Paper-based lid with tamper evidence

Abstract

A paper-based lid, lid and container assembly that preferably contains a food product, preferably a frozen confectionary product, and a process to fill the latter assembly, wherein the lid comprises a skirt with tamper-evidence features provided by a plurality of weakening lines.

Description

[0001] PAPER-BASED LID WITH TAMPER EVIDENCE

[0002] The present invention relates to a paper-based lid that is suitable to be used on a container comprising a food product. The present invention further relates to a lid and container assembly comprising a container comprising a food product and a paper-based lid positioned thereon. The invention further relates to a process to manufacture a packaged food product. The invention further relates to the use of one or more perforation lines to provide a tamper-evidence in a paper-based lid on a container comprising a food product. The food product is preferably a frozen confectionary product.

[0003] Background

[0004] One way food products, such as frozen confectionary, like ice cream, is sold is in containers. The container is typically closed with a lid, wherein the lid covers the edge of the container. The material of such packaging containers and its lids can be various and may be polymer-based, e.g. plastic, and / or paper-based.

[0005] A long existing problem recognized in the industry is the need to ensure that the lid of a packaging of a food product has never been opened prior to the consumer opening, to ensure the consumer safety and hygiene. The lid should not have been tampered with. Packaging containers therefore often have measures in place that show if attempts were made to open the container. An example, typically used in plastic tubs, is an area of the lid that must be broken off or separated from the lid during the opening process. In this example, a consumer would then recognize from the broken part if the container had been opened before. Examples of the latter, plastic-based lids can be found in EP 3107817 or US 3403812.

[0006] The present invention is specifically related to a lid for containers comprising a food product, in particular, but not necessarily, a frozen confectionary product, such as ice cream, wherein the lid is paper-based. ‘Paper-based’ includes terms such as paper, paperboard and composite products comprising paper. It is in particular complicated to design tamper-evident packaging constructions that are integrated with the lid or container, as paper-based material such as paper or paperboard easily tears. The typical solution that is used in the art is that a plastic band is positioned over the lid-container transition area, that has to be torn and removed to allow separation of the lid from the container. For reasons of sustainability and convenience for the consumer, omitting the plastic band, while providing a tamper-evident system, is highly desired. Tamper-evidence solutions suitable for paper-based lids have been described in the art as well. They typically involve the removal of the lower part of the skirt of the lid by the consumer, which involves tearing-off the lower skirt rim over a tearing line, typically initiated with a pull-tab. Examples are described in US20080099481 , JP2004123105A, US5653382 and US 7694837B2. Several disadvantages come with this system: the consumer has to perform an additional action, viz. removal of the lower part of the skirt, before he or she can access the packaging, and this lower part provides waste that the consumer has to discard. Discarding will typically be into the landfill stream, as it is typically not recyclable due to its small size. Possibly more relevant, removal of part of the skirt reduces the closing-effectiveness of the lid, and the lid with shorter skirt more easily detaches from the container. A further disadvantage observed with these opening / tamper-evidence systems is that they are prone to tearing away from the tearing line, thereby removing a much broader part or the entire skirt or even breaking the part of the skirt to be removed before making it all the way around, leading to a poor / frustrating opening experience, e.g. when torn with high or uncareful force. These disadvantages are potentially worsened when the container is frozen, e.g. when frozen confectionary is present, and the environment is wet from condensation.

[0007] A need therefore was recognized for a lid to close a container, wherein the lid is paper-based, and wherein no plastic-based tamper-evidence measure is needed to signal an earlier separation of the lid from a container. The tamper-evidence is included within the paper-based lid.

[0008] A further need was recognized of providing a container that contains a food product, preferably a frozen confectionary product, and which is closed with a paper-based lid and wherein no plastic-based tamper-evidence measure is needed to signal an earlier separation of the lid from the container body.

[0009] In particular, a paper-based temper-evidence lid system was therefore required, that overcomes, at least partly, the complications observed with systems described in the art, in particularly when observed when the packaging is used in a frozen environment, such as for example for frozen confectionary.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] Surprisingly, this problem was solved by a lid (1) to cover a container (2) for holding a food product, preferably a frozen confectionary product,

[0012] • wherein the lid (1) is paper-based, preferably wherein the lid comprises paperboard, • wherein the lid comprises a cover portion (3) for covering an access area (9) of a container and a skirt (5), extending circumferentially, preferably perpendicularly, from the cover portion (3), characterized in that the skirt (5) comprises a plurality of weakening lines (6).

[0013] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a lid and container assembly comprising the lid (1) according to the invention and a container (2),

[0014] • wherein the container (2) contains a food product, preferably a frozen confectionary product,

[0015] • wherein the container (2) has a bottom wall (7) and a side wall (8) that extends from the bottom wall and an access area (9) opposite to the bottom wall (7).

[0016] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a process to manufacture a packaged food product, preferably a frozen confectionary product, wherein the process comprises the steps of: a) Providing a lid and container assembly comprising:

[0017] • a container (2), wherein the container has a bottom wall (7) and a side wall (8) that extends from the bottom wall and an access area (9) opposite to the bottom wall, and

[0018] • a lid, according to the invention, wherein the lid is paper-based, preferably wherein the lid comprises paperboard, wherein the lid has a cover portion (3) for covering the access area (9) of the container and a skirt (5), extending circumferentially, preferably perpendicularly, from the cover portion (3), b) Filling the container (2) with food product, preferably with confectionary product that is in a liquid or semi-liquid state, c) Positioning the lid (1) over the access area (9) of the container, thereby closing the container, characterized in that the side portion (5) of the lid comprises a plurality of weakening lines (6), preferably vertical perforation lines.

[0019] In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of a plurality of weakening lines (6) in the skirt (5) of the lid (1) of a lid and container assembly to provide a tamper-evidence attribute,

[0020] • wherein the lid and container assembly comprises a container (2) and a lid (1) according to the invention, the container comprising a bottom wall (7) and a side wall (8) that extends from the bottom wall and an access area (9) opposite to the bottom area, and the lid comprising a cover portion (3) and a skirt preferably perpendicularly extending from the cover portion, wherein the container contains a food product, preferably a frozen confectionary product, wherein the lid is paper-based, preferably wherein the lid comprises paperboard.

[0021] Drawings

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a lid according to the invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a container.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a lid and container assembly according to the invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a lid according to the invention with vertical weakening lines of different length (Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b).

[0026] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a lid of the invention, wherein the skirt extends upwards from its lowest point to form a ‘hook’.

[0027] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a lid of the invention as depicted in Fig. 5, positioned on a container to form an assembly.

[0028] FIG. 7A-7F show five examples of lids of the invention. Five different weakening line patterns are exemplified. These five patterns are examples that can be used when the skirt of the lid extends beyond the edge of the skirt towards the ‘cover part’ of the lid, thereby forming a hook structure.

[0029] Detailed description of the invention.

[0030] Lid

[0031] The present invention relates to a lid to cover a container that comprises a food product. The food product preferably is a frozen confectionary product, preferably ice cream. Many such food containers, e.g. ice cream containers, and lids that close them are made of plastic. This contributes significantly to environmental pollution and climate impact, e.g. emissions, extraction concerns, and impacted communities on both the front and back end, as well as pollution from many of the end of life scenarios (incineration, seas, nature). A paper-based lid reduces this impact significantly. Paper-based is understood to include material such as paper, paperboard, cardboard and composites that contain paper. Preferably at least part of the lid comprises one of paper, paperboard, cardboard and composites that contain paper. It is preferred that the lid comprises paperboard, preferably more than 50 wt%, and even more preferably more than 80% by weight of the lid, even more preferably more than 90% by wt. of the lid is paperboard, and most preferably substantially the entire lid is from paperboard. The lid may be coated e.g. with a polymeric lining, clay coating or may comprise ink e.g. for coloring or writing, and accordingly, the lid may comprise less than 98 wt%, or even less than 97 wt% or even less than 95 wt% of paperboard. Accordingly, the amount of paperboard may preferably range from 80 wt% (based on the weight of the lid) to substantially the entire lid being made from paperboard, preferably from 80 wt% to 100 wt%, or more preferably from 90 wt% to 98 wt%, based on the weight of the lid.

[0032] The lid (1) is typically designed to be able to cover a container (2) for packaging of a food product, for example an ice cream container, such as an ice cream tub. This is a container, such as a tub, that is typically used to package ice cream for a consumer. The lid therefore comprises a cover portion (3) for covering the access area (9) of a container (2). The lid further comprises a skirt (5). The skirt is typically extending perpendicularly from the cover portion (3). “Perpendicularly’ in this respect means forming an angle with the cover portion (3) of between 80 and 100°, preferably of between 85 and 95°, most preferably of between 88 and 92°. In this manner, the skirt (5) becomes located essentially parallel to a side wall (8) of a container (2) to be covered with the lid (1). As food packaging containers, such as e.g. ice cream containers, typically have a frustoconical shape, the skirt (5) of the lid may be slightly off from a perpendicular position with the covering portion (3), as the skilled person will understand, to accommodate a closer proximity with a container wall (6). Accordingly, it may be preferred that the angle of the skirt (5) of the lid with the cover portion (3) is between 80 and 100°, preferably of between 85 and 95°. The skirt (5) typically is depending from an upper lid edge (11). In this manner, the skirt forms preferably a circumferential channel or cylinder below the upper lid edge (11). It can be preferred, that the bottom edge (10) of the skirt is not the most distal part of the skirt and that the skirt extends further from the bottom edge (10). In this manner, the skirt folds- over along the bottom edge (10) and extends onwards, typically upwards, in the direction of the cover portion (3) of the lid. In this manner a ‘hook-like’ structure is formed, as for example depicted in figure 5.

[0033] Cover portion

[0034] The cover portion (3) is paper based. The cover portion is preferably flexible. The cover portion is preferably level. It preferably comprises paper, paperboard, or composite material comprising paper. It is preferred, that the material of the cover portion comprises paperboard, preferably comprises more than 50 wt%, preferably more than 80 wt% of paperboard, even more preferably more than 90% by wt. of the cover portion is paperboard, and most preferably substantially the entire cover portion is from paperboard. A composite of plastic and paper can be used, however, it is preferred that the cover portion comprises less than 50 wt%, preferably less than 20 wt%, more preferably less than 10 wt% and even more preferably less than 5 wt % of polymer material (such as plastic), more preferably the cover portion of the lid is substantially free from polymer material, preferably is free from polymer material. The cover portion may be coated e.g. with a polymeric lining, clay coating or may comprise ink e.g. for coloring or writing, and accordingly, the cover portion of the lid may comprise less than 98 wt%, or even less than 97 wt% or even less than 95 wt% of paperboard. Accordingly, the amount of paperboard may preferably range from 80 wt% (based on the weight of the cover portion of the lid) to substantially the entire cover portion of the lid being made from paperboard, preferably from 80 wt% to 100 wt%, or more preferably from 90 wt% to 98 wt%, based on the weight of the cover portion (3) of the lid.

[0035] Paperboard is defined as paper with a grammage of more than 250 g / m2. In the present context, the grammage of the paperboard used for the cover portion (3) is preferably of between 250 and 350 g / m2, more preferably of between 260 and 280 g / m2, to allow proper rigidity regarding opening of a container. In particular when the food product is a frozen confectionary product, a grammage of between 260 and 280 g / m2is preferred, as optimally serving the tamper-evident functionality of the present invention. Note in this context, that frozen confectionary product, such as ice cream, in the tub may stick to the covering surface, and opening of the lid should not result in tearing of the lid outside of the weakening lines, e.g. through the cover portion, while the lid should be sufficiently flexible to allow the lid to be peeled off from the ice cream surface during an opening procedure.

[0036] The cover portion (3) may preferably be square, triangular, rectangular, oval, or circular, and is more preferably circular. The surface area is preferably from 19 to 255 cm2, more preferably from 28 to 125 cm2. It is most preferred, that the surface area is circular with a diameter of from 50 to 180 mm, more preferably of from 60 to 126 mm. The thickness of the cover portion (3) of the lid preferably is from 0.3 to 0.5 mm, more preferably from 0.35 to 0.45 mm. A circular shape proved optimal in the context of the invention for removing the lid from a food packaging container, in particular when it contains a frozen confectionary product.

[0037] Skirt

[0038] The lid comprises a tamper-evident skirt (5). The skirt (5) of the lid (1) preferably comprises paperboard, preferably comprises more than 80 wt% paperboard, based on the weight of the skirt (5), more preferably more than 90 wt%, even more preferably more than 95 wt% based on the weight of the skirt and more preferably the skirt is substantially made of paperboard, more preferably entirely made of paperboard. The grammage of the total skirt material, preferably the total paper-based material used for the skirt, is preferably of from 475 to 600 g / m2, more preferably of from 500 to 575 g / m2. The skirt could comprise a single layer of material, such as paperboard. Alternatively, the skirt could comprise a combination of several layers of material, for example two layers or three layers. These layers may be attached for example with a cohesive such as a glue, as known in the art. Without willing to be bound to theory, it is believed that this multi-layered skirt provides preferred stability to the lid, especially in the context of frozen confectionary packaging according to the invention. The skirt (5) of the lid should be sufficiently rigid to clamp the lid in place against a side wall (8) of a container (2), while it should be sufficiently flexible to fold it upwards during removal of the lid, without tearing at locations that are not desired to be torn during opening. Selection of the paperboard grammage therefore contributes to product quality in the context of the present invention ( / .e. tamper-evidence, see below). A composite of plastic and paper can be used, however, it is preferred that the skirt (5) comprises less than 50 wt%, preferably less than 20 wt% of polymer (e.g. plastic), even more preferably less than 10 wt%, and even more preferably less than 5 wt%, and most preferably the skirt (5) of the lid is free from polymer (e.g. plastic).

[0039] The height of the skirt (5) of the lid is preferably from 10 to 22 mm, preferably from 12 to 20 mm. The thickness of the skirt (5) is preferably of between 0.70 and 1 mm, preferably of between 0.75 and 0.95 mm.

[0040] The skirt (5) of the lid (1) is preferably attached to the cover portion (3) via a connection means. The connection means is preferably a heat seal or could also be adhered via hot or cold adhesive.

[0041] The skirt of the lid may be convolute or spiral wound. It may be preferred in the context of the invention, that the skirt is convolute. This facilitates easy tearing of the skirt over a multitude of vertical weakening lines ( / .e. perpendicular to the cover portion (3)) upon opening of the container. Alternatively, it could be preferred that the skirt is spiral-wound, e.g. to improve stability.

[0042] It may be preferred, to enhance fixation of the lid to the container, that the skirt comprises an annular debossed area (13). In this way an annular groove at the inside of the skirt could be present. The annular debossed area typically can form a rim at the inside of the skirt. This facilitates further container and lid securement without the need for additional elements to fixate the lid to the container.

[0043] Weakening line

[0044] The lid (1) of the present invention comprises a plurality of weakening lines (6). The weakening lines are located at the skirt (5). This provides the tamper-evident functionality to the lid. The weakening lines provide the tamper-evidence that the lid was not removed from the container earlier. It was found by the present inventors, that it is a paper-based lid that provides optimal tamper-evidence for a container containing a food product. The invention is in particular suited for a container containing a frozen confectionary product, such as ice cream. Although not functionally required, it was observed that especially in a situation wherein the frozen confectionary product is in contact with the cover portion (3) of the lid, the adhesion forces of the product will provide extra traction to the cover portion during the process of opening of the container, allowing the lid better to deform, and revealing the lid being ‘tampered with’ from the deformation in the lid, which is manifested by the alteration / distortion of the weakening lines in the lid. The present invention therefore provides a new manner to reveal tamper evidence to the consumer, which is particularly effective in situations wherein frozen material such as frozen confectionary is packaged. The advantage is that not an additional, plastic-based tamper band or plastic membrane is needed to be applied over the edge of the lid or across the top of the cup, or that part of the skirt has to be removed as is seen in many solutions in the art. The tamper-evidence measure is incorporated within the lid itself. This is beneficial for the user, who does not need to remove an additional band before opening the container, and high amounts of plastic are saved. Unlike the prior solutions in the art, there is also no paper strip that needs to be removed, thus enabling more recycling / circularity of paper when the entire lid gets recycled. The lid therefore is optimally suited for application in containers that contain ice cream.

[0045] The multiple weakening lines at the skirt are preferably positioned perpendicular to the cover portion, diagonal v.a.v. the cover portion, parallel to the cover portion (3), or a combination thereof. The weakening lines are preferably perforation lines or creasing lines, most preferably they are perforation lines. Perforation lines are a series of linearly arranged perforations or cuts through the skirt. This weakens the tension in the skirt over a specific line and facilitates folding or tearing. A creasing line can be a preformed crease or indentation of the skirt over a specific distance, to facilitate folding or tearing of the skirt. A creasing line may be formed by partial perforation of the skirt over a specific distance, to facilitate folding or tearing of the skirt. Perforations, or partial perforations ( / .e. perforations that do not go through the entire material), can be for example circular or dash-shaped, as known in the art. Dash-shaped perforations or dash-shaped partial perforations preferably have a length of the dash / cut of from 1 to 3 mm, and the space between two consecutive dashes / cuts is preferably for example between 0.5 and 1 mm. The space between two consecutive circular perforations or circular partial perforations can for example be between 0.5 and 1 mm. The skirt preferably comprises multiple weakening lines that are arranged perpendicular to the cover portion of the lid. Weakening lines perpendicular to the skirt preferably extend from a bottom edge (10) of the skirt of the lid towards maximally 100% of the height of the skirt ( / .e. in proximity of or reaching the cover portion (3) of the lid), preferably maximally 70%, even more preferably maximally 60% of the height of the skirt. It may be preferred, that the multiple weakening lines are preferably perpendicular to the cover portion of the lid and extend from a bottom edge (10) of the skirt of the lid towards minimally 10% of the height of the skirt, preferably minimally 20%, even more preferably minimally 25%. Accordingly, the skirt of the lid comprises preferably a plurality of weakening lines, preferably perforation lines, that are perpendicular to the cover surface of the lid, and extend from a bottom edge (10) to a distance at 10% from the bottom edge to 100% from the bottom edge, preferably to a distance at 20 to 70% and more preferably to a distance at 25 to 60% from the bottom edge (10). For example, herein 10% represents 10% of the length from bottom edge (10) to upper lid edge (11), whereas 100% represent 100% of the distance from bottom edge (10) to upper lid edge (11), i.e. the latter being the entire distance from bottom to top of the skirt.

[0046] Especially, in the case that the bottom edge (10) of the skirt is not the most distal part of the skirt, because the skirt is folded inwardly, and extends further from the bottom edge onwards, it is preferred, that the perpendicularly arranged weakening lines start at the most distal end of the skirt (14) and extend over the skirt to a distance at 10% from the bottom edge (10) to 100% from the bottom edge i.e to the upper lid edge), preferably to a distance at 20 to 70% and more preferably of from to a distance of 25 to 60% from the bottom edge (10). In the latter situation, i.e. where the skirt extends inwardly after the bottom edge (10), for example in the direction back towards the cover portion of the lid, the weakening lines are at least present on the part of the skirt that extends from the upper lid edge (11) to the bottom edge (10) and preferably also on the part of the skirt that extends from the bottom edge (10) to the most distal edge of the skirt (14). It may be preferred, that in the situation that the bottom edge (10)is not the most distal part of the skirt, because the skirt is folded inwardly, and extends further from the bottom edge (10) onwards, that the part of the skirt (15) extending beyond the bottom edge (10) and folded inwardly towards the cover portion (3), comprises cuts that are aligned with perpendicularly arranged weakening lines on the part of the skirt that extends from the upper lid edge (11) to the bottom edge (10). These cuts preferably run from the bottom edge (10) to the distal part (14) of the skirt. In this manner, typically the full cut runs from the point where the perpendicular weakening lines reach the bottom edge (10) to the distal part (14) of the skirt.

[0047] It may be preferred, that the skirt (5) of the lid comprises a total of from 2 to 30 weakening lines, preferably perforation lines, preferably of from 2 to 25, even more preferably of from 2 to 22, which are perpendicular to or diagonally or both, v.a.v. the plane of the cover portion. Perpendicular weakening lines are preferred.

[0048] It may be preferred, that the skirt (5) of the lid comprises a total of from 2 to 30 weakening lines, preferably perforation lines, preferably of from 2 to 25, even more preferably of from 2 to 22, which are perpendicular to the cover portion. It can be preferred, that the skirt comprises 3 to 30 and even more preferably 5 to 30 weakening lines which are perpendicular to the cover portion. This has been depicted for example in Figure 4.

[0049] It can be preferred that the skirt of the lid only comprises weakening lines, preferably perforation lines, that are perpendicular to the cover portion (3) of the lid. This situation has been depicted for example in Figure 4. It may be preferred, that the skirt (5) of the lid comprises a total of from

[0050] 2 to 30 weakening lines, preferably perforation lines, preferably of from 2 to 25, even more preferably of from 2 to 22 which are only perpendicular to the cover portion. It may be preferred, that the skirt (5) of the lid comprises a total of from 3 to 30, preferably perforation lines, preferably of from 4 to 25, and more preferably of from 10 to 22, which are only perpendicular to the cover portion.

[0051] Weakening lines, preferably perforation lines, more preferably perforation lines perpendicular to the cover portion (3) of the lid or diagonally v.a.v. the plane of the cover part of the lid, may preferably be arranged regularly over the entire circumference of the skirt. As the skilled person understands, ‘regularly arranged’ means arranged with substantially equal distance between them. Such a regular arrangement may in particular be preferred in the situation that a total of

[0052] 3 to 30, preferably 4 to 25 more preferably 10 to 22 perforation lines perpendicular to the cover part of the lid are present.

[0053] Alternatively, especially in a configuration wherein the skirt extends upwards beyond its bottom edge (10) towards the cover part (3), and as depicted in Figures 5-7, but not limited to this configuration, it could be preferred, that the skirt comprises a total of 2 to 6, preferably a total of 2 or 3, for example a total of 3 weakening lines, preferably perforation lines, that are perpendicular to the cover part of the lid. In this situation, it can be preferred, that the weakening lines perpendicularly arranged v.a.v. the plane of the cover part of the lid are positioned at a distance from each other to form an angle of from 45 to 150° relative to each other around the circumference, preferably 50 to 130°, more preferably 60 to 120°. More preferably, the skirt comprises a total of two perpendicularly arranged weakening lines that form an angle (smallest angle) of from 100 to 150° relative to each other, preferably 110 to 130°, (e.g. Fig. 7a, 7b, 7c) or a total of three perpendicularly arranged weakening lines that form an angle (smallest angle) of from 50° to 120°, preferably from 50° to 70° relative to each other (e.g. Fig. 7d-7f), or a total of four perpendicularly arranged weakening lines that form an angle (smallest angle) of from 45° to 90°, preferably from 50° to 75° relative to each other.

[0054] It may be preferred, that the lid comprises at least one weakening line, preferably perforation line, (6) that is arranged parallel to the cover surface of the lid. The at least one parallel weakening line preferably extends over part of the circumference of the skirt. It is preferred that the at least one parallel weakening line does not extend over the entire circumference of the skirt. Some lids described in the art comprise one parallel tearing line, wherein the tearing line extends over the entire circumference of the skirt, to allow removal of e.g. a lower part of the skirt, typically facilitated by a pulling tab. In the present invention, preferably, the skirt of the lid (5) comprises from 1 to 6, more preferably from 1 to 4 weakening lines, preferably perforation lines, that are arranged parallel to the cover part (3) of the lid. It may be preferred that the skirt of the lid (5) comprises 2 to 6 or even 2 to 4 weakening lines, preferably perforation lines, that are arranged parallel to the cover part (3) of the lid. Preferably some, and most preferably all of the perforation lines parallel to the cover part (3) of the lid are arranged in line with each other, i.e. they extend over the circumference of the lid in the same plane. This is typically parallel to the plane of the cover part of the lid. They therefore are located at the same distance from the cover part of the lid. It may be preferred, that the total length of the one or more parallel perforation lines at the skirt is at least 10% and at most 100%, preferably at least 10% and at most 80%, of the total length of the circumference of the skirt of the lid, preferably of from 10 to 60 %, even more preferably of from 10 to 50 %.

[0055] The parallel weakening lines are intended to facilitate folding-over of part of the skirt of the lid. A pull-tab therefore is preferably not present in the lids of the present invention.

[0056] It can be preferred, that in addition to multiple weakening lines, preferably perforation lines, which are perpendicular to the cover part (3) or diagonally arranged v.a.v. the cover part, the lid comprises one or more weakening lines, preferably perforation lines, that are parallel to the cover part. This configuration is for example depicted in Figures 3, 5, 7A, 7D and 7F. In the case that the skirt comprises weakening lines that are perpendicular or diagonal to the plane of the cover part, as well as weakening line or lines that are parallel to the cover part, extending over the circumference of the skirt, it may be preferred that one parallel weakening line is present. It is preferred however, that the skirt comprises from 2 to 30, preferably 2 to 25 and more preferably 2 to 22, or even 3 to 22 or even 5 to 22, perpendicularly or diagonally arranged weakening lines, preferably perpendicularly arranged weakening lines, in combination with from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4, or even 2 to 6 or even 2 to 4 weakening lines that are arranged parallel to the cover part (3) of the lid. For example, it can be preferred that the skirt comprises from 2 to 30 weakening lines perpendicularly arranged v.a.v. the cover part (3), in combination with from 1 to 6 weakening lines that are arranged parallel to the cover part (3) of the lid. Especially in a situation wherein the skirt extends upwards beyond its bottom edge (10), e.g. forming a ‘hook’ structure, it is preferred that the skirt comprises 2 or more, preferably 3, weakening lines perpendicularly arranged v.a.v. the cover part of the lid, in combination with 1 or 2 weakening lines that are arranged parallel to the cover part (3) of the lid. In the latter scenario, the parallel weakening lines are arranged such that essentially at least 70%, preferably at least 80% of the length of the parallel weakening line is contained within / between the distance between the two outermost perpendicular weakening lines. This situation has been illustrated in Figure 7F.

[0057] Container

[0058] Together with a container, a lid and container assembly is formed for packaging a food product. Preferably, the food product is a frozen confectionary product and preferably the assembly is configured to contain a food product, preferably to contain a frozen confectionary product, such as preferably ice cream.

[0059] Accordingly, in a further aspect, the invention relates to a lid and container assembly. The lid of the present invention can be positioned on a container, thereby closing the container. The skirt of the lid typically surrounds the top rim (12) of the container. The container (2) comprises a bottom wall (7) and a side wall (8) that extends from the bottom wall and an access area (9) opposite to the bottom area (7) and defined by top rim (12) of the container. The bottom wall (7) is preferably flat.

[0060] The container (2) may comprise, preferably consist of materials selected from the group consisting of polymer (e.g. plastic) (such as polypropylene), paper, or mixtures thereof. It may be preferred, that the container comprises polymer, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and can for example be made from more than 50 wt%, preferably more than 80 wt%, and more preferably more than 95 wt% or most preferably entirely from polymer, preferably from polypropylene. The container can be a composite or laminate material comprising paper and polymer, preferably polypropylene or polyethylene. Most preferably, the container comprises paperboard. The container preferably comprises more than 50 wt% of paperboard, more preferably more than 80 wt%, even more preferably more than 90 wt%, even more preferably more than 95% and most preferably the container essentially consists of paperboard. Accordingly, the container preferably comprises paperboard in an amount of from 50 to 100 wt%, more preferably 80 to 100 wt%, most preferably 90-100%. Most preferably, the container comprises a composite of paperboard and plastic, with the plastic being preferably polyethylene, BioPE, BioPBS, PHA, or PLA. The plastic is preferably present in the form of a coating or a laminate. Accordingly, the container side wall (8) preferably comprises paperboard in an amount of from 50 to 99 wt%, more preferably 80 to 98 wt%, more preferably 85-97 wt%, more preferably 90 - 95 wt%. The side wall (8) of the container and the bottom of the container preferably are made from laminate of paperboard and polymer, preferably polyethylene. The polymer layer is preferably from 2 to 30 g / m2, preferably 2 to 20 g / m2.

[0061] Paper is preferably present in the laminate of the container wall with a thickness of from 275 to 350 g / m2, preferably of from 300 to 330 g / m2. The grammage of the paperboard in the bottom of the container is preferably of from 200 to 300 g / m2, more preferably of from 220 to 280 g / m2, for optimal performance in the context of the invention ( / .e. providing sufficient support to the food product, preferably the frozen confectionary product such as ice cream, even when in molten form, and allowing the lid to be removed with minimal risk of tearing the container. It is preferred, if the thickness of the side wall (8) is between 0.3 and 0.6 mm, preferably of between 0.4 and 0.6 mm

[0062] Upon removal of the lid from the container, at least part of some of the weakening lines (e.g. perforation lines) in the skirt of the lid will tear, these typically involve at least some of the weakening lines arranged perpendicularly to the cover part (3) of the lid.

[0063] The top rim (12) of the container defines an access area (9) of the container. The access area may preferably be square, triangular, rectangular, oval, or circular, and is more preferably circular. It is most preferred, that the access area is circular. It preferably has a diameter of from 48 mm to 178 mm, preferably of from 58 to 124 mm. A circular shape proved optimal in the context of the invention for removing the lid from a container for a food product, in particular a frozen confectionary product. The volume of the container is preferably of between 50 ml and 1900 ml, preferably of between 100 and 1000 ml. When in closed form, the lid and container assembly containing a food product is configured that the lid (1) is in contact with the top rim (12) of the container (2).

[0064] Confectionary product.

[0065] The container contains a food product (4). Preferably, the container comprises a frozen confectionary product. Preferably this confectionary product is ice cream, preferably one selected from the group of sorbet, sherbet, gelato, frozen non-dairy dessert, frozen dessert, dairy-free ice cream or dairy-comprising ice cream. The confectionary product preferably is an oil-in-water emulsified product. The sugar content is preferably from 10 to 32 wt%, preferably from 12 to 25 wt%, more preferably of from 13 to 22 wt%, based on the weight of the confectionery product. Sugars may comprise monosaccharides, disaccharides or both. The water content preferably is from 50 to 86 wt%, more preferably of from 55 to 62 wt%. The fat content is preferably of from 0 to 16 wt%, preferably of from 8 to 14 wt%. It can be preferred that the frozen confectionary product further comprises protein, such as for example dairy protein or plant protein. Such protein preferably has an emulsifying effect. Without willing to be bound by theory, it is believed that sugar and protein contribute to a sticky texture of the frozen confectionary product. It can be preferred, that the confectionary product comprises emulsifier. It can be preferred, that the confectionary product comprises stabilizer. The confectionary product preferably has an overrun of from 15 to 150%.

[0066] The lid of the present invention, positioned on a container containing a frozen confectionary product, preferably ice cream, preferably is in contact with the frozen confectionary product. The contact of the frozen confectionary product with the lid provides more resistance force during removal of the lid from the container. This contributes to the effect of the tamper-evidence result in the lid. Optimal results are obtained, and it is therefore preferred, when more than 50%, preferably more than 75%, or even more preferably 100% of the cover portion (3) of the lid is in contact with the confectionary product. The skilled person understands that it is the inward facing surface (container-facing) of the cover portion that preferably is in contact with the confectionary product in this situation.

[0067] In a preferred aspect, the invention relates to lid and container assembly according to the invention,

[0068] • wherein the container contains a frozen confectionary product, wherein the frozen confectionary is in contact with the covering surface of the lid,

[0069] • wherein the container has a bottom wall and a side wall that extends from the bottom wall and an access area opposite to the bottom area,

[0070] • wherein the lid and the container are essentially made from paperboard,

[0071] • wherein the lid has a cover part for covering the access area of the container and a skirt, perpendicularly extending from the covering surface and preferably located substantially parallel to the side wall of the container, and wherein at least 50% of the inward-facing surface of the cover part of the lid is in contact with the frozen confectionary product, characterized in that the skirt of the lid comprises multiple weakening lines that are oriented perpendicular to the cover part of the lid, diagonally arranged v.a. v. the cover part of the lid, or arranged parallel to the cover part of the lid or a combination thereof, preferably that are oriented perpendicular to the cover part of the lid, or arranged parallel to the cover part of the lid or a combination thereof.

[0072] Process

[0073] The invention further relates to a process to manufacture a packaged frozen confectionary product.

[0074] In a step a) of the process, a lid and container assembly is provided which comprises a container and a lid, wherein the container has a bottom wall and a side wall that extends from the bottom wall and an access area opposite to the bottom area. The lid, according to the invention, is paper-based, and preferably comprises paperboard. The lid has a cover part for covering the access area of the of the container and a skirt (a side part) which preferably is perpendicularly extending from the covering surface. The lid is characterized in that the skirt of the lid comprises multiple weakening lines.

[0075] A next step b), comprises filling the container with food product. The food product is preferably a confectionary product that is liquid or semi-liquid at this step. The confectionary product preferably is not solid at this step. This is suitably carried out by filling the container with confectionary product with a temperature above the solidification temperature of the confectionary product, as the skilled person understands.

[0076] When the container is filled in step b), in step c) the lid of the container is positioned over the access area of the container. In this manner, typically, the skirt of the lid becomes located substantially parallel to the side wall of the container, thereby closing the container.

[0077] In the preferred case that the food product is a confectionary product to be frozen, when the lid is positioned over the access area of the container in optional step c), it may be preferred, that the container is turned, so that the lid takes the lowest position. Typically, this involves a turning of 180°. Turning the container allows the liquid or semi-liquid confectionary product to contact the cover part of the lid. It is typically moved towards the lid by gravity. In a step d), the temperature of the confectionary product is reduced below its solidification point. In this way, the confectionary product solidifies. The confectionary product is preferably cooled to a temperature of below 0 °C (e.g. 0 to-30°C), preferably of below -5°C (e.g. -5°C to -30°C), more preferably of below -10°C (e.g. (-10°C to -30°C), even more preferably of below -15 °C (e.g. - 15°C to -30°C), It typically solidifies while in contact with the covering surface of the lid. The solidification of the confectionary product, while in contact with the lid, provides additional traction force when the lid were to be removed from the container. Overcoming the traction force between the lid surface and the frozen confectionery product optimizes the effect of the tamper- evident measure in the lid. The force to overcome the traction distorts the shape of the skirt of the lid over at least one of its weakening lines, or causes at least one, typically two or even more of the weakening lines to tear, in particular those arranged perpendicular or diagonally arranged v.a.vthe cover part of the lid, thereby revealing to users that the lid has been tampered with.

[0078] Use

[0079] In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of a plurality of weakening, preferably perforation lines, in the skirt of the lid of a lid and container assembly to provide a tamperevidence attribute to the lid, wherein the assembly comprises a container and a lid, wherein the container contains a food product, preferably a frozen confectionary product. In the case that the food product is a frozen confectionary product, the frozen confectionary is preferably in contact with the cover part of the lid. The container has a bottom wall and a side wall that extends from the bottom wall and an access area opposite to the bottom area. The lid is paperbased, preferably comprises paperboard. The lid has a cover part for covering the access area of the container and a side part, a skirt, perpendicularly extending from the cover part. The skirt is preferably located substantially parallel to the side wall of the container. By the use of the plurality of weakening lines in the skirt, the need for a plastic tamper-evidence ribbon becomes redundant and the consumer does not need to remove part of the skirt over a tearing line, which in particular in the context of frozen confectionary packaging is prone to damage of the lid and introducing separate waste to be discarded.

[0080] Examples

[0081] The invention is now illustrated with several, non-limiting, examples.

[0082] Figure 1 shows by way of example, a lid according to the invention. The lid is paper-based and prepared from paper board, wherein the cover part is coated at the inside with polymer coating. The lid (1) has a cover part (3) and a skirt (5) that extends from the bottom edge (10) of the skirt to the upper edge (11) of the skirt. The skirt comprises 8 weakening lines (6), such as perforations that are consecutively positioned in the same plane as the cover part (3) of the lid. Four of these perforation lines are visible in Fig. 1 as dashed lines.

[0083] Figure 2 exemplifies a container (2) that is part of the lid and container assembly of the invention. The container is paper-based and a polymer coating is present at the inside of the bottom and side walls of the container. The container has an access area (9), and a bottom wall opposite thereof, and a side wall (8) that defines at the top side the access opening and extends between the bottom wall (7) and the access area (9). Around the access area, the side wall shows a top rim (12).

[0084] Figure 3 shows an example of a lid and container assembly of the present invention. In this example, the skirt (5) shows weakening lines (6) in the form of perforation lines, which are positioned in the same plane as the cover part (3) of the lid and also perpendicular to the cover part (3) of the lid. A debossing (13) (not visible) at the inside of the skirt accommodates the top rim (12) of the container The container contains ice cream that touches the cover part (3) of the lid.

[0085] Figure 4 shows an example of a lid of the invention, wherein the skirt shows a multitude of weakening lines (6) which are oriented perpendicularly v.a.v. the cover part (3) of the lid. The weakening lines extend from the bottom edge (10) to about 50% of the height of the skirt (Fig. 4a), or from the bottom edge (10) to 100% of the height of the skirt (Fig. 4b).

[0086] Figure 5 shows a lid according to the invention, wherein the skirt extends beyond its lowest point (bottom edge 10), upwards in the direction of the cover part (3), thereby forming a ‘hook’ (15). The ‘hook’ extends from bottom edge (10) to the distal part of the skirt (14). Weakening lines (6) in the form of perforation lines extend over the hook (15).

[0087] Figure 6 further illustrates the situation wherein the lid comprises a ‘hook’ in the skirt. It has been depicted, that the hook provides an additional barrier to separate the lid from the container (2), as upon lifting of the lid (1), the hook (15) prohibits further lifting by interfering with the top rim (12) of the container. When more traction is applied by a consumer, the weakening lines in the skirt of the lid are deformed and some may be even torn, leaving evidence that the lid has been tampered with or even has been opened.

[0088] Figure 7 further illustrates the situation wherein a lid of the invention comprises a ‘hook’, and further illustrates different patterns of weakening lines that facilitate the tamper-evidence mechanism wherein a ‘hook’ is employed.

[0089] Fig. 7A shows a scenario, wherein the skirt of the lid comprises in total two weakening lines (6) that are arranged perpendicularly to the cover part (3) of the lid, and one weakening line that is arranged parallel to the cover part of the lid, wherein the weakening lines have been depicted as dashed lines. Fig. 7B further illustrates the scenario as shown in Fig. 7A, wherein the lid has been turned 180°. It is shown that the two weakening lines (6) perpendicular to the cover part continue beyond the bottom edge (10) and run over the hook towards the most distal part of the skirt (14).

[0090] Fig. 7C illustrates the scenario wherein two perpendicularly arranged weakening lines are used, and no parallel weakening line. In the scenarios of Fig. 7A, 7B, and 7C, the two perpendicularly arranged weakening lines form an angle of 120° with respect to each other.

[0091] In the scenarios depicted in Figs. 7D, 7E, and 7F, a total of three weakening lines are present that are arranged perpendicular to the cover part (3) of the lid, indicated with dashed lines. The weakening lines form an angle of 60° with respect to each other.

[0092] In the situation depicted in Fig. 7D, a total of one weakening line is present that extends over part of the circumference of the skirt parallel to the cover part of the lid.

[0093] In the situation depicted in Figure 7E, no such horizontal / parallel weakening line is present.

[0094] In Fig. 7F, again three perpendicularly arranged weakening lines and one parallel weakening line (v.a.v. the cover part) is depicted. The parallel weakening line extends beyond the most outer perpendicular weakening lines, but more than 80% of the parallel weakening line is positioned between the two most outer perpendicular weakening lines.

[0095] In all scenarios depicted in figures 1 , and 3 to 7, when the consumer pulls the lid from the container, the weakening lines deform and / or break, leaving a part of the skirt deformed and showing that the lid has been tampered with. No part of the skirt needs to be removed and no plastic ribbon is needed to cover the skirt in order to provide tamper evidence.

Claims

Claims1 . A lid (1) to cover a container (2), for holding a food product, preferably a frozen confectionary product,• wherein the lid is paper-based, preferably wherein the lid comprises one or more of paper, paperboard, cardboard and composites that contain paper, preferably wherein the lid comprises paperboard,• wherein the lid comprises a cover portion (3) for covering the access area (9) of a container, and a skirt (5), extending circumferentially, preferably perpendicularly, from the cover portion, wherein the skirt (5) of the lid comprises a plurality of weakening lines (6) and wherein the skirt (5) of the lid comprises either:• from 3 to 30, preferably 5 to 30, preferably from 5 to 22 weakening lines that are oriented perpendicular to the cover portion (3),• or from 2 to 4, preferably from 2 to 3, weakening lines that are oriented perpendicular to the cover portion (3), and wherein the skirt extends beyond bottom edge (10) towards cover part (3).

2. The lid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of weakening lines (6) comprises weakening lines that are arranged perpendicular to, diagonal to, or parallel to the cover portion (3) of the lid or comprises a mixture of such lines, preferably comprises weakening lines oriented perpendicular to the cover portion of the lid.

3. The lid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the skirt (5) of the lid comprises• either from 3 to 30, preferably 5 to 30, more preferably from 5 to 22 weakening lines that are oriented perpendicular to the cover portion (3) and wherein the skirt ends at bottom edge (10),• or from 2 to 4, preferably from 2 to 3, weakening lines that are oriented perpendicular to the cover portion (3), and wherein the skirt extends beyond bottom edge (10) towards cover part (3).

4. The lid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the skirt (5) of the lid extends from a top lid edge (11) to a bottom edge (10), and extends beyond bottom edge (10) towards cover part (3).

5. The lid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the skirt (5) of the lid comprises either:• from 5 to 30, preferably from 5 to 22 weakening lines that are oriented perpendicular to the cover portion (3), and wherein the skirt ends at bottom edge (10),• or from 2 to 4, preferably from 2 to 3, weakening lines that are oriented perpendicular to the cover portion (3), and wherein the skirt extends beyond bottom edge (10) towards cover part (3).

6. The lid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lid comprises at least one weakening line (6) that is oriented parallel to the cover portion (3) of the lid, preferably 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 4, weakening lines that are parallel to the cover portion (3) of the lid.

7. The lid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of weakening lines comprises perforation lines.

8. A lid and container assembly comprising the lid (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and a container (2),• wherein the container (2) contains a food product, preferably a frozen confectionary product,• wherein the container (2) has a bottom wall (7) and a side wall (8) that extends from the bottom wall and an access area (9) opposite to the bottom wall (7).

9. A lid and container assembly according to claim 8, wherein the food product is a frozen confectionary product and wherein the frozen confectionary product is in contact with the cover portion (3) of the lid.

10. The lid and container assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the container is made from paperboard.11 . A process to manufacture a packaged food product, preferably a frozen confectionary product, wherein the process comprises the steps of: a) Providing a lid and container assembly comprising:• a container (2), wherein the container has a bottom wall (7) and a side wall (8) that extends from the bottom wall and an access area (9) opposite to the bottom wall, and• a lid, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lid is paper-based, preferably comprises paperboard, wherein the lid has a cover portion (3) for covering the access area (9) of the container and a skirt (5), extending circumferentially, preferably perpendicularly, from the cover portion (3), b) Filling the container (2) with food product, preferably with confectionary product that is in a liquid or semi-liquid state, c) Positioning the lid (1) over the access area (9) of the container, characterized in that the skirt (5) of the lid comprises a plurality of weakening lines (6), preferably comprising weakening lines oriented perpendicular to the cover portion of the lid.

12. The process according to claim 11 , wherein the food product is a frozen confectionary product and in step b) the container is filled with confectionary product that is in a liquid or semi-liquid state, and wherein the process further comprises the steps of: d) T urning the closed container resulting from step c), preferably 180 degrees, and allowing the confectionary product to contact the cover portion (3) of the lid (1), e) Solidifying the confectionary product while in contact with the covering surface of the lid.

13. The process according to claim 12, wherein step e) involves cooling the confectionary product to a temperature below the solidification temperature of the confectionary product.

14. The process according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the skirt (5) of the lid comprises from 3 to 30, preferably from 5 to 30, more preferably from 5 to 22 weakening lines that are oriented perpendicular to the cover portion (3), and preferably wherein the skirt ends at bottom edge (10).

15. Use of a plurality of weakening lines (6) in the skirt (5) of the lid (1) of a lid and container assembly to provide a tamper-evidence attribute,• wherein the lid and container assembly comprises a container (2) and a lid (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, the container comprising a bottom wall (7) and a side wall (8) that extends from the bottom wall and an access area (9) opposite to the bottom area, and the lid comprising a cover surface (3) and a skirt preferably perpendicularly extending from the cover surface,• wherein the container contains a food product, preferably a frozen confectionary product,• wherein the lid is paper-based, preferably wherein the lid comprises paperboard.

Images