters, or one or more hot air nozzles, or one or more induction coils.

[0009] It must be noted that at the overlap of the longitudinal seam with the transversal seal, one obtains the presence of three layers of packaging material at a locally thickened portion. Therefore, in particular when sealing by means of ultrasound, the counter-sealing element comprises a recess for receiving the locally thickened portion. This means that the relative positioning between the recess and the tube must come along with a significant precision, which is even more important in the case of ultrasonic sealing for which the sealing quality is remarkably affected by the pressure distribution on the packaging material.

[0010] Even though the so obtained packages provide for excellent results, a desire is felt in the sector to further improve and facilitate the formation, in particular the transversal sealing, of the packages.

[0011] In particular, a desired is felt to provide a web of packaging material and / or a packaging blank that allow an easier formation of the packages.DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved web of packaging material, in particular a web of packaging material which allows to form, in particular to transversally seal, packages in an easy manner.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging blank, in particular a packaging blank which allows to form, in particular to transversally seal, packages in an easy manner.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved package formed from a web of packaging material and to provide a package that can be produced in an efficient way.

[0015] According to the present invention, there is provided a web of packaging material and a packaging blank for forming packages according to the respective independent claims.

[0016] Preferred non-limiting embodiments of the web of packaging material and the packaging blank are claimed in the respective dependent claims.

[0017] According to the present invention, there is also provided a package as claimed claim 17 or 18.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Four non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top view of a web of packaging material according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A is a sectioned view along section plane III-III of Figure 1 when the web of packaging material is made of a first variant of a multilayer packaging material; Figure 2B is a sectioned view along section plane III-III of Figure 1 when the web of packaging material is made of a second variant of a multilayer packaging material; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a package formed from the web of packaging material of Figure 1; Figures 4A to 4D are sectioned views along a compressed cross-section of a tube formed from the web of packaging material according to four different embodiments; and Figure 5 is a top view of a packaging blank according to the present invention. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] The optional elements and features illustrated in the various preferred embodiments, including drawings, may be combined with each other without going beyond the scope of protection of this application as described below with the exception of those individual combinations of features that the skilled person applying their common general knowledge identifies as unworkable. All workable embodiments resulting from the combination of optional or preferred features form part of this description and the skilled person is hereby instructed to implement such workable combinations.

[0020] Number 1 in Figure 1 indicates a web of packaging material for forming sealed packages 2 (a package 2 formed from web of packaging material 1 is shown in Figure 3) filled with a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product, such as pasteurized milk, milk, milk-products, drinking yoghurt, yoghurt-drinks, beverages, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, salt, sugar, etc.

[0021] With reference to a first variant of web of packaging material 1 as shown in Figure 2A, web of packaging material 1 comprises a multilayer structure having at least a layer of fibrous material 3, such as e.g. a paper or cardboard layer, or another cellulose based substrate, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material 4, e.g. a thermoplastic polymer such polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material 3 in between one another. The at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material 4 may be comprised of the same material or from different materials, or from different grades of the same material. The term "heat-seal" as used herein refers to the property of the layers of heat-seal plastic material 4 that they are capable of forming a seal after the temporary application of heat to at least one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material 4.

[0022] In particular, one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material 4 may define an inner face of the respective packages 2 formed from web of packaging material 1 and may eventually come into contact with the pourable product.

[0023] With reference to a second variant of web of packaging material 1 as shown in Figure 2B, the multilayer structure of web of packaging material 1 may also comprise a layer of gas and / or water vapour and / or light barrier material 5, in particular being arranged between one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material 4 and layer of fibrous material 3. Suitable materials for serving as the layer of gas and / or water vapour and / or light-barrier material 5 include aluminium foil, paper materials and treated paper materials such as high-density or grease-proof papers, barrier-coated substrates such as cellulose based and polymeric substrates, metalized substrates such as cellulose-based or polymeric substrates with and without pre-applied barrier coating, barrier-coated polymer films such as olefinic polymer or polyamide films, combinations of these materials, and further materials having similar barrier properties. Layer of gas and / or water vapour and / or light barrier material 5 may preferably, but not necessarily, be interposed between the layer of heat-seal plastic material 4 facing towards the pourable product in the sealed package 2 and layer of fibrous material 3.

[0024] It should be noted that layer of gas and / or water vapour and / or light barrier material 5, in some embodiments, imparts only little or preferably no incremental stiffness on web of packaging material 1 when compared to layer of fibrous material 3.

[0025] Preferentially but not necessarily, the multilayer structure of web of packaging material 1 may also comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material 9 (being similar to layers of heat-seal plastic material 4) being interposed between layer of gas and / or water vapour and / or light-barrier material 5 and layer of fibrous material 3.

[0026] In particular, layer of fibrous material 3 imparts stiffness to web of packaging material 1 and, in some embodiments, may eventually provide structural rigidity to package 2 such that package 2 is able to maintain its desired three-dimensional shape and is preferably able to stand on its bottom surface without collapsing such as a stand-up pouch or a brick-shaped package.

[0027] In particular, layer of fibrous material 3 has a basis weight of at least 50 grams per m2, more preferably at least 80 grams per m2, yet more preferably at least 100 grams per m2. The invention is particularly advantageous for webs of packaging material 1 having layers of fibrous material having a basis weight of 200 grams per m2 and more.

[0028] In particular, web of packaging material 1 extends along a longitudinal dimension D1 and a transversal dimension D2, in particular orthogonal to longitudinal dimension D1.

[0029] In particular, a longitudinal extension of web of packaging material 1 along longitudinal dimension D1 is larger than a transversal extension of web of packaging material 1 along transversal dimension D2.

[0030] During manufacture of sealed packages 2 from web of packaging material 1 in a suitable packaging apparatus including the phase prior to the formation of a tube from web of packaging material 1, web of packaging material 1 advances along an advancement direction through the packaging apparatus.

[0031] In particular, web of packaging material 1 has a (substantially) bi-dimensional shape, i.e. the thickness of web of packaging material 1 is negligible in comparison to the respective transversal extension (along transversal dimension D2) and longitudinal extension (along longitudinal dimension D1).

[0032] Additionally, the thickness of web of packaging material 1 is mainly determined by the respective thickness of layer of fibrous material 3.

[0033] In particular, the thickness of layer of fibrous material 3 is at least 2 times larger, preferably at least 5 times larger, more preferably at least 8 times larger, than the thickness of the other layers of web of packaging material 1.

[0034] With reference to Figure 1, web of packaging material 1 comprises a first longitudinal edge 6 and a second longitudinal edge 7, in particular spaced apart from first longitudinal edge 6, even more particular spaced apart from first longitudinal edge 6 along transversal dimension D2.

[0035] In some embodiments, web of packaging material 1 may be configured to be formed into a tube, which during manufacture of the packages is longitudinally sealed, filled with the pourable product, and transversally sealed along respective cross-sections.

[0036] More specifically, during manufacture of the packages, web of packaging material 1 is formed into a tube by overlapping first longitudinal edge 6 and second longitudinal edge 7 with one another so as to form a longitudinal overlap region, which is then sealed, in particular heat sealed.

[0037] Hence, the tube formed from web of packaging material 1 comprises a longitudinal seam, in particular a sealed longitudinal seam, even more particular a heat-sealed longitudinal seam.

[0038] In more detail, during manufacture of the packages, web of packaging material 1 advances within the packaging apparatus, in particular along the advancement direction substantially parallel to first longitudinal edge 6 and second longitudinal edge 7, is formed into a tube by overlapping first longitudinal edge 6 and second longitudinal edge 7 with one another so as to form the longitudinal overlap region, which is longitudinally sealed by a longitudinal sealing device. Moreover, a transversal sealing device compresses the tube along respective transversal cross-sections and seals the compressed transversal cross-sections.

[0039] Finally, the tube is also cut along the compressed and sealed transversal cross-sections.

[0040] The formation of packages is continuously executed in the packaging apparatus and hence a plurality of packages 2 is obtained by operating the packaging apparatus.

[0041] It should be noted that web of packaging material 1 can be considered to be, during production and until the tube is cut, an endless web of packaging material 1. In particular, web of packaging material 1 is provided in the form of a reel and web of packaging material 1 is unwound from the reel during production. Moreover, once web of packaging material 1 of one reel is about to exhaust a new reel of web of packaging material 1 is spliced to the web of packaging material 1 currently in use.

[0042] Web of packaging material 1 comprises a plurality of successively arranged repeat units 8, each repeat unit 8 defining a precursor of a respective body portion of a package 2.

[0043] In particular, each repeat unit 8 is configured to define the shape of the respective body portion of package 2.

[0044] In particular, the packaging apparatus manipulates the tube such that each repeat unit 8 defines the shape of the respective body portion of the respective package 2.

[0045] It should be noted that each package 2 may (or may not) comprise further elements such as closures or straws, attached to the respective body portion.

[0046] Additionally, each repeat unit 8 comprises a plurality of crease lines along which the respective repeat unit 8 is folded, in particular by the packaging apparatus, for defining the shape of the respective package 2.

[0047] With particular reference to Figure 1, web of packaging material 1 comprises a plurality of transition sections 10, each transition section 10 being interposed between a respective first repeat unit 8 and a respective second repeat unit 8.

[0048] Each transition section 10 comprises at least part of a first transversally oriented seal section 11 contiguous with the respective first repeat unit 8, at least part of a second transversally oriented seal section 12 contiguous with the respective second repeat unit 8, and a transversal cut section intended for separating the respective first repeat unit 8 from the respective second repeat unit 8 and being interposed between first transversally oriented seal section 11 and second transversally oriented seal section 12.

[0049] In particular, each transition section 10 gives origin to a transversal zone of the tube formed, in use, from web of packaging material 1 that is to be compressed and transversally sealed. In other words, each transition section 10 is the portion of web of packaging material 1 which corresponds to the transversal cross-section of the tube that is to be transversally compressed and sealed.

[0050] Additionally, during manufacture of the packages, each transition section 10 gives origin to the respective transversal zone of the tube that after transversal sealing is transversally cut along the respective transversal cut section, thereby separating the respective first transversally oriented seal section 11 and the respective second transversally oriented seal section 12. Thereby, the respective first transversally oriented seal section 11 is associated to a first package 2 (having the first repeat unit 8 as its precursor) and the respective second transversally oriented seal section 12 is associated to a second package 2 (having the second repeat unit 8 as its precursor) .

[0051] In particular, transition sections 10 are equidistant along longitudinal dimension D1 of web of packaging material 1. In other words, transition sections 10 are arranged at a constant pitch along longitudinal dimension D1 of web of packaging material 1.

[0052] In more detail, each transition section 10 is configured to be compressed in its thickness dimension and transversally sealed after formation of the tube.

[0053] Additionally, each transition section 10 is designed to be transversally cut, in particular along the respective transversal cut section, after transversal sealing.

[0054] In particular, each transition section 10, for example the respective first transversally oriented seal section 11, may be configured to form a respective top transversal sealing band 15 of a first package 2 and each transition section 10, for example the respective second transversally oriented seal section 12, is configured to form a bottom transversal sealing band of a second package 2, the first package and the second package originating from, respectively, a corresponding first repeat unit 8 and a corresponding second repeat unit 8 adjacent to one another.

[0055] With reference to Figure 3, each package 2 comprises one or more, in particular two, transversal sealing bands, each resulting from the transversal sealing and cutting of the tube formed from web of packaging material 1 and of the respective transition section 10.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, a top transversal sealing band 15 is associated to a top wall 16 of package 2, and in particular a bottom transversal sealing band is associated to a bottom wall (not shown) of package 2.

[0057] Top transversal sealing band 15 of each package 1 originates from one transition section 10, in particular the respective first transversally oriented seal section 11, and the respective bottom transversal sealing band originates from another transition section 10, in particular the respective second transversally oriented seal section 12, of web of packaging material 1.

[0058] Additionally, package 2 also comprises a longitudinal sealing band 17, in particular resulting from the longitudinal seam of the tube, partially extending along top wall 16 and partially extending along the bottom wall.

[0059] In particular, as shown in Figure 3, longitudinal sealing band 17 intersects with top transversal sealing band 15 at a first intersection 20 and, likewise, intersects with the bottom transverse sealing band at a second intersection (not specifically shown).

[0060] With reference to Figure 1, each transition section 10 comprises one or more first zones 18 and a second zone 19 separate from the one or more first zones 18. Preferably, the first zone 18 has a surface area of at least 15 mm2, more preferably at least 50 mm2, yet more preferably at least 100 mm2.

[0061] Advantageously, the basis weight of fibrous material in the respective first zone 18 of each transition section is less than 50%, preferentially less than 40%, even more preferentially less than 30%, of the basis weight of fibrous material in the respective second zone 19.

[0062] In addition or alternatively, a first thickness of fibrous material in the respective first zone 18 is no more than half, preferentially no more than a quarter, of a second thickness of fibrous material in the respective second zone 19.

[0063] In particular, the second thickness corresponds to the thickness of layer of fibrous material 3, which imparts stiffness to web of packaging material 1.

[0064] Alternatively or in addition, layer of fibrous material 3 comprises a hole or a recess in the area of first zone 18.

[0065] In particular, each first zone 18 is void of any fibrous material originating from layer of fibrous material 3.

[0066] In particular, each first zone 18 is arranged such that after formation of package 2, a portion of first zone 18 is placed at an intersection between the respective longitudinal sealing band 17 and one respective transversal sealing band. Additionally, another portion of first zone 18 is placed at the respective intersection between the respective longitudinal sealing band 17 and one respective transversal sealing band of another package 2.

[0067] In particular, longitudinal sealing band 17 of package 2 may comprise at its upper end one first zone 18 at the intersection where the longitudinal sealing band 17 intersects with top transversal sealing band 15 as well as another first zone 18 at its lower end where longitudinal sealing band 17 intersects with the bottom transversal sealing band.

[0068] With reference to the example of Figures 1 and 3, each first zone 18 comprises one or more layers of heat-seal plastic material (originating from respective portions of layers of heat-seal plastic material 4 and, if present, also of layer of heat-seal plastic material 9).

[0069] Each first zone 18 (in particular, in the case that web of packaging material 1 comprises layer of gas and / or water vapour and / or light barrier material 5) also comprises a layer of gas and / or water vapour and / or light barrier material (in particular, originating from a portion of layer of gas and / or water vapour and / or light-barrier material 5), which in particular is interposed between two layers of heat-seal plastic material (originating from respective portions of layer of heat-seal plastic material 4 and, if present, layer of heat-seal plastic material 9).

[0070] In the example shown, each transition section 10 comprises one single first zone 18.

[0071] With reference to Figure 1, each first zone 18 may have a substantially rectangular shape, in particular a rectangular shape with two right angle corners and two rounded corners. Alternatively, each first zone 18 may have a curved perimeter.

[0072] Advantageously, each first zone 18 is arranged adjacent to first longitudinal edge 6.

[0073] More specifically, each first zone 18 is arranged such that a portion of a perimeter of the respective first zone 18 corresponds to an imaginary portion 21 of first longitudinal edge 6.

[0074] In particular, first longitudinal edge 6 is void of at least a portion of the fibrous material originating from layer of fibrous material 3, preferably void of any fibrous material originating from layer of fibrous material 3, along each imaginary portion 21. In other words, layer of fibrous material 3 of web of packaging material 1 is thinner or interrupted at first longitudinal edge 6, in particular at equidistant locations, due to the presence of first zones 18.

[0075] In particular, the term "imaginary" describes the fact that this portion of first longitudinal edge 6 is not defined by the presence of the fibrous material of layer of fibrous material 3 as it is the case for the rest of first longitudinal edge 6.

[0076] Furthermore, the respective layer of fibrous material 3 of each repeat unit 8 has a first width w1 (measured along transversal dimension D2 and determined between first longitudinal edge 6 and second longitudinal edge 7).

[0077] Additionally, the respective layer of fibrous material 3 of each transition section 10 has a second width w2 (measured along transversal dimension D2) being smaller than first width w1.

[0078] In particular, each first zone 18 has a third width w3 (measured along transversal dimension D2) whereby second width w2 corresponds to first width w1 minus third width w3, i.e. second width w2 corresponds to the difference between first width w1 and third width w3.

[0079] In particular, each transition section 10 extends transversally between a first lateral outer portion 22 and a second lateral outer portion 23 spaced apart, in particular along transversal dimension D2, from first lateral outer portion 22.

[0080] Preferentially, each first lateral outer portion 22 comprises at least one first zone 18.

[0081] Moreover, each first lateral outer portion 22 comprises the respective imaginary portion 21.

[0082] Advantageously, each first zone 18 is arranged such that first zone 18 is positioned at a section of the respective longitudinal seam after formation of the tube.

[0083] Advantageously, each first zone 18 is positioned such to be arranged after formation of the tube at an intersection between the longitudinal seam and a transition section 10 intended for being compressed and transversally sealed.

[0084] Advantageously, each first zone 18 has an extension along longitudinal dimension D1 of web of packaging material 1 corresponding to the distance between adjacent transverse edges of two respective neighbouring repeat units 8. Advantageously, each first zone 18 has an extension along longitudinal dimension D1 corresponding to the combined longitudinal dimension of the respective first transversally oriented seal section 11 and the respective contiguous second transversally oriented seal section 12.

[0085] Figure 4A depicts the situation following the formation of the tube and the compression of transition section 10. Figure 4A illustrates the transversal cross-section of the compressed transversal zone. In other words, Figure 4A shows the situation at the intersection between the longitudinal sealing band 17 and the transversal sealing bands. The formation of the tube and the compression of transition section 10 results in the presence of a first layer 25 and a second layer 26, the second layer 26 comprising a gap 27, which results from forming the tube from web of packaging material 1 and the presence of the respective first zone 18. One also notes a longitudinal overlap 28 covering gap 27. Longitudinal overlap 28 results from the presence of layers of heat-seal material 4, layer of heat-seal material 9 and layer of gas and / or water vapour and / or light barrier material 5 covering the respective first zone 18.

[0086] It should be noted that in the case of a state-of-the-art web of packaging material, i.e. a web of packaging material in which the respective layer of fibrous materials extends between the two longitudinal edges of the web of packaging material with constant basis weight and being void of first zones 18, the presence of the fibrous material at first zone 18 would have led to the presence of three layers of fibrous material at the intersection where first longitudinal edge 6 and second longitudinal edge 7 overlap.

[0087] Hence, the use of web of packaging material 1 having first zones 18 allows to avoid the formation of a region, corresponding to at least a portion of the intersection between the longitudinal sealing band 17 and the transversal sealing bands having three layers of fibrous material. Indeed, as apparent when considering Figure 4A together with the layer structure shown in Figure 2B, the presence of first zones 18 ascertains that only two layers of fibrous material are present in at least a portion of the area of the intersection between the longitudinal seam and the compressed transversal zone of the tube.

[0088] Figures 4B to Dillustrate sections of the compressed transversal zone of the tube, similar to the one of Figure 4A, when considering different embodiments of web of packaging material 1.

[0089] Web of packaging material 1 used in the example of Figure 4B differs from web of packaging material 1 shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4A in that in the latter each first zone 18 is covered by layers of heat-seal material 4 (and layer of heat-seal material 9, if present) and layer of gas and / or water vapour and / or light barrier material 5, while in the example of Figure 4B each first zone 18 is only covered by layers of heat-seal material 4 (see Figures 2A and 2B respectively) .

[0090] In other words, Figure 4A shows an embodiment using web of packaging material 1 according to Figure 2B and Figure 4B shows an embodiment using web of packaging material 1 according to Figure 2A.

[0091] Web of packaging material 1 used in the example of Figure 4C differs from web of packaging material 1 shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4A in that each first zone 18 is void of any material. In other words, each first zone 18 is defined by a hole obtained in, i.e. passing through, all the layers of the multilayer structure. Thus, not only layer of fibrous material 3, but also layers of heat-seal material 4 and (if present) layer of gas and / or water vapour and / or light barrier material 5 and layer of heat-seal material 9 comprise a hole at first zone 18.

[0092] Web of packaging material 1 used in the example of Figure 4D differs from web of packaging material 1 shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4A in that each transition section 10 comprises a center portion having an auxiliary zone at which layer of fibrous material 3 comprises a cavity 29 and / or a zone of reduced basis weight. In other words a portion of layer of fibrous material 3 has been reduced, removed and / or is not present, without, however, forming a (through) hole at the auxiliary zone. In particular, the center portion faces the longitudinal seam of the tube when the tube is sealed.

[0093] With particular reference to Figure 1, each repeat unit 8 comprises a top section 30, in particular having a top crease pattern, configured to define at least top wall 16 of the respective package 2.

[0094] In further detail, top section 30, in particular the top crease pattern, may be configured to define top wall 16 and top flaps 31 of package 2 attached to top wall 16.

[0095] Additionally, each repeat unit 8 also comprises a bottom section 32, in particular having a bottom crease pattern, configured to define at least the bottom wall of package 2.

[0096] In further detail, bottom section 32, in particular the bottom crease pattern, may be configured to define the bottom wall and bottom flaps of package 2 attached to the bottom wall.

[0097] Moreover, each top section 30 and bottom section 32 are spaced apart from one another along longitudinal dimension D1 of web of packaging material 1.

[0098] Additionally, each repeat unit 8 also comprises an intermediate section 33, in particular having an intermediate crease pattern, interposed between top section 30 and bottom section 32 and being configured to define a side wall 34 of package 2, in particular side wall 34 being interposed between and connected to top wall 16 and the bottom wall.

[0099] With reference to Figure 1, each transition section 10 is interposed between one top section 30 of one repeat unit 8 and one bottom section 32 of another neighbouring repeat unit 8.

[0100] More specifically, each first zone 18 extends from the respective top section 30 of the respective repeat unit 8 to the respective bottom section 32 of the respective neighbouring repeat unit 8.

[0101] With particular reference to Figure 5, number 40 indicates a packaging blank for forming sealed packages 2.

[0102] Formation of sealed packages 2 from packaging blanks 40 is not based on the formation of a tube, but each packaging blank 40 is used individually for forming the respective sealed packages 2.

[0103] Each packaging blank 40 is similar to one repeat unit 8 of web of packaging material 1 together with the respective contiguous first transversally oriented seal section 11 and the respective contiguous second transversally oriented seal section 12.

[0104] In particular, packaging blank 40 differs from web of packaging material 1 in its longitudinal extension. In the following, we describe details of packaging blank 40, in particular the differences with regard to web of packaging material 1. All other features of packaging blank 40 not specifically mentioned are considered to correspond to the ones as introduced with regard to web of packaging material 1.

[0105] Similar to web of packaging material 1, each packaging blank 40 extends along longitudinal dimension D1 and transversal dimension D2.

[0106] Additionally, each packaging blank 40 has the same multilayer packaging material properties as web of packaging material 1.

[0107] The extension of each packaging blank 40 along longitudinal dimension D1 is smaller than the respective extension of web of packaging material 1 along longitudinal dimension D1.

[0108] Indeed, web of packaging material 1 can be considered to be formed from a plurality of interconnected packaging blanks 40.

[0109] In more detail, each packaging blank 40 comprises one or two transversal sealing sections 41 configured to be transversally sealed during formation of the respective sealed package 2.

[0110] Moreover, each packaging blank 40 comprises a respective repeat unit 8 and each transversal sealing section 41 extends from the respective repeat unit 8.

[0111] In particular, each repeat unit 8 is interposed between two respective transversal sealing sections 41. In particular, one transversal sealing section 41 defines after formation of the respective package 2 the respective top transversal sealing band 15 and the other transversal sealing section 41 defines after formation of the respective package 2 the respective bottom transversal sealing band.

[0112] Each transversal sealing section 41 comprises a respective first zone 18 and a respective second zone 19.

[0113] All features of first zone 18 and of second zone 19 as introduced with respect to transition sections 10 apply to the features of, respectively, first zone 18 and second zone 19 of transversal sealing section 41.

[0114] According to some embodiments, each transversal sealing section 41 comprises a center portion having the auxiliary zone.

[0115] The advantages of web of packaging material 1 or packaging blank 40 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

[0116] In particular, web of packaging material 1 or packaging blank 40 allow to form packages 2 without the presence of transversally sealed locations with more than two layers of fibrous material.

[0117] Additionally, by having transversally sealed locations provided with at most two layers of fibrous material it is possible to simplify the package formation process.

[0118] The counter-sealing element used for transversally sealing the tube can be simpler in comparison to the state-of-the-art solutions. In particular, there might be no need for a recess.

[0119] Additionally, control of the orientation of the tube is less critical as it is not necessary to guarantee that the longitudinal seam precisely enters the recess.

[0120] Additionally, one avoids the formation of a hump at the intersection between each longitudinal sealing band 17 and one respective transversal sealing band.

[0121] Moreover, one guarantees that during transversal sealing of the tube, the sealing pressure is easily applied equally along the entire cross-section.

[0122] Additionally, facilitated heat generation and dissipation within the multilayer packaging material is achieved, which again allows to speed up transversal sealing of the multilayer packaging material and cooling of the multilayer packaging material after transversal sealing.

[0123] Clearly, changes may be made to web of packaging material 1 or packaging blank 40 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. Web of packaging material (1) for forming sealed packages (2) filled with a pourable product; the web of packaging material (1) comprising a multilayer structure having at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material (4) and at least one layer of fibrous material (3) interposed between the at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material (4); wherein the web of packaging material (1) extends along a longitudinal dimension (D1) and a transversal dimension (D2); wherein the web of packaging material (1) comprises: - a first longitudinal edge (6) and a second longitudinal edge (7) spaced apart from the first longitudinal edge (6) along the transversal dimension (D2); - a plurality of successively arranged repeat units (8), each repeat unit (8) defining a precursor of a body section of a respective package (2); and - a plurality of transition sections (10), each transition section (10) being interposed between a respective first repeat unit (8) and a respective second repeat unit (8) and comprising at least part of a first transversally oriented seal section (11) contiguous with the respective first repeat unit (8), at least part of a second transversally oriented seal section (12) contiguous with the respective second repeat unit (8), and a transversal cut section intended for separating the respective first repat unit (8) from the second repeat unit (8) and interposed between the first transversally oriented seal section (11) and the second transversally oriented seal section (12); wherein each transition section (10) comprises a first zone (18) and a second zone (19) separate from the first zone (18); wherein (a) the basis weight of fibrous material in the respective first zone (18) of each transition section (10) is less than 50% of the basis weight of fibrous material in the respective second zone (19); and / or wherein (b) a first thickness of fibrous material in the respective first zone (18) is at least half of a second thickness of fibrous material in the respective second zone (19); and / or wherein (c) the layer of fibrous material (3) comprises a hole or a recess in each first zone (18).

2. Web of packaging material according to claim 1, wherein the multilayer structure also comprises a layer of gas and / or water vapour and / or light-barrier material (5).

3. Web of packaging material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one layer of fibrous material (3) is configured to impart stiffness on the web of packaging material (1).

4. Web of packaging material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each first zone (18) comprises one or more layers of heat-seal plastic material (4).

5. Web of packaging material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each first zone (18) comprises a layer of gas and / or water vapour and / or light-barrier material (5).

6. Web of packaging material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each first zone (18) is void of any material.

7. Web of packaging material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each first zone (18) is arranged adjacent to the first lateral edge (6); and / or each first zone (18) is arranged at a lateral outer portion (22) of the respective transition zone (10).

8. Web of packaging material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the layer of fibrous material (3) of each repeat unit (8) is designed to impart stiffness on the web of packaging material; wherein the layer of fibrous material (3) of each repeat unit (8) has a first width (w1) and the layer of fibrous material (3) of each transition section (10) has a second width (w2) being smaller than the first width (w1).

9. Web of packaging material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each transition section (10) comprises a center portion having an auxiliary zone at which the layer of fibrous material (3) comprises a cavity (29) and / or a zone of reduced basis weight.

10. Web of packaging material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each first zone (18) has a substantially rectangular shape or is delimited by a curved perimeter.

11. Web of packaging material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the web of packaging material (3) is designed to be folded into a tube; wherein each transition section (10) is designed to be transversally compressed and sealed after formation of the tube.

12. Web of packaging material according to claim 11, wherein the tube comprises a longitudinal seam portion; wherein each first zone (18) is positioned such that the first zone (18) is comprised in / belongs to the longitudinal seam portion after formation of the tube.

13. Web of packaging material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each repeat unit (8) comprises: - a top section (30) having a top crease pattern configured to define and / or determine at least a top wall (16) of the package (2); - a bottom section (32) having a bottom crease pattern configured to define and / or determine at least a bottom wall of the package (2); and - an intermediate section (33) interposed between the top section (30) and the bottom section (32) and being configured to define and / or determine a side wall (34) of the package (2); wherein each transition section (10) is interposed between the respective top section (30) of one repeat unit (8) and the respective bottom section (32) of another repeat unit (8).

14. Packaging blank (40) for forming sealed packages (2) filled with a pourable product; the packaging blank (40) comprises a multilayer structure having at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material (4) and at least one layer of fibrous material (3) interposed between the at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material (4); wherein the packaging blank (40) extends along a longitudinal dimension (D1) and a transversal dimension (D2) ; wherein the packaging blank (40) comprises: - a first longitudinal edge (6) and a second longitudinal edge (7) spaced apart from the first longitudinal edge (6) along the transversal dimension (D2); and - at least one transversal seal section (41) configured to be transversally sealed during the formation of the package (2); wherein each transversal seal section (41) comprises a first zone (18) and a second zone (19) separate from the first zone (18); wherein (a) the basis weight of fibrous material in the respective first zone (18) of each transversal seal section (41) is less than 50% of the basis weight of fibrous material in the second zone (19); and / or wherein (b) a first thickness of fibrous material in the respective first zone (18) is at least half of a second thickness of fibrous material in the respective second zone (8); and / or wherein (c) the layer of fibrous material (3) comprises a hole or a recess in each first zone (18).

15. Packaging blank according to claim 14, wherein the at least one layer of fibrous material (3) is configured to impart stiffness on the packaging blank (40).

16. Packaging blank according to claim 14 or 15, wherein each transversal sealing section (41) comprises a center portion having an auxiliary zone at which the layer of fibrous material (3) comprises a cavity (29) and / or a zone of reduced basis weight.

17. Package (2) filled with a pourable product formed from a web of packaging material (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or from a packaging blank (40) according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

18. Package according to claim 17, and comprising a longitudinal sealing band (17) and a transversal sealing band; wherein the first zone (18) is placed at an intersection between the longitudinal sealing band (17) and the transversal sealing band.

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