Recyclable stand-up pouch based on polyethylene

Abstract

Recyclable stand-up pouch for beverages based on polyethylene with a front side a back side and a bottom The front side (2), the back side (3), and the bottom each has a transparent outer coat and a sealing coat. The sealing coat has a greater thickness than the outer coat

Description

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The invention relates to a recyclable stand-up pouch for beverages with a front side, a back side, and a bottom, where the front side, the back side, and the bottom each have a transparent outer coat and a sealing coat.

[0002] Stand-up pouches are flexible packaging that can stand on their bottom and are typically used for powders, pastes, or ready-to-drink beverages. The lower part of a stand-up pouch is provided with a side gusset to ensure the pouch's standing ability.

[0003] In 1963, Doyen disclosed a pouch with a bottom made of thermoplastic material in patent DE 1 281 140, consisting of two film coats connected by a W-shaped inward-folded bottom piece and welded together at their edges along the height of the pouch by longitudinal weld seams.

[0004] Stand-up pouches (SUPs) were first produced about 60 years ago. Early designs used a laminate of a layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and a layer of polyethylene (PE). An aluminum foil layer could optionally be sandwiched therebetween. This type of design is still in commercial use, where a typical structure features a thin layer of approximately 12 μm of PET, a layer of approximately 8 μm of aluminum foil, and a thicker layer of approximately 80 μm of polyethylene. One problem with this SUP design is that the pouches are very difficult or impossible to recycle due to the different construction materials.

[0005] It is now known to produce a recyclable stand-up pouch made of at least 95% polyethylene, as many recycling facilities are able to recycle coextruded or laminated film containing at least 95% polyethylene as pure polyethylene material.

[0006] EP 3 256 317 B 1 discloses a laminated structure made of polymeric material, where the laminated structure comprises an outer web comprising a first A-coat and a second A-coat comprising polyethylene selected from the group consisting of LLDPE, MDPE, and HDPE, and an inner web comprising a first B-coat in contact with the outer web, where the first B-coat comprises polyethylene selected from the group consisting of LLDPE and MDPE, as well as a third B-coat comprising a sealant composition, with the proviso that the outer web be laminated to the inner web and the laminated structure is printed onto at the interface between the outer coat and the inner coat. The HDPE, MDPE, LLDPE, and the sealant polyethylene together constitute at least 95% by weight of the polymeric material used to produce the laminated structure, and furthermore, the first A-coat comprises an HDPE composition.

[0007] However, polyethylene has several disadvantages that make it difficult to construct a stand-up pouch produced entirely from polyethylene. While high-density polyethylene (HDPE) offers the rigidity required for a stand-up pouch structure, HDPE's physical and optical properties, such as haze and gloss, are comparatively unfavorable. In contrast, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) offers excellent physical and optical properties but poor rigidity. The physical and optical properties of medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) generally lie between those of HDPE and LLDPE. Accordingly, a simple stand-up pouch design made of PE lacks the combination of optical and rigid properties provided by the prior art design consisting of a layer of PET and a layer of PE.

[0008] Plastic packaging films still commonly used today are film laminates made of different layers. They typically combine layers of different plastic materials. Packaging is often manufactured with an externally visible print. The print is there applied to a layer of the film laminate that is suitable for printing, e.g. a layer of biaxially oriented polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0009] The printing process for high-quality packaging is typically a serial printing process, such as gravure printing or flexographic serial printing. In a serial printing process, the individual printing units are separated from one another, and the film web to be printed passes through a dryer and several deflection rollers before the next color is applied in order to extend the drying path. However, with certain films, in particular PE films, this leads to problems with register accuracy or unacceptable print images. PE films and PE film laminates are therefore usually printed onto using the flexographic printing process in a satellite design on so-called central printing cylinder machines. There, the film web to be printed onto is led between the individual printing units on a central cylinder and only dried thereafter. Possible intermediate drying after an ink application also takes place on the central cylinder, where the film web is led on the central cylinder also during drying which, however, usually does not allow for complete drying between the printing units, as the drying path is very short. Therefore, the print quality with a satellite flexographic printing process is not as high as with a serial printing process.

[0010] For high-quality packaging laminates, packaging manufacturers usually require the film laminate to be printed using a serial printing process, e.g., gravure printing or (UV) flexographic serial printing, due to the achievable print image. Therefore, such film laminates have traditionally used a PET or PP film web as the printed film web, which is then laminated to a material sealable at low temperature, such as PE film, to form the film laminate.

[0011] For cost reasons, film laminates for the packaging industry should be as thin as possible. This requires that the individual film coats also be as thin as possible, in accordance with their function. The problem with a polyethylene monolaminate is that PE films with a technically relevant thickness of less than 40 μm are usually only in part or not at all printable to the required quality on serial model printing systems, and especially not using gravure printing or flexo serial printing processes.

[0012] At the same time, the way in which plastic materials and therefore also packaging films, are currently produced and disposed of can be optimized. As part of its “Green Deal,” the European Union aims to reduce the landfilling of plastic waste. By 2030, 55% of plastic packaging waste is to be recycled.

[0013] To meet the challenges of recycling, packaging design must become increasingly sustainable. This can be achieved, for example, by implementing more monomaterial designs. The challenge here lies in achieving the very different properties of a piece of packaging with just one recyclable monomaterial design, which was previously achieved by combining different plastic layers with different material bases.

[0014] At the same time, the same mechanical properties of a multi-material design cannot be achieved, which presents new challenges for the design and construction of the stand-up pouch, affecting its dimensional stability and stand-up stability. Due to the changing material properties, it is challenging to obtain the exact familiar and characteristic pouch shape.

[0015] Furthermore, commercially available stand-up pouches for beverages are filled and vacuum-sealed at temperatures above 85° C. A mono-material pouch design must be able to ensure the pouch's shape and the performance of the closing seal, even under hot-filling conditions.

[0016] The object of the present invention is to provide a recyclable stand-up pouch as a mono-material design that ensures the familiar typical shape of a stand-up pouch. In addition, the stand-up pouch is to meet the requirements of the Plastics Pact 2025 and be fully recyclable. The stand-up pouch is to protect the pouch contents from spoilage, ensure a long and flavorful shelf life, and provide a high barrier against the penetration of oxygen and water vapor. The stand-up pouch is to be sealable and suitable for hot-filling beverages. In addition, the sides of the stand-up pouch are to be able to be printed onto with repeat accuracy. The flexible pouch packaging is to be safe for human health and ecologically sustainable. Furthermore, the stand-up pouch is to have a pleasant feel.

[0017] This object is satisfied according to the invention by a recyclable stand-up pouch, a method, and a use according to the independent main claims. Preferred variants can be gathered from the dependent claims, the description, the exemplary embodiment, and the drawings.

[0018] According to the invention, the sealing coat has a greater thickness than the outer coat.

[0019] The outer coat forms the outer skin of the stand-up pouch and is configured to be transparent in order to reveal and also to protect the printed image applied by counterprinting.

[0020] Advantageously, the outer coat is formed from a monoaxially oriented polyethylene (MDO PE), where the MDO PE is formed to be stretched by a factor of more than 2.0, preferably by a factor of more than 3.0, in particular by a factor of more than 4.0, and / or is formed to be stretched by a factor of less than 7.0, preferably by a factor of less than 6.5, in particular by a factor of less than 6.0. The advantages of the outer coat in terms of good rigidity and toughness are therefore formed in an ideal manner, allowing a print image to be applied with repeat accuracy even to a particularly thin outer coat.

[0021] Ideally, the thickness of the outer coat is more than 10 μm, preferably more than 14 μm, in particular more than 18 μm and / or less than 30 μm, preferably less than 26 μm, in particular less than 22 μm. The outer coat is therefore formed to be as thin as possible while simultaneously ensuring sufficient stability, which allows for the typical stand-up pouch shape to be obtained.

[0022] Ideally, the outer coat is formed to be multi-layered, where the outer coat has more than two layers, preferably more than three layers, in particular more than four layers.

[0023] For example, the outer coat has a polyethylene content of more than 92.5 % by weight, preferably of more than 95 % by weight, in particular of more than 97.5 % by weight. This extremely high polyethylene content enables the stand-up pouch to be designed as a monomaterial stand-up pouch construction and makes it recyclable.

[0024] The inner side of the stand-up pouch is formed by a sealing coat.

[0025] In a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, the sealing coat is made of a multi-layer cast polyethylene coat. This sealing coat is particularly advantageous for the sealing process.

[0026] Ideally, the thickness of the sealing coat is more than 40 μm, preferably more than 55 μm, in particular more than 70 μm and / or less than 120 μm, preferably less than 100 μm, in particular less than 80 μm. The sealing coat is therefore extremely thin and simultaneously ensures the sealability of absolutely tight seal seams.

[0027] Ideally, the sealing coat is formed to be multi-layered, where the sealing coat has more than two layers, preferably more than three layers, in particular more than four layers.

[0028] For example, the sealing coat has a polyethylene content of more than 92.5 % by weight, preferably of more than 95 % by weight, in particular of more than 97.5 % by weight. This extremely high polyethylene content enables the stand-up pouch to be designed as a monomaterial stand-up pouch construction and makes it recyclable.

[0029] The outer coat and the sealing coat are preferably bonded with an adhesive layer and assembled into rectangular front side and back sides. The bottom of the stand-up pouch can, in principle, have the same structure. In an advantageous variant, the thicknesses of the outer coat and the sealing coat of the bottom are formed to be somewhat thinner. The front side, the back side, and the bottom of the stand-up pouch are connected by a sealing structure. The rectangular front and back sides are placed on top of each other, with a W-shaped folded bottom inserted therebetween.

[0030] In a particularly favorable variant of the invention, the sealing coat is formed to be thicker than the outer coat by a factor of more than 2.00, preferably by a factor of more than 2.75, in particular by a factor of more than 3.50. This achieves the advantageous sealability of the stand-up pouch, which is configured as a monomaterial design.

[0031] Ideally, the sealing coat is formed to be thicker than the outer coat by a factor of less than 6.0, preferably by a factor of less than 5.0, in particular by a factor of less than 4.0. A sealing coat that is too thick compared to the outer coat could adversely affect the sealing properties.

[0032] Heat sealing is the common method for creating seams in flexible stand-up pouches. The purpose of sealing is to join sealable materials together in an absolutely tight and secure manner. “Tight” specifically means impermeability to microbiological contamination as well as to the penetration of oxygen and water vapor, which are known to lead to the spoilage of food and hygroscopic contents in a stand-up pouch. The specific thickness and configuration of the cast polyethylene sealing coat as well as the sealing process itself achieve the required absolute tightness of the stand-up pouch.

[0033] Heat sealing uses two heated bars that apply pressure to the materials to be sealed and simultaneously conduct heat to the cut surface, whereby the materials melt and form a bond. The pressure ensures good contact between the materials and promotes the penetration of the molten viscous materials at the cut surface which, after cooling down, form a permanent and tight bond. Sealability is understood to be the successful and time-efficient process of joining the front side, the back side, and the bottom to form a stand-up pouch.

[0034] The stand-up pouch according to the invention discloses a sophisticated monomaterial design based on polyethylene. Ideally, the stand-up pouch has a polyethylene content of more than 92.5 % by weight, preferably of more than 95 % by weight, and in particular of more than 97.5 % by weight. This outstanding monomaterial design based on polyethylene provides advantageous recyclability and therefore complies with the requirements of the EU's “Green Deal.” The stand-up pouch according to the invention, with its thickness ratio of the sealing coat to the outer coat, realizes very different features that could previously only be achieved through a combination of materials and, at the same time, is particularly sustainable, in particular due to its recyclability.

[0035] In an extremely advantageous variant of the invention, the front side and / or the back side and / or the bottom have at least one functional coat arranged between the outer coat and the sealing coat. The functional coat is configured as an ideal barrier against oxygen and water vapor. At the same time, it provides additional protection for the pouch against puncturing.

[0036] Ideally, the functional coat has a thickness of less than 25 μm, preferably of less than 20 μm, in particular of less than 15 μm, and / or of more than 6 μm, preferably of more than 9 μm, in particular of more than 12 μm.

[0037] Preferably, the functional coat has a barrier layer and / or a metallized layer and / or a metal layer and / or a vapor-deposited aluminum layer and / or at least one MDO PE layer.

[0038] In an advantageous variant, the functional coat is configured as an MDO PE coat. A preferably ultra-thin aluminum layer is vapor-deposited onto the MDO PE coat. At the same time, the coat is prepared for adhesive lamination. This coat offers an exceptional barrier to oxygen, flavors, and aromas and has an excellent water vapor barrier.

[0039] For example, the functional coat has a polyethylene content of more than 92.5 % by weight, preferably of more than 95 % by weight, in particular of more than 97.5 % by weight. This extremely high polyethylene content enables the stand-up pouch to be configured as a monomaterial design and ensures its recyclability.

[0040] In an advantageous variant of the invention, the MDO PE coat is vapor-deposited, preferably vacuum-deposited. A metal layer, in particular an aluminum and / or aluminum oxide layer is there preferably vapor-deposited. The thickness of the metallized layer is more than 10 nm, preferably more than 15 nm, in particular more than 20 nm and / or less than 60 nm, preferably less than 50 nm, in particular less than 40 nm.

[0041] Ideally, the metallized layer contributes to favorable reflection of UV light incident upon the stand-up pouch from the outside.

[0042] In an alternative variant, the functional coat is configured as a barrier layer. The barrier layer is preferably applied between the sealing coat and the outer coat by plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition.

[0043] The barrier layer deposited can preferably be formed from a silicon oxide. Alternatively or additionally, the barrier layer can be formed from an amorphous carbon layer. Furthermore, the barrier layer could be configured from a ceramic coating and / or an aluminum oxide.

[0044] The thickness of the alternative barrier layer is preferably 2 to 8 nm.

[0045] In a further alternative variant of the invention, the barrier layer can be configured as an ethylene-vinyl alcohol and / or polyvinyl alcohol layer.

[0046] In a completely different alternative of the invention, the barrier layer can be configured in the form of a printed primer layer. It can be configured, for example, from an ethylene-vinyl alcohol and / or polyvinyl alcohol layer and / or a polymer containing a carboxyl group. The barrier layer can there be applied either to the inner side or outer side of the outer coat or to the outer side of the sealing coat.

[0047] Preferably, the front side has an insertion region for inserting a drinking straw.

[0048] The stand-up pouch for beverages comprises an insertion system for inserting a drinking straw. The drinking straw comprises a tubular straw element comprising a straw wall, an inlet to be placed inside the stand-up pouch, and an outlet to be placed outside the stand-up pouch.

[0049] The straw element can be manufactured using an injection molding process. The cross-section of the straw element can be round, oval, triangular, or square.

[0050] Ideally, a packaging sleeve for the straw element, which ensures the hygienic closure of the straw element until the beverage is consumed, is form by a thin transparent polyethylene coat. This polyethylene coat is affixed to the stand-up pouch in such a way that removal is very difficult. The packaging sleeve is easy to open to remove the straw element. The strong bond between the packaging sleeve and the stand-up pouch achieves effective recycling together.

[0051] The printing process used for high-quality packaging is usually a serial printing process, such as gravure printing or flexographic serial printing.

[0052] The outer coat has a print which is preferably applied using reverse printing. The outer coat is printed onto in order to identify the brand and beverage ingredients as well as to create the visual impression of the beverage pouch.

[0053] A frequently used method for printing onto the outer coat is flexographic serial printing. This is a direct relief printing process, also known as a web-fed rotary printing process. The flexible printing plates, made of photopolymer or rubber, are used in combination with low-viscosity printing inks. The raised regions of the printing plate carry the image. The advantages are in the cost-effectiveness due to the utilization of a large printing width and high printing speed, as well as in the availability of inexpensive printing inks. The printing tools, the photopolymer printing plates, and / or the laser-engraved elastomer sleeves are readily available. Large print runs can be produced economically using flexographic printing.

[0054] The permeability of films to gas is determined according to DIN EN ISO 2556 under atmospheric pressure. A film test specimen there separates two chambers, one of which contains the test gas at atmospheric pressure, while the air is evacuated from the other one with a known initial volume, until a near vacuum is obtained. The amount of gas flowing through the test specimen from one chamber to the other is determined as a function of time by measuring the pressure increase in the second chamber using a manometer.

[0055] The stand-up pouch advantageously has an oxygen transmission rate of less than 10 cm3 / m2·day·bar, preferably less than 5 cm3 / m2·day·bar, in particular less than 0.1 cm3 / m2·day·bar, measured at 23° C. and 0% RH. This allows beverages to be stored for a long time in the stand-up pouch without artificial preservatives.

[0056] Permeability to water vapor is determined according to DIN 53116 using a gravimetric measurement method. A test container filled with a desiccant is sealed with a sample of a pouch film and exposed to a defined test climate. The amount of water permeating through the sample is determined by weighing. A quantity of water in the range of 1-200 g / (m2·d) can be detected. The detection limit also depends on the sample properties and the sample thickness.

[0057] Ideally, the stand-up pouch has a permeability to water vapor of less than 10 g / m2 , preferably of less than 5 g / m2, in particular of less than 0.1 g / m2 in 24 hours according to ASTM D 6701-01. This allows hot-filled liquids to be stored in the stand-up pouch without artificial preservatives and be protected from spoilage for a considerable period of time.

[0058] The film thickness was measured according to DIN 53370 and indicated as an average value. In an advantageous variant of the invention, the front side and / or the back side have a thickness of less than 160 μm, preferably of less than 140 μm, in particular of less than 120 μm, and / or of more than 80 μm, preferably of more than 90 μm, in particular of more than 100 μm. This makes the stand-up pouch be formed particularly thin and therefore lightweight, while still offering excellent durability.

[0059] In an advantageous variant, the thickness of the front side and / or the thickness of the back side is formed to be greater than the thickness of the bottom by a factor of more than 1.1, preferably by a factor of more than 1.2, in particular by a factor of more than 1.3, and / or greater than the thickness of the bottom by a factor of less than 2.0, preferably by a factor of less than 1.8, in particular by a factor of less than 1.6. The material usage can then be minimized.

[0060] In an advantageous variant of the invention, at least one layer of the multilayer cast polyethylene coat contains a TiO2 content.

[0061] The filler content can be determined using known measuring methods such as ashing. A sample with a known initial weight is heated to a temperature at which the polymer thermally decomposes, but the filler does not. For example, 560° C. has proven effective for this purpose. Thereafter, the sample weight is measured again. The polymer content per square meter can be calculated from the difference between the initial and the final weight.

[0062] As an alternative to ashing, a TGA measurement is possible, in which the weight of a sample is continuously measured during heating. This test method can also clearly differentiate between the polymer and the filler and allows the polymer content of the film to be determined.

[0063] In an advantageous variant of the invention, at least one layer of the multilayer cast polyethylene coat comprises an inorganic filler, where the filler content is more than 0.5 % by weight, preferably more than 1.0 % by weight, in particular more than 1.5 % by weight.

[0064] Ideally, the filler is titanium dioxide, which allows a white layer with advantageous opacity to be obtained.

[0065] In a particularly advantageous variant, the filled layer of the sealing coat has an opacity according to DIN 53416 of more than 55%, preferably of more than 70%, in particular of more than 85%. This advantageously absorbs the light that is incident upon the stand-up pouch from the outside, thereby advantageously supporting the shelf life of the beverage in the stand-up pouch.

[0066] In a preferred variant, the innermost layer of the multilayer cast polyethylene coat in contact with the beverage is formed to be free of pigments, in particular free of titanium dioxide. This effectively prevents contact or even contamination of the beverage with pigments.

[0067] In an advantageous variant of the invention, the sealing coat comprises a content of antistatic agent. The antistatic agent can be selected from the group of substances consisting of glyceryl esters, fatty acids, tertiary amines, fatty acid amides, hydroxyl fatty acid amides, alkali metal sulfonates, polyether-modified polydiorganosiloxanes, polyalkylphenylsiloxanes, and / or mixtures thereof.

[0068] The sealing coat preferably contains an antistatic agent in an amount of 0.01 to 2% by weight of the coat, preferably 0.1 to 1.5 % by weight, and most preferably 0.4 to 1.0 % by weight.

[0069] Since the coats are often stored in stacks or rolls prior to tailoring and sealing into stand-up pouches, migration of the antistatic agent could occur. Therefore, the outer coat can be equipped with an antistatic agent as a preventative measure.

[0070] A particular challenge lies in the dimensional accuracy of the front side and the back side which are generally made from the same material, in particular from the same roll material. The future front and back sides are printed simultaneously onto a roll material of the outer coat and adhesively bonded to the functional coat and the sealing coat. Only through the special selection of defined polyethylene materials and the special manufacturing process is it possible to produce such a dimensionally accurate outer coat that can be printed onto with very tight tolerances. The outer coat is characterized by a particularly small deviation in thickness per unit area.

[0071] Preferably, the front and back sides form a mirror-symmetrical structure with respect to the different coats. In an alternative variant of the invention, the coats can also be arranged differently.

[0072] In an alternative variant of the invention, the functional coat can, in principle, also be joined to the outer coat and the sealing coat by thermal lamination.

[0073] Shrinkage or shrinkage of plastic materials is understood to be a change in the dimensional stability of test specimens at temperatures T>TG (amorphous) or T>TS (semi-crystalline), which is caused by resetting molecular orientations and the relaxation of residual stresses. The orientations arise as a result of the processing procedures (extrusion, injection molding, or deep drawing) and are therefore dependent on processing parameters. These parameters are the temperature of the tool and of the melt, the injection and holding pressure, the flow path length, as well as the cooling down contour of the film coats.

[0074] In an advantageous variant of the invention, the front side, the back side, and the bottom of the stand-up pouch exhibit a shrinkage of less than 2.5%, preferably of less than 2.0%, in particular of less than 1.5%. This makes the front side, the back side, and the bottom particularly dimensionally accurate, even as the monomaterial design, enabling very precise printing. This dimensional stability is particularly advantageous for hot filling.

[0075] In an advantageous variant, the stand-up pouch, in particular the outer coat and / or the functional coat, exhibits a barrier against UV light in the wavelength range of 250-800 nm. The transmission is then less than 5%, preferably less than 3%, in particular less than 1%.

[0076] Overall, it is not trivial to fulfill the sum of these specifications with a monomaterial design. This can be achieved through the special combination of the selected individual coats configured as monomaterial and the special manufacturing method. However, this can also be achieved using individual coats comprising one or more layers of the same material (e.g., polyethylene). Furthermore, the stand-up pouch can also be frozen and can also withstand the mechanical stresses associated therewith.

[0077] In a further variant of the invention, the outer coat has a heat-resistant coating. This coating can be configured, for example, in the form of a layer made of a mixture of an amorphous polyamide and a semi-crystalline polyamide. Such a coating provides an improved gas, in particular oxygen, barrier and in further embodiments can be provided with a thin metal or metal oxide layer, e.g., by way of a vacuum deposition process.

[0078] Advantageously, the heat-resistant coating increases the seal resistance of the outer coat and thereby also of the entire stand-up pouch by more than 10° C., preferably by more than 20° C., in particular by more than 25° C., compared to a pure polyethylene outer coat.

[0079] In other embodiments, the outer layer of the outer coat consists of at least 90% by weight, preferably of more than 95% by weight, of a mixture of an amorphous polyamide and a semi-crystalline polyamide. The outer layer of the outer coat preferably has a thickness of 2 to 4 μm. This configuration of the outer coat is particularly advantageous in the production of the stand-up pouch because it is significantly less prone to sticking to the sealing jaws, through which the heat is conducted in order to form the seal lines on the front side, the back side, and the bottom of the stand-up pouch. It is to be noted that the polyamide, in its manageable proportions relative to the total mass of the stand-up pouch, has proven to be fully compatible with the concept of material recycling.

[0080] Alternatively, or additionally, a heat-resistant varnish can be applied to the outer coat. This provides extra protection for the outer coat during sealing, allowing it to retain its shape and attractive appearance.

[0081] The front side, the back side, and the bottom of the stand-up pouch are connected by a seal structure. The rectangular front side and back side are placed on top of each other, with a W-shaped folded bottom is inserted therebetween, where the bottom preferably has press cuts to create the vertical sealing lines.

[0082] The spatial terms refer to a filled and erected stand-up pouch.

[0083] Preferably, the horizontal sealing lines and the sealing lines with a contour are created first to connect the bottom to the front side and the back side. The sealing line with a contour overlaps the horizontal sealing line which preferably curves from the center of gravity of the front side and the back side with a radius of R44 and then transitions into inclines sealing lines that extend to the upper bottom fold. Advantageously, the vertical sealing lines are performed last, also encompassing the folded bottom in the region of the punchings.

[0084] Ideally, the sealing lines have a width of 4 mm. The inner radii at the transitions from the vertical to the horizontal sealing line and / or at the transitions from the sealing lines with a contour to the vertical or horizontal sealing line are R1. In addition, the rounded corners on the outer side of the stand-up pouch preferably have a radius of R4.

[0085] In a further development of the invention, the vertical sealing lines have a width in the range of 4.1 to 5 mm.

[0086] To ensure increased stability, which is particularly advantageous when the stand-up pouch is constructed from monomaterial material, a transition structure is formed between the vertical sealing lines and the rising sealing lines, which have a contour.

[0087] The sealed transition structure is characterized in particular by an enlarged sealing surface and provides the stand-up pouch with secure stand-up ability even with the monomaterial material design and increases the strength of the sealing seams, even under the effects of hot filling into the stand-up pouch. For this purpose, the transition structure has a special shape.

[0088] In a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, the transition structure has a vertical extension relative to the total length of the vertical sealing lines of more than 0.2%, preferably of more than 0.4%, in particular of more than 0.6%, and / or of less than 8%, preferably of less than 6%, in particular of less than 4%.

[0089] Ideally, the transition structure has a width relative to the vertical sealing line, where the width is more than 5%, preferably more than 10%, in particular more than 15%, and / or the width is less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, in particular less than 30%.

[0090] In a particularly preferred variant of the invention, the transition structure has the contour of a circle, of an ellipse, of a lens, of a long circle, of a rectangle, or of a square. The transition structure can overlap the vertical sealing line and / or the sealing line with a contour, whereby only part of the contour is additionally visible in the sealing structure. The transition structure ensures the typical bulbous shape of the stand-up pouch despite the altered mechanical properties of the monomaterial design.

[0091] Advantageously, the transition structure comprises a circular segment with a radius R that is oriented orthogonally to the circular segment, where the radius is greater than R2, preferably greater than R3, in particular greater than R4, and / or the radius is less than R30, preferably less than R25, in particular less than R20.

[0092] The radius of the circular segment can point outwardly or inwardly, when viewed from a top view onto the stand-up pouch.

[0093] Preferably, the front side and the back side of the stand-up pouch are connected by vertical sealing lines.

[0094] Preferably, the horizontal sealing lines and the sealing lines with a contour serve to connect the front side or the back side to the bottom of the stand-up pouch.

[0095] Ideally, the bottom is connected to the front side and the back side by vertical sealing lines and / or horizontal sealing lines and / or ascending sealing lines.

[0096] In a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, the vertical sealing lines have at least one reinforcing structure for producing a waisting of the pouch.

[0097] The reinforcing structure is preferably arranged in the upper half of the stand-up pouch.

[0098] In a particularly preferred variant of the invention, the reinforcing structure has the contour of a circle, of an ellipse, of a lens, of a long circle, of a rectangle, or of a square. The transition structure can there overlap the vertical sealing line.

[0099] In an advantageous variant of the invention, the sealed stand-up pouch is filled with a beverage having a temperature above 85° C. Immediately after the filling process, the stand-up pouch is sealed with a horizontal ultrasonic weld.

[0100] Ideally, in addition to the ultrasonic weld, a horizontal sealing line is formed to permanently close the stand-up pouch.

[0101] According to the invention, the method for the production of a stand-up pouch comprises extruding the outer coat and the sealing coat, adhesively bonding the outer coat to the sealing coat, and connecting the front side to the back side and the bottom with a sealing structure to form a stand-up pouch. Ideally, the sealing coat is not adhesively bonded directly to the outer coat. In an advantageous variant of the invention, a functional layer is additionally adhesively bonded between the outer coat and the sealing coat. The sealing coat is formed with a greater thickness than the outer coat.

[0102] According to the invention, a stand-up pouch is used as a fully recyclable, polyethylene-based disposable beverage packaging for hot-filling beverages.

[0103] Further advantages and features of the invention shall become apparent from the description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to drawings and from the drawings themselves,where

[0104] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a stand-up pouch,

[0105] FIG. 2 shows a view of the sealing structure,

[0106] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the structure of the front side and the back side,

[0107] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the bottom structure.

[0108] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a recyclable stand-up pouch 1 for beverages with a front side 2, a back side, and a bottom 4. An insertion device 12, into which a drinking straw 13 is inserted, is arranged on front side 2.

[0109] FIG. 2 shows the sealing structure of stand-up pouch 1. For this purpose, front side 2, back side 3, and bottom 4 of the stand-up pouch are connected by a sealing structure 14. For this purpose, a W-shaped folded bottom 4 is inserted between rectangular front side 2 and rectangular back side 3.

[0110] Horizontal sealing lines 16 and the sealing lines with a contour 17 connect bottom 4 to front side 2 and to back side 3. The sealing line with a contour 17 has an overlap with horizontal sealing line 16 in the lower center of both front side 2 as well as back side 3. The sealing line with a contour 17, starting out from the center of gravity of front side 2 or back side 3, has a curve 20 with a radius of R 44 and then extends in inclined sealing lines 21 that extend to upper bottom fold 22.

[0111] Vertical sealing lines 15 connect front side 2 to back side 3. In the region of bottom 4, punchings (not shown in the illustration) are arranged in the bottom to create vertical sealing lines 15, whereby sealing coats 9 of front side 2 and back side 3 have a contact surface to form the seal.

[0112] Sealing lines 15, 16, and 17 have a width of 4 mm. Inner radii 23 at the transitions from vertical sealing line 15 to the horizontal sealing line and / or at the transitions from the sealing lines with a contour 17 to vertical sealing line 15 or to horizontal sealing line 16 are R1. In addition, rounded corners 24 on the outer side of the stand-up pouch preferably have a radius R 4.

[0113] To ensure increased stability, which is particularly advantageous when stand-up pouch 1 is constructed from monomaterial material, a transition structure 18 is formed between vertical sealing lines 15 and the sealing lines with a contour 17.

[0114] In the embodiment shown, insertion system 12 is formed from the combination of an opening 25 in the shape of a semicircular punch-out in front side 2 and strip 26 sealed on between front side 2 and back side 3 over vertical sealing line 15. Strip 26 additionally has a sealing shape 29 adapted to the punching.

[0115] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the structure of front side 2 and back side 3. A transparent outer coat 5 is arranged on the outer side of stand-up pouch 1, onto which a print 6 is applied using a counter-printing process. The inner side of stand-up pouch 1 is formed by a sealing coat 9. Outer coat 5 and sealing coat 9 are each bonded to a functional coat 8 by an adhesive layer 7.

[0116] In this embodiment, outer coat 5 consists of an MDO PE and has a thickness of 20 μm. Sealing coat 9 is formed from cast PE and has a thickness of 75 μm. Functional coat 8 is formed from metallized and oriented PE and has a thickness of 20 μm, a permeability to water vapor of less than 0.1 g / m2 in 24 h, as well as a permeability rate to oxygen of less than 0.1cm3 / m2 in 24 h.

[0117] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the structure of bottom 4. Outer coat 10 and sealing coat 11 are each bonded to a functional coat 8 by an adhesive layer 7. In this embodiment, outer coat 10 consists of an MDO PE and has a thickness of 20 μm. Sealing coat 11 is formed from cast PE and has a thickness of 75 μm. Functional coat 8 is formed from metallized oriented PE and has a thickness of 20 μm.

[0118] In the embodiments described hitherto, the outer coat, the sealing coat, and the functional coat have been described substantially as homogeneous coats (monomaterial coats) consisting of or comprising a layer of PE. However, the invention also provides for embodiments in which at least one of these coats (outer coat, sealing coat, and functional coat) can comprise more than one material layer. The following explanations can be provided for each of the coats (outer coat, sealing coat, and functional coat) of side surfaces 2, 3 (front side and back side) as well as of the bottom surface or bottom 4, respectively.

[0119] In one embodiment, it is provided that one of the coats, such as the outer coat, has or comprises one or more, for example, 2, 3, or 4, layers of PE. In particular, one or more of these layers can consist of PE or comprise PE. Furthermore, one or more of these layers can comprise HDPE or LDPE. It can also be provided that one of the coats, such as the outer coat, comprises one or more layers comprising PE, one or more layers comprising HPDE, and / or one or more layers comprising LDPE.

[0120] The PE layers (including PE, HDPE, and LDPE) can be coextruded to produce the corresponding coat, which can improve the stability of the respective surface (such as the side surface or the bottom surface).

[0121] It can further be provided that a first layer with characteristic properties (such as color or barrier properties with respect to the diffusion of liquids and / or gases such as CO2 or oxygen) is applied to the side of the respective coat, such as the outer coat, facing away from and / or towards the interior volume of the container. This layer can be, for example, vapor-deposited, rolled on, or printed thereonto. The layer can comprise or consist of, for example, aluminum and / or TiO2 and / or color pigments and / or EvOH (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer).

[0122] Alternatively or additionally, a further layer with characteristic properties (such as color or barrier properties with respect to the diffusion of liquids and / or gases such as CO2 or oxygen) can also be provided between one or more layers of the respective coat of the back side or front side or the bottom. Analogous to the layer with characteristic properties already described, this further layer can comprise aluminum and / or TiO2 and / or color pigments and / or EvOH (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer).

[0123] The first layer and the further layer with characteristic properties, if provided, can be formed to be identical or even different. For example, the first layer can be arranged on the side of the outer coat facing away from or towards the internal volume and can comprise EvOH or aluminum, and a further layer can be arranged between two adjacent layers (such as an HPDE layer and a PE layer or between two PE layers) and can also comprise EvOH and / or comprise aluminum and / or TiO2. Alternatively, the first layer can comprise color pigments.

[0124] Furthermore, it can be provided that one of the coats, for example, the outer coat, comprises one or more connecting layers. For example, it can be provided that a connecting layer, for example, based on PE, is arranged between one of the PE layers (PE, HDPE, LDPE) and a first layer and / or a further layer with characteristic properties in order to realize a reliable connection between the respective PE layer and the layer with characteristic properties.

[0125] In one embodiment, it can be then provided that one of the coats (in particular the outer coat), when viewed from the internal volume of the stand-up pouch, comprises at least two layers of polyethylene or even more layers of polyethylene (for example, three layers or four layers of polyethylene), where at least one, preferably all of the layers consist of or comprise either PE or EDPE, HDPE, or LDPE. It can also be provided that a mixture of at least one layer of PE, one layer of HDPE, and one layer of LDPE is present, or that any number of layers of PE, HDPE, and LDPE is present.

[0126] The individual layers do not all have to have the same thickness. For example, the innermost layer (as viewed from the internal volume of the container) of the outer coat can be half as thick as the immediately subsequent layer. This layer can have the same thickness as the subsequent layer or the subsequent layers. For example, the innermost layer can comprise a layer thickness of 1 μm to 5 μm, or 2 to 4 μm, or 3 μm, where at least one of the layers further disposed outwardly comprises a thickness of 4 to 12, preferably 5 to 10, preferably 6 μm.

[0127] The outermost polyethylene layer can be adjoined by an adhesive layer on which a layer with characteristic properties, as described above, can be arranged. This layer can comprise, for example, aluminum or EvOH and can be thicker or thinner than the PE layers disposed therebeneath. (for example, 1 μm or 2 μm thinner or thicker than the layer disposed therebeneath).

[0128] In a further embodiment, at least one of the coats, in particular the functional coat, can likewise comprise several layers of material which do not all have to be of the same configuration, but can be.

[0129] It can be provided that the coat, in particular the functional coat, comprises one or more layers of PE, where they can consist either of PE, HDPE, or LDPE, or can also be mixtures of layers of PE, HDPE, or LDPE. The number of layers is not limited. Therefore, two, three, four, or five or more layers of PE and / or LDPE and / or HDPE can be present.

[0130] Furthermore, the coats, in particular the functional coat, can comprise a metallized layer. The metallized layer can be arranged, for example, such that it is disposed on the outermost layer of the functional coat facing the outer coat and / or on the outermost layer of the functional coat facing the sealing coat and / or is disposed on intermediate layers of the functional coat.

[0131] This layer with characteristic properties can comprise or consist of, for example, EvOH and / or aluminum and / or titanium oxide. Furthermore, this layer can be, for example, a layer comprising PE which has a metallization consisting of or comprising, for example, aluminum. Alternatively or additionally, color pigments can also be provided in this layer.

[0132] Furthermore, the coat, in particular the functional coat, can comprise one or more layers of polypropylene (PP). A layer of polypropylene can be provided, for example, as the outermost layer of the functional coat in the direction of the outer coat and / or in the direction of the sealing coat. Alternatively or additionally, the PP layer can also be arranged between different layers of the coat, in particular of the functional coat.

[0133] The individual layers of the coat, in particular of the functional coat, do not have to be of equal thickness. They can vary with regard to their layer thickness as desired, where it can be provided that one or more of the layers have a layer thickness that is up to 100% greater than the layer thickness of the layer with the smallest layer thickness. For example, one or more layers can have a layer thickness of 1 to 5 μm, in particular 2 to 4 or 3 μm, and at least one of the layers of the coat, in particular of the functional coat, can have a layer thickness of at least twice that, for example, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 μm. This layer can serve to reinforce the layer and thus advantageously influence the stability of the stand-up pouch.

[0134] The connection between the coat, in particular the functional coat, and the previously described embodiments, in particular the outer coat, can be ensured by a layer comprising at least one adhesive and optionally further elements such as color pigments or printing inks.

[0135] In one embodiment, it can be provided, for example, that the coat, in particular the functional coat, has a first layer made of PE or PP, in particular PP, as viewed from the internal volume of the stand-up pouch. One or more layers of PE (PE, HDPE, LDPE) can adjoin thereto. One, two, three, four, or five, preferably three to five, for example, four layers of PE can adjoin this layer. Using four layers as an example, it can be provided that all of these layers consist of or comprise PE, or all of these layers consist of or comprise HDPE, or all of these layers consist of or comprise LDPE. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that at least one of the layers (for example, the outermost layer or the innermost layer) consists of a different PE class than the other layers. For example, the outermost layer can consist of or comprise HDPE, LDPE, or MDPE, whereas the remaining layers consist of or comprise a different composition, in particular HDPE or LDPE. Corresponding configurations are also applicable to more or fewer layers made of PE.

[0136] An alternating configuration of PE compositions along the layer progression is also conceivable. For example, a first layer can comprise HDPE or LDPE, the subsequent layer LDPE or HDPE, a subsequent layer HDPE or LDPE, and the subsequent layer HDPE, LDPE, or MDPE. Other combinations are also conceivable there.

[0137] The outermost PE layer, as seen from the interior of the stand-up pouch, with characteristic properties can have a greater layer thickness than at least one of the layers disposed therebeneath. For example, this layer can have a layer thickness of 10 to 30 μm or a layer thickness of 15 to 25 μm, in particular a layer thickness of 18 to 22 μm. This allows, for example, the barrier properties or the coloring properties of this layer to be reliably obtained.

[0138] In a further embodiment, it can be provided that one of the coats, in particular the sealing coat, consists of several layers of polyethylene and in particular of a mixture of polyethylene with, for example, metallic, inorganic, or organic components, or comprises such layers.

[0139] It can be provided in particular that the sealing coat comprises two or three or more layers based on PE, where at least one of the layers comprises MDPE and / or LLDPE and contains admixtures (for example, 1%, 2%, or 5% of the total mass of the layer) of, for example, metallic or inorganic components, such as titanium oxide or the like.

[0140] The layers of the sealing coat can be, in particular, of the same configuration, for example, all based on MDPE and / or all based on LLDPE and / or all based on a mixture of LLDPE and MDPE. Mixtures with HDPE and / or LDPE are also conceivable.

[0141] Analogous to the embodiments described hitherto, it can be provided that one or more layers with characteristic properties are arranged in the coat, in particular in the sealing coat. It can then be provided that a layer with characteristic properties, for example, comprising titanium oxide or aluminum, is arranged on the innermost layer, in particular the PE layer, as viewed from of the internal volume of the stand-up pouch, and / or a corresponding layer is arranged on the outermost layer of the coat, in particular of the functional coat, or a corresponding layer is arranged between at least two adjacent PE layers of the coat. However, this is not mandatory.

[0142] The layer thicknesses of the individual layers of the coat can be the same or differ. It can be provided in particular that one of the layers is up to 50% or up to 75% thicker than the thinnest one of the layers of the coat. For example, the innermost layer can have a layer thickness of 10 to 30 μm, in particular 15 to 25 μm, and particularly preferably 19, 20, or 21 μm. The subsequent layer can have a layer thickness, for example, between 20 and 60 μm, in particular between 30 and 40 μm and preferably 32 or 33 or 34 or 35 or 36 μm layer thickness. The adjoining layer can have a layer thickness corresponding to the first layer or be slightly thicker (e.g., 22 μm instead of 21 μm) or slightly thinner (e.g., 19 μm instead of 20 μm). The layer thicknesses can differ from each other in pairs by up to 20%, or by up to 15%, or by up to 10%.

[0143] The values described for the respective layer thicknesses can all be combined with one another.

[0144] The embodiments described so far have been described regardless of whether the respective coat is a coat on the back side or front side, or a coat on the bottom of the stand-up pouch. Although the configuration of the coats for the sealing coat, the functional coat, and the outer coat is particularly preferred (see above), the layer structures as described above are applicable to all coats, and the invention is not restricted with regard to the combination of coats with the layer structures described above.

[0145] In principle, these embodiments are applicable to all embodiments of the front side, the back side, and the bottom of the stand-up pouch. However, it can be provided in a preferred embodiment, that the material thickness of one of the coats, for example, the sealing coat, provided it is to be used as the front side or the back side of the stand-up pouch, can be slightly thicker (for example, up to 5%, up to 10%, or up to 20%) than the respective coat of the bottom.

[0146] For example, it can be provided that the sealing coat can consist of or comprise two or more PE layers, as described in previous embodiments, where a thickness of the coat of between 70 and 85 μm, in particular between 75 and 80 μm, and in particular 77, 78, or 79 μm, is provided for the side surface. This results in high rigidity. For the bottom, a smaller layer thickness can be provided for the same coat, for example, from 70 to 80 μm, in particular 75 to 78, and, for example, 76 or 77 μm. The thickness of the coat can be adjusted by selecting the layer thicknesses of the individual layers of this coat.

[0147] The embodiments described of the individual coats of the stand-up pouch and the layers provided for these coats can all be combined with one another. In particular, the invention is not restricted to specific layer thicknesses of individual coats in combination with specific layer thicknesses of other coats. The layer thicknesses of the coats specified contribute to the stability and tightness, as well as the recyclability of the stand-up pouch within the meaning of the invention.

[0148] While all combinations of layer thicknesses, number of layers, and material composition, can be provided as embodied above within the meaning of the present disclosure, further preferred embodiments shall be described below. These are not to be understood to be restricting, neither for the invention as a whole nor for possible combinations of the embodiments described above.

[0149] As already described, the stand-up pouch comprises at least one outer coat 5, 10 and one sealing coat 9, 11, where a functional coat 8 can optionally be provided between the outer coat and the sealing coat.

[0150] In an embodiment, the outer coat can be made of PE or at least comprise PE having a mass content of at least 75%, preferably at least 95%. The outer coat can in particular comprise oriented PE (OPE), preferably biaxially oriented PE (BOPE) or monoaxially oriented PE (MOPE). Alternatively or additionally, the outer coat can also comprise hard PE (HDPE) and / or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and / or medium-density polyethylene (MDPE). As already described, the outer coat can be single-layered or also multi-layered (for example, comprising 2, 3, 4, or more coats of PE according to the material variants just described).

[0151] Regardless of the selection of material (but in combination with any embodiment of PE material mentioned), the outer coat can have a layer thickness of between 10 and 30 μm, preferably between 15 and 25 μm, in particular between 18 and 24 μm. The layer thicknesses specified can ensure sufficient stability and tear resistance, in particular when using OPE (BOPE or MOPE), while simultaneously using minimal material.

[0152] As already described, the sealing coat has a greater layer thickness than the outer coat, which is thicker preferably by a factor of 2 to 4 than the layer thickness of the sealing coat. In one embodiment, it can therefore be provided that the sealing coat has a layer thickness of 20 to 160 um, preferably between 50 and 100 μm, particularly preferably between 70 and 90 μm (for example, between 73 and 85 μm).

[0153] The sealing coat can be made entirely of PE, for example, OPE (BOPE and / or MOPE), and can be configured as a single layer. However, as already described, it can also be provided that the sealing coat has a multi-layer configuration and can comprise one of the combinations of layers and materials described above. Combinations of LLDPE and MDPE can be particularly preferred here. This can further improve the tear resistance of the pouch material and simultaneously ensure that the sealing coat can reliably seal the stand-up pouch when the sealing coat or, in general, the multi-layer starting material of the stand-up pouch is sealed.

[0154] It is provided in a particularly preferred embodiment that a melting temperature of the outer coat is higher than a melting temperature of the sealing coat, where the melting temperature of the outer coat is higher than 110° C., particularly preferably between 120 and 220° C., and particularly preferably between 130 and 200° C.

[0155] In contrast, a melting temperature of the sealing coat for effecting a sealing process can be between 80° C. and 140° C., particularly preferably between 80° C. and 110° C. If the material of the sealing coat is provided accordingly, this can, firstly, seal the stand-up pouch without damaging the outer coat. Secondly, these melting temperatures are high enough to enable hot filling of a product. To ensure sterility and thereby a long product shelf life, liquids, especially those containing sugar, are usually filled hot, preferably at temperatures above 60° C. and below 90° C. If the melting temperature of the sealing coat for a stand-up pouch intended for hot-filling of a product at a temperature T1 (in particular between 70° C. and 87° C.) is provided by selecting the material of the sealing coat such that the melting temperature is higher than temperature T1 but lower than melting temperature T2 of the outer coat, then reliable sealing and a long product shelf life are ensured at the same time.

[0156] As already described, the sealing coat can also be configured to be multi-layered. In particular, the sealing coat can consist of or comprise 1 to 12 layers, preferably 2 to 10 layers or 3 to 9 layers (e.g., coextruded PE).

[0157] The outer coat and the sealing coat can be adhesively bonded together (provided that no functional coat is provided therebetween). The adhesive layer can preferably have a layer thickness that is thinner than the layer thickness of the outer coat and the sealing coat. For example, the adhesive layer can have a layer thickness between 2 and 8 μm or between 3 and 7 um (including all values therebetween, in particular 3, 5, or 6 μm).

[0158] If a functional coat is additionally provided between the outer coat and the sealing coat, it can be adhesively bonded to the sealing coat as well as to the functional coat using an adhesive layer of the previously described embodiments.

[0159] The functional coat can consist, in particular, entirely of PE with one or more metallic additives (e.g., TiO2 and / or aluminum and / or aluminum oxide). The PE can also be present as oriented PE, for example, BOPE, MOPE, or as MDPE, LLDPE, or HDPE. Additives such as EvOH can also be provided (alternatively or in addition to the metallic additives).

[0160] Instead of (metallic) additives in the PE material of the functional coat, it can also be provided that the PE material is coated with the corresponding additive(s) (either on the surface facing the sealing coat or the functional coat).

[0161] In one embodiment, the functional coat can have a layer thickness equal to the layer thickness of the outer coat, or the layer thickness of the functional coat can differ from the layer thickness of the outer coat and be, for example, 0.8 to 1.2 or 0.9 to 1.1 times the layer thickness of the outer coat.

[0162] One or more (at least partially) non-transparent layers can also be provided as part of the sealing coat and / or as part of the functional coat. The non-transparent layer(s) can be, for example, white. This creates a light barrier that prevents any impairment of the product.

[0163] While the preceding embodiments were generally described for the outer coat, the functional coat, and the sealing coat, it is understood that these embodiments can be provided for the front side, the back side, and the bottom of the stand-up pouch. The total thickness of the bottom may be thinner than the total thickness of the front side and / or the back side. For example, the thickness of the bottom can be at least 75%, at least 85%, or at least 90% up to 99% of the total thickness of the front side or the back side.

[0164] The total thickness of the material comprising the outer coat, the (optional) functional coat, and the sealing coat can preferably be between 80 and 150 μm, particularly preferably between 100 and 140 μm, and particularly preferably between 110 and 135 μm (for example, 110, 120, or 130 um), where the total thickness preferably is smaller in the absence of a functional coat.

[0165] The embodiments presently described are applicable to stand-up pouches with an internal volume of at least 100 ml, at least 200 ml, or at least 330 ml, or to stand-up pouches filled with a liquid volume of 200 ml or 330 ml. Any other volume is also possible. In particular, volumes of up to 500 ml, up to 1 1, or up to 2 I can be provided.

Claims

1-19. (canceled)20. A recyclable stand-up pouch for beverages, comprising:a front side;a back side; anda bottom;wherein:the recyclable stand-up pouch is based on polyethylene;each of the front side, the back side, and the bottom has a transparent outer coat and a sealing coat;the sealing coat has a greater thickness than the outer coat.

21. The stand-up pouch of claim 20, wherein the sealing coat is thicker than the outer coat by a factor of more than 2.00.

22. The stand-up pouch of claims 20, wherein the sealing coat is thicker than said outer coat by a factor of less than 6.0.

23. The stand-up pouch of claim 20, wherein the sealing coat is thicker than said outer coat by a factor of between 2 and 5.

24. The stand-up pouch of claim 20, wherein at least one of the front side, the back side, or the bottom has at least one functional coat arranged between the outer coat and the sealing coat, wherein the functional coat has a thickness of less than 25 μm.

25. The stand-up pouch of claim 24, wherein the functional coat has at least one of a barrier layer, a metallized layer, a metal layer, and at least one MDO PE layer.

26. The stand-up pouch of claim 24, wherein the functional coat has a vapor-deposited aluminum layer.

27. The stand-up pouch of claim 20, wherein the front side has an insertion region for inserting a drinking straw.

28. The stand-up pouch of claim 20, wherein the outer coat has a print.

29. The stand-up pouch of claim 20, wherein the stand-up pouch has an oxygen transmission rate of less than 10 cm 3 / m2·day·bar, measured at 23° C. and 0% RH.

30. The stand-up pouch of claim 20, wherein the stand-up pouch has a permeability to water vapor of less than 10 g / m2 in 24 hours according to ASTM D 6701-01.

31. The stand-up pouch of claim 20, wherein the front side and said back side have a thickness of less than 160 μm.

32. The stand-up pouch of claim 20, wherein the thickness of the front side and the thickness of the back side are greater than the thickness of the bottom by a factor of more than 1.1 and less than 2.0.

33. The stand-up pouch of claim 20, wherein the outer coat is formed from MDO PE stretched by a factor of more than 2.0 and less than 7.0.

34. The stand-up pouch of claim 20, wherein the sealing coat is formed from a multilayer cast polyethylene coat.

35. The stand-up pouch of claim 20, wherein the front side, the back side, and the bottom exhibit a shrinkage of less than 2.5%.

36. The stand-up pouch of claim 20, wherein the outer coat has a heat-resistant coating.

37. A method for production of a stand-up pouch, the stand-up pouch comprising a front side, a back side, and a bottom, each of the front side, the back side, and the bottom has a transparent outer coat and a sealing coat; the method comprising:extruding the outer coat and the sealing coat;adhesively bonding the outer coat to the sealing coat; andwelding the front side to the back side and the bottom to form the stand-up pouch;wherein the sealing coat is formed to have a greater thickness than the outer coat.

38. Method for production of the stand-up pouch of claim 37, further comprising hot filling the stand-up pouch to make a fully recyclable disposable beverage packaging.

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