Method and packaging machine for producing compostable pods for brewed products

Abstract

The method for producing a compostable pod for a brewing product comprises the steps of: arranging a first sheet (2) and a second sheet (3) made of a biodegradable material with gas barrier properties; and shaping the sheets (2, 3) to create at least one first concave portion (2a) on the first sheet (2) and at least one second concave portion (3a) on the second sheet (3), bounded by respective peripheral annular portions (2a', 3a'). the steps of folding the sheets (2, 3) at the peripheral annular portions (2a', 3a') so as to define a cup and reinforcing annular portions (2b, 3b) of each of the sheets (2, 3); filling the first concave portion (2a) with a predetermined amount (4) of brewed product; and joining the sheets (2, 3) at the peripheral annular portions (2a, 3a) so that the concave surfaces of the concave portions (2a, 3a) face each other and define a storage volume for the brewed product as mentioned above.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and packaging machine for producing compostable pods for brewed products. [Background technology]

[0002] The invention finds its main application in the food sector, and more particularly in the technical field of the manufacture of pods for brewed products such as coffee or tea.

[0003] In recent years, in the field of brewing products, packaging solutions for products such as capsules and pods have become more and more popular, which ensure an easy use of the brewing products in special machines that speed up the preparation of the beverage.

[0004] Of the two main solutions, pods were considered preferable due to the fact that only biodegradable materials (e.g. filter paper) are in contact with the product, but in recent years technology has been increasingly focused on improving the quality of capsules, both for economic reasons and in terms of better preserving the organoleptic qualities of the product in capsules.

[0005] In fact, the capsule makes it possible to avoid the need for additional packaging for the capsule itself and, by its inherent nature, to guarantee a gas barrier that preserves the quality of the product contained therein, even over a long period of time.

[0006] For this reason, some manufacturers have recently chosen to modify the "pod" concept, developing models that maintain the standard disc morphology but are made from materials that can provide a gas barrier, such as aluminum.

[0007] Unfortunately, this solution does not align with the significant increase in awareness of both environmental issues among organizations and consumers in recent years.

[0008] Moreover, the use of materials other than aluminum currently faces considerations of both stability and size, which have made engineers in the sector hesitant to experiment with biodegradable / compostable materials.

[0009] During the molding step to form the concave portions defining the two halves of the pod, in practice the sheets of compostable material may undergo sagging, displacement or misalignment due to the low stiffness of the material, which may result in the pod not closing effectively during joining of the sheets.

[0010] Furthermore, applicants point out that the use of biodegradable materials may lead to shrinkage of the material itself, which may result in tears or cracks in the finished pod. Summary of the Invention

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art.

[0012] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and packaging machine for manufacturing pods for brewing products that allows the use of compostable materials, increases the efficiency of the production process, and improves the quality of the pods produced.

[0013] The above mentioned object is achieved by a method for producing compostable pods for brewed products having one or more of the features of claims 1 to 5 and by a packaging machine for producing compostable pods for brewed products having the features of claim 12.

[0014] Specifically, the method includes the step of placing a first sheet and a second sheet made of a biodegradable material having gas barrier properties.

[0015] The method preferably includes a step of forming the sheets such that at least one first concave portion is created on the first sheet and at least one second concave portion is created on the second sheet, the concave portions being bounded by respective peripheral annular portions.

[0016] According to a first aspect of the invention, the method includes folding a sheet about a peripheral annular portion to define respective reinforcing annular portions in the sheet.

[0017] The method preferably comprises the step of filling the first concave portion with a quantity of brewed product.

[0018] The method preferably includes the step of joining the sheets at a peripheral annular portion such that the respective concave surfaces of the concave portions face each other and define the aforementioned containment volume for the brewed product.

[0019] Advantageously, therefore, the reinforcing annular portion enables the concave portion to be externally reinforced so that the subsequent bonding step can be performed accurately and precisely.

[0020] In this manner, no machine shutdowns or special equipment are required to support, check and align the sheets, improving the efficiency of the packaging process and improving the quality of the resulting pods.

[0021] The forming and folding steps are preferably performed simultaneously to optimize the packaging process.

[0022] The method preferably includes, following the bonding step, a cutting step for cutting the peripheral annular portion along respective cutting lines between the recessed portions and the reinforcing annular portion.

[0023] Advantageously, the presence of the reinforcing loops increases the stiffness of the sheet and also holds it in place during the cutting step.

[0024] The step of shaping the first sheet and the second sheet preferably includes the step of wetting at least a first portion of the first sheet and a second portion of the second sheet.

[0025] Furthermore, the shaping step preferably includes configuring said first portion and said second portion to create said first concave portion and said second concave portion.

[0026] Preferably there is a drying step for drying the first concave portion and the second concave portion.

[0027] Advantageously, thanks to the wetting step it is possible to increase the malleability of the cellulose component of the biodegradable material with gas barrier properties, making it possible to conform the wetted parts by punching or by methods per se known therein.

[0028] Furthermore, a subsequent drying step allows crystallization of the wetted and morphed material, thus allowing filling and finally closing of the pods while maintaining the correct profile.

[0029] This method therefore allows for the production of compostable pods with gas barrier properties in a simple, cost-effective and manufacturer-friendly manner.

[0030] The invention also relates to a forming station, and to a packaging machine including the forming station described above, for producing compostable pods for brewed products.

[0031] The forming station includes a supply unit for at least one sheet made of a biodegradable material having gas barrier properties, and a form forming device.

[0032] The morphing device preferably comprises a molding device and a folding device.

[0033] The forming apparatus includes at least one movable punch that moves toward and away from a die having a concave surface bounded about its edge by a periphery.

[0034] The molding apparatus is configured to form at least one recessed portion and a corresponding peripheral annular portion on each sheet.

[0035] The folding element is configured to be positioned outside the periphery of the die to crease the sheet at a peripheral annular portion to define at least one reinforcing annular portion of the sheet.

[0036] Advantageously, the presence of the folding elements therefore makes it possible to reinforce the sheet at its peripheral annular portions adjacent the concave portions that, when joined, are used to form the pods.

[0037] The folding element is preferably movable and moves toward and away from an abutment portion located outside the periphery of the die, the abutment portion being configured to receive the folding element against the abutment portion for creating the crease.

[0038] The abutment portion is preferably between the periphery of the die and the bottom of the concave surface with respect to the direction of reciprocating motion between the punch and the die.

[0039] Advantageously, this configuration allows for the creation of reinforcing annular portions of the sheet.

[0040] The distance between the peripheral edge and the abutment portion, measured along the direction of reciprocating motion between the punch and the die, is preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and even more preferably 1.3 mm.

[0041] The distance between the periphery and the bottom, measured along the direction of reciprocating motion between the punch and the die, is preferably in the range of 3 mm to 7 mm, and even more preferably is 5 mm.

[0042] Also preferably there is at least one wetting device on at least one portion of said first sheet or said second sheet.

[0043] In addition, a heating element is preferably provided that is configured to dry the portion to enable maintenance of the concave configuration described above.

[0044] Advantageously, the packaging machine comprises a first forming station configured to provide a first sheet made of a biodegradable material having gas barrier properties and having at least one first concave portion, and a second forming station configured to provide a second sheet made of a biodegradable material having gas barrier properties and having at least one second concave portion.

[0045] Additionally, there is a filling station operatively disposed downstream of said first forming station and configured to fill said first concave portion with a quantity of brewed product.

[0046] Finally, there is a bonding station operably arranged downstream of the aforementioned filling station and configured to bond the sheets at their peripheral annular portions such that their respective concave surfaces face each other and define a storage volume for the aforementioned brewed product.

[0047] According to a second aspect of the invention, alternative or complementary to the previous one, there is provided a method and a machine for making compostable pods for brewed products, characterized in that the depth of the concave surface of the die of the forming device is sized large relative to half the height of the packaged pod.

[0048] In other words, for the same amount of brewed product inserted, by combining a deeper concave portion, any shrinkage that occurs in the compostable material with gas barrier properties (resulting in the pod being compressed and therefore the thickness of the pod being reduced) is compensated for.

[0049] These and other features, together with the advantages associated therewith, will become more apparent from the following illustrative, and therefore preferred, and therefore non-limiting, description of a machine for manufacturing compostable pods for brewed products and a method for manufacturing the same, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic elevational view of a packaging machine for producing compostable pods for brewed products according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic elevational view of a forming station of the packaging machine of FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic enlarged view of a die of the forming station shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sheet formed using the packaging machine that is the subject of the present invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of a pod 100 produced using the packaging machine of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the reference number 1 indicates a packaging machine used to implement the method for producing compostable pods for brewed products according to the invention.

[0052] The machine 1, as well as the manufacturing method implemented thereby, therefore finds application in the production and manufacture of disposable compostable pods of the type used in the preparation of, most often hot beverages, by brewing or percolation.

[0053] Generally speaking, the pod 100 is an element comprising a first concave portion 2a and a second concave portion 3a joined to each other such that their respective concave surfaces face each other and define a storage volume in which a predetermined amount of brewed product is placed.

[0054] It should be noted that the pods 100 manufactured by the machine and method according to the present invention may be of various types and the brewed products contained therein may be very diverse, such as (preferably) coffee, tea, herbal tea, etc.

[0055] As a procedure, first, a first sheet 2 and a second sheet 3 are prepared from a biodegradable material having gas barrier properties.

[0056] The term "sheet" is intended to define any flexible element comprising a planar extension having two flat surfaces facing each other.

[0057] It should be noted that the definition of "sheet" is intended to include both well-defined planar extensions and reels of material where the length of the material is much greater than its width.

[0058] Indeed, the spirit of the present invention is intended to include both "in-line" solutions as well as more static solutions in which a single sheet of material is processed in an individual fashion.

[0059] The first sheet 2 or the second sheet 3 made of a biodegradable material having gas barrier properties is preferably made of a composite material having a cellulosic component and a biopolymer component or a bioplastic component.

[0060] This material contains no fossil or petroleum-based content and can be considered fully compostable or biodegradable under any national regulations, even the most stringent.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the biodegradable material having gas barrier properties has a weight in the range of 90 to 150 grams.

[0062] The biodegradable material having gas barrier properties is preferably A nonwoven fabric made of at least 40% by weight, preferably 100% by weight, of biodegradable fibers; an adhesive layer suitable for contact with food, which in any case is less than 5% by weight of the material; A barrier medium that reduces gas permeability, such as parchment paper; The laminated layer includes a plurality of overlapping layers, the plurality of layers including one or more of:

[0063] The biodegradable fibers used are, for example: PLA (polylactic acid), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate), PHB(V) (Polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), PBS (polybutylene succinate), Bio polyester, Cellulosic fibers, such as cotton, flax, and wood fibers; may be selected from the group including:

[0064] The adhesive layer, if present, is preferably of the acrylic type.

[0065] To manufacture the pod 100, it is generally necessary to include a step for molding a first sheet 2 and a second sheet 3 such that a first concave portion 2a is created on the first sheet 2 and a second concave portion 3a is created on the second sheet 3.

[0066] An array of first recessed portions 2 a and a corresponding array of second recessed portions 3 a are preferably made on the first sheet 2 and the second sheet 3 .

[0067] In particular, the molding of the sheets 2, 3 creates concave portions 2a, 3a bounded by corresponding peripheral annular portions 2a', 3a'.

[0068] It should be noted that such shaping steps may occur simultaneously or in successive steps, at the same station or at different stations, all while adhering to the spirit of the present invention.

[0069] Advantageously, the method then includes a folding step for folding the sheets 2, 3 at the peripheral annular portions 2a', 3a' so as to define reinforcing annular portions 2b, 3b of the sheets 2, 3, respectively, as shown in FIG.

[0070] According to one possible embodiment of the present invention, the step of molding the first sheet 2 and the second sheet 3 preferably includes a step of wetting at least a first portion of the first sheet 2 and a second portion of the second sheet 3.

[0071] The wetting or soaking of the sheet portions 2, 3 is preferably performed by applying at least one steam jet of a predetermined temperature to the first portion and to the above-mentioned second portion.

[0072] However, alternatively, the wetting step may be carried out using other methods, for example by spraying the sheets 2, 3 with a liquid (e.g. demineralized water) or by immersing the sheets 2, 3 with a suitable device (bath, roller, sponge).

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment, the step of wetting the first or second part is performed by applying two separate, preferably independently driven, adjustable steam jets to two faces of each of the first sheet 2 or the second sheet 3.

[0074] Advantageously, this allows differential immersion of different layers of biodegradable material with gas barrier properties.

[0075] The shaping step also includes shaping the first and second portions to create the first and second concave portions 2a, 3a.

[0076] In other words, the shaping step includes shaping the previously wetted portions of the first sheet 2 and the second sheet 3, for example with a punch, a die or the like.

[0077] In this way, the cellulose portion of the material advantageously becomes more malleable, greatly reducing the risk of breakage while maintaining production rates consistent with current market demanded cycle times.

[0078] Following or simultaneously with morphing, the first concave portion 2a and the second concave portion 3a are dried.

[0079] In other words, the drying step involves heating the first concave portion 2a and the second concave portion 3a simultaneously with or subsequent to the above-mentioned morphology formation so as to crystallize the shape of the resulting material.

[0080] The pod 100 is then manufactured using the concave portions 2a, 3a resulting from the molding step.

[0081] In particular, the first concave portion 2a is filled with a quantity 4 of brewed product, which may be of different types as already mentioned.

[0082] The method then comprises the step of joining the sheets 2, 3 at the peripheral annular portions 2a', 3a' such that the respective concave surfaces of the concave portions 2a, 3a face each other and define a containment volume for the brewed product.

[0083] In other words, the first concave portion 2a filled with said quantity 4 is joined to the second concave portion 3a such that their respective concave surfaces face each other and define a receiving volume for said brewed product.

[0084] Thus, advantageously, the method to which the invention relates makes it possible to manufacture a pod 100, in which both the first concave portion 2a and the second concave portion 3a are preformed and made of a biodegradable material with high quality gas barrier properties. In fact, the joining of the peripheral annular portions 2a', 3a' is precise and effective, since the sheets 2, 3 are reinforced by the reinforcing annular portions 2b, 3b during the folding step.

[0085] This forming step and the above-mentioned folding step are preferably performed simultaneously, as will become more apparent from the following description.

[0086] Finally, the method preferably includes, following the bonding step, a cutting step for cutting the peripheral annular portions 2a', 3a' along respective cutting lines T between the concave portions 2a, 3a and the reinforcing annular portions 2b, 3b (as shown in FIG. 4).

[0087] Thus, the reinforcing annular portions 2b, 3b become waste at the end of the process, but perform an important supporting and reinforcing function during the bonding step.

[0088] To carry out the method, for example, a packaging machine 1 to which the invention relates is used.

[0089] The machine 1 comprises one or more forming stations 5 , 6 , a filling station 7 and a joining station 8 .

[0090] In particular, the machine 1 comprises a first forming station 5 and a second forming station 6 .

[0091] The first forming station 5 is configured to provide a first sheet 2 of biodegradable material with the above-mentioned first concave portions 2a, preferably an arrangement of first concave portions 2a.

[0092] The second forming station 6 is configured to provide a second sheet 3 made of a biodegradable material with the above-mentioned second concave portions 3a, preferably an arrangement of second concave portions 3a.

[0093] It should be noted that the first forming station 5 and the second forming station 6 may be located in the same apparatus and act simultaneously on the two sheets 2, 3 or may be physically separated from each other, in any case adhering to the spirit of the invention.

[0094] Each forming station 5, 6 comprises a supply unit 9 for a corresponding first sheet 2 or second sheet 3 of biodegradable material having gas barrier properties.

[0095] The supply unit 9 is arranged to supply the sheets 2, 3 (or ribbons) along an advance direction "A".

[0096] Along the forward direction "A" there is preferably a wetting device 10 for at least one portion of each first sheet 2 or second sheet 3.

[0097] The wetting device 10 preferably comprises at least one steam generator 10 a configured to generate a steam jet “V” that impinges on the first sheet 2 or the second sheet 3 comprises portion.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, the wetting device 10 comprises two steam generators 10a facing each other, each directed towards a corresponding face of the first sheet 2 or the second sheet 3.

[0099] These steam generators 10a are preferably driven independently in order to differentiate and optimize the soaking of each side of the sheets 2,3.

[0100] However, alternatively, other wetting systems may be used, such as an atomizing nozzle / spray or an application roller (eg with a brush or sponge).

[0101] The forming stations 5 , 6 preferably comprise a morphing device 11 operatively arranged downstream of the wetting device 10 .

[0102] The morphing device 11 comprises at least one forming device 12 .

[0103] The forming device 12 is configured to impart a concave shape to the preferably immersed portion of the sheet.

[0104] With reference to FIG. 2, the forming apparatus 12 comprises at least one punch 12a, preferably convex, which is movable in a reciprocating direction (preferably perpendicular to the advance direction A) towards and away from a die 12b, which is preferably concave and has a concave surface 12b' and is bounded around its edge by a periphery 12b".

[0105] Thus, the forming device 12 is configured to form on each sheet 2,3 at least one concave portion 2a,3a and one corresponding peripheral annular portion 2a',3a'.

[0106] Advantageously, the morphogenetic device 11 comprises a folding element 14 configured to be arranged outside the peripheral edge 12b" of the matrix 12b in order to crease the sheets 2, 3 at the peripheral annular portions 2a', 3a' so as to define at least one reinforcing annular portion 2b, 3b of the sheets 2, 3.

[0107] In other words, the folding element 14 presses the sheets 2, 3 to fold them along the peripheral edge 12b" to generate the folds P, so that the area itself is reinforced. In fact, the stiffness of the sheets 2, 3 is increased by the presence of the reinforcing annular portions 2b, 3b, which are not flush with the peripheral annular portions 2a', 3a' and preferably lie substantially in a transverse plane.

[0108] In other words, as a result of the intervention of the folding elements, the peripheral annular portions 2a', 3a' are positioned astride the respective peripheral edge 12b", with the fold P and the annular edges of the concave portions 2a, 3a gripping the corresponding edges (or fittings) of the peripheral edge 12b". In this way, correct positioning of the concave portions within the concave surface is ensured, improving product quality and reducing waste.

[0109] The folding element 14 is preferably attached to the forming apparatus 12 and is preferably movable therewith.

[0110] The folding element 14 is preferably movable toward and away from an abutment portion 12c disposed outside the periphery 12b″ of the die 12b, the abutment portion being configured to receive the folding element 14 against the abutment portion for creating the crease P.

[0111] With particular reference to FIG. 3, the abutment portion 12c is preferably between the peripheral edge 12b'' of the die 12b and the bottom 12f of the concave surface 12b' with respect to the direction of reciprocating motion between the punch 12a and the die 12b.

[0112] The distance D1 between the peripheral edge 12b'' and the abutment portion, measured along the reciprocating direction, is preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and even more preferably 1.3 mm.

[0113] The distance D2 between the peripheral portion 12b'' and the bottom portion 12f, measured along the reciprocating direction, is in the range of 3 mm to 7 mm, and even more preferably is 5 mm.

[0114] In this regard, according to an additional aspect of the invention, in order to solve the problem of shrinkage of the biodegradable material with gas barrier properties from which the sheets 2, 3 are made, it is possible to determine the distance D2 to be half the thickness S of the packaged pod 100 plus an additional value X that allows to compensate for this material shrinkage, so that D2=S / 2+X.

[0115] The additional value X may preferably range from 10% to 30% of the thickness S.

[0116] Therefore, for the same amount of brewing material inserted into the first concave portion 2a, by increasing the depth of the concave surface 12b' of the die 12b, it is possible to prevent the shrinkage of the biodegradable material with gas barrier properties from resulting in the destruction of the pod 100.

[0117] The morphing device then preferably comprises heating means 13 arranged to dry the shaped sheet portions 2, 3 to enable subsequent maintenance of the above-mentioned concave shape thereafter.

[0118] In addition, the heating means 13 preferably comprises a heating device 13a associated with the above-mentioned punch 12a and / or die 12b for drying the concave portions 2a, 3a of the first sheet 2 or the second sheet 3 during shaping.

[0119] The heating device 13a is preferably defined by at least one resistor integrated into the punch 12a or the die 12b.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment, the forming device 12 is configured to exert a compressive force in the range of 1000-3000N.

[0121] Meanwhile, the heating device 13a is preferably configured to increase the temperature of the punch 12a or the die 12b to a temperature in the range of 50-130° C. during the shaping step.

[0122] Advantageously, a precise morphology of the concave portions 2a, 3a can thus be obtained quickly and reliably.

[0123] The filling station 7 preferably comprises a dosing device 7a, which is known per se and will therefore not be described in detail. The dosing device 7a may be of the weight, time or volume type, in any case complying with the spirit of the invention.

[0124] The bonding station 8, in turn, may be of various types, preferably involving the use of an ultrasonic welding device 8a (sonotrode) to avoid or limit the presence of adhesives.

[0125] However, a heat sealer or other known system may alternatively be used.

[0126] The drying step carried out during morphology also allows precise maintenance of the morphology, facilitating the subsequent filling and bonding steps and eliminating the need for producers to use suction or vacuum systems.

[0127] The present invention achieves the proposed objectives, overcomes the shortcomings pointed out in the prior art, and provides the user with a method and a machine for producing compostable pods made of biodegradable materials with gas barrier properties for high quality brewed products.

[0128] In particular, the invention makes it possible to efficiently carry out a bonding step for bonding two concave portions that become a capsule.

Claims

1. 1. A method for producing a compostable pod for a brewing product, comprising: A step of disposing a first sheet (2) and a second sheet (3) made of a biodegradable material having gas barrier properties; - shaping said sheets (2, 3) to create at least one first concave portion (2a) on said first sheet (2) and at least one second concave portion (3a) on said second sheet (3), bounded by respective peripheral annular portions (2a', 3a'); - folding said sheets (2, 3) at said peripheral annular portions (2a', 3a') so as to define respective reinforcing annular portions (2b, 3b) of said sheets (2, 3), each of said reinforcing annular portions (2b, 3b) comprising a fold line (P) extending annularly along the corresponding peripheral annular portion (2a', 3a'); filling said first concave portion (2a) with a quantity (4) of brewed product; - joining said sheets (2, 3) at said peripheral annular portions (2a, 3a) such that the respective concave surfaces of said concave portions (2a, 3a) face each other and define a receiving volume for said brewed product; A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the forming and folding steps are performed simultaneously.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising, following the bonding step, a cutting step for cutting the peripheral annular portion (2a', 3a') along respective cutting lines (T) between the concave portions (2a, 3a) and the reinforcing annular portions (2b, 3b).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first sheet (2) or the second sheet (3) made of a biodegradable material having gas barrier properties is a composite material having a cellulose component and a biopolymer component or a bioplastic component.

5. The forming step of the first sheet (2) and the second sheet (3) comprises: wetting at least a first portion of said first sheet (2) and a second portion of said second sheet (3); - shaping said first and second portions to create said first concave portion (2a) and said second concave portion (3a); drying the first concave portion (2a) and the second concave portion (3a); The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:

6. A forming station (5, 6) for a machine for making compostable pods for brewed products, comprising: A supply unit (9) for at least one sheet (2, 3) made of a biodegradable material having gas barrier properties; A morphogenetic device (11), comprising: a forming device (12) comprising at least one movable punch (12a) moving towards and away from a die (12b) with a concave surface (12b') bounded around its edge by a periphery (12b"), the forming device (12) being configured to form at least one recess (2a, 3a) and a corresponding peripheral annular portion (2a', 3a') in said sheets (2, 3); and a folding element (14) configured to be arranged outside the peripheral edge (12b") of the die (12b) for applying a crease (P) to the sheets (2, 3) at the peripheral annular portions (2a', 3a') so as to define at least one reinforcing annular portion (2b, 3b) of the sheets (2, 3); A morphological device (11) comprising: The present invention is characterized in that it comprises Forming stations (5, 6).

7. 7. A forming station (5, 6) according to claim 6, wherein the folding element (14) moves towards and away from an abutment portion (12c) arranged outside the periphery (12b″) of the die (12b), the abutment portion being configured to receive the folding element (14) against said abutment portion in order to make the crease (P).

8. 8. A forming station (5, 6) according to claim 7, wherein the abutment portion (12c) is between the peripheral portion (12b") of the die (12b) and a bottom portion (12f) of the concave surface (12b') with respect to a direction of reciprocating motion between the punch (12a) and the die (12b).

9. Forming station (5, 6) according to claim 8, wherein a distance (D1) between said periphery (12b") and said abutment portion, measured along said direction of reciprocating movement between said punch (12a) and said die (12b), is in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm and is preferably equal to 1.3 mm, and a distance (D2) between said periphery (12b") and said bottom (12f), measured along said direction of reciprocating movement between said punch (12a) and said die (12b), is in the range of 3 mm to 7 mm and is preferably equal to 5 mm.

10. A forming station (5, 6) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, comprising a device for wetting (10) at least one portion of the sheet (2, 3), the morphing device comprising heating means (13) configured to dry the at least one concave portion (3a, 3b) and enable the maintenance of the concave form.

11. A forming station (5, 6) according to claim 10, wherein the heating means (13) comprises a heating device (13a) associated with the punch (12a) and / or the die (12b) for drying the portions of the sheet (2, 3) during shaping.

12. 1. A machine for making compostable pods for brewed products, comprising: A first forming station (5) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, made of a biodegradable material having gas barrier properties and configured to make available a first sheet (2) with at least one first concave portion (2a); A second forming station (6) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, configured to make available a second sheet (3) made of a biodegradable material having gas barrier properties and comprising at least one second concave portion (3a); a filling station (7) operatively arranged downstream of said first forming station (5) and configured to fill said first concave portion (2a) with a quantity (4) of brewed product; a joining station (8) operatively arranged downstream of said filling station (7) and configured to join said sheets (2, 3) at said peripheral annular portions (2a', 3a') such that the respective concave surfaces of said concave portions (2a, 3a) face each other and define a receiving volume for said brewed product; 1. A machine for making compostable pods for brewed products, comprising:

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