Recyclable packaging with barriers against oxygen and moisture

Abstract

The present invention relates to a packaged article (1), (i) at least one packaging body (2) having a tubular shape and one end (4) closed by a permanent bottom wall (5) to define at least one compartment for packaging contents and at least one supply opening (6) configured to allow the packaged contents to be supplied from a packaging article (1), wherein the packaging body (2) and the bottom wall (5) are made of a multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate having a cellulose support layer, (ii) The present invention relates to a packaged article comprising a removable closing element (7) made of an oxygen-moisture barrier laminate having a paper layer.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaged article having a barrier against moisture and oxygen for the shelf life after opening, and to a packaged food product. [Background technology]

[0002] Packaging materials for packaging various types of contents are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. For example, paper packaging materials are known from the prior art and are often encouraged as being environmentally friendly and more sustainable compared to, for example, plastic.

[0003] However, existing paper packaging often does not provide the same level of protection for its contents as other materials, such as plastic or glass. This can negatively impact one or more properties of the contents, for example, by shortening their shelf life.

[0004] Typically, oxidation and / or moisture absorption of packaged contents leads to a deterioration of the product's sensory properties, which is, of course, undesirable. In some cases, the movement of gases and / or moisture through the packaging walls can compromise food safety. Therefore, ensuring a packaging barrier against gases, especially oxygen, and moisture is of paramount importance, at least for sensitive food products.

[0005] Furthermore, existing packaging materials made of paper often have the disadvantage of lower structural stability compared to packaging materials made of other materials, such as plastic or glass. This can negatively affect the handling characteristics of the packaging materials.

[0006] Finally, and importantly, packaging that provides good mechanical resistance, as well as additional protection against oxidation and / or moisture, presents challenges in terms of complexity and high manufacturing costs.

[0007] Therefore, particularly considering the above drawbacks, an object of the present invention is to provide a packaging article that, while being the simplest and least expensive possible structure, provides better mechanical protection for the contents and protection against moisture and oxidation. A further object of the present invention is to provide a packaging article with improved handling characteristics.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a packaging article as described in the appended claims.

[0009] More precisely, the present invention is a packaging article comprising (i) at least one compartment for packaging the contents and at least one supply opening configured to enable the packaged contents to be supplied from the packaging article, having a tubular shape and having one end closed by a permanent bottom wall, at least one packaging body, wherein the packaging body and the bottom wall are made of a multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising a cellulose-based support layer and an organic and / or inorganic barrier layer, the cellulose-based support layer of the body having a basis weight of 120 to 600 g / m 2 and the multilayer laminate having a cellulose content of more than 90%, preferably more than 95%, more preferably more than 99%, whereby the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) is less than 1 cm 3 / m 2 / day when measured at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity (RH), preferably less than 0.5 cm 3 / m 2 / day, and the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) is less than 1 g / m 2 / day when measured at 23 °C and 85% RH, preferably less than 0.5 g / m 2 / day, at least one packaging body; (ii) a removable closure element made of an oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising a paper layer and at least one organic and / or inorganic barrier layer, the paper layer having a basis weight of 30 to 120 g / m 2has a basis weight and a cellulose content of more than 90%, preferably more than 95%, more preferably more than 99%, whereby the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) is 1 cm when measured at 23 °C and a relative humidity (RH) of 50% 3 / m 2 / day or less, preferably 0.5 cm 3 / m 2 / day or less, and the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) is 1 g / m when measured at 23 °C and RH 85% 2 / day or less, preferably 0.5 g / m 2 / day or less, a removable closure element (7), and relates to a packaged article comprising.

[0010] The container advantageously comprises a supply opening configured such that the packaged contents can be supplied from the container through the supply opening. The supply opening can be of the type that requires the package to be completely opened (typically by removing at least one element from the rest of the package).

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the supply opening is closed by a peelable membrane, preferably provided with a pull tab that enables the consumer to tear the peelable membrane. The peelable membrane is preferably made of a material that is a barrier to oxygen and moisture. The barrier material is of the same type as the material of the package body, but the package body does not have a thick cardboard layer and an adhesive layer, whereby the membrane remains flexible. During at least transport and storage, an additional capping, for example a protective rigid or semi-rigid lid, can optionally be placed over the peelable membrane.

[0012] Preferably, the package body has an outer diameter in the range of 20 mm to 200 mm, more preferably 40 to 100 mm, thereby enabling comfortable handling by the user's hand. More preferably, the package body has a length in the range of 50 mm to 500 mm, even more preferably 75 mm to 250 mm.

[0013] A multilayer oxygen-moisture barrier laminate comprising cardboard and organic and / or inorganic barrier layers improves the resistance of the container to oxygen and moisture movement, and consequently the resistance of the packaged article, compared to, for example, packaging articles made of paper known from the prior art. This results in better protection, preservation, and / or longer storage of the contents inside the container.

[0014] The cross-section of the main body of the packaged article is substantially circular, so that the main body is preferably a cylinder. As understood in the context of the present invention, a “cylinder” preferably has a circular cross-section. However, other baselines (i.e., cross-sections), such as polygonal or elliptical, may also be considered “cylindrical” within the framework of the present invention. Preferably, the cylinder is an upright cylinder. However, an inclined cylinder is also conceivable.

[0015] As understood in the context of this invention, "cardboard" means 120 g / m² 2 ~600g / m 2 It is a cellulose-based flat structure consisting of one or more paper layers having a basis weight.

[0016] A packaged article, more specifically a container, is configured to contain and / or store food material within its compartment, i.e., any material used as food, e.g., food / drinking material, or used to make / produce food, for at least a certain period of time. The packaged material, e.g., food material, may be a liquid and / or solid substance. Preferably, the packaged material is solid and in a fluid form, particularly in powder form. The powder may have a range of particle size values, from small diameter particles to coarse diameter particles, or it may be a mixture of large and small diameter powder particles. The packaged material may also take the form of kibble or solid particle articles of various shapes and sizes, which may or may not be individually pre-packaged food. The types of food products can be wide-ranging, e.g., coffee particles or solids, potato chips, chocolate solids, pet food kibble, compacted food articles, e.g., compacted single-serving coffee.

[0017] Generally, the components of the packaging according to the present invention are selected from a plurality of packaging materials that contain a high amount of cellulose and have barrier properties against oxygen and moisture. Such barrier properties are achieved by incorporating organic and / or inorganic layers into the packaging material structure, for example, when measured at 23°C and 50% relative humidity (RH) at 1 cm². 3 / m 2 Less than 0.5 cm per day, preferably 0.5 cm 3 / m 2 The oxygen permeability (OTR) value is less than 1 g / m³, measured at 23°C with 85% RH. 2 Less than 0.5 g / m² per day, preferably 0.5 g / m² 2 This is achieved by providing a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) value of less than 1 / day.

[0018] In the context of the present invention, either of the barrier layers may be provided as an organic barrier layer, for example, in addition to or as an alternative to an inorganic layer, the barrier layer may be made of a polyethylene vinyl alcohol type polymer or a compound thereof (PVOH, EVOH, BVOH, or a compound thereof).

[0019] The thickness of the organic layer, for example, the PVOH layer, may be less than 20 μm, preferably less than 10 μm, or more preferably less than 8 μm. Any organic layer in the structure, if present, is preferably deposited by an aqueous dispersion process, which allows for a thinner thickness and easier separation of molecules in the recycling process, thus providing high compatibility with the processes of paper recycling.

[0020] When present in a packaging material structure, any inorganic barrier layer may contain a metal, such as aluminum and / or a metalloid, such as SiOx (silicon oxide) or AlOx (aluminum oxide). The barrier layer may be made from various combinations of layers, for example, a combination of at least one organic layer (e.g., PVOH) and at least one inorganic layer (e.g., aluminum).

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the packaging body and / or closing element is composed of a bottom and top made of at least 50 volume% paper, more preferably at least 60 volume% paper, more preferably at least 70 volume% paper, more preferably at least 80 volume% paper, more preferably at least 90 volume% paper, and more preferably at least 95 volume% paper.

[0022] Importantly, several cardboard-based packaging material structures can be used to manufacture the body of the packaging. However, generally and preferably, the packaging material used is a laminate containing a high cellulose content to achieve recyclability in the paper stream processes, and also includes at least one layer that provides barrier properties against oxygen and / or moisture transfer.

[0023] Preferably, at least one of the core container or sliding closure element is 120g / m 2 ~600g / m 2 A paperboard layer having the basis weight, 0.5~10g / m 2 An optional adhesive layer having the basis weight, 30-120g / m 2 A paper layer having the basis weight, 0.5~20g / m 2 Amount, preferably 1-10 g / m 2 Amount, more preferably 2-8 g / m 2 At least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), or combinations thereof, in an amount thereof, A minimum of one inorganic barrier layer selected from the list of metals, metalloids, or combinations thereof, having a thickness of 1 to 100 nm, Made from acrylic acid or methacrylic acid polymer, or polyolefin grafted with at least one ionomer, at a density of 2-20 g / m². 2Amount, preferably 4-9 g / m 2 At least one organic heat seal layer coated by an aqueous dispersion coating in an amount of, It is manufactured from a multilayer cellulose material that possesses the following properties:

[0024] Alternatively, the body of the packaging according to the present invention is 120g / m 2 ~600g / m 2 A paperboard layer having the basis weight, 0.5~10g / m 2 An optional adhesive layer having the basis weight, 30-120g / m 2 A paper layer having the basis weight, 0.5~20g / m 2 Amount, preferably 1-10 g / m 2 Amount, more preferably 2-8 g / m 2 At least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), or combinations thereof, in an amount thereof, A minimum of one inorganic barrier layer selected from the list of metals, metalloids, or combinations thereof, having a thickness of 1 to 100 nm, 0.5~20g / m 2 Amount, preferably 1-10 g / m 2 Amount, more preferably 2-8 g / m 2 At least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), or combinations thereof, in an amount thereof, 2-20g / m 2 Amount, preferably 4-9 g / m 2 In this quantity, at least one organic heat seal made of polyolefin coated by extrusion molding, It is manufactured from a multilayer cellulose material that possesses the following properties:

[0025] The peelable film for closing the packaging according to the present invention can be made from any suitable barrier material, but preferably from one of the above materials without the cardboard layer and adhesive layer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described below in the description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings and will become apparent therefrom. [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of the packaging according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-section of packaging similar to that shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, one embodiment of the packaged article 1 according to the present invention comprises a package body 2 having a tubular shape with a circular cross-section.

[0028] The packaging body 2 is closed at its lower end 4 by a bottom wall 5 permanently attached to the body 2, for example, to define at least one compartment for packaging contents.

[0029] The main body 2 is provided with a supply opening 6 at its upper end, which is configured to allow the packaged contents to be supplied from the packaged article 1.

[0030] The packaging body 2 and bottom wall 5 are made of a multilayer oxygen-moisture barrier laminate comprising a cellulose-based support layer and organic and inorganic barrier layers.

[0031] The cellulose-based support layer of main body 2 has a density of 120-600 g / m². 2 It has a basis weight of 30-120 g / m². The cellulose-based support layer of the bottom wall 5 has a basis weight of 30-120 g / m². 2 It has a basis weight, and in this particular embodiment, the basis weight is 60 g / m². 2 That is the case.

[0032] The multilayer laminate used in this embodiment has a cellulose content of more than 95%. The oxygen permeability (OTR) is 0.5 cm³ when measured at 23°C and 50% relative humidity (RH). 3 / m 2 It is less than / day. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) was 0.5 g / m² when measured at 23°C and RH 85%. 2 It is less than one day.

[0033] The embodiment of the packaging article shown in Figure 1 further comprises a removable closing element 7 made of an oxygen-moisture barrier laminate, the oxygen-moisture barrier laminate being paper layer, Organic oxygen barrier layer, Inorganic moisture barrier layer, It is equipped with.

[0034] The paper layer is 62 g / m². 2 It has a basis weight and a cellulose content higher than 95%.

[0035] The achieved oxygen permeability (OTR) is 0.5 cm³ when measured at 23°C and 50% relative humidity (RH). 3 / m 2 The value is less than / day, and the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) is 0.5 g / m² when measured at 23°C and RH 85%. 2 It is less than one day.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the removable closure element 7 is a peelable membrane equipped with a pull tab 8 for easy manual removal from the packaging body 2.

[0037] The peelable film 7 is sealed onto the upper edge 3 of the packaging body 2.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the packaged article in this embodiment is sealed to the packaging body 2 by attaching a flat bottom wall 5 to the inner surface of the packaging body 2 at the lower end 4 of the packaging body 2.

[0039] The peelable membrane 7 can be attached in a removable manner by any preferred technique, but advantageously, the membrane 7 is attached to the inner surface of the upper end 3 of the packaging body 2, thereby causing the membrane 7 to protrude slightly into the inside of the packaging body 2.

[0040] In general, the packaging according to the present invention provides users with several advantages and benefits, as follows:

[0041] The packaging of the present invention provides a unique structural design using cardboard packaging having a unique tubular shape and size, and the structure is made from cardboard that is recyclable in the paper recycling process.

[0042] The innovative packaging according to the present invention provides so-called "shelf life" performance, meaning that, before the first opening for use of the packaging, the closing configuration of the packaging allows for the maintenance of a high level of barrier that provides long-term preservation (shelf life) of the contents. This post-opening shelf life is made possible by the fact that the movement of moisture and oxygen is minimized when the peelable membrane completely seals the container elements. In such a closed position, the packaging has a thickness of 1 cm when measured at 23°C and 50% relative humidity (RH). 3 / m 2 Less than 0.5 cm per day, preferably 0.5 cm 3 / m 2 Oxygen permeability (OTR) values ​​of less than / day, and 1 g / m³ when measured at 23°C and RH 85%. 2 Less than 0.5 g / m² per day, preferably 0.5 g / m² 2 It has a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) value of less than / day.

[0043] This packaging is manufactured from sustainable materials, specifically tubular cardboard packaging made from environmentally friendly / biodegradable / recyclable and / or compostable materials, and the materials incorporate barrier capabilities to ensure a long shelf life and product freshness without significantly affecting sensory characteristics.

[0044] This packaging features customizable characteristics, particularly tubular cardboard packaging that can be customized to suit various product types and customer needs, such as size, shape, or color.

[0045] This packaging possesses exceptionally high barrier properties against the movement of gases and moisture through its walls. The developed packaging material offers high barrier functional properties that improve food protection and usability, including oxygen permeability (OTR), moisture resistance (WVTR), and odor blocking properties.

[0046] While optional, preferably the packaging material is UV resistant or light-blocking, and is therefore particularly useful for packaging certain food categories that are susceptible to UV light.

[0047] This tubular packaging uses cardboard material that is flexible enough to be folded or crushed, while still being able to withstand stacking forces and upper load mechanical stress (which the packaging experiences when stacked for transport and storage), thus taking up less space when discarded after use.

[0048] The packaging according to the present invention is a shock-absorbing / cushioning system in which the mechanical elasticity of the existing tubular material and the headspace integrated into the packaging cavity form an air pocket feature, protecting products susceptible to mechanical shock during transport or handling.

[0049] The simple shape of this packaging allows for a stackable design that minimizes product movement and optimizes transportation.

[0050] The fact that cardboard material with a very high cellulose content is used provides a sound-dampening effect, reducing noise during transport, as well as during opening, closing, and resealing. In this respect, this packaging is very user-friendly to use.

[0051] The preferred shape and diameter of the tube are selected to suit the human hand for an ergonomically superior and easy-to-grip design.

[0052] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the currently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing the incidental advantages of the invention. Accordingly, such changes and modifications are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Packaged article (1), (i) At least one packaging body (2) having a tubular shape and closed at one end (4) by a permanent bottom wall (5) to define at least one compartment for packaging contents and at least one supply opening (6) configured to allow the packaged contents to be supplied from the packaging article (1), wherein the packaging body (2) and the bottom wall (5) are made of a multilayer oxygen-moisture barrier laminate comprising a cellulose-based support layer and an organic and / or inorganic barrier layer, and the cellulose-based support layer of the body (2) is 120 to 600 g / m ２ The basis weight is such that the multilayer laminate has a cellulose content of more than 90%, preferably more than 95%, and more preferably more than 99%, and as a result the oxygen permeability (OTR) is such that when measured at 23°C and 50% relative humidity (RH), it is 1 cm². ３ / m ２ Less than one day, preferably 0.5 cm ３ / m ２ The amount is less than 1 g / m³, and the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) is 1 g / m³ when measured at 23°C and RH 85%. ２ Less than 0.5 g / m² per day, preferably 0.5 g / m². ２ At least one packaging body (2) which is less than / day, (ii)A removable closure element (7) made of an oxygen and moisture barrier laminate comprising a paper layer and at least one organic and / or inorganic barrier layer, wherein the paper layer has a basis weight of 30 to 120 g / m ２ and a cellulose content of more than 90%, preferably more than 95%, more preferably more than 99%, whereby the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) is less than 1 cm ３ / m ２ / day, preferably less than 0.5 cm ３ / m ２ / day when measured at 23 °C and a relative humidity (RH) of 50%, and the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) is less than 1 g / m ２ / day, preferably less than 0.5 g / m ２ / day, the removable closure element (7); A packaged article (1) comprising:

2. The packaged article (1) according to claim 1, wherein the removable closing element (7) is provided with a pull tab (8) for facilitating manual removal from the packaging body (2).

3. The packaged article (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing element is a peelable film (7) sealed on the upper edge (3) of the packaging body (2).

4. At least one of the packaging body (2) or the closing element (7) is 120 g / m ２ ~600g / m ２ A paperboard layer having the basis weight, 0.5–10 g / m ２ An optional adhesive layer having the basis weight, 30-120 g / m ２ A paper layer having the basis weight, 0.5–20 g / m ２ Amount, preferably 1 to 10 g / m ２ Amount, more preferably 2 to 8 g / m ２ At least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), or combinations thereof, in an amount thereof, A minimum of one inorganic barrier layer selected from the list of metals, metalloids, or combinations thereof, having a thickness of 1 to 100 nm, Made from acrylic acid or methacrylic acid polymer, or polyolefin grafted with at least one ionomer, at a density of 2 to 20 g / m². ２ Amount, preferably 4 to 9 g / m ２ At least one organic heat seal layer coated by aqueous dispersion coating in an amount of, A packaging article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, manufactured from a multilayer cellulose material, comprising the features described above.

5. At least one of the packaging body (2) or the closing element (7) is 120 g / m ２ ~600g / m ２ A paperboard layer having the basis weight, 0.5–10 g / m ２ An optional adhesive layer having the basis weight, 30-120 g / m ２ A paper layer having the basis weight, 0.5–20 g / m ２ Amount, preferably 1 to 10 g / m ２ Amount, more preferably 2 to 8 g / m ２ At least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), or combinations thereof, in an amount thereof, A minimum of one inorganic barrier layer selected from the list of metals, metalloids, or combinations thereof, having a thickness of 1 to 100 nm, 0.5–20 g / m ２ Amount, preferably 1 to 10 g / m ２ Amount, more preferably 2 to 8 g / m ２ At least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), or combinations thereof, in an amount thereof, 2-20 g / m ２ Amount, preferably 4 to 9 g / m ２ In an amount thereof, at least one organic heat seal layer made of polyolefin coated by extrusion molding, A packaging article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, manufactured from a multilayer cellulose material, comprising the features described above.

6. The contents of the aforementioned package are Food products intended for consumption by humans and / or animals, And / or A device configured to manufacture edible products for consumption by humans and / or animals, A packaged article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The packaged article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the package body (2) and / or the removable closing element (7) are composed of at least 50 volume% paper, more preferably at least 60 volume% paper, more preferably at least 70 volume% paper, more preferably at least 80 volume% paper, more preferably at least 90 volume% paper, and more preferably at least 95 volume% paper.

8. The packaged article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the packaging body (2) has an outer diameter in the range of 20 mm to 200 mm, more preferably 40 to 100 mm, more preferably 50 mm to 500 mm, and even more preferably 75 mm to 250 mm.

9. Packaged food products, A packaged article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A packaged food product comprising at least one food ingredient contained within a container of the aforementioned packaged article.

10. The packaged food product according to claim 9, wherein the food material is a bulk solid, preferably a fluid bulk solid, and preferably a fluid powder.

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