Compostable pods for beverage preparation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pod (100, 200) for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, the pod being made of a biodegradable, preferably compostable, material composition and comprising a pod body (110) composed of half shells (101, 102), the two half shells being connected to each other along a peripheral flange (140) so as to delimit a chamber (103). At least one half shell comprises a primary layer (171) made of a paper-based material, a secondary layer (172) having an oxygen barrier function and a tertiary layer (173) having a filtering function, the primary layer comprising non-transverse precuts and / or non-transverse scratches, the precuts and / or scratches forming a pattern (108) or a pattern (I, CE). The present invention also relates to the use of the pod in a beverage production machine.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pod enclosing beverage ingredients for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, the pod having a wall portion which opens when subjected to an increase in pressure of a fluid injected into the pod to prepare the beverage and interacts with an opening element of the beverage production machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Disposable beverage containers for beverage preparation machines, such as capsules or pods, are known in the art. These beverage containers are generally used for the dispensing of individual servings of beverages, such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate, and have gained popularity due to their fresh taste, variety of flavors, and convenience of beverage preparation.

[0003] Typically, a beverage container containing beverage ingredients is inserted into a container holder of a beverage preparation machine, the container holder is closed and the preparation of the beverage is started. A fluid, such as hot water or milk, is delivered to the beverage container and interacts with the beverage ingredients contained inside the beverage container to produce the desired beverage. When a sufficient amount of fluid fills the beverage container, the beverage container is opened under the pressure of the fluid, releasing the prepared beverage. The opening of the beverage container can be achieved by pressing the extraction surface of the beverage container against an opening structure provided on the container holder with a force brought about by increasing the pressure of the fluid inside the beverage container, such that the extraction surface tears when a breaking stress is reached. The opening structure can be some concave-convex element, for example a pyramidal element, on which the extraction surface extends and which tears under the influence of the internal pressure of the fluid. Such pressure-controlled beverage preparation has the advantage that a high quality beverage can be produced.

[0004] Typically, known beverage containers are made of materials that require difficult processes to reuse, recycle, or compost, especially after use of the beverage container For example, beverage containers often may include non-biodegradable plastics, such as polypropylene, and / or metals, such as aluminum.

[0005] Therefore, various attempts have been made in the prior art to replace these materials with biodegradable or compostable materials, such as biodegradable polymers or paper. Food packaging applications generally pose many challenges, as they impose high requirements on the barrier performance of the packaging in order to keep the aroma, freshness, and integrity of the packaged product intact throughout its intended shelf life. Furthermore, new materials must match most of the material properties of established materials, such as resistance to heat and pressure.

[0006] In experiments not publicly disclosed, promising results were obtained for a compostable beverage container with a cutout covered by a material forming an extraction surface, which is different from the rest of the beverage container and is adapted to be opened during the beverage preparation process. For example, patent application PCT / EP21 / 077158 describes such a beverage container.

[0007] The pod disclosed in WO 2020 / 031096 A1 has also been successfully tested. The proposed compostable pod for brewing a product comprises a first half shell and a second half shell, each made of a sheet of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties, which are assembled together. The forming of the half shells includes a step of wetting the sheet of biodegradable material.

[0008] Even if these solutions are already considered satisfactory with respect to many aspects, including good behavior in the extraction process and high quality of the extracted product, they can be further improved, in particular with respect to simplifying the industrialized production process and / or providing the beverage container with a completely reliable oxygen barrier to ensure the shelf-life duration of the beverage product.

[0009] Complementarily, the proposed solution must also ensure that no beverage ingredient particles remain in the prepared beverage or that they do not clog the perforations created in the pod wall portion during interaction with the opening elements of the beverage production machine.

[0010] Furthermore, in order to meet the biodegradable, preferably compostable, requirements, the selection of materials must comply with standards regarding biodegradability and / or compostability.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a beverage container, such as a pod, whose design and construction meets the above-mentioned requirements.

[0012] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a beverage container that has a simple structure and utilizes a biodegradable, preferably compostable, substrate that can be easily formed without any wetting step while allowing good behavior in the extraction process, especially with regard to opening of the beverage container on the opening / piercing structure of the beverage preparation machine.

[0013] Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a beverage container that can facilitate home composting of the entire beverage container after use and provide a reliable and effective oxygen barrier while maintaining the functionality of known beverage containers, so that the improved beverage container can also be used in known and conventional beverage production machines.

[0014] These and other objects which become apparent on reading the description are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention. Summary of the Invention

[0015] A first aspect of the invention relates to a pod for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine as claimed in claim 1.

[0016] More specifically, the pod comprises a pod body made of a biodegradable, preferably compostable, material composition and composed of two half shells connected to each other along their respective peripheral flanges so as to delimit a chamber for containing substances for preparing a beverage. A primary layer made of a paper-based material; a secondary layer having at least an oxygen barrier function and optionally a water barrier function; an at least partial tertiary layer having a filtering function; in a stacked manner, The primary layer of at least one of the half shells has at least one non-transverse precut hole and / or notch and / or scoring and / or scratch, which forms a pattern of precut holes and / or a pattern of scratches or scoring across at least a delivery portion of the half shell which is adapted to interact with an external opening element of a beverage production machine to dispense the prepared beverage from the pod under the influence of an increased pressure of fluid injected into the pod through the injection portion of the other half shell.

[0017] The at least one non-transverse pre-cut hole and / or scratch forms a break initiation or opening initiation, which may also be described as the initiation point of an opening during pod extraction in a beverage production machine.

[0018] Here, a pod may be understood as, for example, a receptacle or container enclosing a volume for containing substances necessary for beverage preparation. The pod may be flat and (generally) rounded in shape and / or may have the shape of a (circular and / or biconvex) lens. The pod may be formed by two outwardly curved (convex) surfaces (with respect to the volume) that may extend in opposite directions from a common dividing plane. Thus, unlike capsules for beverage preparation as known in the art, the pod may not, for example, comprise a substantially flat top surface (which in said capsules is typically formed by a lid).

[0019] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that no particular order or importance of layers is intended to be implied by referring to layers as "primary" layers, "secondary" layers and tertiary layers, at least with respect to the protection claimed in the main claim.

[0020] The pods are biodegradable in their entirety, although preferably the pods are compostable, and most preferably home compostable, and are made from a combination of biodegradable materials, a combination of compostable materials, a combination of home compostable materials, or a combination of biodegradable, compostable, and home compostable materials.

[0021] In general, the term "biodegradable" may be understood to mean that a material can be broken down by bacteria or other biological means.

[0022] In general, the term "compostable" may be understood to mean that when a material is composted, it can be substantially decomposed into organic matter within a few weeks or months. At the end of the composting process, the material can be fully decomposed to provide nutrients to the soil. International standards such as EU 13432 or US ASTM D6400 provide a legal framework for specifying the technical requirements and procedures for determining the compostability of a material. For example, according to these standards, compostable materials must be biodegradable and disintegrable, i.e., they must be broken down and invisible in the final compost and must not adversely affect the composting process and quality. Composting may be accomplished in home composters and / or industrial composting facilities. In such facilities, there may be prescribed conditions related to wind, sunlight, drainage and other factors. Home compostable materials may be composted in home composters such as compost barrels or home compost bins over a period of weeks or months (e.g., at least 90% of the material decomposes in 12 months at ambient temperature). As a result of the composting process, the home compostable materials can be transformed into nutrient-rich soil. Therefore, the home compostable pods can be easily disposed of in a home compost pile after use. Furthermore, the term "material composition" may be understood as, for example, a configuration, combination and / or arrangement of (different) materials, preferably forming (as a whole) a (homogeneous) structure, such as a pod or a section thereof.

[0023] The pod comprises a pod body composed of two half shells connected to each other to define a chamber for containing a substance for preparing a beverage.

[0024] Here, a "chamber" may be understood as, for example, a (sealed) enclosed hollow space inside the pod body. The pod may be composed of two pod halves, such as two half shells, which may be joined ( / joined / attached / glued / sealed) to each other to form the pod body together. In comparison, a capsule for beverage preparation known in the prior art may comprise a capsule body constituted by a continuous wall and an opening at the top (and / or bottom) of the capsule, which is closed (respectively) by a (substantially flat) membrane, e.g. a lid. Thus, the shape of the capsule may be (mainly) defined by its capsule body, while the shape of the pod may be defined by the two half shells when connected. Furthermore, a "substance" may be understood as, for example, any kind of (solid, liquid, at least partially soluble and / or permeable) substance having a specific or well-defined chemical structure. Examples of substances may be instant coffee or roast and ground coffee, tea leaves, syrup concentrates, fruit extract concentrates, chocolate, dry edible substances, and / or combinations thereof.

[0025] Here, the expression "oxygen barrier function" may be understood as, for example, a characteristic, property, property or behavior (of a material) with respect to preventing oxygen (or any other gaseous substance) from passing through the material having the oxygen barrier function.

[0026] The pod further comprises an injection portion through which a fluid may be injected into the chamber to prepare a beverage upon interaction of the fluid with the substance.

[0027] The pod may also comprise an outlet portion adapted (configured) to open upon (direct) interaction with an external opening element (of the beverage production machine) under the influence of an increased pressure of a fluid injected (through the injection wall) into the pod in order to dispense the prepared beverage from the pod.

[0028] Here, the expression "adapted to be opened" may be understood as the ability, configuration and / or design of the delivery wall to be provided with holes, punctures and / or ruptures, for example, preferably during the beverage preparation process. For example, the provision of such openings may preferably depend on certain conditions and / or circumstances, such as the provision of an opening element and / or the exceedance of a certain pressure inside the pod. This indicates that the pod, unlike commonly known beverage preparation pads, facilitates the build-up of sufficient pressure inside the chamber to open the pod at the location of the delivery portion in the manner specified above with an external opening element.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary layer is made of a stretchable and / or formable paper-based material with an elongation at break of at least 6%. The paper used allows the half shells to be easily formed and shaped in a forming process that does not require any additional wetting or preparation steps.

[0030] Here, the term "moldable" may be understood as a characteristic of a material that is malleable, flexible, and / or formable, for example, with or without the support of additional tools and / or with or without the application of heat, water, and / or compressed air. For example, in a dry pulp molding process, a blank of dry cellulose fibers is provided and can be molded into the (permanent) shape of a pod with a tool. For example, the moldable material of the pod may facilitate providing the pod with shape stability, rigidity, and / or stiffness, each of which properties is preferably sufficient to increase the pressure inside the pod during beverage preparation.

[0031] Specifically, the primary layer is disposed on the opposite side of the chamber relative to the secondary layer, and thus constitutes the exterior (or outer) surface of the pod.

[0032] Complementarily, the tertiary layer is arranged facing the chamber with respect to the secondary layer and thus constitutes the interior of the chamber.

[0033] In the proposed solution, the primary layer is made of a biodegradable, preferably compostable, paper-based material selected from the group comprising paper, supercalendered paper, filter paper, and combinations thereof, and has a basis weight of 50-150 g / m2.

[0034] More specifically, the primary layer includes between 1 and 150 precut holes, thereby forming a pattern of precut holes.

[0035] The scratches, notches or scoring may be localized, may form a geometric shape, may be any shape, or may form a logo.

[0036] The pre-cut holes or scratches can be made using different techniques, such as mechanical drilling, laser engraving or laser scoring.

[0037] The pre-cut holes or scratches may have different geometric shapes, for example in the form of a circle, a slit, a cross, or any other suitable shape. The pre-cut holes or scratches may then form a pattern of pre-cut holes, a pattern of scratches, or localized notches or scoring.

[0038] Depending on the size of the pod and / or depending on the characteristics of the primary layer and / or the characteristics of the opening means of the beverage production machine, different pre-cut hole patterns, scratch patterns or scoring patterns may be used. Also, the pre-cut hole scratch or scoring pattern may depend on the beverage ingredient to be extracted.

[0039] It should be noted that the pre-cut holes, scratches, notches or scoring extend only into the primary layer and not into the secondary layer so that the oxygen barrier function and resulting pod properties are intact against oxidation of the raw materials.

[0040] Preferably, the pre-cut hole, scratch, notch or score extends through the thickness of the primary layer, preferably through 50% of the thickness of the primary layer without extending through the secondary layer.

[0041] According to a further feature, the primary layer comprises scratches, notches or scoring in the form of information (I) and / or coded elements (CE) imprinted on an outer surface of the primary layer at the location of the delivery portion and / or at the location of the injection portion, providing a localized weakness in the primary layer, the provided localized weakness improving the ability of the delivery portion and / or the injection portion to be punctured by an external opening element of the beverage production machine.

[0042] According to the invention, the secondary layer is biodegradable, preferably compostable, and comprises a coating or preferably a multi-layer compostable plastic film structure.

[0043] Here, the expression "multilayer structure" can be understood as a structure including different parts arranged, for example, as pleats, slats, steps or tiers. Preferably, these layers can be arranged to extend parallel to one another to form a film. Preferably, the different layers are laminated to form a foil or film. However, other techniques for "bonding" the different layers are available, such as, for example, coextrusion of blown and / or cast films, extrusion coating, or even sealing.

[0044] Thereby it is possible to provide the secondary layer from a compostable, preferably home compostable, material having particularly good oxygen barrier properties. Furthermore, the provision of a coating facilitates that the secondary layer can be provided as a continuous, relatively thin layer (e.g., less than 0.1 microns).

[0045] According to preferred embodiments, at least some of the layers of the multi-layer structure of the secondary layer may be connected by lamination, coextrusion, heat sealing, by ultrasonic sealing, and / or by adhesive.

[0046] Preferably the coating or preferably the multi-layer compostable plastic film structure comprises: Polylactic acid (PLA) layer, Polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer, Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer, Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer, A polycaprolactone (PCL) layer, or Any combination of these Contains one or more of the following:

[0047] More specifically, preferably at least one layer of the multi-layer compostable plastic film structure is reinforced with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the range of 1-70% by weight. The use of CaCO3 is particularly interesting because it can reduce the amount of expensive materials required, such as Ecovio®. In addition, CaCO3 does not change the barrier properties and home compostability.

[0048] Additionally, the secondary layer comprises an oxygen barrier layer, the oxygen barrier layer comprising: butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) layer, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) layer, PVOH copolymer layer, Polyglycolic acid (PGA) layer, Metallization coating, SiOx-based coating, or AlOx coating, or Combinations of these Contains one or more of the following:

[0049] For example, a particular combination of materials forming an oxygen barrier layer may be used, which is commercially available under the name Ecovio®.

[0050] Additional layers with additional physical properties may be provided, for example layers with moisture or water barrier functionality. Such layers may include, for example, cellophane, metallization coatings, SiOx coatings, or AlOx-based coatings.

[0051] As a result, the secondary layer has a structure, preferably a multi-layer structure, where each of the layers can be tailored to provide an individual function to the secondary layer. For example, the described multi-layer structure of the secondary layer of the pod of the present invention facilitates the use of multiple (different) materials, each of which can perform at least one function.

[0052] Thereby, it is possible to provide a biodegradable, preferably compostable, most preferably home compostable pod with an efficient oxygen barrier and optionally a water / moisture barrier. Thus, the inventive arrangement can provide a pod with the desired properties mentioned above.

[0053] Here, preferably, the coating or multi-layer compostable plastic film structure can be applied (directly) onto the primary layer. The primary and secondary layers can be laminated to form a duplex film. Other techniques, such as extrusion coating, can also be used.

[0054] The proposed configuration improves the oxygen barrier properties of the pod as the oxygen barrier can be provided as a single continuous layer across the pod body and delivery wall.

[0055] Thereby, the individual layers of the multi-layer compostable plastic film structure can also be arranged in a manner most suitable to provide the functionality required to prepare the beverage.

[0056] Furthermore, the invention proposes to use a tertiary layer with a filtering function, which is then able to filter out particles that may otherwise leave the chamber during the preparation process.

[0057] Thereby it can be achieved that the tertiary layer can act as a filter for filtering out particles from the prepared beverage when the prepared beverage is dispensed at the location of the delivery portion.

[0058] Thus, the pods can be filled with various substances without compromising the quality of the produced beverage.

[0059] The tertiary layer is biodegradable, preferably compostable, and comprises one or more filter materials, the one or more filter materials being: Polylactic acid (PLA), Polybutylene succinate (PBS), Biopolybutylene succinate (BioPBS), Ecovio®, Cellulosic fiber-based materials, Regenerated cellulose (cellophane), or Combinations of these Contains one or more of the following:

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the tertiary layer may comprise a cellulosic fiber-based material which may include one or more of paper, supercalendered paper and / or filter paper.

[0061] In addition, according to technically feasible solutions, the tertiary layer has a structure comprised in the group comprising nonwoven structures, calendared structures and perforated structures, depending on the material from which the tertiary layer is made.

[0062] In the proposed embodiment, the tertiary layer extends over at least the delivery portion of the half shells, a feature that allows reducing the amount of material in the pod if required.

[0063] The tertiary layer may be loosely disposed on the secondary layer or may be at least partially attached to the secondary layer, thereby allowing for different possible embodiments, for example depending on the size of the pod or depending on the beverage substance to be extracted.

[0064] The tertiary layer may be attached to the secondary layer by any suitable means, for example, the tertiary layer may be sealed, glued, laminated embossed, laser bonded, and the like.

[0065] In particular, the tertiary layer is part of a laminate tri-layer structure that includes at least a primary layer, a secondary layer, and a tertiary layer.

[0066] According to an additional feature, if necessary, the secondary or tertiary layer further comprises a sealing layer or sealing lacquer at least at the location of the flanges of the half shells in order to be able to seal the two half shells together. The proposed sealing layer / lacquer ensures a proper sealing of the two half shells as well as an improved airtightness of the resulting pod.

[0067] According to the embodiment presented, the half shells are each formed by shaping an initial sheet element.

[0068] In a first proposed embodiment, two initial sheet elements are used to form two half shells, which may have the same structure and each comprise the primary, secondary and tertiary layers described above.

[0069] The initial sheet elements may each be formed into half shells by drawing at least a portion of the respective initial sheet element into a forming die, preferably by mechanical action of a punch or compressed air, more preferably by deep drawing the respective sheet element, which may be further cut to provide separate individual half shells.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one or both half shells may have a disk shape, however, other shapes and other geometries may be envisaged.

[0071] According to a further preferred feature, each of the two half shells may be provided with a peripheral flange, and the two half shells may be connected to each other via their peripheral flanges after filling one of the half shells with the beverage ingredients.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, the two half shells may be connected by application of a vacuum and by application of heat or ultrasonic sealing, preferably the half shells may be hermetically connected via a sealing section extending along the outer periphery of each of the half shells, preferably along the peripheral flange if present.

[0073] Additionally, prior to connecting and assembling the two half shells forming the pod body, it may be possible to squeeze the beverage ingredients before or after they are inside the half shells.

[0074] In the proposed embodiment, the pre-cut holes / scratches / notches / scoring are made on the paper-based material before bonding the secondary layer (with barrier function) to the primary layer, for example by lamination. This is particularly interesting because it makes it possible to confine the pre-cut holes or scratches to the paper-based layer without any possible interaction with the barrier layer (secondary layer with barrier function). Thus, there is no possibility of damaging the barrier layer, since the pre-cut holes or scratches are made in an upstream process.

[0075] In detailing the pre-cut holes, the pre-cut holes are preferably made in the initial sheet elements before the half shells are molded, but may also be made after the pod is assembled.

[0076] Preferably, the primary, secondary and tertiary layers are in the form of a laminated triplex (as described above), with the tertiary layer extending over the entire surface of the initial sheet element.

[0077] However, other configurations may be envisaged, for example in a laminate triple layer, the tertiary layer may extend only over the portions corresponding to the infusion portion and / or delivery portion.

[0078] Alternatively, the tertiary layer may be attached by any suitable means to the laminate duplex comprising the primary layer and the secondary layer and may extend over the entire surface of the initial sheet element only over the portions corresponding to the inlet and / or outlet portions. The tertiary layer may have a particular shape or may extend over the entire laminate duplex film.

[0079] In another alternative method, the tertiary layer can be loosely applied onto a laminate duplex comprising the primary and secondary layers inside a half-shell comprising the delivery wall, the complementary half-shell having one of the configurations described above.

[0080] It should be noted that if the tertiary layer extends only over the portions of the half shells corresponding to the inlet and / or outlet portions, an additional sealing layer may be applied to one or both of the half shells to provide an efficient seal when the two half shells are connected.

[0081] According to the proposed embodiment, the half shells may each be made of the same material or material composition and each may exhibit the same arrangement and configuration.

[0082] Preferably, the pre-cut holes can be made on one or both half shells forming the pod without affecting the functionality and airtightness of the pod.

[0083] Additionally, the pod body (formed by assembling two half shells) can be provided in a multitude of shapes and forms, as the moldable material allows for relative freedom in the design of the pod body. Possible pod designs may depend on the beverage production machine.

[0084] Thereby, it is possible to manufacture and propose home compostable pods with an oxygen barrier, preserving the sensory properties of the beverage ingredients stored therein.

[0085] According to the proposed invention, the pod can be provided in a symmetrical configuration so that the manufacturing process can be simplified. By providing the pod with a symmetrical layout, i.e., similar half-shell shapes and sizes each having the same pre-cut hole pattern, the design and construction of the proposed pod can be simplified and optimized.

[0086] Moreover, this is particularly advantageous as the user does not need to pay attention to how to place the pod in the beverage production machine. In such a pod configuration, a flow path for fluids may be defined through the pod such that the beverage preparation process may be improved.

[0087] A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of any of the proposed pods (including pods manufactured by the present manufacturing method) for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine having a pod holder with an opening element (i.e. external to the pod).

[0088] Thereby, beverages can be produced using pods made of home compostable materials while retaining all the functionality known from pods established in the prior art, and furthermore, the pods can be used with existing beverage production machines.

[0089] It is therefore possible to produce high quality beverages using pods that overcome the problems currently associated with the disposal of prior art pods.

[0090] The following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is equally applicable to pods according to different aspects of the present invention.

[0091] Further features, advantages, and objectives of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, for example, numerals may be omitted from the figures for clarity, but corresponding features may still be present in the figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0092] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a pod according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a pod according to the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 shows a top view of a pod on the delivery side and with a pre-cut hole;FIGS. 1A and 1B show enlarged cross-sectional views of a portion of a delivery wall from different embodiments of a pod according to the invention, respectively; [Figure 4] 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a delivery wall from an alternative pod according to the present invention. [Figure 5a] 1 illustrates different embodiments of pre-cut hole patterns according to the present invention. [Figure 5b] 1 illustrates different embodiments of pre-cut hole patterns according to the present invention. [Figure 5c] 1 illustrates different embodiments of pre-cut hole patterns according to the present invention. [Figure 5d] 1 illustrates different embodiments of pre-cut hole patterns according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0093] As used herein, the words "comprises," "comprising," and similar words should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including, but not limited to."

[0094] Any reference in this specification to a prior art document should not be taken as an acknowledgement that such prior art is well known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0095] Figures 1 and 2 show cross-sectional views of two proposed embodiments of pods 100, 200 according to different aspects of the present invention. Figures 3 and 4 show external and internal views of the pods 100, 200 respectively, and Figures 5a-d show different pre-cut hole patterns.

[0096] The present invention generally relates to a pod 100, 200 for (suitable / configured for) preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine. The beverage production machine may comprise elements for injecting a fluid into the pod 100, 200 and elements for opening the pod 100, 200 under the effect of a pressure increase of a fluid injected into the pod 100, 200. Figures 1 and 2 show examples of pods 100, 200.

[0097] The pods 100, 200 are made of a biodegradable material composition, and more preferably are made of a compostable material composition. Thus, for example, the pods 100, 200 may be made entirely of compostable materials such that the pods 100, 200 may be easily disposed of in industrial and home compost piles after use. Thus, the entire contents of the pods 100, 200, including any beverage ingredients contained therein, may be compostable, and preferably home compostable.

[0098] However, even if some of the pod materials are only certified as biodegradable, by combining them with other compostable / home compostable materials it may be possible to keep the entire pod as a certified compostable / home compostable pod.

[0099] The pod 100, 200 comprises a pod body 110. The pod body 110 is exemplarily shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, the pod body 110 may provide the necessary stiffness and rigidity to build up sufficient pressure inside the pod 100, 200 during beverage preparation. As exemplarily shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pod body 110 may delimit (or define) the overall boundary (and / or shape) of the pod 100, 200. Preferably, the pod body 110 may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of a pod holder of a beverage production machine.

[0100] The pod body 110 is composed of two half shells 101, 102, as exemplarily shown in Figures 1 and 2. Each of the half shells 101, 102 may be made primarily of the same material or the same material composition or the same material structure.

[0101] The two half shells 101, 102 are connected to each other to delimit a chamber 103. For example, the two half shells 101, 102 can be (hermetically) connected to each other via their peripheral flanges 140 under vacuum and by heat or ultrasonic sealing.

[0102] The chamber 103 is suitable for containing a substance 105 for preparing a beverage. For example, the substance 105 may be provided as a tablet made of compressed or pressed beverage powder, such as coffee powder. In general, the substance 105 may be any (extractable) food substance, such as ground coffee powder, tea, or chocolate.

[0103] Furthermore, the half shells 101, 102 may have any shape, geometry or size. Preferably, the shape of the half shells 101, 102 may correspond to the geometry of the pod holder. An example of the geometry and design of the half shells 101, 102 can be taken from Figures 1 and 2, which show that each of the two half shells 101, 102 may comprise a peripheral flange 140 that may extend radially outwardly with respect to each of the half shells 101, 102. Furthermore, each of the half shells 101, 102 may extend axially from the radially inner edge of the peripheral flange 140. The half shells 101, 102 may be identical to each other or different. For example, the half shells 101, 102 may have different heights.

[0104] In the proposed embodiment, the pod is circular and has an overall diameter of approximately 53 mm including the flange portion 140. However, the dimensions of the pod may vary and the diameter may be between 40 and 65 mm depending on the beverage preparation machine in which the pod is intended to be used.

[0105] The pod 100, 200 further comprises an injection portion 120 at a position where a fluid (coming from a beverage production machine) is injected into the chamber 103 in order to prepare a beverage through interaction of the fluid with the substance 105. For example, the injection portion 120 may interact or engage with an injection element of the beverage production machine during the beverage preparation process, through which a fluid (at high temperature, e.g. 60-120°C) may be injected (e.g. under a pressure of 1-20 bar) into the pod 100, 200. Here, the injection portion 120 is an integral part of the pod body 110. Preferably, the injection portion is located on one side of the pod body 110.

[0106] The pod 100, 200 further comprises a delivery portion 130. The delivery portion 130 may be provided such that during the process of preparing a beverage, a beverage can be dispensed from the pod 100, 200 through the delivery portion 130 of the pod body 110. The delivery portion 130 is exemplarily shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0107] The infusion portion 120 and the delivery portion 130 may be made of the same material or different materials. The infusion portion 120 and the delivery portion 130 may have the same dimensions or different dimensions. Preferably, the infusion portion 120 and the delivery portion 130 may be concentrically disposed with each other and / or with the peripheral flange 140. Figures 1 and 2 exemplarily show this. For example, in some cases, the infusion portion 120 and the delivery portion 130 may be made of the same material and have the same dimensions.

[0108] The delivery portion 130 is adapted to be opened upon interaction with an opening element of the beverage production machine (i.e. the opening element may be external to the pod 100, 200) under the effect of an increased pressure of a fluid injected into the pod 100, 200 in order to dispense the prepared beverage from the pod 100, 200. For example, the (external) opening element may be provided by a pyramid plate in a pod holder of the beverage production machine.

[0109] In the proposed embodiment, the half shells 101, 102 may each have a multi-layered body structure 170. This is exemplarily shown in Figures 1 and 2. Here, the multi-layered body structure 170 may comprise a primary layer 171, which may be made of a cellulosic material.

[0110] For example, the primary layer 171 comprises a cellulosic material, preferably a paper-based material. The paper-based material may be a stretchable or formable paper-based material having an elongation at break of at least 6%, and / or parchment paper. For example, the material of the half shells 101, 102 may be formable by being stretchable (and / or permanently deformable) in the transverse and longitudinal directions. For example, the material of the half shells 101, 102 may be preferably a cellulosic material having a elongation at break of at least 50 g / m 2 ~150g / m 2The formable paper material may comprise a formable paper material having a basis weight of 100 mm to 200 mm. For example, the formable paper material may be kraft paper. Preferably, the formable paper material may be made of cellulose fibers only. Here, the elongation at break may generally be understood as the ratio between the changed length and the initial length before the break of the test specimen, and may be used as a measure to quantify the resistance of a material to a change in shape without breakage or crack formation. For example, the elongation at break may be determined by a tensile test according to EN ISO 527. The work to break of the material of the half shells 101, 102 may be 100 Nmm to 200 Nmm. By selectively choosing the paper-based material of the primary layer 171, it is possible to provide the pod 100, 200 with sufficient stiffness, rigidity and / or shape stability to accumulate pressure inside the pod 100 during the preparation of the beverage. Also, depending on the process selected to form the half shells, conventional paper-based materials may be selected.

[0111] The multi-layer body structure 170 may further comprise a sub-layer 172 that provides at least an oxygen barrier function.

[0112] Preferably, the primary layer 171 is disposed on the opposite side of the chamber 103 relative to the secondary layer 172 so as to form the outer surface of the pod. This is exemplarily shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0113] The secondary layer 172 may comprise a coating layer or preferably a multi-layer compostable plastic film structure including one or more layers of polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polycaprolactone (PCL), or any combination thereof.

[0114] Preferably, the primary layer 171 and secondary layer 172 are laminated together.

[0115] The multi-layer compostable plastic film structure of the secondary layer 172 may further comprise at least one layer that is reinforced with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the range of 1-70% by weight.

[0116] For example, the oxygen barrier function is provided by one or more additional layers including one or more of BVOH, PVOH, PGA (polyglycolic acid), metal, SiOx, or AlOx, or combinations thereof. However, it is contemplated that the secondary layer 172 may include other materials compatible with home compostability of the pod 100, 200. For example, the oxygen barrier provided by the secondary layer 172 may be greater than 5 cc / m 2 / day, preferably less than 1cc / m 2 / day, preferably less than 0.5cc / m 2 / day.

[0117] Additionally, the secondary layer 172 may also have a moisture barrier function.

[0118] Preferably, a coating or multi-layer compostable plastic film structure may be applied (directly) onto the primary layer 171 to ensure low gas permeability, good grease resistance and water resistance to the laminated body structure 170, and may additionally be printable.

[0119] Preferably, a coating or multi-layer compostable plastic film structure may be applied (directly) onto the primary layer 171 to form a laminated duplex structure DS, which can be seen in FIG.

[0120] The various layers of the multi-layer plastic film structure of the secondary layer 172 may be connected to one another by heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing and / or by the use of an adhesive applied between the layers. In experiments, it has been found that good results can be achieved with a preferably aqueous dispersion of a polyester-polyurethane elastomer, whereby this composition of the adhesive allows the pods 100, 200 to be composted at home, since the adhesive itself is compostable.

[0121] As presented in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the primary layer 171 of one or both half shells 101, 102 comprises at least one pre-cut hole 106 (scoring, notch or scratch) at the location of the delivery portion 130. The pre-cut hole 106, scoring or scratch extends only on the primary layer 171 and does not cross. More specifically, the pre-cut hole 106 extends through the thickness of the primary layer, preferably extending laterally through 50% of the thickness of the primary layer without extending to the secondary layer 172. Thus, the oxygen barrier function of the secondary layer 172 is fully preserved.

[0122] The number of precut holes 106 can vary, for example, between 1 and 150 precut holes, depending on the type of brew desired.

[0123] The pre-cut holes 106 may also have different geometric shapes, for example in the form of a circle, a slit, a cross, or any other suitable shape, where the pre-cut holes 106 as presented in FIG.

[0124] The precut holes 106 are arranged to form a pattern 108 of precut holes.

[0125] Depending on the size of the pod and / or depending on the characteristics of the primary layer and / or the characteristics of the opening means of the beverage production machine, different pre-cut hole patterns may be used.

[0126] Different possible precut hole patterns are presented in Figures 5a to 5d. In Figure 5a, the precut holes 106 have a circular opening and are arranged along a single circle. In Figure 5b, the precut holes 106 have a circular opening and are arranged along nine concentric circles. In Figure 5c, the precut holes 106 have a cross-shaped opening and are arranged along a circle with a mix of the two designs. In Figure 5d, the precut holes 106 have a circular opening and are arranged along five concentric circles. The precut holes form the start of the interaction of the pod with the external opening element of the beverage production machine.

[0127] Depending on the pattern of precut holes 108 and as presented in Fig. 3 where the pattern of precut holes has precut holes located on a single circle, the primary layer 171 of the pod 100, 200 may further comprise scratches provided on the surface of the primary layer. The scratches, notches or scoring may be in the form of geometric elements such as circles or squares, logos, information I and / or coded elements CE imprinted on the outer surface of the primary layer at the location of the delivery part 130 and / or at the location of the injection part 120. The geometric elements, logos, imprinted information I and / or coded elements CE provide a local weakness of the primary layer 171, which aids the opening interaction with the external opening elements of the beverage production machine during the extraction of the pod 100, 200. The scratches as well as the precut holes may form a specific pattern of scratches that can be used as coding information of the capsule.

[0128] The pre-cut holes or scratches can be made on the primary layer 171 using different techniques, e.g. mechanical drilling or laser engraving. In a proposed solution, the pre-cut holes and / or scratches are made on the primary layer 171 before applying the secondary layer 172 (e.g. applied by lamination) which forms an oxygen and / or water (or moisture) barrier.

[0129] In addition, as presented in Figures 1 and 2, the multi-layer body structure 170 further comprises a tertiary layer 173 having a filtering function.

[0130] The tertiary layer 173 is compostable and comprises a filter material comprising one or more of polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), biopolybutylene succinate (bioPBS), Ecovio®, cellulose fiber-based material, regenerated cellulose (cellophane), or combinations thereof. The material may be selected according to the filtering needs depending on the substance to be extracted (R&G coffee, tea...). The filter ensures that no particles of beverage ingredients remain in the prepared beverage or clog the perforations made in the pod wall portion during extraction of the pod in the beverage production machine.

[0131] The particular construction of the tertiary layer 173 may be selected accordingly. The tertiary layer has a construction that is included in the group that includes nonwoven constructions, calendared constructions, and perforated constructions.

[0132] 1 and 4, the dimensions of the tertiary layer 173 may be limited to a portion of the half shell or, as proposed, to the delivery part 130. The proposed size limitations do not affect the extraction, since the interaction of the pod with the beverage production machine occurs especially at the location of the injection part 120 and / or the delivery part 130. In the proposed solution, the dimensions of the filter element may be between 25 mm and 40 mm, for example about 32 mm.

[0133] A tertiary layer 173 with a similar filter element may also be proposed on the half shell with the injector portion 120, as seen in FIG.

[0134] In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 4, a tertiary layer 173 in the form of a disk is disposed on the secondary layer 172. The tertiary layer 173 with the filter element can be loosely disposed on the secondary layer and is held in place by beverage ingredients disposed inside the half shelf. The tertiary layer 173 with the filter element can also be at least partially bonded to the secondary layer 172. Any suitable means can be used. For example, the tertiary layer 173 can be sealed, glued, laminated embossed, laser bonded, etc. to the secondary layer 172.

[0135] 2, the tertiary layer 173 may also extend over the entire surface of the half-pod and may be part of a laminate tri-layer comprising at least a primary layer 171, a secondary layer 172, and a tertiary layer. The laminate tri-layer then forms the multi-layer body structure 170 referenced in FIG.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 1, the pod 100 may further comprise a sealing layer or sealing lacquer 174 applied to the secondary layer 172 at the flanges 140 of the half shells to enable or improve sealing of the two half shells together.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 2, in the case of a multi-layer body structure 170 formed of a laminate triple layer, depending on the material and material structure selected for the triple layer 173, an additional sealing layer / lacquer applied at the location of the flange 140 of the half shell may be required.

[0138] As proposed, a method of manufacturing the described pods 100, 200 for preparing beverages in a beverage production machine is presented below.

[0139] The method includes providing two first sheet elements comprising the multi-layer body structure 170 described (with or without a tertiary layer).

[0140] The two first sheet elements are each formed into the shape of a half shell (such as the aforementioned half shells 101, 102). For example, the first sheet element or the two multi-layered body structures 170 may each be formed into the shape of a half shell 101, 102 by drawing at least a portion of the respective multi-layered body structure 170 into a forming die. For this purpose, preferably a mechanical punch may be used to deep draw the respective multi-layered body structure 170. However, this is by way of example only and other processes are contemplated.

[0141] The tertiary layer 173, if not part of the multi-layer body structure 170, may be applied prior to filling one of the half shells with the beverage ingredient material. Once one of the half shells is filled, the two half shells are connected and sealed together to form the final pod.

[0142] Pre-cut hole patterns and scratches, for example in the form of engraved information and / or encoded elements, may be applied prior to application of the barrier layer to the primary paper layer, prior to molding of the half shells or upon completion of the pod.

[0143] The pod is then ready for use.

[0144] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, insofar as it is encompassed by the scope of the appended claims. All features of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any possible manner and provided interchangeably.

[0145] Although the invention has been described by example, it should be understood that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist to specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred to herein.

Claims

1. A pod (100, 200) for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, said pod (100, 200) being made of a biodegradable, preferably compostable, material composition and comprising a pod body (110) composed of two half shells (101, 102) connected to each other along their respective peripheral flanges (140) so as to delimit a chamber (103) for containing a substance (105) for preparing said beverage, at least one of the half shells being A primary layer (171) made of a paper-based material; a secondary layer (172) having at least an oxygen barrier function and optionally a water barrier function; an at least partial tertiary layer (173) having a filtering function; in a stacked manner, the primary layer of at least one of the half shells (101, 102) comprises at least one non-transverse pre-cut hole (106) and / or at least one non-transverse scratch, which forms a pattern of pre-cut holes (108) or a pattern of scratches (I, CE) over at least a delivery portion (130) of the half shell, which is adapted to interact with an external opening element of the beverage production machine to dispense the prepared beverage from the pod (100, 200) under the effect of a pressure increase of a fluid injected into the pod (100, 200) through an injection portion (120) of the other half shell (101, 102), Pod (100, 200).

2. 2. The pod (100, 200) of claim 1, wherein the primary layer (171) is made of a stretchable and / or formable paper-based material having an elongation at break of at least 6%.

3. The pod (100, 200) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the primary layer (171) is disposed on an opposite side of the secondary layer (172) from the chamber (103).

4. The pod (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tertiary layer (173) is arranged facing the chamber (103) with respect to the secondary layer (172).

5. A pod (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pre-cut holes (106) and / or the scratches are non-transverse and extend through the thickness of the primary layer, preferably extending through 50% of the thickness of the primary layer without extending into the secondary layer (172).

6. said primary layer (171) being made of a biodegradable, preferably compostable, paper-based material selected from the group consisting of paper, supercalendered paper, filter paper, and combinations thereof, and having a density of 50-150 g / m ２ The pod (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, having a basis weight of

7. The pod (100, 200) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary layer (171) comprises 1 to 150 holes (106).

8. A pod (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the primary layer (171) and / or the scratch pattern comprises a decoration, logo, information (I) and / or coded element (CE) imprinted on the outer surface of the primary layer at the location of the delivery portion (130) and / or at the location of the injection portion (120), providing local weakness in the primary layer (171).

9. said secondary layer (172) being biodegradable, preferably compostable, and comprising a coating or preferably a multi-layer compostable plastic film structure; Preferably, said coating or preferably said multi-layer compostable plastic film structure comprises: Polylactic acid (PLA) layer, Polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer, Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer, A polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer, a polycaprolactone (PCL) layer, or Any combination of these The pod (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising one or more of the following:

10. Pod (100, 2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, preferably at least one layer of the multi-layer compostable plastic film structure, preferably the outer layer and / or the inner layer, is reinforced with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the range of 1 to 70% by weight.

11. The secondary layer (172) comprises at least one layer having an oxygen barrier function and / or a water barrier function, said layer comprising: butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) layer, A polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) layer; PVOH copolymer layer, A polyglycolic acid (PGA) layer, Metallization coating, SiOx coating, AlOx coating, or Combinations of these The pod (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more of the following:

12. Pod (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the coating or preferably the compostable plastic film forming the secondary layer (172) is applied onto the primary layer (171), preferably by lamination, preferably after formation of the at least one non-transverse pre-cut hole (106) and / or the at least one non-transverse scratch.

13. The tertiary layer (173) is biodegradable, preferably compostable, and comprises a filter material, the filter material comprising: Polylactic acid (PLA), Polybutylene succinate (PBS), Biopolybutylene succinate (Bio-PBS), Ecovio®, Cellulosic fiber-based materials, Regenerated cellulose (cellophane), or Combinations of these The pod (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising one or more of the following:

14. The pod (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tertiary layer (173) has a structure included in the group comprising a non-woven structure, a calendered structure and a perforated structure.

15. Pod (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tertiary layer (173) extends over at least the delivery portion (130) of the half shells (101, 102).

16. A pod (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least partial tertiary layer (173) is loosely disposed on the secondary layer (172) or is at least partially attached to the secondary layer (172).

17. A pod (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the tertiary layer (173) is part of a laminated triple structure comprising at least the primary layer (171), the secondary layer (172) and the at least partial tertiary layer (173).

18. Pod (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the secondary layer (172) or the tertiary layer (173) further comprises a sealing layer or sealing lacquer (174) at least at the location of the flanges (140) of the half shells so as to seal the two half shells together.

19. Use of a pod (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 18 for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine having a pod holder with an opening element.

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