Container for product of food industry

Abstract

To provide a container for products of the food industry.SOLUTION: A container 1 comprises: a wall comprising a paper-based layer; a polymer layer metallized on at least one side, preferably a polyester layer metallized on at least one side, more preferably a polyethylene terephthalate (mPET) layer metallized on at least one side; and a lamination layer joining the barrier layer to the paper-based layer, the lamination layer having a basis weight of at most 20 grams per square meter, i.e. gsm, preferably at most 15 gsm, more preferably at most 12 gsm, more preferably at most 10 gsm, more preferably at most 8 gsm, more preferably at most 6 gsm, more preferably at most 5 gsm and most preferably at most 4 gsm.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for products in the food industry. In particular, the present invention relates to a container for products in the food industry that includes a wall portion, wherein the wall portion includes a layer that can increase the paper share of the container.

Background Art

[0002] Today, containers for packaging various food products are widely used. They are particularly useful for maintaining food products in a desired state so as to reduce their decomposition. Such containers are used, for example, for potato chips or other chips, dried food powders, coffee, powdered milk, tobacco, etc.

[0003] In particular, composite material containers in the shape of cans are widely used. These containers have a rigid tubular body, an openable top closure for the tubular body, and a bottom closure for the tubular body that is permanently attached to the tubular body.

[0004] To meet customer requirements, such containers must exhibit certain characteristics. For example, they should be rigid enough to be handled properly. Further, they should have sufficient sealing ability, sufficient mechanical integrity, and a low coefficient of friction (COF). The COF represents the level of friction that the packaging material has when interacting with various parts of the packaging machine. Further, such containers should have a high share of paper in order to improve recyclability.

[0005] In the prior art, attempts have been made to meet these requirements.

[0006] The body of a prior art container typically consists of a multi-layer liner that includes a paper layer, such as a kraft layer for mechanical stability and a barrier layer. The bottom of the container is typically made of a metal plate. Usually, the top closure of the container is provided so that an opening occurs in the paper layer of the container body.

[0007] The solutions proposed in the prior art have several drawbacks.

[0008] For example, the wall portion of the container is made of a plurality of different materials. Therefore, they are difficult to recycle. Furthermore, the share of paper may not be optimal for facilitating processing in the paper recycling stream. This can cause an increase in waste and have harmful environmental impacts. Additionally, the top closure of the container may not be optimally matched to the body of the container to facilitate peeling of the top closure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] In view of the above drawbacks, in order to address the above drawbacks, it is important to provide an improved container with a wall portion. Against such a background, an object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the above drawbacks. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0010] The above object is achieved, at least in part, according to the invention of the independent claims, by a container for a product of the food industry having a wall portion, a method for manufacturing such a wall portion of a container, and a container for a product of the food industry. Further aspects of the present disclosure are defined in the dependent claims. Since the container for a product of the food industry having a wall portion, the method for manufacturing such a wall portion of a container, and the container for a product of the food industry all relate to the same application, it will be understood that the advantages and / or features are applicable compatibly.

[0011] Container with a wall portion In particular, the object is a container for products in the food industry, comprising: a paper-based layer; a barrier layer which is a polymer layer coated with metal on at least one side, preferably a polyester layer coated with metal on at least one side, more preferably a polyethylene terephthalate (mPET) layer coated with metal on at least one side; a lamination layer joining the paper-based layer and the barrier layer, and a wall portion including the lamination layer having a basis weight of at most 20 gsm, preferably at most 15 gsm, more preferably at most 12 gsm, more preferably at most 10 gsm, more preferably at most 8 gsm, more preferably at most 6 gsm, more preferably at most 5 gsm, and most preferably at most 4 gsm, is achieved by the container.

[0012] Thus, the container according to the present disclosure provides the advantage that it is not substantially necessary to use aluminum in the container. This improves the recyclability and reduces the environmental impact, while the performance characteristics of the container can be maintained or increased.

[0013] Furthermore, the overall share of paper in the container can be increased, which is due to the paper-based layer, the barrier layer and the lamination layer. This has the advantage of improved recycling as it can save time, labor and cost of separating different materials that cannot be recycled together. In one particular example, the container can be recycled by mechanical recycling, which can be a very efficient recycling process.

[0014] The paper-based layer improves the mechanical stability and integrity of the container. Thereby, the container has sufficient mechanical properties to withstand impacts due to handling and / or environmental influences. Furthermore, the paper share of the container is increased by the paper-based layer.

[0015] The barrier layer can enable a barrier that prevents any kind of fluid and / or particles from passing through the barrier layer at least partially. Examples of the fluid and / or particles include, but are not limited to, water vapor, moisture, oxygen, mineral oil, and / or grease. This can extend the shelf life of the items within the container. Therefore, this has the potential to prevent food waste. Furthermore, the barrier layer can also improve the protection against environmental impacts. The metal-coated surface of the barrier layer can be either of the two surfaces of the barrier layer, i.e., the surface facing the paper-based layer or the surface facing the opposite side. Preferably, the metal-coated surface of the polymer layer faces the paper-based layer. This has the advantage that the polymer can protect the metal-coated surface from damage that may occur during normal use of the container.

[0016] The lamination layer helps to hold together two layers, for example, a paper-based layer and a barrier layer. Thus, it will be understood that the lamination layer is disposed between the paper-based layer and the barrier layer. The lamination layer can be understood as a bonding layer. In some cases, it may also be understood as an adhesive layer. The lamination layer described herein has the significant advantage that it can be made thinner than in the prior art. This reduces the amount of polymer, saves materials, and increases the paper share of the container.

[0017] In particular, the inventors have found that the application of a metal-coated polymer as a barrier layer provides the advantage of reducing the basis weight of the lamination layer. The reduction in the basis weight of the lamination layer can, while ensuring sufficient bonding between the paper-based layer and the barrier layer, provide a more cost-effective container.

[0018] Various types of lamination processes can be applicable and are surely encompassed by the present disclosure. For example, thermal lamination using an adhesive or ultrasonic lamination can be applied.

[0019] It should be noted that the wall portion may further comprise additional layers and / or elements and is not limited to the layers specified herein. For example, one or more additional kraft liners etc. may be present. The wall portion may be any wall portion of the container, or may be at least a part of the wall portion of the container. The wall portion can be the side wall portion, the top wall portion and / or the bottom wall portion of the container.

[0020] The container can store any type of product. Examples of the product include, but are not limited to, potato chips or other chips, food powders such as dried food powders, coffee, powdered milk, tobacco, crisp food products, snacks, nuts, etc. The container may optionally have the shape of a can. The container may be a paper-based spiral wound can.

[0021] It should not be understood that the container is required to be in a closed or fully closed configuration. Rather, the container simply must have a wall portion that can have additional layers. Thereby, any structural configuration having a wall portion (wherein the structural configuration can be used as a container, for example, can be used as a container by further processing steps for a container with a wall portion) is encompassed herein.

[0022] Overall, the container including the wall portion improves the packaging of various products in the food industry, improves the performance of the packaging, and reduces the ecological impact.

[0023] Preferably, the barrier layer is a polymer layer with metal coating on both sides, preferably a polyethylene terephthalate (mPETm) layer with metal coating on both sides.

[0024] A polymer layer with metal coatings on both sides, especially polyethylene terephthalate with metal coatings on both sides (mPETm), has the advantage that high barrier performance can be achieved even when the metal-coated parts can be damaged. Such damage can occur during use, machining, and / or deformation, etc. The metal-coated parts of mPETm have the advantage of providing a high barrier. The polymer of the polymer layer with metal coatings on both sides, such as PET, may protect any one of the metal-coated parts. As a result, the polymer layer with metal coatings on both sides increases protection and barrier performance.

[0025] Furthermore, optimal bonding of the lamination layer and / or the sealing layer may be provided by the polymer layer with metal coatings on both sides. In particular, when the sealing layer is an extrusion coating layer, this can improve the bonding to the metal-coated surface of mPETm. This has been found to be more advantageous than bonding to the PET surface.

[0026] Typically, in the prior art, such mPETm is not used because there are technical difficulties in providing such a polymer layer with metal coatings on both sides. This may be applicable because two separate metal coating operations need to be performed. The inventors have enabled the avoidance of this problem.

[0027] Preferably, the polymer of the polymer with at least one side and / or both sides metal-coated is selected from the list including polyester and polyolefin. Optionally, the polyester includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene furanoate (PEF), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polylactide (PLA), etc. Optionally, the polyolefin includes polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), etc.

[0028] It is advantageous that substantially any polyester and / or polyolefin can be used for the polymer of the barrier layer. Polyester has been shown to be particularly advantageous. The use of polyolefin as the polymer of the barrier layer can also be advantageous. In some cases, rather polyester should be used because polyester has improved performance compared to polyolefin in providing a barrier against mineral oil, providing temperature stability by heat, and / or providing abrasion resistance.

[0029] PET is very tough and provides a fairly high stretchability, which has further advantages. In particular, PET enables the improvement of the curling area in the top part of the container. In this way, it results in a larger area and thus the sealing can be improved.

[0030] It will also be understood that according to the present invention, biodegradable polyesters can be used. As used herein, the term "biodegradable" can be understood as plastics that can be decomposed by the action of organisms. An example of such a biodegradable polyester can be PHB, which is particularly attractive due to its compostable properties. It should be noted that the use of PLA as yet another example of a biodegradable polyester is becoming increasingly important because it can be economically manufactured from renewable resources.

[0031] Overall, the polymers used for the barrier layer according to the present disclosure can facilitate a more economically efficient process and can make a valuable contribution to higher sustainability.

[0032] Preferably, the barrier layer has a thickness of at most 30 μm, preferably at most 25 μm, more preferably at most 20 μm, more preferably at most 18 μm, more preferably at most 16 μm, more preferably at most 14 μm, and most preferably at most 12 μm. Optionally, the barrier layer has a thickness of at least 0.5 μm, preferably at least 1 μm, preferably at least 2 μm, more preferably at least 3 μm, more preferably at least 4 μm, more preferably at least 5 μm, and most preferably at least 6 μm.

[0033] The reduced thickness has the advantage that the polymer share is reduced while maintaining high barrier performance. In particular, the reduced thickness and high barrier performance can be ensured by a polymer layer coated with metal on one or both sides. In some cases, the thickness can be made quite low (e.g., 0.5 μm), which may be suitable for condensation films.

[0034] Preferably, the paper-based layer has a basis weight of at most 400 grams per square meter, i.e., gsm, preferably at most 300 gsm, more preferably at most 200 gsm, more preferably at most 150 gsm, more preferably at most 90 gsm, more preferably at most 80 gsm, more preferably at most 70 gsm, more preferably at most 60 gsm, more preferably at most 50 gsm, and most preferably at most 40 gsm, and / or the paper-based layer has a basis weight of at least 10 gsm, preferably at least 14 gsm, more preferably at least 16 gsm, more preferably at least 18 gsm, more preferably at least 20 gsm, more preferably at least 25 gsm, more preferably at least 30 gsm, more preferably at least 35 gsm, and most preferably at least 40 gsm.

[0035] This has the advantage of ensuring high stability and mechanical integrity. Furthermore, since the share of paper is quite high, good recyclability is brought about. In the example where the wall portion of the container is a bottom wall portion as described elsewhere in this specification, the paper-based layer has a rather high value in the range of, for example, 150 to 400 gsm, particularly in the range of 180 to 250 gsm. When the said wall portion is a side wall portion or a top wall portion, the basis weight may typically be lower.

[0036] Preferably, the lamination layer has a basis weight of at least 0.5 gsm, preferably at least 1 gsm, more preferably at least 1.5 gsm, more preferably at least 2 gsm, more preferably at least 2.5 gsm, and most preferably at least 3 gsm.

[0037] The said lower limit of the basis weight of the lamination layer has the advantage that sufficient material may be available for bonding. This improves the mechanical connection between the paper-based layer and the barrier layer.

[0038] These basis weights of the lamination layer have been proven to be sufficient to provide sufficient mechanical stability on the one hand (a high basis weight may be desirable), while on the other hand, the use of the said material is maintained at a moderate level (a low basis weight may be desirable). Thus, the inventors have found that an optimal ratio should be given.

[0039] Preferably, the wall portion of the container further includes a sealing layer, and the said sealing layer is an ionomer, preferably wear-resistant, extrusion coating layer for at least partially sealing the container, and is preferably arranged adjacent to the barrier layer on the surface of the barrier layer facing away from the paper-based layer. Preferably, the said ionomer, preferably wear-resistant, extrusion coating layer contains polyamide (PA), particularly polyamide 6.

[0040] Generally, the ionomer extrusion coating layer can be of any structure. In particular, a wear-resistant (AR) extrusion coating layer can be used. As an example, the ionomer AR can be an ionomer having about 10-30% polyamide (PA). As a further example, the ionomer AR can be a sodium ionomer having about 10-30% polyamide.

[0041] In one example, the ionomer AR can be identified by itself through a transport test. For example, by counting the leaks of the container, when the leaks are sufficiently low and / or lower than the upper threshold value, the ionomer can be determined to be the ionomer AR. Typically, generally known ionomers have a fairly high upper threshold value.

[0042] The sealing layer can act as a seal for the interior of the container. The sealing layer promotes a low coefficient of friction (COF), which provides significant advantages with respect to machinability and / or processing. The sealing layer may have a lower melting temperature than the remaining layers (for example, PET can have a fairly high melting temperature). This promotes sealing, for example, by hot sealing. Thereby, the integrity of the remaining layers of the container is promoted.

[0043] The sealing layer may be disposed adjacent to the barrier layer so as to form the layer facing the interior of the wall portion.

[0044] As described elsewhere herein, in the top wall portion of the container, different and / or more specific ionomers may be used compared to the side wall portion and / or bottom wall portion of the container.

[0045] Preferably, the sealing layer has a basis weight of at most 40 grams per square meter, i.e., gsm, preferably at most 35 gsm, more preferably at most 30 gsm, more preferably at most 28 gsm, more preferably at most 26 gsm, more preferably at most 24 gsm, and most preferably at most 22 gsm, and / or the sealing layer has a basis weight of at least 2 gsm, preferably at least 4 gsm, more preferably at least 6 gsm, more preferably at least 8 gsm, more preferably at least 10 gsm, and most preferably at least 12 gsm.

[0046] The upper limit of the basis weight of the sealing layer has the advantage that while still ensuring the performance of the layer, such as low COF, high sealing ability, and / or sufficient integrity of the container, the weight of the sealing layer can be reduced. Thus, further, the thickness of the sealing layer can be reduced while maintaining sufficient resistance to sharp objects to be filled.

[0047] An ionomer abrasion-resistant (AR) extrusion coating sealing layer having such a basis weight can further enhance these advantages. Ionomer AR can enhance abrasion resistance and reduce the basis weight of the sealing layer to a minimum. This can reduce the risk of damaging the barrier performance that can occur, for example, by sharp objects placed within the container.

[0048] Ionomer AR can be particularly useful for the wall portions described herein and / or for the bottom wall portion of the container when the side wall portion of the container (for example, when the container has a can shape, the tubular side wall portion).

[0049] Preferably, the lamination layer comprises or consists essentially of a polyolefin, where optionally, the polyolefin includes polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and where preferably, the lamination layer consists of PE or an ethylene copolymer or terpolymer.

[0050] These materials have the advantage that they are readily available and easily processed. Furthermore, they contribute to the adequate bonding of the layers and the mechanical integrity of the container.

[0051] An example of a suitable copolymer can be ethylene methacrylic acid (EMAA). Furthermore, EMAA may contain a low acid content, for example less than about 2% or less than about 3%.

[0052] Bottom wall portion In a preferred embodiment of the container described herein, the wall portion is a bottom wall portion, where the paper-based layer is a cardboard-based layer; the lamination layer is a polyethylene (PE) layer; here, the lamination layer has a basis weight of at most 25 gsm, preferably at most 20 gsm, preferably at most 18 gsm, more preferably at most 16 gsm, most preferably at most 15 gsm, and / or at least 2 gsm, preferably at least 4 gsm, more preferably at least 6 gsm, more preferably at least 8 gsm, more preferably at least 10 gsm.

[0053] The bottom wall portion of the container typically stands on the ground during normal use of the container. However, if the container is rotated, for example, by about 180 degrees, the bottom wall portion may face away from the ground, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0054] The cardboard-based layer provides sufficient rigidity and mechanical integrity. Furthermore, it thereby increases the share of paper.

[0055] It will be understood that the lamination layer referred to herein by the bottom wall portion corresponds to the lamination layer as described elsewhere in this specification and further includes additional limitations by the bottom wall portion. Accordingly, the same advantages as described elsewhere are applicable to the bottom wall portion. The same applies to all remaining layers even in the case where it is not explicitly referred to by the bottom wall portion but only by the wall portion of the container.

[0056] In various examples, the lamination layer can have a basis weight of, for example, 11, 12, 13, or 14 gsm.

[0057] In various examples, the PE can include one or more anchorage additives. The anchorage additives can be a mixture for improving the wear resistance and adhesion of a coating, such as a cured coating. The mixture of anchorage additives can include reactive silanes. Further, the PE can be a coextruded layer with an ethylene copolymer or terpolymer. Any copolymer or terpolymer can be suitable. An example of a suitable copolymer can be ethylene methacrylic acid (EMAA).

[0058] Preferably, the paper-based layer of the bottom wall portion has a basis weight of at most 400 grams per square meter, i.e., gsm, preferably at most 350 gsm, more preferably at most 320 gsm, more preferably at most 300 gsm, more preferably at most 280 gsm, more preferably at most 260 gsm, and most preferably at most 250 gsm, and / or the paper-based layer of the bottom wall portion has a basis weight of at least 60 gsm, preferably at least 100 gsm, more preferably at least 120 gsm, more preferably at least 140 gsm, more preferably at least 160 gsm, and most preferably at least 180 gsm.

[0059] The higher the value of the basis weight of the paper-based layer, the higher the fiber content and the better the recyclability.

[0060] It should be noted that the bottom wall portion of the container typically stands on the ground during normal use. Thus, the increased basis weight of the paper-based layer, i.e., the paperboard-based layer, has the advantage of improving the overall stability. This can be the case because the wall portion in contact with the ground has increased stability and supports the rest of the container.

[0061] Top wall portion In a preferred embodiment of the container described in this specification, the wall portion is a top wall portion, and the top wall portion further includes a sealing layer having a peeling coating such that the peeling force of the sealing layer of the top wall portion is at least 2N / 15mm, preferably at least 3N / 15mm, more preferably at least 4N / 15mm, most preferably at least 5N / 15mm, and / or at most 30N / 15mm, preferably at most 25N / 15mm, more preferably at most 20N / 15mm, more preferably at most 15N / 15mm, more preferably at most 10N / 15mm, most preferably at most 8N / 15mm; wherein the paper-based layer is a paper layer, preferably a kraft paper layer, more preferably a machine-gloss finished kraft paper layer.

[0062] This has the advantage that a fairly high peeling force is provided to the top wall portion. This ensures sufficient rigidity and integrity of the container. The top wall portion described in this specification is particularly advantageous when used in combination with the wall portion described in this specification which is the side wall portion of the container. This is because substantially the same materials are used for the top wall portion and the side wall portion. Thereby, the surfaces can be firmly joined to each other during heating. Thus, when the container is transported, a substantially safe housing is provided for any item inside the container. Further, the sealing layer having a specified peeling force has the advantage that the top wall portion can be easily peeled off when, for example, a consumer wants to access the inside of the container.

[0063] The top wall portion facilitates convenient access for the consumer and supports the ability to easily open the container without tearing the container at an unwanted location. This ensures the integrity of the container. Further, it is possible to ensure the sealing to the wall portion which is the side wall portion of the container.

[0064] Any suitable material can be used for the peeling coating of the sealing layer. For example, one or more blends, such as ionomers containing fillers, PE, PP, PB, can be used.

[0065] Machine-glazed supercalendered kraft paper provides high rigidity and durability. Furthermore, it provides a very high gloss on one side of the kraft paper.

[0066] The top wall portion can also be referred to as a film. The top wall portion may be provided so that it can be removed from the container. For example, this can enable consumer-friendly access to the interior of the container.

[0067] Metal coating of the barrier layer of the top wall portion, particularly double-sided metal coating (e.g., mPETm), has the advantage of being able to improve the optical density. This facilitates minimizing the undesirable scrap rate during optical sensor control for film sealing integrity.

[0068] It will be understood that the top wall portion corresponds to the wall portion as described elsewhere in this specification and further includes additional limitations specifically recited by the top wall portion. Accordingly, the same advantages as described elsewhere are applicable to the top wall portion.

[0069] The top wall portion of the container typically faces away from the ground during normal use. However, if the container is rotated, for example, by about 180 degrees, the top wall portion may stand on the ground as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0070] Preferably, the sealing layer of the top wall portion has a basis weight of at most 45 grams per square meter, i.e., gsm, preferably at most 40 gsm, more preferably at most 38 gsm, more preferably at most 36 gsm, more preferably at most 34 gsm, more preferably at most 32 gsm, and most preferably at most 30 gsm, and / or the sealing layer of the top wall portion has a basis weight of at least 10 gsm, preferably at least 12 gsm, more preferably at least 14 gsm, more preferably at least 16 gsm, more preferably at least 18 gsm, and most preferably at least 20 gsm.

[0071] In various examples, the sealing layer of the top wall portion has a basis weight of 27 gsm.

[0072] In various examples, the barrier layer has a thickness of at least 7 μm, preferably at least 8 μm. This has proven to be particularly advantageous for the top wall portion.

[0073] Method The object is further a method for manufacturing a wall portion of a container, for example of the container described herein, the method comprising the following steps: - providing a paper-based layer; - providing a barrier layer which is a polymer layer coated with metal on at least one side, preferably a polyester layer coated with metal on at least one side, more preferably a polyethylene terephthalate (mPET) layer coated with metal on at least one side, - providing a lamination layer; - joining the paper-based layer and the barrier layer using the lamination layer; comprising the lamination layer having a basis weight of at most 20 gsm, preferably at most 15 gsm, more preferably at most 12 gsm, more preferably at most 10 gsm, more preferably at most 8 gsm, more preferably at most 6 gsm, more preferably at most 5 gsm, most preferably at most 4 gsm, achieved by the method.

[0074] It will be understood that the substantially same advantages and features referred to with respect to the wall portion of the container equally apply to the method for manufacturing the wall portion of the container. Further, the features may be combined and / or applied interchangeably to aspects, embodiments and examples of the container and the method respectively. Each advantage of the method is described herein with respect to the container.

[0075] Preferably, the method includes further method steps so as to provide the features referred to in the context of the container.

[0076] Container This object is further achieved by a container for products of the food industry, comprising: a side wall as described herein (i.e., described as a wall herein), optionally further comprising one or two kraft liners and printed clay-coated kraft paper, arranged adjacent to the paper-based layer towards the outer surface of the container; a bottom wall as described herein, which at least partially contacts the bottom edge of the side wall; and a top wall as described herein, which at least partially contacts the top edge of the side wall. The respective advantages of the container for products of the food industry are described herein with respect to the container comprising the wall.

[0077] In various examples of the container described herein, the container has a tubular shape such as a can, the wall of the container is a tubular side wall, optionally the bottom wall is a disc-shaped bottom wall, and optionally the top wall is a disc-shaped top wall. In this way, the container provides a user-friendly shape, which facilitates the user to easily grip the container. Of course, other shapes of the container are also possible and are fully encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0078] In various examples of the container described herein, the container comprises a paper-based material of at least 70% by mass, preferably at least 75% by mass, more preferably at least 80% by mass, more preferably at least 85% by mass, more preferably at least 90% by mass, and most preferably at least 95% by mass. The mass of the paper-based material can be understood as the paper share described elsewhere herein.

[0079] In various examples of the container described herein, the wall, optionally the bottom wall, and further optionally the top wall do not contain aluminum.

[0080] In various examples of the containers described herein, the barrier layer may have a water vapor barrier of less than about <1 gram / square meter / day (after deformation). This may apply under tropical conditions, for example, at 38°C and 90% relative humidity.

[0081] In various examples of the containers described herein, the barrier layer may have an oxygen barrier of less than about 2 cubic centimeters / square meter / day / bar. This may apply under conditions of about 23°C and 50% relative humidity.

[0082] Brief Description of the Attached Embodiments In the following, the preferred embodiments will be described as mere examples. Refer to the following attached drawings:

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0083]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

[0084] Detailed Description of the Embodiments Definition The expression "paper share" can additionally or alternatively be understood as fiber share, e.g., cellulose fibers derived from wood, fiber crops, paper scraps or cloth scraps. Typically, the expression "paper share" relates to the share based on the total mass of the container for products of the food industry. For example, a paper share of 95% means that 95% of the mass of the container is paper-based or is paper. It will be understood that the contents within the container do not contribute to the weight of the container as intended herein.

[0085] The basis weight referred to herein is the areal density of the product, i.e., the mass per unit area. In the context of the present disclosure, the basis weight is expressed in grams per square meter (g) (g / m 2 ), i.e., gsm.

[0086] An ionomer can be a polymer composed of repeating units of electrically neutral units and ionized units. The ionized units can be covalently bonded to the polymer. In one example, the ionized unit can be a carboxylic acid group.

[0087] The coefficient of friction (COF) is a dimensionless number defined as the ratio between the frictional force and the normal force. A low COF of a layer and / or material facilitates their handling, e.g., when pull belts are used for handling such layer and / or material.

[0088] "Polyolefin" or "polyolefins" are polymers of the type having the general formula (CH2CHR) n (wherein R is an alkyl group). They are sometimes called polyalkenes.

[0089] As used herein, "PE" refers to polyethylene. As used herein, "PP" refers to polypropylene. As used herein, "PA" refers to polyamide. As used herein, "PET" refers to polyethylene terephthalate. As used herein, "PBT" refers to polybutylene terephthalate. As used herein, "PHB" refers to polyhydroxybutyrate. As used herein, "PLA" refers to polylactide. As used herein, "PEF" refers to polyethylene furanoate.

[0090] Figure Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be outlined mainly with reference to the above figures. Of course, other embodiments are possible, and it should be noted that the following description is provided only by way of example without limitation. Furthermore, the present invention can also be used in other embodiments not explicitly disclosed below. Furthermore, as will be detailed below, the embodiments are compatible with each other, and the individual features of one embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0091] Throughout this specification and the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be scaled at a constant ratio, and the relative sizes, ratios, and depictions of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.

[0092] Terms such as "one end", "the other end", "outer side", "upper side", "above", "inner side", "lower side", "below", "horizontal", "vertical", "coaxial", "center", "end", "portion", "length", "outer end", etc., which indicate orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings.

[0093] When used in the present invention to indicate relative positions in space, terms such as "above", "on", "below", "beneath", etc. are used for the purpose of facilitating the description of the containers, wall portions, parts, components, and / or features shown in the drawings in relation to other containers, wall portions, parts, components, and / or features.

[0094] The term "relative position in space" is intended to include various orientations of containers, wall portions, parts, components and / or features other than those shown in the figures. For example, if the containers, wall portions, parts, components and / or features in the figure are turned over, the containers, wall portions, parts, components and / or features described as "below" or "beneath" another container, wall portion, part, component and / or feature will be "above" the other container, wall portion, part, component and / or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both upward and downward directions.

[0095] Containers, wall portions, parts, components and / or features can be oriented in other ways (rotated by 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or other orientations), and the spatial descriptions used herein are explained accordingly. More specifically, the term "above" means that one container, wall portion, part, component and / or feature is relatively arranged or configured in the outer direction of the container, wall portion, part, component and / or feature with respect to another container, wall portion, part, component and / or feature, and the term "below" means that one container, wall portion, part, component and / or feature is relatively arranged or configured in the inner direction of the container, wall portion, part, component and / or feature with respect to another container, wall portion, part, component and / or feature.

[0096] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a container 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen, the container 1 has the shape of a can. The container 1 can store any kind of product, such as potato chips (potato chips) or other chips (chips), food powder, such as dry food powder, coffee, powdered milk, tobacco, crispy food, snacks, nuts, etc. The container 1 may be a paper-based spiral can. The container may include a side wall portion (A), a bottom wall portion (B), and a top wall portion (C). The top wall portion can facilitate the opening of the container 1 so that consumers can access the inside of the container 1.

[0097] As can be seen, the container 1 has a tubular shape such as a can. The side wall portion of the container 1 is a tubular side wall portion. The bottom wall portion is a disc-shaped bottom wall portion, which brings about the closure of one end of the side wall portion. The top wall portion is a disc-shaped top wall portion, which brings about the closure of the other end of the side wall portion. In the configuration as shown in FIG. 1, the container 1 is disposed substantially vertically. However, when rotated, the container may be disposed horizontally or in any other direction.

[0098] In FIG. 1, the bottom wall portion of the container 1 stands on the ground, which can typically be the case during the normal use of the container 1. In this case, the bottom wall portion is disposed at the lower end in the vertical direction of the side wall portion. The top wall portion is disposed at the upper end in the vertical direction of the side wall portion.

[0099] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a wall portion (A) of a container for a product in the food industry according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wall portion (A) may be a side wall portion of the container as shown in FIG. 1.

[0100] The wall portion includes a paper-based layer 110. The wall portion further includes a barrier layer 130 which is a polymer layer coated with metal on at least one side, preferably a polyester layer coated with metal on at least one side, more preferably a polyethylene terephthalate (mPET) layer coated with metal on at least one side. Most preferably, the barrier layer 130 is a polyethylene terephthalate (mPETm) layer coated with metal on both sides. Further, the wall portion includes a lamination layer 120 that joins the paper-based layer 110 and the barrier layer 130. The lamination layer 120 may be an adhesive (agent) or a PE layer. The barrier layer 130 of the wall portion can have a thickness of 6 μm to 12 μm.

[0101] The thickness can be measured along a substantially straight line perpendicular to the main surface of the wall portion.

[0102] The wall portion of container 1 further includes a sealing layer 140 which is an ionomer, preferably wear-resistant, extrusion coating layer for at least partially sealing container 1. The sealing layer 140 may be disposed adjacent to the barrier layer 130 on the surface of the barrier layer 130 facing away from the paper-based layer 110. The ionomer extrusion coating layer, preferably the wear-resistant extrusion coating layer of ionomer, contains polyamide (PA), particularly polyamide 6. The sealing layer 140 can have a basis weight of 12 to 22 gsm.

[0103] The wear resistance has the advantage that the sealing layer 140 is not damaged, for example, in the case of filling with sharp-edged articles such as chips.

[0104] Of course, further layers are encompassed by this embodiment and the wall portion is not limited to what is shown. For example, the wall portion further includes one or two kraft liners and printed clay-coated kraft paper disposed adjacent to the paper-based layer facing the outer surface of container 1. The outer surface of container 1 can be best seen in FIG. 1.

[0105] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the bottom wall portion (B) of a container for a product in the food industry according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. The arrangement of the bottom wall portion (B) can be best seen in FIG. 1.

[0106] The bottom wall portion includes layers similar to the wall portion described with reference to FIG. 2. Mainly regarding the differences, they can be described here. The bottom wall portion includes a paper-based layer 210 (which is a cardboard-based layer 210). The barrier layer 230 is a polymer layer with at least one side metal-coated, preferably a polyester layer with at least one side metal-coated, more preferably a polyethylene terephthalate (mPET) layer with at least one side metal-coated. Most preferably, the barrier layer 230 is a polyethylene terephthalate (mPETm) layer with both sides metal-coated. Further, the bottom wall portion includes a lamination layer 220 that joins the paper-based layer 210 and the barrier layer 230. The lamination layer 220 may be a PE layer. The barrier layer 230 of the bottom wall portion can have a thickness between 6 μm and 12 μm.

[0107] The bottom wall portion further includes a sealing layer 240 which is an ionomer abrasion-resistant extrusion coating layer for at least partially sealing the container 1. The sealing layer 240 is disposed adjacent to the barrier layer 230 on the side opposite to the paper-based layer 210. The sealing layer 240 can have a basis weight of 12 - 22 gsm.

[0108] The cardboard-based layer 210 of the bottom wall portion can have a basis weight between 150 and 400 gsm, particularly in the range of 180 - 250 gsm.

[0109] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the top wall portion (C) of the container 1 for a product in the food industry according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. The arrangement of the top wall portion (C) can be best seen in FIG. 1.

[0110] The ceiling part includes a layer similar to the wall part described with reference to FIG. 2. Mainly regarding the differences, they can be described here. The ceiling part further includes a sealing layer 340 including a peeling coating such that the sealing layer 340 of the ceiling part has a rather high peeling force as described herein. The paper-based layer 310 is a paper layer, preferably a kraft paper layer, and most preferably a machine-glazed bleached kraft paper layer. The lamination layer 320 may be a PE layer.

[0111] The sealing layer 340 of the ceiling part has a basis weight of 10 gsm to 45 gsm. Most preferably, the basis weight is 20 to 30 gsm.

[0112] The barrier layer 330 of the ceiling part can have a thickness between 8 μm and 12 μm.

[0113] The embodiments described herein enable, for example, manufacturing containers having a very high fiber share of at least 95%. This promotes recycling in any type of conventionally used paper waste stream and makes the containers very cost-effective. Further, the configuration of any one layer of the wall part of the embodiments described herein promotes the provision of sufficient performance of the wall part and / or the container during manufacturing (e.g., deformation). Further, mechanical integrity, sealing, and barrier are also guaranteed during use and handling by consumers. The low basis weights of the layers, such as the lamination, barrier layer, and sealing layer, reduce the polymer share and make recycling even easier. The metal coating of the barrier layer of the ceiling part improves the optical density, which promotes minimizing the undesirable scrap rate during optical sensor control.

[0114] FIG. 5 shows a schematic flowchart of a method 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 1000 for manufacturing the wall part of the container 1 includes the following steps: - Step 1100 of providing a paper-based layer; - Step 1200 of providing a barrier layer that is a polymer layer with at least one side metallized, preferably a polyester layer with at least one side metallized, more preferably a polyethylene terephthalate (mPET) layer with at least one side metallized. - Step 1300 of providing a lamination layer; - Step 1400 of joining the paper-based layer and the barrier layer using the lamination layer; including The lamination layer has a basis weight of at most 20 gsm, preferably at most 15 gsm, more preferably at most 12 gsm, more preferably at most 10 gsm, more preferably at most 8 gsm, more preferably at most 6 gsm, more preferably at most 5 gsm, and most preferably at most 4 gsm.

Examples

[0115] Example The following examples can further assist in understanding the containers described herein without wishing to be bound and / or limited by these examples. In the following examples, a larger number of layers indicates that the layer is disposed closer to the inside of the container. For example, layer (4) is located closer to the inside than layer (3).

[0116] Side wall portion (0) Clay-coated kraft paper having a print on its environmentally facing side and having two kraft liners adjacent to the paper and closer to the inside of the container. (1) Paper-based layer (basis weight of 22 - 70 gsm). (2) Lamination layer made of PE (basis weight of 3 - 4 gsm). (3) Barrier layer that is a polyethylene terephthalate (mPETm) layer metallized on both sides (thickness of 6 - 12 μm). (4) Sealing layer that is an ionomer abrasion-resistant extrusion coating layer (basis weight of 12 - 22 gsm).

[0117] Bottom wall portion (1) A paper-based layer which is a layer based on thick paper (basis weight of 180 - 250 gsm). (2) A lamination layer made of PE (basis weight of 10 - 15 gsm). (3) A barrier layer which is a polyethylene terephthalate (mPETm) layer with both sides metal-coated (thickness of 6 - 12 μm). (4) A sealing layer which is an ionomer abrasion-resistant extrusion coating layer (basis weight of 12 - 22 gsm).

[0118] Top wall portion (1) A paper-based layer which is a machine-gloss finished sack kraft paper layer (basis weight of 40 - 80 gsm). (2) A lamination layer made of PE (basis weight of 4 - 20 gsm). (3) A barrier layer which is a polyethylene terephthalate (mPETm) layer with both sides metal-coated (thickness of 8 - 12 μm). (4) A sealing layer including a release coating such that the sealing layer of the top wall portion has a release force as described elsewhere in this specification (basis weight of 20 - 30 gsm).

[0119] It should be noted that the above embodiments and examples may be combined with further aspects described in this specification, and the details of the above embodiments and examples may be omitted as understood by those skilled in the art. The scope of protection is determined by the claims and is not limited by the embodiments and examples disclosed in the above figures.

[0120] In light of the above teachings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations of the described examples and embodiments are possible. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments may include some or all of the features disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended to cover all such modifications and alternative embodiments that may fall within the true scope of the present invention.

[0121] List of Reference Signs A wall / side wall B bottom wall C top wall 1 container 110 paper-based layer 120 lamination layer 130 barrier layer 140 sealing layer 210 paper-based layer 220 lamination layer 230 barrier layer 240 sealing layer 310 paper-based layer 320 lamination layer 330 barrier layer 340 sealing layer 1000 method 1100 provide 1200 provide 1300 provide 1400 join

Claims

1. A container (1) for a product of the food industry, comprising: - A paper-based layer (110, 210, 310); - A barrier layer (130, 230, 330) which is a polymer layer with at least one side metallized, preferably a polyester layer with at least one side metallized, more preferably a polyethylene terephthalate (mPET) layer with at least one side metallized; - A lamination layer (120, 220, 320) that joins the aforementioned paper-based layer (110, 210, 310) and the aforementioned barrier layer (130, 230, 330), comprising a wall portion containing the same, The lamination layer (120, 220, 320) has a basis weight of at most 20 grams per square meter, i.e., gsm, preferably at most 15 gsm, more preferably at most 12 gsm, more preferably at most 10 gsm, more preferably at most 8 gsm, more preferably at most 6 gsm, more preferably at most 5 gsm, and most preferably at most 4 gsm, The container (1).

2. The container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the barrier layer (130, 230, 330) is a polymer layer with both sides metallized, preferably a polyethylene terephthalate (mPETm) layer with both sides metallized.

3. The polymer of the polymer with at least one side and / or both sides metallized is selected from the list including polyester and polyolefin, Optionally, the polyester includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene furanoate (PEF), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polylactide (PLA), etc., Optionally, the polyolefin includes polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), etc., The container (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The barrier layer (130, 230, 330) has a thickness of at most 30 μm, preferably at most 25 μm, more preferably at most 20 μm, more preferably at most 18 μm, more preferably at most 16 μm, more preferably at most 14 μm, and most preferably at most 12 μm, and / or The barrier layer (130, 230, 330) has a thickness of at least 0.5 μm, preferably at least 1 μm, preferably at least 2 μm, more preferably at least 3 μm, more preferably at least 4 μm, more preferably at least 5 μm, and most preferably at least 6 μm. The container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The paper-based layer (110, 210, 310) has a basis weight of at most 400 grams per square meter, i.e., gsm, preferably at most 300 gsm, more preferably at most 200 gsm, more preferably at most 150 gsm, more preferably at most 120 gsm, more preferably at most 100 gsm, more preferably at most 90 gsm, more preferably at most 80 gsm, and most preferably at most 70 gsm, and / or The paper-based layer (110, 210, 310) has a basis weight of at least 10 gsm, preferably at least 14 gsm, more preferably at least 16 gsm, more preferably at least 18 gsm, more preferably at least 20 gsm, and most preferably at least 22 gsm. The container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The lamination layer (120, 220, 320) has a basis weight of at least 0.5 gsm, preferably at least 1 gsm, more preferably at least 1.5 gsm, more preferably at least 2 gsm, more preferably at least 2.5 gsm, and most preferably at least 3 gsm, for the container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The wall portion further has the following: - A sealing layer (140, 240, 340), which is an extruded coating layer of ionomer, arranged adjacent to the barrier layer (130, 230, 330) on the surface of the barrier layer (130, 230, 330) that is preferably opposite to the paper-based layer (110, 210, 310) for at least partially sealing the container (1). including preferably, the extruded coating layer of ionomer contains polyamide (PA), especially polyamide 6. The container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The sealing layer (140, 240, 340) has a basis weight of at most 40 grams per square meter, i.e., gsm, preferably at most 35 gsm, more preferably at most 30 gsm, more preferably at most 28 gsm, more preferably at most 26 gsm, more preferably at most 24 gsm, and most preferably at most 22 gsm, and / or the sealing layer has a basis weight of at least 2 gsm, preferably at least 4 gsm, more preferably at least 6 gsm, more preferably at least 8 gsm, more preferably at least 10 gsm, and most preferably at least 12 gsm. The container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The lamination layer (120, 220, 320) contains polyolefin or consists essentially of polyolefin. Optionally, the polyolefin includes polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Preferably, the lamination layer (120, 220, 320) consists of PE, or an ethylene copolymer or terpolymer. The container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The wall portion is a bottom wall portion. - The paper-based layer (210) is a cardboard-based layer; - The lamination layer (220) is a polyethylene (PE) layer; The lamination layer has a basis weight of at most 25 gsm, preferably at most 20 gsm, preferably at most 18 gsm, more preferably at most 16 gsm, most preferably at most 15 gsm, and / or a basis weight of at least 2 gsm, preferably at least 4 gsm, more preferably at least 6 gsm, more preferably at least 8 gsm, more preferably at least 10 gsm; The container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The paper-based layer (210) of the bottom wall portion has a basis weight of at most 400 grams per square meter, i.e., gsm, preferably at most 350 gsm, more preferably at most 320 gsm, more preferably at most 300 gsm, more preferably at most 280 gsm, more preferably at most 260 gsm, most preferably at most 250 gsm, and / or The paper-based layer (210) of the bottom wall portion has a basis weight of at least 60 gsm, preferably at least 100 gsm, more preferably at least 120 gsm, more preferably at least 140 gsm, more preferably at least 160 gsm, most preferably at least 180 gsm; The container (1) according to claim 10.

12. The wall portion is a top wall portion, and the top wall portion further comprises: - A sealing layer (340) including a release coating, wherein the sealing layer (140, 240, 340) of the top wall portion has a peel strength of at least 2 N / 15 mm, preferably at least 3 N / 15 mm, more preferably at least 4 N / 15 mm, most preferably at least 5 N / 15 mm, and / or A sealing layer (340) comprising a release coating having a release force of at most 30 N / 15 mm, preferably at most 25 N / 15 mm, more preferably at most 20 N / 15 mm, more preferably at most 15 N / 15 mm, more preferably at most 10 N / 15 mm, and most preferably at most 8 N / 15 mm. comprising - The paper-based layer (310) is a paper layer, preferably a kraft paper layer, more preferably a machine-glazed bleached kraft paper layer. The container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The sealing layer (340) of the top wall portion has a basis weight of at most 45 grams per square meter, i.e., gsm, preferably at most 40 gsm, more preferably at most 38 gsm, more preferably at most 36 gsm, more preferably at most 34 gsm, more preferably at most 32 gsm, and most preferably at most 30 gsm, and / or The sealing layer (340) of the top wall portion has a basis weight of at least 10 gsm, preferably at least 12 gsm, more preferably at least 14 gsm, more preferably at least 16 gsm, more preferably at least 18 gsm, and most preferably at least 20 gsm. The container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method (1000) for manufacturing a wall portion of a container (1), such as the container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps: - Supplying a paper-based layer (110, 210, 310); - Supplying a barrier layer (130, 230, 330) which is a polymer layer with at least one side metal-coated, preferably a polyester layer with at least one side metal-coated, more preferably a polyethylene terephthalate (mPET) layer with at least one side metal-coated; - Supplying a lamination layer (120, 220, 320); - joining the paper-based layer (110, 210, 310) and the barrier layer (130, 230, 330) using the lamination layer (120, 220, 320); comprising the lamination layer (120, 220, 320) having a basis weight of up to 20 gsm, preferably up to 15 gsm, more preferably up to 12 gsm, more preferably up to 10 gsm, more preferably up to 8 gsm, more preferably up to 6 gsm, more preferably up to 5 gsm, and most preferably up to 4 gsm; the manufacturing method.

15. A container (1) for a product of the food industry, comprising: The side wall portion according to any one of claims 1 to 9, optionally further comprising one or two kraft liners and printed clay-coated kraft paper disposed adjacent to the paper-based layer (110) facing the outer surface of the container (1); The bottom wall portion according to claim 10 or 11, the bottom wall portion at least partially contacting an edge at the bottom of the side wall portion; The top wall portion according to claim 12 or 13, the top wall portion at least partially contacting an edge at the top of the side wall portion.

Images