Paper packaging materials, films, and packaging materials containing films

Abstract

The present invention relates to a paper packaging film having a first major outer surface and a second major outer surface, the paper packaging film including a paper component, a polymeric film, and a patterned sealable material, the first major outer surface including one or more first surface areas provided by the patterned sealable material and one or more second surface areas provided by the paper component. The present invention also relates to the paper packaging film and, optionally, a package formed from or including a product, for example, a product having a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure pertains to the structure of paper packaging films. Specifically, this disclosure pertains to paper packaging films for packaging articles such as food products and other articles. [Background technology]

[0002] The goal of increasing the recyclability of multilayer paper packaging films becomes challenging when attempting to form films intended to protect packaged products, such as food, from their external environment. Traditionally, packaged products are protected by forming multilayer films having multiple specific layers. As performance requirements increase, the number of layers or the thickness of the layers in the laminated film increases, and the mass percentage of paper content decreases, thus hindering the recyclability of the structure.

[0003] Many products are packaged using high-speed packaging equipment, further increasing the demand for smooth handling of packaging materials.

[0004] Furthermore, since packaging materials are often the primary source of information for product marketing, the appearance of the packaging is also important.

[0005] In many cases, when high performance is required for multi-layer paper packaging films, a relatively large amount of additional non-paper materials are added to the paper packaging film. For example, when packaging a specific product, such as food, such as bouillon cubes, the packaging material is required to provide barrier properties against oils, odors, moisture (water and water vapor), and oxygen, most commonly against oils and moisture.

[0006] Products containing oils and fats, such as bouillon cubes, can leave oily residues on paper materials used for packaging. One solution in the art is to use oil-resistant paper materials for packaging. Previously, oil resistance was achieved by adding organic hydrophobic components to paper, either through mass processing or coating. Organic hydrophobic components used in the art for this purpose include poly or perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), waxes (paraffin), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), and silicones. Such components may not comply with food safety regulations and / or may interfere with repulping in the paper recycling process. Therefore, these conventional solutions are not repulpable and recyclable. Components like waxes, when heated (e.g., for sealing), can leave residues themselves. Furthermore, waxes can cause stickiness in the paper recycling process or accumulate on machine parts.

[0007] In paper recycling processes, such as standard paper recycling processes, there is a need for flexible paper packaging films that maintain recyclability while possessing high barrier properties (specifically against moisture and oils), foldability, and excellent sealing performance.

[0008] Furthermore, there is a need for paper packaging films that can be used for packaging oily products while maintaining recyclability in paper recycling processes, such as standard paper recycling processes. The packaging film should also preferably maintain a good appearance during processing, use, and storage (e.g., resistant to oil stains). In addition, the packaging film should be usable in high-speed packaging machines, i.e., have excellent runability. [Overview of the project]

[0009] This specification discloses paper-based packaging films that satisfy the above requirements. The paper-based packaging films disclosed herein have high barrier properties (specifically against moisture and oils), good foldability, and excellent sealing performance. The films also have excellent appearance and runability while maintaining recyclability in paper recycling processes, such as standard paper recycling processes.

[0010] The packaging film contains paper components and includes a minimum amount of non-fibrous material (i.e., a minimum amount of non-paper material) to achieve high barrier properties and excellent sealing performance while maintaining the recyclability of paper. Flexible paper packaging films are useful for packaging rectangular food products, such as bouillon cubes, but are not limited to these.

[0011] The paper packaging film comprises a polymer film, paper components, and a patterned, sealable material. The paper packaging film may also contain additional materials, such as adhesives and / or barrier materials. The barrier material may be placed between the paper components and the polymer film. The adhesive may attach the polymer film, or the barrier material if present, to the paper components. The overall composition of the paper packaging film may contain 80% or more by weight, 85% or more by weight, 90% or more by weight, or 95% or more by weight of paper components.

[0012] In some embodiments of paper packaging films, the polymer film may include stretched or unstretched films and may optionally further include a coating of a barrier material, usually on one side thereof. An example of a barrier coating is a metal or oxide barrier coating. A polymer film including a coated barrier material, such as any metal or oxide barrier coating, is also referred to herein as a “polymer barrier film”. In some embodiments, the polymer film may be attached to the paper component by an adhesive.

[0013] Some embodiments of the paper-based packaging film can be described as having an outer surface and an inner surface, a polymer film, wherein the polymer film is any oriented or non-oriented film, optionally but preferably comprising any metal or oxide barrier coating, a paper component, and a patterned sealable material. Typically, the barrier coating side of the polymer film faces the paper component. For example, in embodiments, the barrier coating side of the polymer film is attached to the paper component by an adhesive, such as a water-sensitive adhesive. In one or more embodiments, the inner surface comprises the polymer film, and the outer surface comprises each of the paper component and the patterned sealable material.

[0014] The paper-based packaging film may comprise 80 wt% or more, 85 wt% or more, 90 wt% or more, or 95 wt% or more of paper (i.e., the paper component) of the total composition.

[0015] The paper-based packaging film may incorporate a sealable material that is heat-sealable, such as a heat-seal lacquer. The paper-based packaging film may comprise an adhesive, which may be an aqueous adhesive. The paper component may be selected from greaseproof paper.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the paper-based packaging film has a first major outer surface and a second major outer surface, wherein the first major outer surface comprises one or more first surface regions and one or more second surface regions provided by the patterned sealable material. The second major outer surface may be provided by the polymer film.

[0017] The present invention also relates to a packaging material formed from or comprising the paper-based packaging film described herein. The packaging material can be sealed by the patterned sealable material. In the packaging material, the patterned sealable material typically faces away from the product, and typically faces toward the environment.

[0018] Some embodiments of the packaging material can be described as a packaged cuboid product including the paper packaging film described herein, and a product having a cuboid shape, wherein the paper packaging film is wrapped around the product such that the first main surface of the packaging film faces away from the product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present disclosure may be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0020] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary packaged cuboid product. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary paper packaging film. [Figure 3a] Figure 3a is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary paper packaging film. [Figure 3b] Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary paper packaging film. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary paper packaging film. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the first main surface (outer surface) of an embodiment of the paper packaging film. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view of the first main surface (outer surface) of an embodiment of the paper packaging film. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a plan view of the first main surface (outer surface) of an embodiment of the paper packaging film.

[0021] The drawings illustrate some, but not all embodiments. Elements illustrated in the drawings are exemplary, not necessarily to exact scale, and identical (or similar) reference numerals indicate identical (or similar) features throughout the drawings.

[0022] Definitions Unless otherwise specified, the following terms used in the present specification have the meanings set forth below.

[0023] The terms “preferred” and “preferred” refer to embodiments of the present invention that may provide particular advantages under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the description of one or more preferred embodiments does not mean that other embodiments are not useful, nor is it intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of this disclosure.

[0024] As used herein, the term “layer” refers to a component of a film. A layer is a structure of a single type of material or a homogeneous mixture of materials. A layer may be a single polymer, a mixture of materials within a single polymer type, or a mixture of various polymers. A layer may contain metallic materials or paper and may have additives. Paper usually exists in the form of a paper layer. As used herein, the terms “paper” or “paper layer” refer to a paper material in the form of a layer that does not contain components, e.g., ink and / or overlacquer (including cellulose and, if necessary, conventional paper additives, e.g., fillers, sizing agents, clay). Layers of materials described herein may be continuous with or discontinuous with a paper packaging film, or they may form a pattern. Both layers and films have a relatively small thickness (in the z direction) compared to their respective length and width (in the x and y directions).

[0025] All layers and films described herein have two opposing main surfaces defined by the xy plane. As used herein, the term “outer layer” means one or more layers of a film that lie on any of the main surfaces of the film, i.e., layers that are not between two other layers of the film. A film has an outer surface that is on the outside of the packaging material in which it is used. When formed into packaging material, the outer surface of the film is exposed to the environment. A film has an inner surface that is on the inside of the packaging material in which it is used. When formed into packaging material, the inner surface is used to form a seal and is exposed to the packaged product.

[0026] As used herein, the term “adjacent” means that items, such as layers of film, are in close proximity to each other, with or without intervening materials such as adhesives. As used herein, the term “directly adjacent” or “directly in contact” means that items are in contact with each other without intervening materials.

[0027] When used in reference to two adjacent structural elements of a packaging film (i.e., paper components, materials, films, or layers as described herein), the term “linked” means that such structural elements are provided separately and then linked together by any suitable means, with or without an intervening material, such as an adhesive. Therefore, as used herein, the term “linked” is intended to be distinguished from (and preferably excluded from) co-extrusion or coating methods that provide two adjacent structural elements. For example, the term “polymer film linked to a paper component” means that the polymer film and the polymer layers constituting the paper component are provided separately and then linked together by any suitable means, with or without an intervening material. Therefore, it is preferable that the polymer material providing the polymer film for the paper packaging film described herein is not applied to the paper component by using a method that includes coating the polymer material onto the paper component.

[0028] The term “paper” or “paper layer” refers to cellulosic materials, including any additives typically used in paper common in the papermaking industry, such as fillers, sizing agents, and clay coatings.

[0029] The “paper content” of a paper packaging film can be determined by dividing the mass of paper used (including paper or paper layers and any conventional paper additives) by the total mass of the paper packaging film (including paper layers, polymer films, and patterned sealable materials, and optionally, one or more of barrier materials, adhesives, inks, overlacquers, and any other materials that may be present but are not “paper layers”).

[0030] Because combining paper with non-paper materials can result in non-recyclable products, not all paper products can be fully recycled. Therefore, it should be noted that the paper content may not always be the same as the "recoverable content." The term "recoverable content" or "recoverable pulp content" of paper packaging films is defined herein as the mass fraction of material that can be recovered to produce new paper (usually pulp and other materials incorporated with the pulp). Recoverable content can be determined by tests that mimic the repulping process, such as those described herein. Maximizing the recoverable content is desirable to maximize the incentive for recyclers to recover packaging products; therefore, when designing paper packaging products, a value of 80% or higher is generally considered a guideline, although values ​​up to 50% are considered acceptable in some countries.

[0031] The term “paper components” refers to paper or paper layers, and further, if applicable, includes other components added after the initial manufacture of the paper, such as ink and / or overlacquer.

[0032] The term "recyclability" of paper packaging generally refers to the individual suitability of the paper packaging to actually be reprocessed into new paper or cardboard after use. "Actually" means that the packaging is collected (sorted, where applicable) by grade according to EN 643 "European list of standard grades of paper and board for recycling," and that the final recycling is carried out on an industrial scale. A standard paper recycling plant typically has the equipment and processes to produce high-quality final products based on EN643 Groups 1-4 using conventional low-concentration pulper (5% fiber concentration). Often, such processes operate deflakers to separate the fiber bundles into individual fibers, as well as coarse and fine screening cleaners. The purpose is to separate the fibers from other materials. The final result is fibrous material (=recycled pulp) suspended in water ready for papermaking. Specialized recycling plants can process a mixture of special grades (EN643 Group 5) and other groups (EN643 Groups 1-4). The recycled paper raw material production process for packaging materials (Category 2) typically does not include a deinking step to remove printing ink. In contrast to standard recycling plants, specialized recycling plants determine the optimal formulation and add one or more of the following: horizontal high-density drum pulpers, independent batch pulpers with long pulping times, deinking machines, fine cleaners, high-temperature dispersions, special processes, and wastewater systems. As with standard plants, the final result of the process is also fibrous material suspended in water, ready for papermaking.

[0033] As used herein, the term “standard paper recycling process” is intended to mean a waste paper recycling process that includes one and usually several or all common steps selected from repulping, sorting, flotation, coarse sorting, concentration, defibration, deinking, washing, refining, and bleaching, as is known in the art.

[0034] The paper packaging films described herein, and the packaging materials prepared therefrom, are suitable for recycling in standard recycled paper processes (i.e., they can be processed in standard paper mills). For the purposes of the present invention, recyclability (i.e., suitability of the paper packaging films or packaging materials obtained therefrom for processing in standard paper recycling processes) can be confirmed using standard laboratory tests that simulate industry-standard recycled paper processes on a laboratory scale, based on properties including repulpability and sheet formation. The test procedure includes a commonly performed disintegration process (pulping process) using a standard disintegrator (in accordance with ISO 5263-1). The test procedure may include one or more of the following stages: disintegration, filtrate analysis; identification of coarse rejects (e.g., residue in 5 mm holes), determination of consistency after coarse sorting (AC); sheet adhesion test and visual inspection of accepted coarse sorting materials; identification of fine rejects (e.g., 150 μm slot residue); sheet adhesion test and visual inspection of accepted fine sorting materials, and measurement of adhesive particle (macro-adhesive) content. The test procedure may also include, if necessary, a sheet formation process (total stock), which may include sheet adhesion testing and visual inspection, although both are usually optional. Specific tests may include one or more of the following: measurement of coarse defective products, measurement of flake content (fine defective products according to TAPPI T275 sp18), calculation of soluble and colloidal solid content less than 10 microns (measured according to ISO 4119), measurement of adhesive particle area (macro-adhesion, if necessary, according to ISO 15360-2), and indication of ash content (measured according to ISO 1762, if necessary).Suitable standard test protocols for verifying the recyclability of paper packaging films or packaging materials made therefrom in a standard paper recycling process include one or more of PTS-RH 021 - Cat. 2, Aticelca 501 (2019) and CEPI “Harmonized European laboratory test method to produce parameters allowing the recyclability of paper and board products in standard paper and board recycling mills - Version 2”. For the purposes of the present invention, the recyclability of paper packaging films or products made therefrom means that the film or product achieves at least a good rating according to at least one, two, or all of these criteria, for example, level B when evaluated according to Aticelca 501 (2019).

[0035] The criteria used for assessing the recyclability of PTS-RH 021 - Cat. 2 are repulpability (mass percentage of components unsuitable for papermaking) and smooth sheet formation (purity of the mass percentage of papermaking-suitable raw materials in terms of adhesive particles or optical heterogeneity).

[0036] The Aticelca 501 (2019) system is an evaluation based on laboratory analysis developed by Aticelca since 2011 and designated UNI 11743:2019. This analysis simulates the main stages of the industrial process of paper production for recycled paper to produce new paper sheets in a standard recycling process. The technical standard Aticelca 501 (2019) reproduces, on a laboratory scale, what happens on an industrial scale when a paper mill recycles paper for recycling. Pulping, fiber washing, and sheet formation are performed. The following parameters are measured: rough rejects, flake content, macro-adhesion area, sheet formation and adhesion, optical heterogeneity, and ash content (if applicable). The results of laboratory tests analyzing the main elements for evaluating the recyclability of paper and corrugated cardboard, as well as products derived therefrom, are summarized in an index scaled to four levels of recyclability: A+, A, B, C (and non-recyclable), with A+ being the highest level of recyclability.

[0037] The CEPI Recyclability Test Method-Version 2 describes a laboratory-scale method for measuring key parameters to assess the level of recyclability of paper and paperboard materials, as well as other cellulose fiber products, by emulating the relevant stages of a standard paper and paperboard recycling plant that recycles paper to produce new paper and paperboard without using deinking techniques or other special functions. This method allows for the analysis of both process parameters (coarse rejects, fine rejects, dissolved and colloidal substances, and sticky particles less than 2 mm in diameter) and quality parameters (sheet formation, adhesion, and interfering substances such as visible impurities) of products manufactured from recycled fibers. This document considers only the minimum characteristics of paper and paperboard products that are generally recycled. Therefore, additional specifications required to enhance the value of paper and paperboard products using deinking techniques are not considered. Nor are recyclability parameters in plants with special processing techniques included.

[0038] As used herein, the term “fat” is intended to include fats, which are the molecular forms of a family of nutrients based on fatty acids. Fats can be solid or liquid (at room temperature), depending on the fatty acids they contain. Liquid fats are called “oils.” As used herein, the term “fat” is intended to include solid fats and liquid fats, i.e., oils.

[0039] As used herein, the term “fats and oils” is intended to include substances having similar physical properties (e.g., with respect to melting point and density), but which are not considered pure fats because, for example, they do not fall under the classification of fats as defined herein (i.e., are not fatty acid triglycerides) or contain additional components. As used herein, “fats and oils” is intended to include not only fats as defined herein (including semi-solid and solid fats and oils), but also substances obtained from fats (e.g., by chemical reactions (e.g., cleavage of ester groups, formation of salts) or physical treatments (e.g., heating)), and substances obtained from fats include fatty acids and their salts.

[0040] The term "barrier material" is well known in the art of packaging materials. A barrier material is generally understood as a single material or combination of materials designed to reduce the diffusion of substances, such as water, gases (e.g., oxygen), fats (especially oils), or aromas, through the packaging material. Barrier materials, as is well known in the art, help prevent the degradation of the packaging material and / or the packaged product.

[0041] As described herein, the “whole composition” of a paper packaging film refers to all materials contained therein. The whole composition of a paper packaging film includes the paper content (i.e., the cellulose fiber content) and the non-paper content (i.e., all other materials, e.g., polymer films, patterned sealable materials, any components, e.g., adhesives, barrier materials, inks and overlacquers, and any other components that may be included).

[0042] As used herein, the term “basis weight” is used to refer to the amount of material by weight present in a given area of ​​a component, film, or layer. Typically, the defined area is square meters, but any area can be used. The area is defined by the length-width (i.e., xy direction) of the film or layer. A material having a given thickness (z direction) and density will have a specific weight when covering a defined area (i.e., square meters). Because the density of paper can vary considerably, basis weight is a commonly used measure of paper weight. In other words, measuring the thickness of paper can be difficult. Materials applied to discontinuous layers, such as patterned, sealable materials, can be defined by basis weight. In the case of patterns, basis weight refers to the amount of material by weight present when covering a defined area. In the film processing industry, basis weight is commonly used to measure the weight of materials, such as paper and patterned materials.

[0043] As used herein, the term “water-sensitive” means that, upon prolonged exposure to or immersion in liquid water, the adhesive layer loses its adhesive and / or tackiness, thereby allowing the paper components to be peeled (separated) from the rest of the paper packaging film structure during the repulping process. Water sensitivity can be confirmed using water, water at 40°C ± 5°C, and a standard laboratory pulp disintegrator using 30,000 revolutions per minute. A suitable adhesive is preferably one that does not hinder recycling in a standard paper recycling process, as determined according to the recyclability criteria described herein. For example, when tested according to the Aticelca and PTS protocols, a suitable adhesive allows the fibers to peel from the packaging film, resulting in an acceptable recoverable content, e.g., at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90% of the paper packaging film. Adhesives can be preferably selected to be classified, preferably at least level B, level A, or level A+, according to Aticelca 501 (2019). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] Packaging film This specification provides a paper-based packaging film that overcomes the shortcomings of conventionally available films. The paper-based packaging film of this disclosure is uniquely designed to achieve an important combination of recyclability, ease of packaging by folding (for example, when packaging rectangular products), high barrier properties (specifically against moisture and oils), excellent airtightness, excellent runability on packaging equipment (i.e., high run speed), and excellent appearance.

[0045] The paper packaging films described herein include paper components, polymer films, and patterned sealable materials. In some embodiments, the paper packaging films include paper components, polymer films, barrier materials, and patterned sealable materials. The paper packaging films may include additional layers. Combinations of these materials can be described as multilayer films (e.g., structures or laminates).

[0046] The paper packaging film has a first main outer surface and a second main outer surface. The first main outer surface may include one or more first surface areas provided by a patterned, sealable material and one or more second surface areas provided by a paper component. The second main outer surface may be provided by a polymer film, but this is not a required requirement.

[0047] When used in packaging materials, the first primary surface can be the outer surface of the packaging material on which the film is used (i.e., exposed to the environment), and the second primary surface can be the inner surface of the packaging material on which the film is used (i.e., facing the product being packaged).

[0048] The overall composition of a paper packaging film may contain 80% or more by weight, 85% or more by weight, 90% or more by weight, or 95% or more by weight of paper. The overall composition of a paper packaging film may contain 99% or less by weight, 98% or less by weight, 97% or less by weight, or 96% or less by weight of paper. For example, a paper packaging film may contain paper components (paper cellulose fibers) in the range of about 85% to about 98% of the total weight of the composition. In other words, the paper content of a paper packaging film may be 80% or more by weight, 85% or more by weight, 90% or more by weight, or 95% or more by weight. The paper content of a paper packaging film may contain 99% or less by weight, 98% or less by weight, 97% or less by weight, or 96% or less by weight of paper. For example, the paper content of a paper packaging film may be in the range of about 85% to about 98%.

[0049] The paper packaging film may achieve a recoverable content of 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, or 95% or more by weight, based on the total weight of the paper packaging film (determined by a suitable repulpability test, e.g., the test described herein). The recoverable content of the paper packaging film may be 99% or less by weight, 98% or less by weight, 97% or less by weight, or 96% or less by weight, based on the total weight of the paper packaging film. For example, the paper packaging film may contain in the range of about 85% to about 98% based on the total weight of the paper packaging film.

[0050] The paper packaging films described herein include paper (i.e., a paper layer) and a minimum amount of non-fibrous material (i.e., a minimum amount of non-paper material). For example, the paper packaging films may include, for example, polymer films, patterned sealable materials, and a minimum amount of non-paper material, provided by any optional components described herein, such as adhesives, barrier materials, inks and overlacquers, and any other components that may be included. For example, the overall composition of a paper packaging film may contain, based on the overall composition of the packaging film, 20% by weight or less, or 15% by weight or less, or 10% by weight or less, or 5% by weight or less, or 4% by weight or less, or 3% by weight or less, or 2% by weight or less, or 1% by weight or less of non-paper material. For example, the overall composition of a paper packaging film may contain, based on the overall composition of the packaging film, 0.5% by weight or more, or 0.8% by weight or more, or 1% by weight or more, or 1.5% by weight or more of non-paper material.

[0051] Paper packaging films and products made therefrom are generally recyclable if established, for example, according to one, two, or all of the procedures described herein. Paper packaging films can be classified as Grade B, A, or A+ according to Aticelca standards. For example, paper packaging films with a paper content of more than 85% can be classified as Grade A according to Aticelca standards.

[0052] Paper components The paper packaging film disclosed herein includes paper components.

[0053] The paper components are arranged in the outer layer of the paper packaging film, preferably on the outer surface of the paper packaging film (i.e., relative to the packaging material in which the film is used).

[0054] The paper components may include any type of paper. A preferred type of paper is 30 g / m². 2 ~360g / m2 Preferably 30 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 Comfortably 30g / m 2 ~70g / m 2 , most preferably 50 g / m 2 It may have a basis weight. Because additional components (i.e., content other than cellulose fibers) are minimized, it is possible to lighten the paper components while maintaining easy recyclability.

[0055] The paper components may include any type of paper. Preferably, the paper used is selected from types of paper that can be processed in standard paper recycling processes. Preferably, the paper used may be repulpable, for example, mechanically and / or chemically. For packaging films, the paper may be selected based on the repulpability tests described herein.

[0056] The paper component may consist of a paper layer (i.e., cellulose fibers, and optionally any conventional paper additives and / or surface treatments). The paper component may also include the paper layer, and optionally additional elements, such as one or more of the paper surface treatments, inks, and overlacquers. Such additional elements, if present, may be located on the outer surface of the paper layer or may be included in a second surface area.

[0057] As used herein, the term “paper surface treatment” refers to one or more types of conventional paper treatments applied to one or both of the main surfaces of a paper layer. Surface treatments may include physical and / or chemical surface treatments known in the art.

[0058] Physical processing includes calendering and supercalendering. Paper components may include calendered paper or supercalendered paper, such as glassine paper.

[0059] Exemplary chemical surface treatments may include applying one or more agents selected from inorganic surface treatment agents, organic surface treatment agents, and combinations thereof. Exemplary inorganic agents may be selected from, for example, kaolinite, calcium carbonate, bentonite, and talc and chalk or clay, which are well known in the art. Exemplary organic agents may be selected from, for example, starch, alginate, carboxymethylcellulose, and polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the paper component includes a paper layer having at least one surface treatment applied to one or both sides using one or more agents independently selected from starch, alginate, carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, kaolinite, calcium carbonate, bentonite, and talc and chalk, and combinations thereof.

[0060] Surface treatment can be applied to one or both sides of the paper. Surface treatment allows for coating one or both sides of the paper layer.

[0061] Therefore, the paper components may include coatings well known in the papermaking technology (i.e., those not containing inks and overlacquers) (e.g., conventional paper surface coatings used in the manufacture of paper). The paper components may or may not include such conventional paper coatings. If present, such conventional paper coatings are included in the paper content of the paper packaging film.

[0062] Preferably, any surface treatments and coatings, if present, are selected so as not to impede recyclability, particularly repulpingability, in standard paper recycling processes. Coatings, if present, are preferably selected so as not to impede recyclability in standard paper recycling processes. In preferred embodiments, paper components are not mass-treated with components that may impede recyclability in standard paper recycling processes. Paper components are preferably free from conventional oil-resistant coatings and mass-treated materials, including silicone, PVCD, fluoroalkyl, and wax-based materials. The paper components described herein preferably do not include non-repulpable paper or paper mass-treated, for example, by wet-strength treatment. Examples of non-repulpable paper that would not be useful for the paper packaging films described herein include, but are not limited to, parchment paper, double-sided waxed paper, paper combined with adhesives, or silicone-treated paper.

[0063] Suitable types of paper for use in paper packaging films include, but are not limited to, kraft paper, bleached paper, and microfibril paper (e.g., MFC paper). Therefore, the paper components may include paper selected from kraft paper, bleached paper, and microfibril paper.

[0064] Specific examples of surface-treated paper suitable for use in the present invention include clay-coated paper, such as single-sided clay-coated paper (C1S) or double-sided clay-coated paper (C2S).

[0065] Therefore, examples of paper types commonly used in packaging materials that would be permissible for the paper packaging films described herein include machine-glazed bleached kraft paper (MGBK), single-sided clay-coated paper (C1S), and double-sided clay-coated paper (C2S). However, less common papers with improved mechanical or barrier properties due to the use of special fibers or additives may also be part of the paper packaging films described herein.

[0066] A paper packaging film can be described as having a first main outer surface and a second main outer surface. The first main outer surface preferably includes one or more first surface areas provided by a patterned sealable material and one or more second surface areas provided by a paper component. In embodiments, a paper component can be described as having a top surface and a back surface opposite the top surface, the top surface including one or more second surface areas, one or more of which independently include paper (e.g., cellulose fibers), surface treatments, inks, and overlacquers. In some embodiments, the back surface is uncoated and / or untreated. A specific example of a preferred paper component includes a machine-finished paper layer that is supercalendered, has an untreated back surface, and no top surface coating.

[0067] The paper components may include greaseproof paper. Greaseproof paper is paper that does not allow oils and fats (i.e., fats (including oils), fat derivatives, and fatty acids) to pass through, and is typically used for packaging food or cooking. It is usually produced by refining paper raw materials to produce a sheet with very low porosity. This can then be passed between hard pressure rollers (supercalendering) to further increase its density and produce a paper called glassine paper. Glassine paper can be treated with PVOH, starch, alginate, and / or carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to fill the surface pores, for example, in a size press.

[0068] The selected paper can provide grease barrier properties without compromising its recyclability in standard paper mills. Specifically, this can be achieved by using microfibril paper or paper coated with an oil-resistant coating. Typical oil-resistant coatings used in this industry and useful herein include, for example, PVOH, starch and / or carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and alginate-based coatings. For example, paper can be selected such that its oil and grease resistance is approximately 4 or less, as measured by the "TAPPI-454 Turpentine Test for Grease Resistance of Paper," in which turpentine oil is replaced with Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil and the test is carried out at a temperature of 140°F for 24 hours under TAPPI conditions. Specifically, if the product is an oil-containing product, such as bouillon cubes, the paper is most preferably selected from oil-resistant paper.

[0069] The paper components may include, if present, ink and / or overlacquer, in addition to the paper layer and, optionally, conventional paper surface treatment. The ink and overlacquer, if present, are not included in the paper content of the paper packaging film.

[0070] Each of the inks and / or overlacquers may be continuous with the other layers of the film independently of each other, or it may be discontinuous (i.e., patterned) independently of each other. In embodiments, the overlacquer is discontinuous (i.e., patterned overlacquer), and the patterned overlacquer and patterned sealable material constitute a complementary portion of the first main surface of the packaging film.

[0071] Ink may contain pigment and a varnish or water-based lacquer. Overlacquer may also contain a varnish or water-based lacquer. Overlacquer typically does not contain pigment. The same or different varnishes or water-based lacquers may be used for both the ink and the overlacquer.

[0072] Therefore, in the embodiment, one or more second surface regions independently include paper (i.e., cellulose fibers), and optionally one or more of surface treatments, inks, and overlacquers.

[0073] The paper packaging film may include ink and / or overlacquer placed on the first main outer surface. The ink and / or overlacquer may cover part or all of the first main surface (independently of each other). Therefore, with respect to the packaging material in which the film is used, the packaging film may also include ink and / or overlacquer placed on the outer surface of the paper packaging film.

[0074] In some embodiments, the paper packaging film includes an ink layer placed on the outer surface of the paper component. A lacquer coating (overlacquer) may be in direct contact with the ink layer. In some embodiments, a patterned sealable material is placed adjacent to the lacquer coating and on the surface of the lacquer coating opposite the ink layer. The outer surface of the paper packaging film may be formed by both the lacquer coating and the patterned sealable material. In areas of the patterned sealable material, the outer surface is the sealable material, and in other areas, the outer surface is the lacquer coating.

[0075] In some embodiments, the packaging film may also include ink placed on the outer surface of the paper packaging film. The ink may be in direct contact with the paper components, or it may have a lacquer coating in direct contact with the sealable material, so the ink may be placed between the paper component layer and the sealable material. The type and amount of ink can be varied within the limits of complying with local paper recycling guidelines. The ink may include pigments and / or dyes known in the art.

[0076] The ink and / or overlacquer may be applied to the first main surface (i.e., the outer surface) by any known printing method, including but not limited to flexographic printing, rotagravure printing, gravure coating, and digital printing methods. Polymer film

[0077] Paper packaging materials contain a polymer film. Advantageously, the polymer film is very thin. The thickness of the polymer film may be 2 microns or more, 3 microns or more, or 4 microns or more. The thickness of the polymer film may be 15 microns or less, 10 microns or less, 9 microns or less, or 8 microns or less. For example, the thickness of the polymer film may be in the range of 2 microns or more to 10 microns or less, or in the range of 2 microns or more to 8 microns or more. A polymer film thickness in the range of 4 microns to 8 microns is preferred.

[0078] Polymer films may consist of a single layer or multiple layers. A single-layer structure comprises one or more polymer components (i.e., a layer). Multiple components (i.e., layers) may contain one or more of the same or different polymers.

[0079] Polymer films may include or consist of stretched or unstretched films. Stretching can be longitudinal (MD), transverse (TD), or biaxial (BO), i.e., longitudinal and transverse. To achieve thin polymer films with good barrier properties, it is beneficial to use stretched polymer films, preferably biaxially oriented polymer films. Processes for stretching polymer films are well known in the art.

[0080] The suitable polymer materials for the polymer film are not particularly limited and can be selected from a wide range of polymer materials known for packaging applications. Suitable materials can be selected from, for example, one or more of polypropylene (PP), polyester, such as PET, polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), and polylactic acid (PLA).

[0081] For example, one or more layers may be independently selected from uniaxially oriented polypropylene (OPP, MD, or TD, preferably MD) film, biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, uniaxially oriented polyethylene (OPE, MD, or TD) film, biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE, MD, or TD) film, uniaxially oriented polyester (MD polyester or TD polyester, e.g., OPET, MD, or TD) film, biaxially oriented polyester film, e.g., BOPET film, uniaxially oriented polyamide (OPA, MD, or TD) film, biaxially oriented polyamide (BOPA) film, uniaxially oriented polylactic acid (OPLA, MD, or TD) film, and biaxially oriented polylactic acid (BOPLA) film. In some embodiments, biaxially oriented polypropylene film is used.

[0082] The polymer film may be, but is not limited to, an unoriented material, such as unoriented PLA.

[0083] In some embodiments, the second main outer surface is provided by a polymer film. The inner surface may essentially consist of or be made of a polymer film.

[0084] In some embodiments, paper components are bonded to polymer films. Paper components can be bonded to polymer films known in the art, for example, by lamination with or without the use of adhesives known in the art.

[0085] It is preferable that the polymer film does not extend within the fiber network of the paper component. In this disclosure, it is preferable that the polymer film is not coated onto the paper component. When a polymer material is coated onto a paper structure, the coating material may penetrate into the fiber network and adhere to it, which then creates a composite fiber polymer structure that is difficult to separate and may result in the loss of pulp in the recycling process.

[0086] Patterned airtight material The paper packaging film includes at least one patterned, airtight material.

[0087] As used herein, the term “patterned” means that the layer of the sealable material is discontinuous with the paper packaging film. The sealable material is discontinuous with the paper component to which it is applied. For example, the patterned sealable material may be applied over 5%, 10%, or 15% of the surface of the paper component. The patterned sealable material may, as an example, be applied over 30%, 25%, or 20% of the paper component. While not bound by theory, it is believed that using patterned sealable materials can aid in recycling and reduce material usage.

[0088] As a result, the primary surface of the paper packaging film is partly a paper component surface (which may include the inks and / or overlacquers described herein as necessary) and partly a sealable material.

[0089] For example, the primary surface of a paper film may be approximately 80% paper (with or without ink and / or overlacquer) and 20% patterned, sealable material.

[0090] In other words, the patterned sealable material (e.g., a layer of patterned sealable material) covers only a portion of the multilayer packaging film (e.g., the primary outer surface of a paper packaging film).

[0091] In embodiments, the first main outer surface of the paper packaging film includes one or more first surface areas provided by a patterned, sealable material. In embodiments, the first main surface also includes one or more second surface areas provided by paper components (and optionally including ink and / or overlacquer). In other words, the first main surface includes each of the paper components (and optionally including ink and / or overlacquer) and the patterned, sealable material. In typical embodiments, one or more second surface areas occupy an area that complements one or more first surface areas on the first main outer surface of the paper packaging film. The first surface areas occupy 5% or more, 10% or more, or 15% or more of the first main outer surface of the paper packaging film. The first surface areas may be applied over 30% or less, 25% or less, or 20% or less of the first main outer surface of the paper packaging film.

[0092] The first surface area may have one or more interconnections. For example, the arrangement of the first surface area on the first main outer surface may be selected to provide first surface areas that are fully or partially connected on the paper packaging film (or sheet thereof) in shapes such as U-shape, V-shape, W-shape, O-shape, square, rectangular or other polygonal shape, or ring shape. The arrangement of one or more first surface areas may be selected to provide a shape that completely or partially bypasses the first main outer surface of the paper packaging film (or sheet thereof), for example, a shape as shown in Figure 6.

[0093] The patterned sealable material may be applied to an area of ​​the paper packaging film involved in sealing the packaging material. When formed on the packaging material, the first main surface becomes the outer surface and is used to form a seal and bonds with another portion of the paper packaging film (referred to herein as the overlapping portion) that overlaps with the first surface area of ​​the first main outer surface.

[0094] Therefore, the arrangement of the first surface areas can be freely selected, but one or more first surface areas are typically located in areas of the first main outer surface of the paper packaging film (or sheet) that form overlapping portions when the paper packaging film (or sheet) is formed into a three-dimensional packaging material. The overlapping portions may vary depending on the packaging material formation process and the packaging machine used. For example, when the paper packaging film (or sheet) is formed into packaging material by folding it around a product, such as a rectangular parallelepiped product, the folding order used can determine which areas of the first main outer surface of the packaging film are involved in forming the overlapping portions. Therefore, the shape of one or more first surface areas on the first main outer surface may vary depending on the product being wrapped and the folding order used. Other parts of the paper packaging film that overlap with the first surface areas of the first main outer surface when forming the packaging material may include parts on the first main surface and / or second main surface of the paper packaging film. In other words, the overlapping portion may include surfaces of the same type (to bond surfaces of that type to itself) or surfaces of different types (to bond surfaces of different types to each other). The overlapping portion includes at least the patterned sealable material and, optionally, one or more portions selected from a second surface area (i.e., a paper component including ink and / or overlacquer, if applicable), a second main outer surface of the paper packaging film (i.e., a polymer film in embodiments), and combinations thereof. Thus, the overlapping portion may include the patterned sealable material (e.g., within an area of ​​the first surface area) and one or more of the following: 1) another area of ​​the first surface area containing the patterned sealable material (i.e., for sealing to itself), 2) an area of ​​the second surface area (i.e., for sealing to the paper, and optionally, to the ink and / or overlacquer, if present), and 3) a second main outer surface (i.e., for sealing to the polymer film).Depending on the application, patterned sealable materials can be selected to bond between identical or different types of surfaces.

[0095] The overlapping portion typically occupies at least a portion (e.g., 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, 90% or more, or 100%) of the first surface area (i.e., the first main outer surface of the paper packaging film, which, when formed into a packaging material, becomes the outer surface of the paper packaging film), and may further occupy a portion of the second surface area of ​​the first main outer surface of the paper packaging film (i.e., provided by the paper components) and / or a portion of the second main outer surface of the paper packaging film (the surface that becomes the inner surface of the packaging film when forming the packaging material, which, in a typical embodiment, is provided by a polymer film).

[0096] In the present invention, the patterned sealable material may include one or more different patterned sealable materials. One or more first surface areas may be provided by one patterned sealable material. One or more first surface areas may also be provided together by two or three or more different patterned sealable materials, i.e., two or more patterned sealable materials that are different from each other in at least one aspect. The differences may be based on one or more aspects, including, for example, the category of adhesive (e.g., heat seal (lacquer), hot melt, cold seal), chemical composition, and pattern of the sealable material.

[0097] The patterned sealable material (and the first surface area of ​​the embodiment) can form any suitable pattern, for example, any suitable drawing, figure and / or text term, and / or can define a pattern having any suitable shape, including but not limited to dots, points, lines, cross lines, diamonds, or checkerboards. The patterned sealable material may enhance the overall appearance of the packaged product.

[0098] In embodiments including two or more different types of patterned sealable materials, one or more first surface areas may include, for example, a first patterned sealable material and a second patterned sealable material. The first patterned sealable material and the second sealable material may together provide one or more first surface areas. The first and second patterned sealable materials may be provided in mutually exclusive areas of the first surface area and / or in the same area of ​​the first surface area. The first and second patterned sealable materials may be provided by sealable materials of two different adhesive categories. For example, the first sealable material may be selected from heat seal lacquers and hot melt materials, and the second sealable material may be selected from cold seal materials, or vice versa. The first and second patterned sealable materials may provide the same or different patterns. For example, the two patterned sealable materials may be applied together over 5%, 10%, or 15% or more of the surface of a first main outer surface of a paper packaging film. For example, two patterned sealable materials may be applied together over 30%, 25%, or 20% of the first main surface of a paper packaging film.

[0099] In embodiments, a paper packaging film can be described as having a patterned, sealable material as an outer (usually discontinuous) layer on its outer surface. The outer surface of the paper packaging film (also referred herein as the primary outer surface) is partly the surface of the paper components (or paper layer) and partly the sealable material (and, if present, ink and / or overlacquer as needed).

[0100] The adhesive category for patterned sealable materials is not particularly limited, but can be selected from categories of sealable materials typically used in packaging structures. The category of sealable material can be selected based on the requirements of the particular packaging application, the product being packaged (e.g., considering the heat sensitivity of the product), and which overlapping portions of the paper packaging film are involved in forming a seal in the relevant packaging application. For example, the category of sealable material can be selected depending on which portions of the two main outer surfaces of the paper packaging film are involved in forming overlapping areas for forming a seal when forming a packaging material from the paper packaging film. The seal may include at least a patterned sealable material and may further include one or more other elements of the paper packaging film, e.g., a portion of a second main surface area (provided by a paper component including ink and / or overlacquer as necessary) and / or a portion of the second main outer surface (provided by a polymer film in a typical embodiment). Therefore, seals may be formed between identical or different types of materials, for example, between sealable materials, or between different types of materials, for example, between a sealable material and a paper component (or ink and / or overlacquer) and / or a second main outer surface (i.e., with a polymer film in a typical embodiment). The seal may also include two or more different types of patterned sealable materials, if used.

[0101] Patterned sealable materials are used to form bonds when forming packaging materials, but may or may not be hermetically sealed depending on the application of the packaging material. The first surface area may be configured to provide sealed packaging materials, for example, hermetically sealed packaging materials or hermetically unsealed packaging materials.

[0102] The preferred categories from which patterned sealable materials can be selected can be broadly divided into cold-sealable materials or "cold seals" and heat-sealable materials or "heat seals" (including hot melts). The sealable materials can be applied in preferred physical forms known in the art.

[0103] The patterned sealable material may be a cold-sealable material or may incorporate one. The sealable material may have a composition that enables the formation of a cold seal. The cold seals used herein are typically non-reactive adhesives that activate the sealable material to form a bond without requiring heat (i.e., temperatures above 50°C), solvents, or water. Typically, a temperature range including the ambient temperature where the packaging unit is placed, for example, 15°C to 30°C, is preferred for forming a cold seal.

[0104] Cold seals can be useful for providing one or more self-sealing areas on the primary surface of a paper packaging film (i.e., when forming it into the packaging). Cold seals may require only (usually light) pressure to seal, i.e., to bond the cold seal material to the overlapping surfaces. Using cold seals can also offer advantages in terms of packaging speed.

[0105] The patterned, sealable material may also be a pressure-sensitive cold seal material. This embodiment of the paper packaging film is advantageous because the formation of the packaging material does not require heat. Although not bound by theory, pressure-sensitive cold seals may be advantageous for packaging heat-sensitive products, such as products containing low melting fat. Embodiments of the paper packaging film may include, but are not limited to, natural or synthetic polyisoprene latex or styrene-butadiene copolymer latex, pressure-sensitive cold seal systems. The cold seal material may include a mixture containing acrylates and / or tackifiers.

[0106] Alternatively, the patterned sealable material may be a heat-sealable material, or may incorporate one. The heat-sealable material can be applied in any physical form, for example, with a heat-seal lacquer or hot-melt adhesive.

[0107] Paper packaging films may incorporate heat-sealable sealing materials, such as heat-seal lacquer or hot-melt adhesive. The sealing material in paper packaging films may have a composition that enables the formation of a heat seal. As used herein, the terms “heat seal,” “heat sealable,” or “heat sealed” refer to two or more surfaces that are joined together, or can be joined together, by the application of both heat and pressure. Heat sealing is a well-known and commonly used process for creating packaging materials and is well known to those skilled in the art. While not bound by theory, during heat sealing, the sealing material softens upon application of heat, enabling the formation of a heat seal bond. Raising the temperature of the sealing material requires transferring heat throughout the paper packaging film, and since paper components often absorb much of the heat, it is advantageous for the heat-sealable material to soften and seal at a relatively low temperature. A lower seal onset temperature (SIT) allows for faster packaging line speeds. For example, some embodiments of paper packaging films may include heat-sealable materials exhibiting a SIT of 110°C or less, 100°C or less, or 90°C or less. Possible heat-sealable materials may include, but are not limited to, acrylate copolymers, PET, PE, PP, or EVA copolymers. Such materials can be obtained from lacquers known in the art.

[0108] Suitable heat-sealable materials can also be selected from hot melts. Hot melts or hot melt adhesives are well known in the technical field of packaging materials. A hot melt can be brought to a liquid state by heat and applied by coating the desired portion before the hot melt material cools to a solid polymer. They cure by cooling (rather than by evaporation as in the case of heat-seal or cold-seal lacquers). Suitable hot melt adhesives include, but are not limited to, EVA-based, amorphous polyalphaolefin (APAO) hot melt adhesives. Suitable hot melts can also include pressure-sensitive hot melts. Hot melts usually have a formulated composition that also has a glass transition temperature (onset temperature of brittleness) below the minimum service temperature and a suitably high melting temperature. The degree of crystallization should be as high as possible, but within the allowable range of shrinkage. Melt viscosity and crystallization rate (and corresponding open time) can be adjusted for the application. Hot melt adhesives have fast curing speeds and can be used over a wide temperature range.

[0109] The sealable material can be applied as a lacquer or in an aqueous dispersion. For example, the heat-sealable material may comprise an aqueous dispersion based on EVA copolymer resin.

[0110] The patterned sealable material can be applied by any suitable method, for example by printing using any well-known printing method including, but not limited to, flexogravure printing, rotogravure printing, gravure coating, and digital printing methods.

[0111] The sealable material is applied at a thickness that enables sealing in the selected application. In some embodiments, the sealable material is 1 g / m 2 or more, or 3 g / m 2 or more basis weight. In other embodiments, the sealable material is 8 g / m 2 or less, 9 g / m 2 or less, or 10 g / m 2The following basis weights may be used for application. For example, the airtight material may be approximately 1 g / m². 2 ~about 10g / m 2 Within the range of approximately 3g / m 2 ~approximately 9g / m 2 It may have a basis weight within the range.

[0112] Barrier materials The paper packaging film may further include a barrier material. In some embodiments, the barrier material is placed between the paper component and the polymer film. In some embodiments, the polymer film includes a topcoat between the barrier material and the paper component. The topcoat may be applied directly to the barrier material.

[0113] A paper packaging film according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the paper components, polymer film, and barrier material, if present, has the exact same extent as one another.

[0114] The barrier material is not particularly limited and can be selected from organic and inorganic barrier materials known in the art. The barrier material may be a mixture of multiple barrier materials. The barrier material may be contained in a single layer or in a multilayer, and may consist of different layers of barrier material.

[0115] For example, the barrier material can be selected from metals (e.g., aluminum), inorganic oxides (e.g., AlOx, where AlOx refers to an oxide of aluminum having the formula AlyOz, where the ratio y / z is a value between 0.2 and 1.5, preferably y is 2 and z is 3 (i.e., Al2O3)), or SiOx, where x is a value between 1 and 2, preferably 1.5 and 1.8 (i.e., SiOx where 1 ≤ x ≤ 2, preferably 1.5 ≤ x ≤ 1.8), or a combination thereof. These barrier materials are applied to a polymer film by a vapor deposition type process known in the art, and the thickness of these barrier materials is negligible with respect to the packaging film (i.e., less than 1 micron or less than 0.5 microns).

[0116] The barrier material may be essentially a polymer, and can be selected from polymeric barrier materials, such as polyamide, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, or polyvinyl alcohol copolymer.

[0117] The barrier material preferably provides a layer having a maximum thickness of 1 micron or less, more preferably 0.5 microns or less.

[0118] In preferred embodiments, the barrier material is not applied to the paper component. Applying the barrier material to the paper component may impede recyclability. The barrier material is suitably applied to a polymer film. The barrier material may be coated directly onto the polymer film, or there may be a primer layer between the barrier material and the polymer film.

[0119] Some embodiments of paper packaging films can be described as comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, a polymer film, wherein the polymer film is any stretched or unstretched film and optionally, but preferably, includes any metal or oxide barrier coating, a paper component, and a patterned sealable material. In embodiments, the barrier coating surface of the polymer film is attached to the paper component by an adhesive, such as a hydrosensitive adhesive. In one or more embodiments, the inner surface comprises a polymer film, the outer surface comprises the paper component and the patterned sealable material, and includes a polymer barrier film, wherein the polymer barrier film is a stretched or unstretched film having a metal or oxide coating, and optionally the barrier coating surface of the polymer film is attached to the paper component by an adhesive.

[0120] Combinations of polymer films and barrier materials that have been found useful in paper packaging films include SiOx-coated OPET and BOPET, SiOx-coated OPP and BOPP, AIOx-coated OPET and BOPET, AIOx-coated OPP and BOPP, aluminum metal-coated OPET and BOPET, and aluminum metal-coated OPP and BOPP, in particular combinations of polymer films and barrier materials selected from SiOx-coated OPET, SiOx-coated BOPP, AlOx-coated OPET, AlOx-coated BOPP, aluminum metal-coated OPET, and aluminum metal-coated BOPP.

[0121] Barrier materials can reduce the permeability of oxygen, moisture, or both.

[0122] In some embodiments, a paper packaging film comprising a barrier material and a polymer film (e.g., a barrier material coated on a polymer film) was measured according to ASTM F1927 using conditions of 1 atmosphere, 23°C, and 50% RH, at a depth of 5 cm. 3 / m 2 / day or less, 1cm 2 / m 2 Less than / day, or 0.5cm 2 / m 2 It has an average oxygen permeability (OTR) value of less than / day.

[0123] In some embodiments, a paper packaging film containing a barrier material coated on a polymer film was measured according to ASTM F1249 using conditions of 1 atmosphere, 38°C, and 90% RH, with a density of 1 g / m². 2 Less than / day, or 0.3g / m² 2 It has an average water vapor transmission rate (MVTR) value of less than / day.

[0124] glue The paper packaging film may further contain an adhesive. For example, the adhesive may be placed between the paper component and the polymer film, or, if present, between the paper component and the barrier material. The adhesive and at least one patterned sealable material may consist of the same or different materials. For example, in a typical embodiment, the patterned sealable material and any additional adhesive may consist of or be provided by different materials. For example, the patterned sealable material may be provided by a heat-sealable material, and the adhesive may be provided by a different material, such as a water-sensitive adhesive.

[0125] The adhesive can provide an adhesive layer that bonds paper components to a polymer film or, if present, a barrier material. The adhesive may be in direct contact with the paper. The adhesive may be in direct contact with the polymer film. The adhesive may be in direct contact with the barrier layer, if present. The adhesive may be applied by any known means of web-to-web lamination, such as dry bond lamination, wet bond lamination, or heat lamination. The adhesive is 0.5 g / m² 2 ~8.0g / m 2 Between or 0.5g / m 2 ~4.0g / m 2 It may have an intermediate dry basis weight (i.e., after solvent removal).

[0126] Adhesives may be advantageous if selected in a way that does not hinder the separation of fibers from paper components during the paper recycling process.

[0127] In advantageous embodiments, the adhesive comprises a hydrosensitive material. It is advantageous that embodiments of this disclosure provide a paper packaging film comprising an adhesive layer having a hydrosensitive adhesive. As used herein, the term “hydrosensitive” means that an adhesive loses its adhesive and / or tackiness when exposed to or immersed in liquid water for an extended period. Thus, the use of a hydrosensitive adhesive allows for the delamination (i.e., separation) of paper components from the rest of the paper packaging film structure during the repulping process. The adhesive may be an aqueous adhesive formulated using synthetic and / or naturally based polymers. Examples of materials that can be used for the adhesive layer between the paper components and the barrier layer include, but are not limited to, latex / casein mixtures, starch, sugar derivatives, cellulose, amino resins, (poly)acrylates, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylic acid, maleic acid-modified ethylene copolymer, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxy-functional polyester, polyethylene succinate, polybutylene succinate, ionomer, or hydrophilic polyurethane.

[0128] Solvent-based / solvent-free adhesives are generally undesirable for use in this invention because they are absorbed into the fibrous cellulose matrix and form an insoluble layer after curing, which can cause significant problems during recycling. However, some combinations of paper and solvent-based / solvent-free adhesives may minimize fiber loss during recycling because they only interact on the surface or with small fiber clusters. Therefore, such adhesives may still be used in some embodiments of this invention. Water sensitivity can be confirmed using water, water at 40°C ± 5°C, and a standard laboratory pulp cracker with 30,000 rotations. Preferred adhesives are those that do not hinder recycling in a standard paper recycling process, as determined according to the recyclability criteria described herein.

[0129] manufacturing Paper packaging films can be obtained by methods known in the art of packaging films. Preferred methods include, for example, providing a paper component; providing a patterned sealable material on a first main surface of the paper component; providing a polymer barrier film; and bonding a second main surface of the paper component to the polymer barrier film by methods known in the art, such that the first main surface of the paper component provides the outer surface of the packaging film. In embodiments, the method provides a polymer film as the second main outer surface of the paper packaging film. Bonding can be achieved by lamination by methods known in the art, for example, with or without intervening material (e.g., using a hydrosensitive adhesive as described herein). The method further includes applying a barrier material to the surface of the polymer film and bonding the polymer film and the paper material such that the barrier material is positioned between the paper component and the polymer film.

[0130] The method may also include cutting the packaging film into separate sheets designed for packaging applications, which may have any shape. A suitable sheet may be designed for use in packaging materials, for example, for use in articles to be packaged. The sheet may also be in the form of a cutout adapted to the shape of the product to be packaged and / or the packaging machine used. A suitable sheet may be, for example, rectangular, or it may have the shape of an unfolded envelope.

[0131] use The packaging materials disclosed herein are suitable for packaging a variety of products, including food and non-food products. The packaging materials are particularly suitable for packaging food. The packaging materials described herein have been found to be particularly useful for packaging products having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The packaging materials described herein have been found to be particularly useful for packaging oil-containing foods, such as bouillon cubes or stock cubes, confectionery or chocolate.

[0132] Accordingly, in embodiments, the present invention relates to a paper packaging film for packaging rectangular food products, such as bouillon cubes or stock cubes. The term “stock cube” is known in the art and refers to a type of product. In the present invention, it does not need to be limited to, and should not be interpreted as, a product for preparing bouillon or stock, but it may be suitable for preparing bouillon, soup, sauce, gravy, or for use as a seasoning. For this reason, stock cubes are usually at least partially diluted with a hot aqueous solution such as water, or the product is crushed at least partially on a plate, for example, in a cooking pot during cooking, or on a consumer's plate, for example, before consumption.

[0133] In embodiments, the product may be a food product containing one or more components selected from oils and fats, salt, sugar, food concentrates, dried food ingredients, and spices.

[0134] Examples of foods to be packaged include, but are not limited to, foods containing oils and fats, food concentrates, spice blends, seasonings, and dried food blends. A specific application area is the packaging of bouillon cubes or stock cubes. However, the packaging films described herein are also useful for packaging other types of products, such as non-food items, such as tobacco or soap.

[0135] The product to be packaged may be in any form, such as loose or pressed powder, concentrate, loose or pressed particles, loose or pressed fibers, loose or pressed fragments, semi-solid, or shaped form. The pressed form may have any shape suitable for packaging such a product.

[0136] A particularly preferred shape is a rectangular prism. The rectangular prism may be of any size or shape. The packaging material is particularly useful for forming packaging materials for rectangular prisms, such as packaging materials for bouillon cubes.

[0137] However, the present invention is not limited to this particular use, and the packaging material itself is useful and can be used, for example, to wrap products of any shape or to line secondary packaging materials or parts thereof (i.e., it is not necessary to provide a packaged rectangular parallelepiped product). The term “secondary packaging material” as used in this context means that the secondary packaging material must not be made of the packaging film described herein, but this does not mean that it is excluded.

[0138] packaging material The present invention also relates to packaging materials formed from or comprising paper packaging film described herein. The packaging materials can be sealed with a patterned sealable material. In the packaging materials, the patterned sealable material is typically facing away from the product and typically facing the environment.

[0139] Packaging materials are typically formed by sealing. Sealing can include bonding a patterned, sealable material to itself (i.e., an overlapping portion) or to another surface portion (i.e., an overlapping portion) on a paper packaging film, for example, to an overlapping portion that includes one or more of a second surface area (provided by a paper component and optionally including ink and / or overlacquer) and a second main outer surface of the paper packaging film (provided by a polymer film in a typical embodiment).

[0140] In the embodiments, the packaging material is a folded packaging material formed from a paper packaging film described herein, for example, by folding and wrapping the paper packaging film around the product to be packaged, such as a rectangular parallelepiped product. The folded packaging material may be of any size or shape, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped of any size and rectangular parallelepiped shape. The folded packaging material typically includes the packaged product.

[0141] Foldable packaging typically involves tightly wrapping a packaging film around the product to be packaged along fold lines, as is known in the art. A typical folding operation involves a series of folding steps to form at least two overlapping folded regions (i.e., overlapping portions), which can be overlapped with each other and sealed with patterned sealable material to form a permanently stable folded packaging. The patterned sealable material is placed on the side of the paper packaging film facing away from the product.

[0142] For example, products can be individually wrapped using a sheet of paper packaging film of a suitable size and shape (e.g., a rectangular sheet sized to the product being wrapped). The product to be wrapped, which may be, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped, is typically positioned at the center of the second main outer surface of the paper packaging film. The first main surface of the paper packaging film faces away from the product and towards the environment. Depending on the orientation of the article on the sheet and the selected folding order, one or more sides of the sheet are folded upward or downward along the three-dimensional shape of the article being wrapped, forming overlapping areas in one or more folding steps. Patterned sealable material may help to hold the folded structure in place during the packaging process. The patterned sealable material is joined in the overlapping areas of the paper packaging film, as described in relation to the paper packaging film. In embodiments, folds can be fixed by applying light pressure and by the overlapping of several areas having the sealable material (i.e., in the overlapping parts).

[0143] Patterned, sealable materials may provide hermetically sealed packaging, but this is not mandatory. Therefore, the packaging may be hermetically sealed or not.

[0144] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a packaged rectangular parallelepiped product comprising a paper packaging film described herein and a product having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, wherein the paper packaging film is wrapped around the product such that the first main surface of the packaging film faces away from the product. The packaged rectangular parallelepiped product may also include the paper packaging film described herein, the second main surface comprising a polymer film facing the product, and the second main surface may be in contact with each side of the product.

[0145] Packaged rectangular products may include individually wrapped products having a rectangular shape. Alternatively, packaged rectangular products may include rectangular block products consisting of multiple separable rectangular compartments, with a paper packaging film wrapped around the rectangular block products.

[0146] The packaged rectangular products are sealed with a patterned, airtight material.

[0147] Detailed description of the drawing Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a packaged rectangular parallelepiped product 10. The first main outer surface 102 forms the outer surface, and a paper packaging film 100, facing away from the product, is wrapped around the rectangular parallelepiped product (not shown) and sealed where the edges overlap the top. The packaged rectangular parallelepiped product may be of any size or any rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0148] Figure 2 shows one embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a paper packaging film 100. The packaging film 100 includes a paper component or paper layer 110 and a polymer film 120. The paper packaging film 100 also includes a patterned sealable material 140 placed on the surface of the paper component or paper layer 110. In this configuration, the polymer film 120 is placed on the second main surface (inner surface) 104 of the packaging film, and the patterned sealable material 140 and the paper component or paper layer 110 are placed on the outer surface 102. In some embodiments, the polymer film 120 forms an inner layer (i.e., provides a second main outer surface), and the outer layer is placed on the inner surface 104 of the paper packaging film 100. In some embodiments, the polymer film 120 is bonded to the paper component or paper layer 110 by an adhesive (layer) 150 (not shown). In some embodiments, the patterned sealable material 140 is positioned adjacent to the paper component or paper layer 110, on the surface of the paper component or paper layer 110 opposite the adhesive (layer) 150 (not shown). The outer surface 102 of the paper packaging film 100 is formed by both the paper component or paper layer 110 and the patterned sealable material 140. In areas of the patterned sealable material 140, the outer surface 102 is the patterned sealable material, and in other areas, the outer surface 102 is the paper component or paper layer 110.

[0149] Figure 3a shows another embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a paper packaging film 200a. The packaging film 200a comprises a paper component or paper layer 210, an adhesive 250, and a polymer film 220 in this order. The adhesive preferably attaches the paper component or paper layer 210 to the polymer film 220. The paper packaging film 200a also includes a patterned sealable material 240 placed on the surface of the paper component or paper layer 210. In this configuration, the polymer film 220 is placed on a second main surface (inner surface) 204, and the patterned sealable material 240 and the paper component or paper layer 210 are placed on a first main surface (outer surface) 202.

[0150] Figure 3b shows another embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a paper packaging film 200b. The packaging film 200b comprises a paper component or paper layer 210, a barrier material 230, and a polymer film 220 in this order. The barrier material is positioned between the polymer film 220 and the paper component or paper layer 210. The paper packaging film 200b also includes a patterned sealable material 240 positioned on the surface of the paper component or paper layer 210. In this configuration, the polymer film 220 is positioned on a second main surface (inner surface) 204, and the patterned sealable material 240 and the paper component or paper layer 210 are positioned on a first main surface (outer surface) 202.

[0151] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a paper packaging film 300. The packaging film 300 comprises a paper component or paper layer 310, an adhesive 350, a barrier material 330, and a polymer film 320 in this order. The paper component or paper layer 310 is attached to the barrier material 330 by the adhesive (layer) 350. The paper packaging film 300 also includes a patterned sealable material 340 placed on the surface of the paper component or paper layer 310. In this configuration, the polymer film 320 is placed on a second main surface (inner surface) 304, and the patterned sealable material 340 and the paper component or paper layer 310 are placed on a first main surface (outer surface) 302.

[0152] In some embodiments, a polymer film 320 forms an inner layer (i.e., provides a second main outer surface of the packaging film), and the inner layer is located on the inner surface 304 of the paper packaging film 300. In some embodiments, a barrier material 330 is adjacent to the paper component 310. In some embodiments, the paper component 310 and the barrier material 330 are bonded to each other by an adhesive (layer) 350. In some embodiments, the paper packaging films (100, 200a, 220b, 300) include an ink layer (not shown) located on the outer surface of the paper component (110, 210, 310). A lacquer coating (overlacquer, not shown) is in direct contact with the ink layer. In some embodiments, a patterned sealable material (140, 240, 340) is located adjacent to the lacquer coating and on the surface of the lacquer coating opposite the ink layer. The outer surfaces (101, 202, 302) of the paper packaging films (100, 200a, 200b, 300) are formed by both a lacquer coating and a patterned, tackable material (140, 240, 340). In areas of the patterned, tackable material (140, 240, 340), the outer surfaces (102, 202, 302) are tackable material, while in other areas, the outer surfaces (102, 202, 302) are lacquer coated.

[0153] Figure 5 is an exemplary plan view of the outer surface 202 (or 102 or 302, not shown) of an embodiment of a paper packaging film 200a or 200b (or paper packaging film 100 or 300, not shown). The outer surface 202 (or 102 or 302, in the case of paper packaging film 100 or 300, not shown) consists of a paper component or paper layer 210 (or 110 or 310, in the case of paper packaging film 100 or 300, not shown) and a patterned sealable material 240 (or 140 or 340, in the case of paper packaging film 100 or 300, not shown). A specific pattern of the sealable material is shown, but this material can be any pattern suitable for the application.

[0154] Figure 6 is another exemplary plan view of the outer surface 202 (or 102 or 302, not shown) of an embodiment of a paper packaging film 200a or 200b (or paper packaging film 100 or 300, not shown). The outer surface 202 (or 102 or 302, in the case of paper packaging film 100 or 300, not shown) consists of a paper component or paper layer 210 (or 110 or 310, in the case of paper packaging film 100 or 300, not shown) and a patterned sealable material 240 (or 140 or 340, in the case of paper packaging film 100 or 300, not shown). A specific pattern of the sealable material is shown, but this material can be any pattern suitable for the application.

[0155] Figure 7 is another exemplary plan view of the outer surface 202 of an embodiment of a paper packaging film 200a or 200b (or paper packaging film 100 or 300, not shown). The outer surface 202 (or 102 or 302 in the case of paper packaging film 100 or 300, not shown) consists of a paper layer 210 (or 110 or 310 in the case of paper packaging film 100 or 300, not shown), and two different patterned sealable materials, a first patterned sealable material 240a and a second sealable material 240b (or 140a / 140b or 340a / 340b in the case of paper packaging film 100 or 300, not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the first sealable material 240a covers 2.5% of the surface, and the second sealable material 240b covers 14% of the surface. While specific patterns of the sealable material are shown, the first sealable material 240a and the second sealable material 240b may each be any pattern and may cover any area suitable for the application. The pattern shown in Figure 7 illustrates how the material is manufactured in a roll-to-roll format. The illustrated pattern is part of the length of the film. The two parallel repeating patterns will ultimately be separated from each other to enclose the product within. The first sealing material in section 240b seals itself when the packaging film is folded. The second sealing material in section 240a seals the packaging material to the outer surface and seals the packaging material in a closed state.

[0156] Master Terminology List: 10 Packaged rectangular products; 100, 200a, 200b, 300 Paper packaging film; 102, 202, 302 Outer surface of paper packaging film; 104, 204, 304 Inner surface of paper packaging film; 110, 210, 310 Paper components or paper layers; 120, 220, 320 Polymer films; 230, 330 Barrier materials; 140, 240, 340 Patterned treatable materials; 140a, 240a, 340a First patterned treatable materials; 140b, 240b, 340b Second patterned treatable materials; 250, 350 Adhesives advantage

[0157] The paper packaging film described herein has been found to be able to solve the problems outlined herein. The packaging film has high barrier properties (specifically against moisture and oils), good foldability, and excellent sealing performance, and maintains recyclability in paper recycling processes, e.g., standard paper recycling processes. The paper packaging film and packaging materials made therefrom are recyclable as determined by at least one, two, or all of the following: PTS-RH 021 - Cat 2, Aticelca 501 (2019), and CEPI Harmonized European laboratory test method - Version 2. For example, the paper packaging film described herein is recyclable as B, A, or A according to Aticelca 501 (2019). * It can be classified into the following grades.

[0158] To maintain the recyclability of paper packaging films, the thickness and / or weight of the paper components are increased to achieve the paper content required to designate the packaging material as “recyclable.” The packaging films are useful for packaging oil-containing products while maintaining recyclability in paper recycling processes, e.g., standard paper recycling processes. Advantageously, the packaging films described herein can maintain excellent appearance during packaging processing, use, and storage (e.g., they are resistant to oil stains). Furthermore, the packaging films can be used in high-speed packaging machines, i.e., they have excellent runability. Paper packaging films perform particularly well with oil-containing rectangular parallelepiped products and products, including but not limited to bouillon cubes. When paper packaging films were folded and stored around bouillon cube products, the oil stains seen with other coated paper structures were absent. By incorporating a thin polymer barrier film, excellent barrier properties, excellent runability, and recyclability were achieved.

[0159] Embodiment This disclosure also extends to the following embodiments.

[0160] Embodiment 1: A paper packaging film typically having a first main outer surface and a second main outer surface, comprising a paper component, a polymer film, and a patterned sealable material. The first main outer surface typically (preferably) comprises one or more first surface areas provided by the patterned sealable material and one or more second surface areas provided by the paper component.

[0161] Embodiment 2: The paper packaging film according to Embodiment 1, wherein the second main outer surface is provided by a polymer film.

[0162] Embodiment 3: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 2, wherein the paper components are linked to a polymer film.

[0163] Embodiment 4: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the polymer film does not extend within the fiber network of the paper component.

[0164] Embodiment 5: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the paper packaging film has a total composition comprising 80% by weight or more of paper, or 85% by weight or more of paper, or 90% by weight or more of paper, and / or the recoverable content of the paper packaging film is 80% by weight or more, or 85% by weight or more, or 90% by weight or more, based on the total weight of the paper packaging film.

[0165] Embodiment 6: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the polymer film is unoriented, uniaxially oriented, or biaxially oriented.

[0166] Embodiment 7: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the polymer film is stretched.

[0167] Embodiment 8: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the polymer film has a thickness in the range of 2 to 15 μm.

[0168] Embodiment 9: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the polymer film comprises one or more materials selected from polypropylene (PP), polyester, polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), and polylactic acid (PLA).

[0169] Embodiment 10: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the polymer film comprises one or more layers independently selected from uniaxially oriented polypropylene (OPP) film, biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, uniaxially oriented polyethylene (OPE) film, biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE) film, uniaxially oriented polyester film, biaxially oriented polyester film, uniaxially oriented polyamide (OPA) film, biaxially oriented polyamide (BOPA) film, uniaxially oriented polylactic acid (OPLA) film, and biaxially oriented polylactic acid (BOPLA) film.

[0170] Embodiment 11: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the sealable material is a heat-sealable material or a pressure-sensitive cold-seal material.

[0171] Embodiment 12: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the heat-sealable material is a heat-sealable lacquer or a hot-melt adhesive.

[0172] Embodiment 13: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 12, further comprising a barrier material.

[0173] Embodiment 14: A paper packaging film according to Embodiment 13, wherein a barrier material is placed between the paper component and the polymer film.

[0174] Embodiment 15: A paper packaging film according to Embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the barrier material is selected from metals, oxides, or combinations thereof deposited by vapor deposition.

[0175] Embodiment 16: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 13 to 15, wherein the barrier material provides a layer having a maximum thickness of less than 1 micron, preferably less than 0.5 microns.

[0176] Embodiment 17: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 13 to 16, comprising a combination of a polymer film selected from SiOx-coated OPET, SiOx-coated BOPP, AlOx-coated OPET, AlOx-coated BOPP, aluminum metal-coated OPET, and aluminum metal-coated BOPP, and a barrier material.

[0177] Embodiment 18: A paper packaging film according to any of Embodiments 1 to 17, wherein each of the paper components, polymer film, and barrier material, if present, has an entirely identical extent to one another.

[0178] Embodiment 19: A paper packaging film according to any of Embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the paper components include a paper layer and, optionally, one or more of a paper surface treatment, ink, and / or overlacquer.

[0179] Embodiment 20: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 19, further comprising an ink disposed on a first main outer surface and covering part or all of the first main surface.

[0180] Embodiment 21: The paper packaging film according to Embodiment 20, wherein the ink contains a pigment.

[0181] Embodiment 22: The paper component is 30 g / m² 2 ~360g / m 2 A paper packaging film according to any one of embodiments 1 to 21, having a basis weight within the range.

[0182] Embodiment 23: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the paper component includes calendered paper or supercalendered paper.

[0183] Embodiment 24: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the paper component comprises a paper layer having been subjected to at least one surface treatment on one or both sides with one or more agents selected (independently from each other) from starch, alginate, carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, clay, and combinations thereof.

[0184] Embodiment 25: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the paper component includes paper selected from kraft paper, bleached paper, microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) paper, greaseproof paper, machine-gloss kraft paper (MGBK), single-sided clay-coated paper (C1S), and double-sided clay-coated paper (C2S).

[0185] Embodiment 26: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the paper component has a top surface and a back surface opposite to the top surface, the top surface includes one or more second surface areas, and the one or more second surface areas independently include one or more of paper, surface treatment, ink, and overlacquer.

[0186] Embodiment 27: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 26, further comprising an adhesive disposed between the paper component and the polymer film, or, if present, between the paper component and the barrier material.

[0187] Embodiment 28: The paper packaging film according to Embodiment 30, wherein an adhesive attaches the paper components to a polymer film, or, if present, to a barrier material.

[0188] Embodiment 29: A paper packaging film according to Embodiment 27 or 28, wherein the adhesive comprises a water-sensitive material.

[0189] Embodiment 30: A paper packaging film according to Embodiment 29, wherein the material is selected from latex / casein mixtures, starch, sugar derivatives, cellulose amino resins, polyacrylates, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylic acid, maleic acid-modified ethylene copolymer, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxy-functional polyester, polyethylene succinate, polybutylene succinate, ionomer hydrophilic polyurethane, and combinations thereof.

[0190] Embodiment 31: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 30, wherein the second main surface is the product contact surface.

[0191] Embodiment 32: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 31, wherein a paper component is arranged on the outer surface of the paper packaging film, a polymer film is arranged on the inner surface of the paper packaging film, and a patterned sealable material is arranged on the outer surface of the paper packaging film.

[0192] Embodiment 33: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 32, wherein a polymer film is arranged on the inner surface.

[0193] Embodiment 34: A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 33, comprising a polymer barrier film, wherein the polymer barrier film is a stretched or unstretched film having a metal or oxide coating, and optionally the barrier coating surface of the polymer film is attached to a paper component by an adhesive.

[0194] Embodiment 35: - A barrier material placed between the paper component and the polymer film, - A paper packaging film according to any one of embodiments 1 to 34, comprising an adhesive disposed between a barrier material and a paper component.

[0195] Embodiment 36: - The heat-sealable material contains an EVA copolymer resin-based aqueous dispersion and / or - The paper component includes a supercalendered, untreated backside, uncoated topside, machine-finished paper layer, and / or - The polymer film is stretched polypropylene, and / or - The barrier material contains a metal deposited on a polymer film, and / or - The paper packaging material according to Embodiment 35, wherein the adhesive is an aqueous adhesive formulated using synthetic or naturally derived polymers.

[0196] Embodiment 37: A packaging material formed from or comprising a paper packaging film as described in any of Embodiments 1 to 36.

[0197] Embodiment 38: A folded packaging material formed from a paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 37.

[0198] Embodiment 39: The packaging material according to Embodiment 37 or Embodiment 38, further comprising a packaged product.

[0199] Embodiment 40: A packaged rectangular parallelepiped product, - A paper packaging film according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 36, - Products having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, A packaged rectangular parallelepiped product, in which a paper packaging film is wrapped around the product so that the primary surface of the packaging film faces away from the product.

[0200] Embodiment 41: The packaged rectangular parallelepiped product according to Embodiment 40, wherein the second main surface of the paper packaging film comprises a polymer film and faces the product.

[0201] Embodiment 42: The packaged rectangular parallelepiped product according to Embodiment 40 or 41, wherein the second main surface is in contact with each side of the product.

[0202] Embodiment 43: A packaged rectangular parallelepiped product according to any one of Embodiments 40 to 42, comprising individually wrapped products having a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0203] Embodiment 44: A packaged rectangular parallelepiped product according to any one of embodiments 40 to 42, wherein the product comprises a rectangular parallelepiped block product consisting of a plurality of separable rectangular parallelepiped sections, and a paper packaging film is wrapped around the rectangular parallelepiped block product.

[0204] Embodiment 45: A packaged rectangular parallelepiped product according to any one of Embodiments 40 to 45, wherein the packaged product is sealed with a patterned, sealable material.

[0205] Embodiment 46: A packaged rectangular parallelepiped product according to any of Embodiments 40 to 45, wherein the product is a food product comprising one or more ingredients selected from oils and fats, salts, sugars, food concentrates, dried food ingredients, and spices.

[0206] Embodiment 47: A packaged rectangular parallelepiped product according to any of Embodiments 40 to 46, wherein the product is a bouillon cube.

[0207] Embodiment 48: A paper packaging film comprising a polymer film, optionally a barrier material, paper components, and a patterned sealable material (which may be a flexible paper packaging film in a typical embodiment). The overall composition of the paper packaging film may have 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, or 95% or more by weight of paper components, and the packaging material comprises the paper packaging film and optionally the product.

[0208] Embodiment 49: A paper packaging film or product according to Embodiment 48, wherein the inner surface comprises a polymer film and the outer surface comprises a paper component and a sealable material, respectively.

[0209] Embodiment 50: A paper packaging film according to Embodiment 48 or 49, wherein the film is characterized as described in any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 36, and / or the product is characterized as described in any one or more of Embodiments 37 to 47. [Examples]

[0210] measurement In some embodiments, paper packaging films may be used in a repulping process. As will be further described below, the repulping process removes the paper content from the paper packaging film and measures the non-paper content of the paper packaging film.

[0211] Recyclability may also be assessed by the recoverable content, which is all the material that can be recovered to produce new paper. The recoverable paper content after the repulping process was determined using the following procedure.

[0212] In some embodiments, a test method is used to separate the paper content from the non-paper content in order to recycle the material. This test consists of immersing the starting material (i.e., paper packaging film) in a beaker containing hot water, mixing it to separate the paper from the polymer film, and measuring the amount of recovered paper pulp. The equipment typically used includes the following: - 5x5cm cutting template - Graduated beaker that can hold 500ml of water - Heating plate pre-set to 45℃ - Propeller agitator with adjustable rotation speed - Thermometer for controlling water temperature - Precise scale - Oven set to 70℃

[0213] The processes typically used to measure the amount of recyclable paper content include the following: 1. Turn on the hot plate. 2. Cut 10 samples, each measuring 5 x 5 cm, from a sample measuring approximately 1 m. 3. Weigh the 10 samples (P1). 4. Pour 500 ml of water at 45°C ± 2°C into a beaker. 5. Place the filled beaker on the pre-set hot plate. 6. Use a thermometer to regularly measure the water temperature. 7. Install the rotating support with the propeller as close to the bottom of the beaker as possible. 8. Place the sample into the water in the beaker. 9. Adjust the rotation speed to 1100 rpm and start the agitator. 10. Keep the system running for 15 minutes, checking the water temperature periodically. 11. At the end of the measurement, turn off the power to the heating plate and remove the stirrer. 12. Remove the beaker, take out the 10 polymer films, place them on a paper towel to drain the water, place them between two paper towels and dry them in an oven set to 70°C for 24 hours. 13. Re-adjust the 10 polymer films at room temperature for at least 24 hours, then weigh the 10 films (P2). 14. The recoverable content can be calculated as wt% by dividing P2 by P1 and multiplying by 100.

[0214] (Examples) The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the following embodiments of the present invention.

[0215] Example 1 of the present invention is an example based on a paper packaging film having one or more components / layers / films as described above. The general structure of the paper packaging film of Example 1 of the present invention is described below. structure: Patterned, sealable: Heat seal lacquer ("HSL", registered): EVA-based (2gsm) Overlacquer ("OVL", registered): Nitrocellulose-based Ink: Nitrocellulose-based Paper: MGBK paper (50gsm) Water-sensitive adhesive: (1.5gsm) Polymer film 8μm metOPP (7.3gsm)

[0216] Example 1 of the present invention was prepared by a method of applying ink, HSL, and OVL using aqueous lamination and gravure printing. More specifically, Example 1 of the present invention was prepared by laminating a paper component to a metallized surface of metOPP using a water-sensitive adhesive. On the first main outer surface (i.e., the paper), the ink was applied by gravure printing, and then an overlacquer and heat seal lacquer were applied in alignment. The heat seal material was applied in a pattern similar to that shown in Figure 6.

[0217] The film of Example 1 has a calculated paper content of over 80% by weight, based on the total composition of the paper packaging film. The packaging film of Example 1 can be repulped using a standard laboratory pulverizer. When tested according to the Aticelca 501 (2019) method, the packaging film of Example 1 of the present invention may be certified as Level "B". In this test, 13.6% of the weight of the paper packaging film was lost as rough, unacceptable material, and 2.1% as "fiber flakes", leaving a content of 84.3% by weight. It is believed that by using a higher paper content (e.g., 100gsm paper instead of 50gsm paper in the structure illustrated above), the recovered content will increase further, and a Level A rating according to the Aticelca 501 (2019) standard can be achieved. The paper packaging films described and illustrated herein are suitable for recycling in standard paper recycling processes and for packaging rectangular parallelepiped products such as bouillon cubes.

[0218] The paper packaging films described and illustrated herein exhibit high barrier properties (specifically against moisture and oils), foldability, and excellent sealing performance while maintaining recyclability in standard paper recycling processes. The packaging films maintain excellent appearance during packaging processing and use and storage, and do not show oily stains when packaging bouillon cubes. The packaging films described and illustrated herein can be run on high-speed packaging machines.

[0219] While the disclosure herein has been described with reference to several embodiments and examples of the present invention, these embodiments and examples of the present invention should be understood as merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A paper packaging film having a first main outer surface and a second main outer surface, wherein the paper packaging film is Paper components and Polymer film and Includes a patterned, airtight material, The first main outer surface includes one or more first surface regions provided by the patterned sealable material and one or more second surface regions provided by the paper component, The polymer film does not extend within the fiber network of the paper component, The paper packaging film further comprises a barrier material disposed between the paper component and the polymer film, wherein the barrier material is selected from metals, oxides, or combinations thereof deposited by vapor deposition.

2. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the second main outer surface is provided by the polymer film.

3. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the paper component is connected to the polymer film.

4. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the paper packaging film has a paper content of 80% by weight or more of paper based on the total weight of the paper packaging film.

5. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the paper packaging film has a recoverable pulp content of 80% by weight or more, based on the total weight of the paper packaging film.

6. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the polymer film is unstretched, uniaxially stretched, or biaxially stretched.

7. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the polymer film is stretched.

8. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the polymer film has a thickness in the range of 2 to 15 μm.

9. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the polymer film comprises one or more materials selected from polypropylene (PP), polyester, polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), and polylactic acid (PLA).

10. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the polymer film comprises one or more layers independently selected from uniaxially oriented polypropylene (OPP) film, biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, uniaxially oriented polyethylene (OPE) film, biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE) film, uniaxially oriented polyester film, biaxially oriented polyester film, uniaxially oriented polyamide (OPA) film, biaxially oriented polyamide (BOPA) film, uniaxially oriented polylactic acid (OPLA) film, and biaxially oriented polylactic acid (BOPLA) film.

11. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the sealable material is a heat-sealable material or a pressure-sensitive cold-seal material.

12. The paper packaging film according to claim 11, wherein the heat-sealable material is a heat-sealable lacquer or a hot-melt adhesive.

13. The paper packaging material according to claim 1, wherein the barrier material provides a layer having a maximum thickness of less than 1 micron.

14. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, comprising a combination of a polymer film selected from SiOx-coated OPET, SiOx-coated BOPP, AlOx-coated OPET, AlOx-coated BOPP, aluminum metal-coated OPET, and aluminum metal-coated BOPP, and a barrier material.

15. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein each of the paper component, the polymer film, and the barrier material has the exact same extent as one another.

16. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the paper component comprises a paper layer and, optionally, one or more of a paper surface treatment, ink, and / or overlacquer.

17. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, further comprising an ink disposed on the first main outer surface and covering part or all of the first main surface.

18. The paper packaging film according to claim 17, wherein the ink contains a pigment.

19. The aforementioned paper component is 30 g / m² 2 ~360g / m 2 A paper packaging film according to claim 1, having a basis weight within the range of [specified range].

20. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the paper component includes calendered paper or supercalendered paper.

21. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the paper component comprises a paper layer having been subjected to at least one surface treatment on one or both sides with one or more agents selected (independently from each other) from starch, alginate, carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, clay, and combinations thereof.

22. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the paper component includes paper selected from kraft paper, parchment paper, bleached paper, microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) paper, greaseproof paper, machine-gloss kraft paper (MGBK), single-sided clay-coated paper (C1S), and double-sided clay-coated paper (C2S).

23. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the paper component has a top surface and a back surface opposite to the top surface, the top surface includes one or more second surface regions, and the one or more second surface regions independently include one or more of paper, surface treatment, ink, and overlacquer.

24. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, further comprising an adhesive disposed between the paper component and the polymer film, or between the paper component and the barrier material.

25. The paper packaging film according to claim 24, wherein the adhesive attaches the paper component to the polymer film or the barrier material.

26. The paper packaging film according to claim 24, wherein the adhesive contains a water-sensitive material.

27. The paper packaging film according to claim 26, wherein the material is selected from latex / casein mixture, starch, sugar derivative, cellulose amino resin, polyacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylic acid, maleic acid-modified ethylene copolymer, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxy-functional polyester, polyethylene succinate, polybutylene succinate, ionomer hydrophilic polyurethane, and combinations thereof.

28. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the second main surface is the product contact surface.

29. The paper packaging film according to claim 1, wherein the paper component is arranged on the outer surface of the paper packaging film, the polymer film is arranged on the inner surface of the paper packaging film, and the patterned sealable material is arranged on the outer surface of the paper packaging film.

30. A paper packaging film according to claim 1, comprising a polymer barrier film, wherein the polymer barrier film is a stretched or unstretched film having a metal or oxide coating, and optionally the barrier coating surface of the polymer film is attached to the paper component by an adhesive.

31. - A paper packaging film according to claim 1, comprising an adhesive disposed between the barrier material and the paper component.

32. - The heat-sealable material comprises and / or an aqueous dispersion of EVA copolymer resin. - The paper component includes a supercalendered, untreated reverse side, uncoated top surface, machine-finished paper layer, and / or - The polymer film is stretched polypropylene, and / or - The barrier material includes a metal deposited on the polymer film, and / or - The paper packaging film according to claim 31, wherein the adhesive is an aqueous adhesive formulated using synthetic or naturally derived polymers.

33. A packaging material formed from or comprising a paper packaging film according to any one of claims 1 to 32.

34. A foldable packaging material formed from a paper packaging film according to any one of claims 1 to 32.

35. The packaging material according to claim 33, further comprising a packaged product.

36. A packaged rectangular product, - A paper packaging film according to any one of claims 1 to 32, - Including products having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, A packaged rectangular parallelepiped product, wherein the paper packaging film is wrapped around the product such that the first main surface of the packaging film faces away from the product.

37. The packaged rectangular parallelepiped product according to claim 36, wherein the second main surface of the paper packaging film comprises the polymer film and faces the product.

38. The packaged rectangular parallelepiped product according to claim 36, wherein the second main surface is in contact with each side of the product.

39. The packaged rectangular parallelepiped product according to claim 36, including individually wrapped products having a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

40. The packaged rectangular parallelepiped product according to claim 36, wherein the product comprises a rectangular parallelepiped block product consisting of a plurality of separable rectangular parallelepiped sections, and the paper packaging film is wrapped around the rectangular parallelepiped block product.

41. The packaged rectangular parallelepiped product according to claim 36, wherein the packaged product is sealed by the patterned sealable material.

42. The packaged rectangular parallelepiped product according to claim 36, wherein the product is a food product comprising one or more components selected from oils and fats, salt, sugar, food concentrates, dried food ingredients, and spices.

43. The packaged rectangular parallelepiped product according to claim 36, wherein the product is a bouillon cube.

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