Compostable material for packaging food products

Abstract

A compostable material for packaging food is disclosed, comprising a coffee-based granular material and at least one binder selected from methylcellulose, methylcellulose derivatives, and mixtures thereof.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to compostable materials for food packaging. Background Technology

[0002] Compostable materials for food packaging are known today and are commercially available in various forms depending on the specific application. For example, there is a continuously increasing interest in finding compostable materials for food packaging that can maintain their integrity even when exposed to thermal stress and pressure. Furthermore, food packaging materials must satisfy requirements suitable for contact with food. However, it may not be easy to simultaneously achieve characteristics such as compostability, heat resistance, thermomechanical strength, and suitability for food contact in a single product. means of solving the problem

[0003] The object of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a compostable material suitable for food packaging. In one or more embodiments, the compostable material is particularly suitable for the production of capsules designed to contain a predetermined volume of food material.

[0004] According to one or more embodiments, the above-mentioned objective is achieved by a compostable material having the characteristics specified in the appended claims.

[0005] The claims form an integrated part of the technical teachings provided herein in relation to the embodiments. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0006] Now, one or more embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings, merely as a non-limiting example. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a capsule made of a compostable material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate capsules made of compostable material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram relating to the steps of a method for producing a capsule according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the steps of a method for producing a capsule according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram relating to the steps of a method for producing a capsule according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the steps of a method for producing a capsule according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates a bar graph showing the results of an experimental test of migration performed on a compostable material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 illustrates a bar graph showing the results of an experimental test performed on a compostable material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0007] In the following description, various specific details are described to enable a detailed understanding of examples of embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments may be obtained without one or more of the specific details, or by other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, known structural materials or operations have not been specifically illustrated or described so as not to obscure various aspects of the embodiments.

[0008] Any reference to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" within the framework of this disclosure means that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Accordingly, phrases such as "in an embodiment" or "in one embodiment" that may appear in various places in this description do not necessarily refer to a single identical embodiment. Furthermore, a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0009] References used herein are provided merely for convenience and do not determine the scope of the embodiments or the scope of protection.

[0010] The compostable material forming the subject of the present disclosure comprises a coffee-based granular material and at least one binder selected from methylcellulose, methylcellulose derivatives, and mixtures thereof.

[0011] Methylcellulose derivatives may be selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, and hydroxyethylmethylcellulose. Preferably, the binder is methylcellulose.

[0012] Compostable materials may be used for packaging food. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a food container comprising the disclosed compostable material, preferably composed of the disclosed compostable material. Preferably, the container is a capsule comprising at least one food material in a predetermined volume, which may be used in the manufacture of a liquid product. The resulting capsule is a capsule that is entirely compostable and can be disposed of as wet waste after use.

[0013] The inventors of the present invention noted that, based on specific tests described below, the disclosed compostable material offers the advantage of being usable for manufacturing food containers that do not alter the sensory characteristics of the food contained therein. In this regard, and to test the suitability of the material in contact with food, a “migration” test was performed. Such a test consists of determining the amount of substance migrating from the material itself to a liquid (also defined as an “irritating liquid”).

[0014] A transport test demonstrated the suitability of the compostable material forming the subject of the present disclosure for contact with food. Additionally, the described compostable material proved to be particularly suitable for producing capsules containing a predetermined volume of material for the production of liquid products.

[0015] Coffee-based materials can consist of various forms of coffee, such as roasted and ground coffee, used ground coffee (SGC), and mixtures thereof.

[0016] The coffee-based granular material may include various forms of coffee, such as roasted and ground coffee, used ground coffee (SGC), and mixtures thereof. In one or more embodiments, the coffee-based granular material may include at least one of roasted and ground coffee and used ground coffee, and preferably may be composed of these.

[0017] Used ground coffee (consumption-post coffee or coffee after use) can be obtained as a byproduct of industrial manufacturing (e.g., byproducts from the production of instant coffee and / or coffee-based beverages). Additionally, used ground coffee can also be obtained from the collection and recycling of waste from coffee making in the restaurant and catering sectors (e.g., bars, restaurants), as well as in the home.

[0018] The binder is selected from methylcellulose, methylcellulose derivatives, and mixtures thereof.

[0019] A binder, preferably methylcellulose, is combined with a coffee-based granular material to make it possible to obtain a compostable material particularly suitable for producing capsules containing a predetermined amount of food material, for example, capsules for producing liquid products such as coffee.

[0020] Specific combinations of coffee-based granular materials and binders, preferably methylcellulose, offer advantages in both resistance and migration tests of compostable materials. Experimental tests conducted on compostable materials containing binders other than methylcellulose or its derivatives, e.g. alginates, instead exhibit suboptimal usage characteristics. Such materials can alter the sensory properties of food and cause aesthetically unpleasant discoloration. Furthermore, such materials are not easy to mold and their use may be limited to spraying or dipping procedures for food to be packaged. The inventors noted that, particularly for the production of capsules for coffee dispensing, it is necessary to add at least one plasticizer, such as glycerol, to such materials to improve their moldability. However, capsules obtained from compostable materials containing glycerol (combined with coffee and alginates) may rupture during the dispensing of the beverage.

[0021] Instead, the compostable material forming the subject of the present invention maintains rigidity characteristics to enable optimal dispensing without releasing any powder or residue into the manufactured liquid product and / or into the machine for manufacturing said liquid product. In particular, capsules made of the described material maintain their shape, elasticity, and sealing even when used in a machine for dispensing liquid products such as coffee by introducing water and / or steam at a temperature of 50°C to 100°C and a pressure of 1 bar to 30 bar.

[0022] In addition, various parts of the capsule can be connected together by adhesion alone, without the need to rely on coupling by gluing, which, for example, can exhibit important modes related to possible contact with food substances.

[0023] The compostable material may include coffee-based granular material in a weight ratio of 50% to 80% (wt / wt) of the compostable material.

[0024] The binder may be contained in the compostable material at a weight of 20% to 50% (wt / wt) of the compostable material.

[0025] The weight ratio of the granular material to the binder may be 1:1 to 4:1. Preferably, the weight ratio between the granular material and the binder is 4:1.

[0026] The above weight ratio enables the achievement of a compostable material that is free of plasticizers such as polyol compounds and is at the same time particularly suitable for molding.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the compostable material consists of a coffee-based granular material and a binder, preferably methylcellulose.

[0028] The compostable material forming the subject of the present disclosure can be produced by a first step of mixing components, namely a coffee-based granular material and a binder, preferably methylcellulose. Preferably, these components are mixed in the presence of water to obtain a homogeneous mixture. The weight ratio between the amounts of water and the solid components (coffee-based granular material and binder) may be 1.2 to 1.5.

[0029] Once a homogeneous mixture is obtained, it is molded using, for example, compression or injection molding, and a material of the desired thickness is obtained accordingly.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, films and sheets may also be obtained starting from a suspension comprising a coffee-based material, at least one binder, preferably methylcellulose and water, using a technique such as bubble-film extrusion.

[0031] The molding step can be performed using a mold having the geometry of the container to be obtained. Subsequently, the mixture can be introduced under pressure to cause the material to take on the shape of the mold. Next, the material can be dried by, for example, exposure to a heat source (in an oven), microwave irradiation, infrared irradiation, drum drying, vacuum drying, or freeze drying.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, after the molding and drying steps, a step of washing the material and then drying it may be performed according to the method outlined in the previous section. The washing step may contribute to preventing trace amounts of coffee-based material and binder from migrating from the material itself to the food contained therein. The washing step may be performed under low temperature conditions, under room temperature conditions, or with hot water (even boiling water). The washing may be performed for a time interval of 1 second to 1 hour.

[0033] Compostable materials can be advantageously used in the production of capsules containing a predetermined volume of material capable of forming a liquid product through the introduction of water and / or steam into food containers, preferably.

[0034] The aforementioned material may also be used to contain and protect a compacted dose of material, for example, a compacted dose of coffee. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide a capsule containing at least one material in a predetermined dose that can be used in the manufacture of a liquid product, wherein the dose is a compacted dose of coffee.

[0035] A predetermined volume of material can be compacted by applying pressure to it, or by using additional compaction procedures such as, for example, freezing, exposure to infrared irradiation, or the use of microwaves.

[0036] In various embodiments, a given volume of material may be a product for making broth, soup, beverages and various kinds of infusions, as well as some other precursors of liquid products such as ground coffee or beverages, tea, powdered chocolate or granulated chocolate: this list should be understood as provided as a non-limiting example. For brevity, below, reference will be made to a capsule for making coffee having a volume understood to consist of ground coffee.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the structure of the capsule containing the disclosed compostable material may exhibit different forms.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the structure of the capsule (1) forms a chamber (2) for receiving a predetermined volume of material and comprises a first body portion (4) and a second body portion (6). Only one or both of the two body portions may comprise, or preferably be composed of, a compostable material as described herein. In one or more other embodiments, one of the two body portions may be, for example: paper, cellophane, cellulose and derivatives thereof; polymers derived from biomass (e.g., polysaccharides such as starch and its derivatives); synthetic polymers (e.g., polylactic acid-starch fermented PLA, polybutyrate adipate terephthalate (PBAT); polymers produced by microorganisms or genetically modified bacteria (e.g., polyhydroxyalkanoates such as PHA, PHB, PHV, PHH); Polymers derived from fossil monomers (e.g., polybutylsuccinate (PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL)); compostable materials selected from polyanhydrides and polyvinyl alcohols; and this category may also include mixtures of the aforementioned compounds and / or the introduction of additives such as nanoparticles (e.g., talc, cloysite).

[0039] Each body part comprises an outer surface and an inner surface. The first body part (4) and the second body part (6) are joined such that their respective outer surfaces face outward from the capsule and their respective inner surfaces face each other and inward from the capsule. At least one of the first and second body parts comprises a concave inner surface. Preferably, at least one of the first and second body parts may comprise a convex outer surface. At least one of the first and second body parts comprises a compostable material forming the subject of the present disclosure, or preferably is composed of a compostable material.

[0040] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the capsule may comprise a first body portion (4) forming a side wall (8) and a first end wall (10). A second body portion (6) forms only a second end wall (12). For example, the first end wall (10) and the second end wall (12) may be transverse walls (which are also defined here, for brevity only, as "bottom wall" and "closed wall"). In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the capsule (1) is a sealed capsule in which the end walls do not have openings. The end wall (10) is manufactured as a single piece having a side wall (8).

[0041] The second end wall (or closed wall) (12) is fixed to the side wall (8) (located in the peripheral edge (9)) (through the peripheral edge (11)). Adhesion is ensured simply by wetting and joining the parts at the mouth portion of the first main body part (4).

[0042] The first main body portion (4) may have a cup-like or tray-like shape that extends from the bottom portion (10) toward the end that is closed by the closing wall (12). This extending shape may be a truncated cone. The capsule (1) may have a different shape, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially hemispherical shape, or a cup shape. The bottom wall (10) may have a concave top shape, with the bottom portion of the top facing outward from the capsule (1). Also, in this case, the choice of this shape is not limited insofar as the capsule (1) may have a bottom wall (10) with a bottom portion (e.g.) facing inward from the capsule (1), or a flat or substantially flat bottom wall (10). In one or more embodiments, the bottom wall (10) may have a relief extending toward the inside of the capsule at a height that allows it to be set in contact with the closed wall (12).

[0043] The structure of the end walls (10 and 12) of the two main body parts can be symmetrical, and accordingly, the beverage can be dispensed independently from one side or the other side of the capsule, which is a useful differentiation option in the design of a device for dispensing liquid products.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the end wall (10), the side wall (8), and the closure wall (12) of the capsule may comprise, preferably be composed of, a compostable material forming the subject of the present disclosure. The capsule may also comprise at least one of the end wall (10), the side wall (8), and the closure wall (12) made of a compostable material, wherein the compostable material is paper, cellophane, cellulose and derivatives thereof, polymers derived from biomass (e.g., polysaccharides such as starch and its derivatives); synthetic polymers (e.g., polylactic acid-starch fermented PLA, polybutyrate adipate terephthalate (PBAT)); polymers produced by microorganisms or genetically modified bacteria (e.g., polyhydroxyalkanoates such as PHA, PHB, PHV, PHH); Polymers from fossil monomers (e.g., polybutylsuccinate (PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL)); selected from polyanhydrides and polyvinyl alcohols; and these categories may also include the introduction of additives such as mixtures of the aforementioned compounds and / or nanoparticles (e.g., talc, cloicite).

[0045] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the capsule (1) has a first body portion (4) and a second body portion (6), both of which have a crystal (or shell-like) shape. The two portions (4 and 6) are joined at their respective peripheral margins (9, 11). Their internal surfaces face each other to form a chamber (2) for accommodating a predetermined volume of material. The peripheral margins (9, 11) may extend toward the outside of the capsule, particularly toward the outside of the first and second body portions.

[0046] In an embodiment considered herein as an example, it is expected that at least one of the first and second body parts of the capsule may be perforated by the tip of the coffee dispensing machine so that a liquid product can flow out of the cartridge (1) through said part.

[0047] In another embodiment, at least one of the first main body part (4) and the second main body part (6) may have a structure including at least one hole (e.g., a porous structure), and the liquid product may flow out of the capsule (1) through this hole.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, when the first main body portion (4) includes a side wall (8) and a first end wall (10) and the second main body portion (6) includes only a second end wall (12), at least one of the side wall (8), the first end wall (10), and the second end wall may include a structure (e.g., a porous structure) that includes at least one hole, and the liquid product described above may flow from the capsule (1) through the hole.

[0049] The present disclosure also provides a method for producing a liquid product by introducing a liquid and / or vapor into a capsule (1), preferably for producing a capsule (1) containing at least one substance in a predetermined volume. The method comprises:

[0050] - A step of providing a first main body part (4) for containing a predetermined amount of food material;

[0051] - A step of arranging the above capacity within the first main body part (4);

[0052] - A step of closing the capsule (1) with the second body part (6) applied to close the first body part (4) at each surrounding edge (9; 11).

[0053] It may include,

[0054] The method is,

[0055] - A step of making at least one of the first body part (4) and the second body part (6) from a compostable material (forming the subject of the present disclosure) comprising a coffee-based granular material and a binder selected from methylcellulose, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof, optionally composed thereof;

[0056] - A step of wetting at least one of the first main body part (4) and the second main body part (6) at each surrounding soft area (9; 11);

[0057] - A step of setting the first body part (4) and the second body part (6) of the capsule to be in contact at each surrounding soft part (9; 11);

[0058] - Optionally, a step of drying the capsule (1).

[0059] Includes

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the wetting step may preferably be carried out with a water and / or aqueous solution containing methylcellulose in an amount of 0.01 weight% to 10 weight%.

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a method for producing a compostable material forming the subject of the present invention and a capsule obtained from said material, for example, the capsule shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a step for producing a main body part of a capsule, namely a main body part (4) including a bottom wall (10) and a side wall (8).

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 5, coffee, methylcellulose, and water are mixed to form a homogeneous mixture. The mixture is divided into two fractions: a first fraction for producing a body portion (6) that forms only end walls (or closed walls) (12); and a second fraction for producing a body portion (4) of a capsule that has a cup shape and includes end walls (or bottom walls) (10) and side walls (8).

[0063] In the case of producing end walls (or closed walls) (12), a film is formed by performing a molding step, for example, a rotary-molding step, on the mixture. For example, in a paternoster oven, after a drying step, the closed walls (12) of the capsule (1) are obtained from the film material.

[0064] A portion of the mixture for producing the body (4) of the capsule, including the bottom wall (10) and the side wall (8), is transferred into a doser and distributed within a multi-cavity mold. After a drying step, the body of the capsule is filled with a predetermined amount of material, for example, coffee, and then closed by bonding the closing wall (12).

[0065] Reference numeral 20 of FIG. 6 indicates a portion of the mixture, and reference numeral 22 indicates a mold having a plurality of cup-shaped cavities (23). Pressure applied by a punch (24) enables the molding of the material and the formation of a cup shape. Accordingly, the molded material is dried, preferably at a temperature of 15°C to 105°C in a pattern oven (26). When coming out of the oven (26), the punch (24) is removed from the mold (22), and the step of extracting the compostable material with an intentionally provided extractor (28) follows. A step of filling the cup-shaped compostable material with a predetermined volume of material, for example, coffee is performed.

[0066] Next, the capsule is closed by joining the closing wall (12) at each peripheral edge (9; 11) to the side wall (8) of the main body (4) of the capsule (1).

[0067] Advantageously, the closed wall (12) can be joined to the main body part (4), particularly the side wall (8), without the need to use any adhesive material, glue, or welding; and the bonding of the two parts can be achieved by wetting the areas to be set to be in contact. Wetting of the areas to be set to be in contact can be achieved, for example, by a technique of coating, spraying, or applying water or other aqueous solution containing methylcellulose (at a concentration of 0.01 wt% to 10 wt%) with a paint brush.

[0068] Adhesion can be promoted by applying pressure to the parts set to be in contact.

[0069] Optionally, as described above, a drying step is subsequently performed, for example, in a pattern oven.

[0070] The capsule obtained in which the first main body part (4) is connected to the second main body part (6) by contact adhesion does not involve the use of synthetic adhesive material.

[0071] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of the steps of a method that can be used to produce a compostable material forming the subject of the present disclosure and a capsule, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. In particular, coffee, methylcellulose, and water are mixed to form a homogeneous mixture. The mixture is extruded to obtain a film.

[0072] For the film of compostable material thus obtained, the formation of a lens-shaped mold, dinking, and drying are performed. A portion of the excess material is collected and used in a new cycle. After drying, a pre-doped portion of coffee is inserted into one of the two body parts of the lens shape. The second body part is placed on the first body part at each peripheral edge (9; 11) to close the capsule. Also in this case, to obtain adhesion between the two parts, it is sufficient to wet the peripheral edges set to be in contact. Pressure can be applied to the parts set to be in contact to promote adhesion. Optionally, as described above, a drying step performed, for example, in a pattern oven may follow.

[0073] The capsule obtained in which the first main body part (4) is connected to the second main body part (6) by contact adhesion does not involve the use of synthetic adhesive material.

[0074] FIG. 8 illustrates an extruder (30), from which a film of compostable material is obtained in a multi-cavity mold (32) containing a cavity having a crystal shape (33). Pressure applied by a rotary punch (34) will cause the material to have a crystal shape. A rotary dingk (36) cuts and divides the obtained portion. The excess portion is collected and sent back to the extruder (30). FIG. 8 illustrates a pattern oven in which the material is dried inside. When coming out of the oven (38), the step of extracting the compostable material from the mold (32) into a specially provided extractor (28) follows.

[0075] The obtained capsules, in whole, can be certified as compostable materials according to the UNI EN 13432 standard.

[0076] In various embodiments, the order of use of the capsules may substantially correspond to the order of use of the capsules described in EP-A-0 507 905 or WO2012 / 077066 A1, and accordingly, any repetition of the corresponding description is unnecessary herein. Such order of use, which is understood to be provided purely as an example and thereby enables other variations, is considered to be known in itself and accordingly, further specific description thereof is unnecessary.

[0077] The compostable material forming the subject of the present disclosure can consequently be used to provide support that resists heating, pressure, and potential perforation caused by the perforation tip of a liquid product (e.g., coffee) dispensing machine, and then can be disposed of as a compostable material, which provides the advantage.

[0078] In the application examples considered here, that is, when a compostable material is used to package food that is heated and water and / or steam at a temperature of 50°C to 100°C and a pressure of 1 bar to 30 bar is introduced, the compostable material may, depending on the situation, undergo softening, melting, or spoilage of the food contained therein due to the fact that the material basically originates from nature.

[0079] The compostable material forming the subject of the present disclosure can overcome the above disadvantages insofar as the specific combination of the coffee-based granular material and the binder, preferably methylcellulose, in the indicated quantitative proportions, provides a property of rigidity that helps maintain structural properties, for example, under temperature and pressure conditions of beverage dispensing.

[0080] A specific combination of the components of a composite material in a specific weight ratio also imparts thermomechanical strength to the material, for example, when the material undergoes a vacuum packaging process or a packaging process in a modified atmosphere.

[0081] One or more embodiments consequently enable a material that exhibits specific stability and strength with respect to pressure as well as mechanical and thermal stress, and exhibits compostable properties that can be used in machines for dispensing coffee.

[0082] Examples

[0083] Comparative experimental tests were performed on the following:

[0084] - A compostable material forming the subject of the present disclosure, comprising a coffee-based granular material having or not having glycerol as a plasticizer and methylcellulose; and

[0085] - A compostable material comprising a coffee-based granular material having or not having glycerol as a plasticizer and an alginate as a binder.

[0086] Migration tests were performed on these materials using the standard evaluation protocol for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).

[0087] Experiment of the first set

[0088] The migration test was performed by immersing compostable material in hot water at a temperature of 80°C to 90°C, continuously stirring the aqueous solution, and evaluating the color change of the solution after a period of a few minutes, generally 2 minutes.

[0089] The first set of experiments was carried out on a compostable material with a thickness of 2.5 mm containing coffee, methylcellulose, and optional glycerol in the following quantitative ratios.

[0090] - Coffee and methylcellulose in a weight ratio of 4:1 (4:1 C:CMC in the graph of Fig. 9);

[0091] - Coffee and methylcellulose in a 4:1 weight ratio combined with glycerol present in an amount of 20 wt% (4:1 20% glycerol in the graph of Fig. 9);

[0092] - Coffee and methylcellulose in a 4:1 weight ratio combined with glycerol present in an amount of 15 weight% of the material (4:1 15% glycerol in the graph of Fig. 9);

[0093] - Coffee and methylcellulose in a 9:1 weight ratio combined with glycerol present in an amount of 20 wt% (9:1 20% glycerol in the graph of Fig. 9); and

[0094] - Coffee and methylcellulose in a 7:3 weight ratio combined with glycerol present in an amount of 20 wt% (7:3 20% glycerol in the graph of Fig. 9).

[0095] A control group test was performed using only water.

[0096] The results of the migration test show that glycerol contributes to a reduction in the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) when present in combination with coffee and methylcellulose in a specific weight ratio of 4:1.

[0097] However, these materials become discolored, which can be observed particularly during the drying step at 60°C for 5 hours and when the material is subjected to a pressure of approximately 250 Pa. Additionally, these materials exhibit the disadvantage of failing to ensure optimal surface adhesion between parts of the capsule set to come into contact during the production process.

[0098] Experiment of the second set

[0099] A compostable material containing coffee, sodium alginate as a binder, and glycerol was tested. The resulting material did not exhibit satisfactory characteristics, particularly during capsule production. The material production method also requires acidic pH conditions during the cross-linking of alginates in the presence of glycerol to obtain a material flexible enough to work with. However, the acidic pH causes a change in the color of the resulting compostable material and, consequently, the capsules, resulting in an aesthetically unsatisfactory appearance. Migration tests also showed a tendency for glycerol to migrate from the compostable material.

[0100] Experiment of the 3rd set

[0101] For disc-shaped compostable materials containing combinations of different components, having a diameter of 50 mm and a thickness of 1.5 mm, a migration test was performed after soaking in deionized water (DI water) for 30 minutes and boiling. Specifically, the following were obtained:

[0102] - A disc of material containing coffee and methylcellulose in a weight ratio of 80:20;

[0103] - A disc of material comprising used ground coffee (SGC) and methylcellulose in a weight ratio of 80:20;

[0104] - A disc of material containing coffee and methylcellulose in a 50:50 weight ratio;

[0105] - A disc of material containing used ground coffee (SGC) and methylcellulose in a 50:50 weight ratio.

[0106] The results of the graph in Figure 10 show reduced movement in the disc containing used ground coffee instead of coffee. In addition, it was proven that washing the disc before the experimental test is useful in further reducing movement.

[0107] The movement-tested discs were also analyzed from a dimensional perspective. Such an analysis showed that, although the cleaning step of the disc is advantageous for reducing movement, it causes disc shrinkage.

[0108] For example, the diameter of a disc containing coffee and methylcellulose in an 80:20 weight ratio showed a change from a value of 50 mm to a value of 46.9 mm. After use of a 50:50 weight ratio, the disc containing ground coffee and methylcellulose showed a change in diameter from a value of 50 mm to 40.2 mm. After use of an 80:20 weight ratio, the disc containing ground coffee and methylcellulose showed a change in diameter from a value of 50 mm to 47.2 mm.

[0109] Experiment of the 4th set

[0110] A fourth migration test was performed by including an edible coloring agent in the mixture. Specifically, a blue coloring agent (GNT ExBerry Shade Blue) was used in an amount of 0.5 ml for 20 g of a mixture containing coffee and methylcellulose in an 80:20 weight ratio to obtain a compostable material; and a disc with a diameter of 50 mm and a thickness of 1.5 mm was obtained.

[0111] The test was performed in deionized low-temperature water at room temperature and also in deionized water at a temperature of about 90°C.

[0112] No migration of the dye into the aqueous solution was observed, and accordingly, the suitability of the material forming the subject of the present disclosure for food packaging was demonstrated.

[0113] Experiment of the 5th set

[0114] Analysis was performed on compostable materials containing coffee and methylcellulose in different quantitative ratios at various production stages and material processing stages.

[0115] In particular, the analyzed compostable material contained quantitative ratios of coffee and methylcellulose of 80:20, 50:50, and 30:70.

[0116] The above compostable material was obtained from a mixture containing an amount of water of about 55% to 60% by weight relative to the total weight of the mixture.

[0117] A compostable material (80:20) with a weight ratio of coffee to methylcellulose of 80:20 is obtained from a soft mixture that is easy to mix; a compostable material (50:50) with a weight ratio of coffee to methylcellulose of 50:50 is obtained from a medium-hardness mixture, whereas a compostable material (30:70) with a weight ratio of coffee to methylcellulose of 30:70 is obtained from a mixture that requires a long mixing time and is difficult to work with.

[0118] In the material molding stage, the materials (20:80 and 50:50) have good surface adhesion and are easy to mold without tearing. In addition, the material (50:50) is suitable for the production of thin sheets.

[0119] The material (80:20) also exhibits the advantage that, during the production stage, the mixture can be dried at a low temperature for a period of about 2 / 3 hours without structural changes. If the amount of methylcellulose is increased (material (30:70)), the material may undergo a phenomenon of shrinkage during drying, i.e., a phenomenon that can generate stress and cause the material to break.

[0120] Materials containing coffee and methylcellulose in weight ratios of 80:20 and 50:50 can be easily extracted from the mold cavity and have few or no surface defects. Additionally, the material (80:20) has a bright color, while the color is darker in the materials (50:50 and 30:70).

[0121] Results obtained from a set of various experimental tests showed that a compostable material comprising a coffee-based material combined with a binder, preferably cellulose, exhibits superior advantages over a compostable material comprising other binders combined with coffee. A compostable material comprising coffee and alginate as a binder, possibly in the presence of glycol, was not proven suitable for producing food containers, particularly hard containers, for example, capsules containing a predetermined volume of material for the production of liquid products.

[0122] The presence of glycerol as a plasticizer does not provide a clear advantage for compostable materials and may undergo migration phenomena.

[0123] Preferably, a specific amount of binder, preferably methylcellulose, in an amount of 20% to 50% by weight of the compostable material, provides optimal properties to the material in relation to the capsule production process.

[0124] Using used ground coffee in combination with a binder, preferably methylcellulose, has also proven to be advantageous in terms of both cost and transport.

[0125] Without prejudice to the basic principles, details of the configuration and embodiments may be substantially modified in relation to those described herein merely as non-limiting examples, without exceeding the scope of protection. Such scope is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A compostable material for packaging food, comprising a coffee-based granular material and at least one binder selected from methylcellulose, methylcellulose derivatives, and mixtures thereof, wherein the coffee-based granular material comprises at least one of roasted and ground coffee, used ground coffee, and mixtures thereof, and the weight ratio of the coffee-based granular material to the binder is 1:1 to 4:

1. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 In claim 1, the coffee-based granular material is a compostable material comprising at least one of roasted and ground coffee, used ground coffee, and a mixture thereof. Claim 4 In claim 1, the methylcellulose derivative is a compostable material selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, and hydroxyethylmethylcellulose. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A compostable material according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the coffee-based granular material to the binder is 4:

1. Claim 7 In claim 1, the compostable material comprises a coffee-based granular material and methylcellulose as a binder. Claim 8 A compostable material according to claim 1, characterized in that the compostable material does not contain a plasticizer. Claim 9 A compostable material according to claim 1, characterized in that the compostable material does not contain a polyol compound. Claim 10 A capsule (1) for containing at least one food substance of a predetermined volume, wherein the capsule comprises a compostable material according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4 and 6 to 9. Claim 11 In claim 10, the capsule (1) contains at least one food material in a predetermined volume for the manufacture of a liquid product, the capsule (1) comprises a first body part (4) and a second body part (6), each of the first body part (4) and the second body part (6) comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, the first body part (4) and the second body part (6) are joined such that their respective outer surfaces face outward from the capsule and their respective inner surfaces face each other and face inward from the capsule, at least one of the first and second body parts (4; 6) comprises a concave inner surface, and at least one of the first body part (4) and the second body part (6) comprises the compostable material. Claim 12 In claim 11, the capsule (1) wherein the second main body part (6) is composed of the compostable material. Claim 13 In claim 11, the capsule (1) is formed such that the first main body part (4) forms a side wall (8) and a first end wall (10), and the second main body part (6) forms only a second end wall (12). Claim 14 In claim 11, the first main body part (4) and the second main body part (6) have a crystal shape and are joined at their respective peripheral edges (9; 11) in such a way that their internal surfaces face each other, forming a capsule (1). Claim 15 In claim 11, the first main body part (4) is connected to the second main body part (6) by contact adhesion, and the capsule (1) is a capsule (1) that does not have a synthetic adhesive material. Claim 16 In claim 11, at least one of the first main body part (4) and the second main body part (6) has a structure including at least one hole, and the liquid product can flow out of the capsule (1) through the hole. Claim 17 In claim 13, at least one of the side wall (8), the end wall (10), and the second main body part (12) has a structure including at least one hole, and the liquid product can flow out of the capsule (1) through the hole. Claim 18 In claim 11, one of the first main body part (4) and the second main body part (6) comprises a compostable material, wherein the compostable material is selected from the group consisting of paper, cellophane, cellulose, polymers extracted from biomass; synthetic polymers; polymers produced by microorganisms or genetically modified bacteria; polymers from fossil monomers, polyanhydrides, polyvinyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof, capsule (1). Claim 19 In paragraph 11, a capsule (1) in which at least one of the above-mentioned substances for the manufacture of a liquid product is a compressed volume of coffee. Claim 20 A method for making a capsule (1) containing at least one food substance of a predetermined volume, comprising: providing a first body portion (4) containing said volume; arranging said volume within said body portion (4); and closing the capsule (1) with a second body portion (6) applied to close said body portion (4) at each of the surrounding soft portions (9; 11), wherein the method comprises: providing at least one of said body portion (4) and said body portion (6) of a compostable material according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4 and 6 to 9; wetting said body portion (4) and said body portion (6) at least one of said body portion (6) at the surrounding soft portion (9; 11); and setting said body portion (4) and said body portion (6) to be in contact at the surrounding soft portion (9; 11).

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