Capsule for the preparation of a beverage

Abstract

A biodegradable and / or compostable capsule for use with a beverage preparation machine (10) for preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff thereof is disclosed. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body (1) and a closing membrane (2) for closing the cup-shaped body, both elements defining a closed cavity for a beverage and / or foodstuff ingredient, preferably roast and ground coffee, and a liner (20) or a coating having barrier function providing barrier function to the cup-shaped body. The cup-shaped body is made of cellulose-based material, preferably molded pulp-based material and comprises a bottom wall (4), a tubular lateral side wall (5), an annular flange (3) connected to the lateral wall for the closing membrane to seal thereon, and an outwardly extending rim portion (6) connected to the annular flange. The rim portion is made of cellulose-based material and comprises a curved and / or curled end portion (6A) comprising a treated region in which the cellulose-based material has a porosity that is less than 40%, preferably between 0% to 25%.

Description

[0001] CAPSULE FOR THE PREPARATION OF A BEVERAGE

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention concerns a capsule for the preparation of a beverage and / or foodstuff in a beverage preparation machine. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body made of a cellulose-based material, preferably pulp, and is biodegradable, preferably compostable.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Single-use capsules for preparing a beverage in a beverage production device are known in the art for several decades.

[0006] Containers or capsules made of cellulose-based material like paper or pulp are also known in the field of beverage preparation devices and machines. Materials made of cellulose paper or pulp are also known which can maintain the qualities of the beverage substance in the capsule, at least for a certain period of time.

[0007] These single-use capsules made of cellulose-based material provide a potential reduced environmental impact compared to capsules made of other materials.

[0008] Known cellulose-based made capsules are used in beverage preparation devices which comprise an enclosing member, being part of a capsule cage hosting the capsule during the beverage preparation process and a fluid injection device to inject water in the capsule for the preparation of the beverage.

[0009] It is essential that the engagement between the capsule and the enclosing member of the capsule cage be tight to provide efficient extraction of the beverage ingredient contained in the capsule. However, in the event that during engagement of the capsule with the beverage preparation machine the cellulose-based material of the capsule in contact with the extraction fluid has inflated due to fluid absorption, once the capsule cage is opened to release the capsule, the capsule may remain stuck in the brewing unit of the beverage preparation machine or may not be ejected correctly and may not fall in the capsule bin of the beverage preparation machine.

[0010] The present invention aims at improving the design and features of the known cellulose-based capsules, especially pulp-based capsules, for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation device to avoid the abovedescribed drawbacks.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] As used herein, the term "machine" or "device" may refer to an electrically operated device or machine that: can prepare, from a precursor material or ingredient, a beverage and / or foodstuff, or; can prepare, from a pre-precursor material, a precursor material that can be subsequently prepared into a beverage and / or foodstuff. The machine may implement said preparation by one or more of the following processes: dilution; heating; pressurisation; cooling; mixing; whisking; dissolution; soaking; steeping; extraction; conditioning; infusion; grinding, and other like process. The machine may be dimensioned for use on a work top, e.g. it may be less than 70 cm in length, width and height. As used herein, the term "prepare" in respect of a beverage and / or foodstuff may refer to the preparation of at least part of the beverage and / or foodstuff (e.g. a beverage is prepared by said machine in its entirety or part prepared to which the end-user may manually add extra fluid prior to consumption, including milk and / or water).

[0013] As used herein, the term "container" or "capsule" may refer to any configuration to contain the precursor material, e.g. as a single-serving, preportioned amount. The container may have a maximum capacity such that it can only contain a single serving of precursor material. The container may be single use, e.g. it is physically altered after a preparation process, which can include one or more of: perforation to supply fluid; for example a liquid like water, to the precursor material; perforation to supply the beverage / foodstuff from the container; opening by a user to extract the precursor material. The container may be configured for operation with a container processing unit of the machine, e.g. it may include a flange for alignment and directing the container through or arrangement on said unit. The container may include a rupturing portion, which is arranged to rupture when subject to a particular pressure to deliver the beverage / foodstuff. The container may have a membrane for closing the container. The container may have various forms, including one or more of: frustoconical; cylindrical; disk; hemispherical, and other like form. The container may be formed from various materials, such as metal or plastic or wood pulp based a combination thereof. The material may be selected such that it is: food-safe; it can withstand the pressure and / or temperature of a preparation process. The container may be defined as a capsule, wherein a capsule may have an internal volume of 5 - 100 ml. The capsule includes a coffee capsule, e.g. a Nespresso® capsule (including a Classic, Professional, Vertuo, Dolce Gusto or other capsules).

[0014] As a preference in the present invention, the beverage extraction device is a Nespresso® Original Line extraction machine as described for example in one or more of EP0512468A1, EP0512470A1, EP1654966A1 or EP2142054A1.

[0015] The Nespresso® Original Line system when used with capsule made of aluminium, are disclosed along with their opening system, for example, in one or more of EP0512468A1, EP0512470A1, EP1646305A1 or EP1165398A1. In these references, constructional, manufacturing and / or (beverage) extraction details of such aluminium capsules and / or closing members are also disclosed.

[0016] In such system, the capsule is intended to be inserted into an extraction device also known as beverage preparation device or machine, in which it can be pierced and injected with a fluid that passes through the bed of coffee contained in the capsule. The capsule is then opened against a supporting part of the device comprising raised elements (in the form of truncated pyramids) under the effect of the pressure of the fluid entering and rising in the capsule.

[0017] As used herein, the term "system" or "beverage or foodstuff preparation system" may refer to the combination of any two or more of: the beverage or foodstuff preparation machine; the container; the server system, and the peripheral device.

[0018] As used herein, the term "beverage" may refer to any substance capable of being processed to a potable substance, which may be chilled or hot. The beverage may be one or more of: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste. The beverage may include one or a combination of: tea; coffee; hot chocolate; milk; cordial; vitamin composition; herbal tea / infusion; infused / flavoured water, and other extractable substance. As used herein, the term "foodstuff" may refer to any substance capable of being processed to a nutriment for eating, which may be chilled or hot. The foodstuff may be one or more of: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste. The foodstuff may include yoghurt; mousse; parfait; soup; ice cream; sorbet; custard; smoothies; other substance. It will be appreciated that there is a degree of overlap between the definitions of a beverage and foodstuff, e.g. a beverage can also be a foodstuff and thus a machine that is said to prepare a beverage or foodstuff does not preclude the preparation of both.

[0019] As used herein, the term "precursor material" or "ingredient" may refer to any material capable of being processed to form part or all of the beverage or foodstuff. The precursor material can be one or more of a: powder; crystalline; liquid; gel; solid, and other. Examples of a beverage forming precursor material include ground coffee; milk powder; tea leaves; coco powder; vitamin composition; herbs, e.g. for forming a herbal / infusion tea; a flavouring, and; other like material. Examples of a foodstuff forming precursor material include dried vegetables or stock as anhydrous soup powder; powdered milk; flour-based powders including custard; powdered yoghurt or ice-cream, and; other like material. A precursor material may also refer to any pre-precursor material capable of being processed to a precursor material as defined above, i.e. any precursor material that can subsequently be processed to a beverage and / or foodstuff. In an example, the pre-precursor material includes coffee beans which can be ground and / or heated (e.g. roasted) to the precursor material.

[0020] As used herein, the term "fluid" (in respect of fluid supplied by a fluid conditioning system) may include one or more of a liquid, for example, water; milk; other.

[0021] As used herein the term "cellulosic", "cellulose-based material" or "cellulosic material" may refer to conventionally woody and / or non-woody materials, e. g. manila hemp, sisal, jute, bleached and unbleached soft wood and hard wood species. A cellulosic material may include a regenerated or reconstituted cellulose. As used herein the term "natural cellulosic material" may refer to conventionally woody materials, which are not regenerated. As used herein the term "reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material" may refer natural cellulosic material subject to processing that comprises reconstitution or regeneration, examples include rayon and lyocell.

[0022] As used herein the term "wood pulp" may refer to a lignocellulosic fibrous material, which may be prepared by mechanical or chemical separation of cellulose fibres from one or more of wood, fibre crops, paper or rags. As used herein the term "wet formed" may refer to a process of forming from an aqueous solution of fibres. The aqueous solution of fibres may be heated and pressed in a mould to set the material and remove water therefrom.

[0023] As used herein the term "wood pulp-based" may refer to the material or a portion of material forming the container which is one or more of: porous; fibrous; cellulosic; formed of cellulosic material; formed of natural cellulosic material; formed of reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material; non-woven; is composed entirely of or is a composition of wood pulp, and is wet formed. A thickness of the wood-based material may be 0.25 mm to 0.9 mm or about 0.5 mm. The wood-based material may be 200-400 gsm.

[0024] As used herein the term "non-woven" may refer to a fabric-like material which is not woven or knitted. A non-woven material may be made from bonded together fibres. As used herein the term "porous" may refer to material configured with interstices to transmit water (or other liquid) therethrough. As used herein the term "fibrous" may refer to material comprised of fibres, which may be present in one or more of the material constituents.

[0025] The capsule of the invention has the same design as a Nespresso® Original Line capsule and is preferably fully made (capsule body and delivery wall) of compostable material, preferably of cellulose-based material, more preferably of pulp-molded cellulose-based material. The capsule is in the form of a frustoconical cup and has for example a diameter of 2 - 5 cm and an axial length of 2 - 4 cm.

[0026] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the capsule may have other cross-section shapes, including square, other polygons, or elliptical; the closing member may be rigid or other non-membrane formation; the flange is alternatively connected to the upper surface of the closing member, e.g. by crimping; the sidewall is alternatively arranged, including with the reverse taper or is aligned to the depth direction, or is curved; the base is alternatively arranged, including with as flat or curved; the flange portion is connected to the storage portion rather than being integrally formed; the closing member is arranged as a storage portion, e.g. it comprises a cavity, and; the flange portion is omitted, e.g. the closing member connects directly to the storage portion.

[0027] As mentioned, the present invention aims at an improvement of the capsule design to facilitate the ejection of the known cellulose-based capsules from the brewing unit of a beverage capsule machine after extraction of the capsule. However the proposed solution should also be compatible with the brewing process of the capsule in the beverage preparation machine, including an effective and tight sealing between the capsule and the capsule cage of the brewing unit of the beverage preparation machine.

[0028] The invention as claimed in claim 1 is related to a biodegradable, preferably compostable capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation machine comprising a brewing unit. The capsule comprises a cupshaped body made of cellulose pulp and a closing membrane for closing the cupshaped body, and a liner or a coating having barrier function providing barrier function to the cup-shaped body.

[0029] The cup-shaped body and the closing membrane defines a closed cavity for holding a beverage or foodstuff ingredient.

[0030] The cup-shaped body comprises a bottom wall, a tubular side wall, an annular flange for the closing membrane to seal thereon and an outwardly extending rim portion connected to the flange.

[0031] In the context of the invention, the term "cellulose pulp" refers to a pulp comprising cellulose fibres in a percentage of at least 50% by weight, preferably ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

[0032] The term "cellulose fibres" refers to fibres having a wood and / or a wood free origin. The fibres, by way of non-limiting examples, are hard wood cellulose fibres, soft wood cellulose fibres, wheat fibres, corn fibres, bagasse fibres, bamboo fibres, hemp fibres, cotton fibres, other similar vegetable or plant fibres, or a combination thereof.

[0033] The cup shaped body of the capsule is preferably obtained by moulding in a mould a dry or wet, preferably wet, cellulose pulp.

[0034] According to the invention, the rim portion of the capsule is made of cellulose-based material and comprises a curved and / or curled end portion which comprises a treated region. For instance, the rim portion of the cup-shaped body is integrally made with the annular flange. As claimed, the cellulose-based material of the treated region has a porosity that is less than 40%, preferably between 0% to 25%.

[0035] Porosity (or void fraction) is defined as a measure of the void (i.e. "empty") spaces in a material and is a fraction of the volume of voids over the total volume. It is here expressed as a percentage between 0% and 100%.

[0036] In use, the end portion of the rim portion which comprises the treated region cooperates with specific elements of the capsule cage and the claimed porosity of the treated region may prevent the capsule from being stuck inside the capsule cage of beverage preparation machine and participates in the ejection of the capsule from the capsule cage.

[0037] Depending on the needs and on the area of interaction between the capsule and the brewing unit of the beverage preparation machine, the treated region may extend over the entire rim portion or may be limited to a portion of the rim portion.

[0038] According to a proposed feature, the treated region is a compressed region, preferably the compressed region is in a glassy state.

[0039] As a proposal, the treated region is obtained by compressing at least a portion of the rim portion with a force comprised between 17 kN and 45 kN during at least 1 to 2 seconds at a temperature between 150 and 220°C.

[0040] Due to the compression, the treated region has a reduced thickness compared to other portions of the cup-shaped body that are not treated, said treated region having a thickness that is comprised between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0041] Additionally, due to the compression, the density of the cellulose- based material at the treated region is comprised between 0.7 g / cm3 and 1.8 g / cm3. The local density of the cellulose pulp is generally higher than the one of side wall and of the annular flange which participates in having a capsule having portions associated with the different functions required for a capsule to be correctly extracted in a beverage preparation machine. This specific characteristic of the cellulose pulp density of the treated region ensures that the capsules does not tilt during its ejection from the capsule cage of the brewing unit of the beverage preparation machine.

[0042] Lastly, the treated region includes one or more of the following material properties compared to a portion of the cup-shaped body that is not treated:

[0043] - reduced water absorbency;

[0044] - increased brittleness;

[0045] - increased stiffness;

[0046] - reduced thickness, and;

[0047] - transitioning the cellulose-based material to a glassy state.

[0048] This is advantageous in that, thanks to its reduced thickness and water absorbency, it avoids the rim portion to stick to any parts of the capsule holder or enclosing member of the capsule cage. It further allows the capsule to be correctly handled by capsule catchers and capsule ejectors of the brewing unit.

[0049] In addition to the rim portion comprising the treated region, the cellulose-based annular flange of the cup-shaped body comprises:

[0050] - A first portion connected to the side wall in which the cellulose- based material has a porosity comprised between 30% and 70%, preferably between 50% and 70%, said first portion is integral with the annular flange and cooperates with an edge of a capsule enclosing member of the beverage preparation machine for improving leak tightness during the preparation of the beverage and / or

[0051] - A second portion adjacent to and outwardly extending from the first portion, said second portion has a porosity of the cellulose-based material that is less than 40%.

[0052] It is to be noted that the first portion of the annular flange extends from the lateral wall of the cup-shaped body, onto the annular flange, and is integral with both the lateral wall and the annular flange of the capsule. In the present case, there is no additional element / part glued or sealed onto the annular flange avoiding additional post forming steps in the production of the capsule.

[0053] As mentioned, the cellulose-based material of the first portion of the annular flange has a porosity comprised between 30% and 70%, preferably between 50% and 70% which in use, during the cooperation between he first portion of the annular flange cooperates with an edge of a capsule enclosing member of the beverage preparation machine participates to improving leak tightness during the preparation of the beverage.

[0054] The first portion of the annular flange having specific porosity extends on the annular flange, over a radial distance (dl) comprised between 0.4 mm to 0.9 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 0.75 mm. Furthermore, the first portion extends directly from the side wall.

[0055] The proposed radial extension and the location of the first portion of the annular flange ensure that the edge of a capsule enclosing member of the beverage preparation machine will interact with the defined portion of the annular flange during use of the capsule in the beverage preparation machine. The annular flange and the first portion of the annular flange also ensure, in use, an alignment in the capsule cage of the brewing unit.

[0056] Additionally, the first portion has a thickness comprised between 0.9 mm and 1.5 mm. The thickness of the first portion is greater than the thickness of the side wall and of the rim portion. It ensures full and efficient contact between the capsule and the edge of the enclosing member during closure of the capsule cage. Advantageously, this cooperation between the edge of a capsule enclosing member and the first portion of the annular flange improves the leak tightness during the preparation of the beverage.

[0057] According to a further feature, the first portion of the annular portion has a density of the cellulose-based material comprised between 0.2 g / cm3 and 0.4 g / cm3 bringing localized softness for the interaction with the edge of the enclosing member.

[0058] Turning to the second portion of the annular flange, the second portion is adjacent to and outwardly extending from the first portion. Said second portion may have a thickness comprised between 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm and may extend over a radial distance (d2) comprised between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm starting from the first portion.

[0059] Particularly, as mentioned, the second portion may have a porosity of the cellulose-based material comprised that is less than 40%, that may be compared to the porosity of the treated portion of the rim portion.

[0060] Hence, the second portion of the annular flange may work as a transition between the first portion of the annular flange and the rim portion.

[0061] In particular, the treated region may extend partly or totally onto the second portion of the annular flange, the second portion forming a transition area between the first portion of the annular flange and the rim portion.

[0062] This, therefore, provides a smooth transition in the material characteristics between the first portion of the annual flange and the rim portion which are portions interacting with different elements of the brewing unit and completing different functions that needs opposite technical features.

[0063] According to one possible feature, the closing membrane of the capsule is biodegradable and / or home compostable and integrates at least one of a filter layer, a carrier layer, and a gas and / or water vapor barrier layer. Conventionally, the closing membrane is connected to the annular flange of the capsule, on the side of the cup body opening i.e. on its side opposite to the first and second portions.

[0064] In more details, the closing membrane is preferably made as a laminate of multiple material layers having different and specific properties. The closing membrane preferably integrate at least one of a filter layer, a carrier layer and a gas and / or moisture barrier layer. It is preferably made of biodegradable and most preferably of compostable materials, so it is itself biodegradable and / or compostable

[0065] The closing membrane may be flat, i.e., non- formed in a three- dimensional shape so as to be sealed onto the rim portion of the annular flange of cup shaped body opening, opposite the portion of the annular flange having specific roughness properties, after the capsule is filled with an ingredient, preferably a beverage ingredient.

[0066] According to a further embodiment, the capsule may comprise a barrier layer attached at the inner and / or outer surface of the cup shaped body made of cellulose pulp. Hence, preferably, after the cup shaped body of the capsule is moulded, the "barrier liner" mentioned above is laminated on the inside and / or outside surface of said body.

[0067] The barrier liner is preferably a gas and / or water vapor barrier liner. In particular the barrier liner is barrier to oxygen.

[0068] The barrier liner is made of one, preferably several layers.

[0069] The barrier liner is made of a known mono or multilayer polymeric liner, comprising preferably for example a polymer of non-fossil origin or a BioSource polymer, and is attached to the inner surface of the cellulose pulp cup shaped body of the capsule.

[0070] A preferred multilayer barrier liner comprises a core layer having oxygen and / or water vapor barrier properties, surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing said barrier liner to the cellulose pulp material, and preferably a second external sealing layer for sealing a closing membrane, in order to close the capsule after it has been filled with an ingredient.

[0071] Preferably, the barrier to oxygen / moisture or water for both the closing membrane and the cup shaped body is selected to provide a sufficient shelf life depending on the nature of the beverage ingredients. For coffee, for example, the shelf life expected may be of 12 months.

[0072] Preferably, the cavity delimited by the capsule body and the closing membrane of the capsule is essentially oxygen-free and water vapor free and the empty space is saturated with an inert gas such as nitrogen, carbon oxide and combinations thereof which also participate in increasing the shelf life of the capsule. Preferably, the capsule has an internal pressure of gas above atmospheric pressure, due to the gas contained in the coffee and emanating in the cavity after sealing, such as carbon oxide and dioxide.

[0073] As mentioned, preferably, the cup shaped body, its barrier liner and / or the closing membrane are made of home compostable materials. The capsules according to the invention are normally meant to be recycled in recycling processes that are organized at official recycling facilities according to national regulations (for instance in paper recycling streams, or in general garbage recycling or treatment streams). However, in case the capsule is placed in nature, in a household compostable waste or in a landfill, said capsules are designed with materials that are naturally ready to be degraded by bacteria and in conditions of temperature and humidity that are naturally present in nature. In this way, it is ensured that such capsules will not stay in nature and will naturally disappear within a short period of time (a few weeks in principle) within the conditions defined by home compostability standards.

[0074] More precisely, home compostability is now well defined on a national level and mainly based on international standard EN 13432; therefore, they do not require to be further defined in-depth in the present specification. Materials or products compliant with these standards can be recognized by a conformity mark stating their home compostability. Some examples of home compostability certifications at a national level include, but are not limited to, the following. The certifier TUV AUSTRIA BELGIUM offers such a home compostability certification scheme, and DIN CERTCO offers a certification for home compostability according to the Australian standard AS 5810. Italy has a national standard for composting at ambient temperature, UNI 11183:2006. In November 2015, the French Standard "NF T 51-800 Plastics - Specifications for plastics suitable for home composting" was introduced. This standard is covered in the DIN CERTCO scheme.

[0075] Preferably but not exclusively, the capsule of the invention is a single use coffee capsule.

[0076] The invention also discloses a system comprising a capsule as described according to the invention a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff thereof. The beverage preparation machine of the system comprises:

[0077] - a capsule holder portion for holding the capsule on the side of the closing membrane;

[0078] - a capsule enclosing member for maintaining the capsule inside the beverage preparation machine, the capsule enclosing member, when enclosing the capsule, comprising an edge interacting with the portion of the annular flange having specific surface roughness characteristics for improving leak tightness during the beverage preparation;

[0079] - a liquid injection means for feeding liquid in the capsule;

[0080] - a processing unit for processing the ingredient material of the capsule, the processing unit comprising a penetrator element for piercing the bottom wall of the capsule, and;

[0081] - an electrical circuitry to control the processing unit.

[0082] Hence, the beverage preparation machine preferably comprises a capsule holder for receiving and tightly enclosing the capsule, a pressurized liquid supply system for supplying this liquid inside the capsule. Devices and machines of this type are for example those usually used for the extraction of traditional Nespresso® capsules. According to the invention, the use of a capsule as above described in a beverage preparation machine is also disclosed.

[0083] The preparation of the beverage is obtained by mixing of the fluid substance with an ingredient contained in the capsule. Preferably, the ingredients are chosen within the list of roast and ground coffee, compacted or not, soluble powder coffee or leaf tea. Dairy ingredients (e.g., milk or creamer) could also be provided, as well as chocolate, fruit juices, soups, vegetable juices, bouillons, smoothies, purees, coulis, creams, chicory, barley, culinary aid, soup ingredient, infant formula or a combination thereof, in powdered soluble form, liquid concentrated form having various viscosities or in gel form.

[0084] Most preferably, the beverage ingredients are roast and ground coffee.

[0085] The capsule of the invention may typically interact with a beverage and / or food preparation machine (device), such as by being fed with a diluent, preferably a fluid (e.g., hot, cold or ambient water) in the container; such diluent mixes, or interacts otherwise, with the beverage ingredients. With the expression "mixing of the diluent with the beverage ingredient(s)" it should be intended that all the ingredients contained in the capsule are in a form which is compatible with a generic mixing operation (dissolution, extraction or infusion) with the diluent to obtain the beverage product.

[0086] The present invention also proposes a method for preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff thereof from a beverage and / or foodstuff ingredient of a capsule according to the invention in a beverage preparation machine, the method comprising:

[0087] Inserting a capsule in a beverage preparation machine comprising a capsule holder portion and a capsule enclosing member forming a capsule cage, the capsule enclosing member comprising an edge portion interacting in a fluid- tight manner with a portion of the annular flange of the capsule,

[0088] - penetrating the cellulose pulp bottom wall of the capsule with a penetrator element of said machine to provide fluid inlets,

[0089] - supplying conditioned fluid to the beverage and / or foodstuff ingredient of the capsule via the fluid inlets,

[0090] - processing the beverage and / or foodstuff ingredient,

[0091] - releasing the capsule from both the capsule holder portion and the capsule enclosing member by opening of the capsule cage, and

[0092] - directing the capsule towards the ejection channel of the beverage preparation machine.

[0093] Such biodegradable / compostable capsule, system and method ensure a complete and efficient extraction of the capsule with an optimised consumer experience both in relation to the sensory profile of the coffee and to the processing of the capsule in the beverage preparation machine.

[0094] The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some embodiments to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and / or proceeding embodiments may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further embodiments. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description of Embodiments, Brief Description of Figures, and Claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0095] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the description of the presently preferred embodiments which are set out below with reference to the drawings in which:

[0096] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a capsule according to the present invention.

[0097] Figure 2 is a side view of the capsule of Figure 1.

[0098] Figures 3A and 3B are schematic and partial longitudinal sectional view of the capsule of Figure 1 when it is enclosed in a capsule enclosing member of a beverage preparation machine before and after interaction of the enclosing member with the capsule of figure 1.

[0099] Figure 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cup-shaped body of the capsule presenting the variation of the porosity of the material on the different portions of the cup-shaped body.

[0100] Figure 4B is an enlarged view of the portion of Figure 4A indicated by arrow Wl.

[0101] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view presenting the interaction of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation machine with the capsule's portion presented in Figure 4B.

[0102] Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-section of a brewing unit of a beverage preparation machine in which the capsule cage hosts a capsule. Detailed description of the invention

[0103] Before describing several embodiments of the system, it is to be understood that the capsule, system and method of the invention are not limited to the details of construction or process steps set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the capsule, the system and the method of the invention are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

[0104] The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations in reference to the above presented Figures:

[0105] In Figures 1 to 5, a proposed embodiment of a capsule C according to the invention, for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation machine, is shown. The capsule aims at being inserted inside the beverage preparation machine to be extracted as visible in Figure 3A and 3B. This capsule as presented in detail in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a cup-shaped body 1 opening at a first end and a closing membrane 2 (in Figure 2) for closing the cup-shaped body 1 at the opening location.

[0106] The cup-shaped body 1 is made of cellulose-based material, cellulose pulp in the proposed embodiments, and is therefore biodegradable, preferably compostable.

[0107] The term "cellulose pulp" refers to a pulp comprising cellulose fibres in a percentage higher than 50% by weight, preferably ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

[0108] The term "cellulose fibres" refers to fibres having a wood and / or a wood free origin. The fibres, by way of non-limiting examples, are: hard wood cellulose fibres, soft wood cellulose fibres, wheat fibres, corn fibres, bagasse fibres, bamboo fibres, hemp fibres, cotton fibres, other similar vegetable or plant fibres, or a combination thereof.

[0109] The cup shaped body of the capsule is preferably obtained by moulding in a mould a dry or wet, preferably wet, cellulose pulp. Alternatively, the cup-shaped body 1 may be shaped from a sheet made of cellulose pulp, by deforming it into a mould to confer to the sheet the desired cup shape, as usual for the skilled person.

[0110] The cup-shaped body 1 comprises at least a bottom wall 4 (closing the cup-shaped body at its second end), a tubular lateral wall 5, an annular flange 3 connected to the lateral wall 5 for the closing membrane 2 to seal thereon and an outwardly extending rim portion 6 connected to the annular flange 3.

[0111] As can be seen in the Figures 1 and 2, the cup-shaped body 1 is preferably revolutionary symmetrical. Preferably, the tubular wall 5 has a frustoconical shape, with a circular cross section and with an increasing diameter towards the annular flange 3.

[0112] Preferably, the lateral tubular wall 5, when seen in a side view (shown in Figure 2), is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis A of the cup-shaped body 1, in a first inclination direction Ml (shown in Figures 2 and 4B).

[0113] The bottom wall 4 preferably comprises a first inclined wall 4A and a second wall 4B, so as to delimit a shallow concave volume. The first inclined wall 4A preferably has a frustoconical shape, with a circular cross section and with an increasing diameter towards the lateral wall 5. The second wall 4B is preferably flat (as shown in Figure 2) or convex (from the point of view of the cavity 1A, i.e., protruding internally towards the cavity 1A - see Figure 4A).

[0114] The cup-shaped body 1 also comprises stiffening portions 7, which are disposed between the lateral side wall 5 and the bottom wall 4 to stiffen the cup-shaped body of the capsule. In particular, the stiffening portions 7 aim at stiffening the bottom wall 4 that constitutes a perforation region to be perforated by one or more penetrator element 12 (shown in Figures 3A and 3B) of the beverage preparation machine.

[0115] The annular flange 3 comprises a first portion 3A having specific surface characteristics and a second portion 3B adjoining the first portion 3A. Furthermore, the annular flange 3 comprises on its side facing the opening of the cup-shaped body 1 a flat surface 3C for the closing membrane 2 to be sealed onto.

[0116] The rim portion 6 outwardly extends from the second portion 3B of the annular flange 3, as a curved and / or curled extension 6A.

[0117] The lateral wall 5, the annular flange 3 and the rim portion 6 are integral and parts of the cup-shaped body 1. They are therefore made of the same material and are biodegradable, preferably compostable.

[0118] In the proposed embodiments, the cup-shaped body is made of moulded cellulose pulp. The thickness of the lateral wall 5 is ranging from 0.35 to 0.65 mm.

[0119] This portion 3A is integral with both the lateral wall 5 and said annular flange 3 of the capsule. Hence, portion 3A is also made of cellulose pulp.

[0120] The cellulose-based material of the first portion 3A of the annular flange 3 has a porosity comprised between 30% and 70%, preferably between 50% and 70%.

[0121] An indication of the porosity of the different portions of the capsule body 1 is indicated schematically in Figures 4A, 4B and 5. The porosity of the different portions are indicated with different hatches.

[0122] In Figure 4A, a cross section of the cup-shaped body 1 showing the porosity of its different portions is proposed. Figure 4B is an enlarged view of the are indicated with an arrow in Figure 4A.

[0123] As mentioned, the porosity is a measure of the void spaces in the material, and the higher the porosity is, the higher the void spaces are. In the present case where the material of the cup-shaped body is moulded pulp, the porosity of the second portion 3A is important meaning that at this location, the mould pulp is able to retain water in the void spaces.

[0124] Porosity may generally be measured using one of the following methods, the below list being non-exhaustive. - Direct methods (determining the bulk volume of the porous sample, and then determining the volume of the skeletal material with no pores (pore volume = total volume - material volume).

[0125] - Optical methods (e.g., determining the area of the material versus the area of the pores visible under the microscope).

[0126] - Computed tomography method using industrial CT scanning to create a 3D rendering of external and internal geometry, including voids and then implementing a defect analysis utilizing computer software.

[0127] - Imbibition methods, i.e., immersion of the porous sample, under vacuum, in a fluid that preferentially wets the pores.

[0128] - Water saturation method (pore volume = total volume of water - volume of water left after soaking).

[0129] - Water evaporation method (pore volume = (weight of saturated sample - weight of dried sample) / density of water).

[0130] The first portion 3A is intended to cooperate with an edge 8 of a capsule enclosing member 9 of a beverage production machine 10 as shown in Figures 3A, 3B and 5.

[0131] When the capsule is inserted inside the beverage preparation machine 10, at least one edge 8 of a capsule enclosing member 9 of the beverage preparation machine 10 cooperates with the first portion to provide a tight engagement. In fact, in use, this cooperation, thanks to the specific surface characteristics of the first portion 3A of the annular flange 3 allows improving leak tightness between said enclosing member 9 and the capsule 1 during the preparation of the beverage during the preparation of the beverage.

[0132] This high porosity of (the cellulose pulp material) of the first portion 3A allows not only the edge 8 of the enclosing member 9 to contact efficiently the annular flange 3 (at the location of the first portion 3A) by penetrating the material of the first portion 3A but also to absorb water that stands in the capsule cage further to injection of water within the capsule by the beverage preparation machine. The first portion 3A as part of the annular flange 3 is positioned proximate the side wall 5 and in continuity with the side wall 5.

[0133] The first portion 3A extends on the annular flange 3 over a radial distance dl comprised between 0.4 mm and 0.9 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 0.75 mm and is generally in close continuity with the side wall 5 of the cupshaped body 1.

[0134] The thickness of the cellulose pulp at the location of the first portion 3A is comprised between 0.9 mm and 1.5 mm and is greater than the thickness of the side wall 5.

[0135] In addition to the porosity characteristics as above presented, the material density of the cellulose pulp of the first portion 3A of the annular flange 3 is comprised between 0.20 g / cm3 and 0.40 g / cm3, preferably between 0.25 g / cm3 and 0.35 g / cm3.

[0136] In the context of the invention, the term "density" refers to the "volumetric mass density" of a material, which is the mass per volume unit of this material. In the present case, the material is a cellulose-based material, especially a pulp-based material having a grammage around 350 g / m2.

[0137] The given characteristics of the first portion 3A of the flange allows the edge 8 of the enclosing member 9, upon closure of the capsule cage, penetrating the first portion 3A when the capsule cage is closed. For example, the edge 8 is penetrating the first portion 3A to a depth that may be comprised between 0.4 mm to 0.7 mm depending on the thickness and softness of the cellulose-based material of the first portion 3A.

[0138] This detailed interaction is shown in Figure 5 in which the edge 8 of the enclosing member 9 has entered into the cellulose pulp material of the first portion 3A of the annular flange.

[0139] This is ensuring a contact of the edge 8 of the enclosing member 9 with the first portion 3A over an optimized surface to improve the tightness between the enclosing member 9 of the capsule cage and the capsule. In the proposed cellulose pulp molded capsule, the controlled porosity of the first portion 3A of the annular flange 3 is hence important to improve the cooperation between the enclosing member 9 and the capsule and therefore to avoid leakage between the capsule cage of the beverage machine and the capsule.

[0140] This specific porosity of the cellulose pulp of the first portion 3A of the annular flange 3 may be obtained using different methods.

[0141] For example, in a possible method, specific control of the molding parameters may lead to having portions of the capsule body with different density and therefore porosity.

[0142] In another proposed method, the use of a molding device having different molding parts that can be pressed and compacted according to different pressing and compacting parameter may lead to having portions of the capsule body with different thickness, density and porosity.

[0143] As a conclusion, the shape, the dimensions, the porosity and the density of the first portion 3A of the annular flange 3 guarantee tightness during the beverage preparation. Tightness is achieved through local interaction, for example by compaction and / or deformation of the cellulose pulp of the portion 3A (as shown in Figure 4A).

[0144] The second portion 3B of the annular flange is outwardly extending from and in continuity with the first portion 3A and could be considered as an intermediate portion between the first portion 3A of the annular flange and the rim portion 6.

[0145] The second portion 3B extends over a radial distance d2 comprised between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm starting from the first portion 3A and has a thickness ranging from 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0146] As the thickness of the first portion 3A which ranges from 0.9 mm to 1.5 mm is greater than the thickness of the second portion 3B which ranges from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, a step is present between the first portion 3A and the second portion 3B. The physical properties of the second portion 3B are tuned to limit the interaction with the enclosing member 9 in order to ease separation of the capsule from the enclosing member at the end of the extraction process.

[0147] The density of the second portion 3B is comprised between 0.45 and 1.8 g / cm3 and its porosity is less than 40%.

[0148] The difference in porosity and in density of the cellulose pulp material between the first portion 3A and the second portion 3B is presented in a schematic way in the drawings as particularly visible in Figures 4B and 5 using different hatches. However, the transition from one porosity / density to another may not be as sharp as represented but may most probably be more progressive.

[0149] As mentioned, and presented in the Figures, the rim portion 6 is the most outwardly extending portion of the capsule body 1. It is positioned in continuity of the second portion 3B of the annular flange 3 and therefore is integral with the annual flange 3 and side wall 5 and hence made of cellulose-based material.

[0150] The end portion 6A is represented as a curved portion in the Figures, however it may be of different and alternative geometry. For example a curled portion.

[0151] Furthermore, the rim portion 6 comprises an end portion 6A which comprises a treated region 6B.

[0152] As presented in the Figures, the treated portion extends over the entire rim portion 6. However it may extend on a limited region of the rim portion 6.

[0153] In the treated region 6B, the cellulose pulp is compressed. The level of compression may vary depending on the needs and may reach a level where the cellulose pulp undergoes a physical modification to transition and reach a glassy state.

[0154] Hence, when compared to a portion of the cup-shaped body that is not treated, for example the side wall 5 of cup-body 1 and / or the first portion 3A of the annular flange 3, the treated region 6B has a reduced thickness as well as a reduced porosity and water absorbency.

[0155] In the treated portion 6B, the cellulose-based material has a porosity that is less than 40%, preferably between 0% to 25% meaning that the pulp material is less permeable than the first portion 3A of the annular flange 3.

[0156] Due to the compression, the thickness of the treated region is comprised between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm which is more than 45% less than the first portion 3A of the annular flange 3.

[0157] In the treated region 6B, the density of the cellulose-based material greater than 0.7 g / cm3, preferably comprised between 0.7 g / cm3 and 1.8 g / cm3. The treated region 6B hence results in being stiffer and more brittle which is an advantage for the ejection of the capsule from the capsule cage once the capsule has been extracted.

[0158] As a preference, the treated region 6B encompass the entire rim portion 6, including the end portion 6A with the curved area.

[0159] The treated region 6B may be obtained by compressing the rim portion with a force comprised between 17 kN and 45 kN during at least 1 to 2 seconds at a temperature between 150 and 220°C.

[0160] The use of a mold having a specific compression portion, that may be heated, to specifically compress the region to be treated is a possible process to obtain the treated region 6B during the wet moulding process of the cup-shaped body 1.

[0161] Alternatively, a post processing compression step may be implemented after molding of the cup-shaped body 1.

[0162] As visible in Figures 4B and 5, the treated region 6B also extends to the second portion 3B of the annular flange 3 meaning that the rim portion 6 including the curved portion 6A and the second portion 3B are both treated, thereby becoming part of the treated region 6B. However, it is also possible for the treated region 6B to extend only partly onto the second portion 3B of the annular flange 3.

[0163] In the course of the preparation of a beverage and / or foodstuff thereof from the beverage and / or foodstuff ingredient of the proposed capsule in the beverage preparation machine,

[0164] • the capsule is first inserted in the beverage preparation machine which as presented comprises a capsule holder portion 11 and a capsule enclosing member 9, the capsule enclosing member 9 comprising at least an edge portion 8 interacting in a fluid-tight manner with a portion 3A of the annular flange 3 of the capsule,

[0165] • the cellulose pulp bottom wall 4 of the capsule is then pierced by one or more penetrator element 12 of said machine to provide fluid inlets,

[0166] • the machine further supplies conditioned fluid, generally water via liquid injection means 13 of the beverage preparation machine 10, to the beverage and / or foodstuff ingredient, generally roast and ground coffee, of the capsule via the fluid inlets, and

[0167] • the beverage and / or foodstuff ingredient is then processed by the beverage machine and extracted to provide the consumer a beverage, generally coffee.

[0168] In connection with Figures 3A, 3B (which are schematic view of the brewing unit) and with Figure 6, the beverage preparation machine 10 comprises the movable enclosing member 9 and the capsule holder 11 in the form of a support plate for supporting the closing membrane 2 of the capsule. In detail, the enclosing member 9 is movable from an initial position (not shown), which allows the introduction of the capsule in the beverage preparation machine, and a brewing position.

[0169] Figure 3B shows the brewing position whereas Figure 3A shows an intermediate position in which the capsule cage is closing onto a capsule and Figure 6 shows a position in which the capsule cage is opening after the capsule has been extracted.

[0170] In Figure 3B the enclosing member 9 and the support plate 11 tightly enclose the capsule. In this configuration, a processing unit (not shown) comprising an electrical circuitry (not shown) controls the injection of pressurized liquid by the liquid injection means 13 into the capsule through inlet openings formed by one or more penetrator element 12 of the beverage preparation machine 10.

[0171] In the present embodiment the (three) penetrator elements 12 are designed for piercing the bottom wall 4 of the cup-shaped body 1. Upon liquid injection into the capsule and pressure increase inside the capsule, the closing membrane comes into interaction with the support plate 11 which opens the closing membrane and allows the beverage to flow out of the capsule.

[0172] Once the extraction is finished, and as visible in more detail in Figure 6, during the closure of the capsule cage, the capsule is hooked by capsule catchers 14 of the enclosing member 9 and once the extraction of the capsule is finished, the capsule cage opens and the enclosing member 9 steps back. During the opening, the capsule catchers 14 ensure that the capsule does not remain stuck onto the capsule holder 11 of the capsule cage. Further, the capsule rim portion 6 encounters capsule ejectors 15 of the brewing unit and the capsule is fully released and fall in the ejection channel 16. The capsule can then fall by gravity into the capsule bin (not shown) of the beverage preparation machine.

[0173] The operation of the beverage preparation machine 10, as well as the technical features of its various components, are well known to the skilled person and therefore will not be described in further detail.

[0174] Thanks to the treated region 6B of the rim portion 6, there is no sticking of the capsule rim portion 6 onto any parts of the capsule cage and the release of the capsule operates without any tilting of the capsule which allows the capsule to directly drop into the capsule bin (not represented). The closing membrane 2 of the cellulose pulp-based capsule C is made in a known material, for example, it may integrate biodegradable polymeric film layers. The closing membrane 2 is made of at least a home compostable polymer so that it is possible to throw it and more preferably also the cup shaped body in the household compostable waste.

[0175] The closing membrane 2 may be flat, i.e., non-formed in a three- dimensional shape.

[0176] The closing membrane 2 is not specifically detailed in the Figures however, to ensure an optimised extraction it may be conceived as a laminate comprising at least, a carrier layer, a filter layer and a gas (oxygen for example) and / or moisture barrier layer.

[0177] The closing membrane 2 preferably further comprises a sealing layer oriented towards the cavity 1A of the cup-shaped body 1.

[0178] As usual, the closing membrane 2 may take a convex form, i.e., protruding externally with respect to the cavity 1A, (as shown in Figure 2) if the capsule has an internal pressure of gas above atmospheric pressure.

[0179] The closing membrane 2 is sealed onto the annular flange 3 on the side of the cup shaped body opening, in order to close the capsule after it is filled with the beverage ingredient.

[0180] As can be seen in the Figures (see Figures 4A, 4B and 5), the cup shaped body 1, made of molded cellulose pulp, comprises a barrier layer 20, the barrier layer 20 is at least barrier to oxygen and is made of at least one, preferably several layers. The barrier liner 20 may also integrate a moisture / water vapor barrier function.

[0181] Preferably, after the cup shaped body 1 of the capsule is moulded and the barrier liner 20 is attached in a known manner to the inner surface of the cellulose pulp cup shaped body. However, for example, the barrier liner 20 is laminated on the inside and / or outside surface of said body.

[0182] Preferably the barrier liner 20 is made of at least a home compostable polymer, so that it is possible to throw the capsule or at least the cupshaped body in the household compostable waste.

[0183] Preferably the multilayer barrier liner comprises a core layer having oxygen and / or water vapor barrier properties, surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing said barrier liner to the cellulose pulp material.

[0184] The barrier liner, by way of non-limiting examples, may comprise one or more of following layers:

[0185] - an outermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected within the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA / bioPBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivates, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA), or a combination thereof,

[0186] - a first tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin,

[0187] - a barrier layer comprising a polymer selected within the list of: butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, a polyglycolide (PGA) or a combination thereof,

[0188] - a second tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin,

[0189] - an innermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected within the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivates, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA) or a combination thereof.

[0190] Preferably the barrier liner 20 is provided at all the inner surfaces of the cup-shaped body 1, such as to delimit at least the entire cavity 1A for housing the beverage substance. The barrier liner 20 is made of a known mono or multilayer polymeric liner, comprising for example a polymer of non-fossil origin or a BioSource polymer, and is attached to the inner surface of the cellulose pulp cup shaped body of the capsule.

[0191] As an alternative (not represented), the cup-shaped body may comprise a coating integrating an oxygen and / or water vapor barrier material.

[0192] Preferably, the barrier to oxygen / water vapor for both the closing membrane and the cup shaped body is selected to provide a sufficient shelf life depending on the nature of the beverage ingredients. For coffee, for example, the shelf life expected may be of 12 months.

[0193] Preferably, the cup shaped body 1, the closing membrane 2 and the barrier liner 20 are made of home compostable materials (for example in one or more of the materials listed above) so, that it is possible to throw this body it in the household compostable waste.

[0194] Hence, as previously mentioned, the complete capsule is fully biodegradable, most preferably compostable.

[0195] In the proposed system, the capsule C is interacting with the beverage preparation machine 10 as previously described.

[0196] The capsule C and the edge 8 of the enclosing member 9 of the beverage preparation thanks to the properties of the first portion 3A of the annular flange 3, are interacting with an improved leak tightness during the beverage preparation.

[0197] Furthermore, thanks to the treated region 6B of the rim portion 6, the capsule after extraction does not stick onto any parts of the capsule cage so that the capsule is correctly ejected and removed from the capsule cage. In addition, due to the increased local density of the treated region 6B (compared to the other portions of the capsule body 1), tilting of the capsule in / at the entrance of the ejection channel is reduced and the capsule falls directly into the capsule bin (not shown) of the beverage preparation machine.

[0198] With the use of the proposed cellulose-based pulp molded capsule the tight interaction between the beverage preparation machine and the capsule is increased and thereby there is no, or at least reduced, additional liquid (water) falling into the prepared beverage.

[0199] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments of the capsules described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention covered by the appended claims.

[0200] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word 'comprising' does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps then those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an." The same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, example or claims prevent such a combination, the features of the foregoing embodiments and examples, and of the following claims may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an "ex post facto" benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of the example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of the claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase "in one embodiment", "according to an embodiment" and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to 'an', 'one' or 'some' embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and / or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment.

[0201] The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various implementations of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A capsule for use with a beverage preparation machine (10) for preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff thereof, the capsule is biodegradable and / or compostable and comprises: a cup-shaped body (1) and a closing membrane (2) for closing the cup-shaped body (1), the cup-shaped body (1) and the closing membrane (2) defining a closed cavity for holding a beverage and / or foodstuff ingredient, preferably roast and ground coffee, and a liner (20) or coating having barrier function providing barrier function to the cup-shaped body (1); said cup-shaped body (1) is made of cellulose-based material, preferably pulp-base material, and comprises a bottom wall (4), a tubular lateral side wall (5), an annular flange (3) connected to the lateral wall (5) for the closing membrane (2) to seal thereon, and an outwardly extending rim portion (6) connected to the annular flange (3), characterized in that the rim portion (6) is made of cellulose-based material and comprises a curved and / or curled end portion (6A) comprising a treated region (6B) in which the cellulose-based material has a porosity that is less than 40%, preferably between 0% to 25%.

2. The capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the rim portion (6) is integrally made with the annular flange (3) which is also made of cellulose-based material.

3. The capsule according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the treated region (6B) extends over the entire rim portion (6) or is limited to a portion of the rim portion (6).

4. The capsule according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the treated region (6B) is a compressed region, preferably in a glassy state.

5. The capsule of any of the preceding claims, wherein the treated region (6B) includes one or more of the following material properties compared to a portion of the cup-shaped body that is not treated:- reduced water absorbency;- increased brittleness;- increased stiffness;- reduced thickness, and;- transitioning the cellulose-based material to a glassy state.

6. The capsule of any of the preceding claims, wherein the treated region (6B) has a reduced thickness compared to any portion of the cup-shaped body that is not treated, said treated region (6B) having a thickness that is comprised between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm.

7. The capsule according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the treated region has a density of the cellulose-based material comprised between 0.7 and 1.8 g / cm3.

8. The capsule according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the treated region (6B) is obtained by compressing at least a portion of the rim portion (6) with a force comprised between 17 kN and 45 kN during at least 1 to 2 seconds at a temperature between 150 and 220°C.

9. The capsule according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the annular flange(3) comprises:- A first portion (3A) connected to the side wall (5) in which the cellulose- based material has a porosity comprised between 30% and 70%, preferably between 50% and 70%, said first portion (3A) is integral with the annular flange (3) and cooperates with an edge (8) of a capsule enclosing member (9) of the beverage preparation machine (10) for improving leak tightness during the preparation of the beverage and / or- A second portion (3B) adjacent to and outwardly extending from the first portion (3A), said second portion (3B) has a porosity of the cellulose- based material that is less than 40%.10.The capsule according to claim 9, wherein the treated region (6B) extends partly or totally onto the second portion (3B) of the annular flange (3).11.The capsule according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cup-shaped body 1 is made of cellulose pulp comprising cellulose fibres in a percentage of at least 50% by weight, preferably ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.12.The capsule according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closing membrane (2) is biodegradable and / or home compostable and integrates at least one of a filter layer, a carrier layer and a gas and / or moisture barrier layer and wherein, the closing membrane (2) is connected to the annular flange (3) opposite to the first and second portions (3A, 3B).13.A system comprising a capsule according to anyone of claims 1 to 12 and a beverage preparation machine (10) for preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff thereof, the machine including:- a capsule holder portion (11) for holdingthe capsule on the side of the closing membrane (2);- a capsule enclosing member (9) for maintaining the capsule inside the beverage preparation machine, the capsule enclosing member (9), when enclosing the capsule, comprising an edge (8) interacting with the portion (3A) of the annular flange (3) for improving leak tightness during the beverage preparation;- a liquid injection means (38) for feeding liquid in the capsule;- a processing unit for processing the ingredient material of the capsule, the processing unit comprising the one or more penetrator element (12) for piercing the bottom wall (4) of the capsule, and;- an electrical circuitry to control the processing unit.

14. Use of the capsule of any of claims 1 to 12 for the system of claim 13.

15. A method for preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff thereof from a beverage and / or foodstuff ingredient of a capsule according to anyone of claims 1 to 12 in a beverage preparation machine, the method comprising:• Inserting a capsule in a beverage preparation machine comprising a capsule holder portion (11) and a capsule enclosing member (9) forming a capsule cage (10), the capsule enclosing member (9) comprising an edge portion (8) interacting in a fluid-tight manner with a portion (3A) of the annular flange (3) of the capsule,• penetrating the cellulose pulp bottom wall (4) of the capsule with one or more penetrator element (12) of said machine to provide fluid inlets,• supplying conditioned fluid to the beverage and / or foodstuff ingredient of the capsule via the fluid inlets,• processing the beverage and / or foodstuff ingredient,• releasing the capsule from both the capsule holder portion (11) and the capsule enclosing member (9) by opening of the capsule cage (10), and• directing the capsule towards the ejection channel (16) of the beverage preparation machine (10).

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