Package product, package set comprising at least two package products, method for manufacturing such package products

Abstract

The package product (1) comprises: a container body (2) defining a cavity (6) and an opening, a dose of food component (4) within the cavity (6) for interacting with a fluid to prepare a food product, and a packaging (10) comprising: a protection sheet (14) covering the container body (2) and not covering the opening, and a closure sheet (12) covering the opening (8) and part of the protection sheet (14), such that the container body (2) is enclosed between the protection sheet (14) and the closure sheet (12). The closure sheet (12) and the container body (2) are attached to each other along a body attaching section (16). The body attaching section (16) extends around the opening (8) such that the closure sheet (12) defines a membrane portion (18) sealing the cavity (6). The closure sheet (12) and protection sheet (14) are attached to each other along a sheet attaching section (20). The sheet attaching section (20) extends around the body attaching section (16).

Description

[0001] PACKAGE PRODUCT, PACKAGE SET COMPRISING AT LEAST TWO PACKAGE PRODUCTS, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH PACKAGE PRODUCTS

[0002] 1. Field of the invention The present invention is directed to a package product comprising a container body and a food component contained therein. The invention is further directed to a package set comprising a plurality of such package products. The present invention is also directed to a method for manufacturing such package products. 2. Technical background

[0003] In the field of packaging, doses of food component, like ground coffee, are usually enclosed in a package product, for example a coffee capsule, made of a packaging that is substantially impervious to oxygen, water vapor and / or ultraviolets in order to preserve the quality of the food component. The dose of food component may interact with water for preparing a food product, for example a beverage like coffee or tea, when placed in a food or beverage preparation machine during a preparation process. After processing of the food component, the resulting food product, e.g. the beverage, can be discharged out of the package product and dispensed in a cup, from which the user may ingest the food or beverage. Such capsules are commonly made of plastics or plastic laminates or aluminum.

[0004] Once the package product has been used for preparing a food product, for example a beverage like coffee, the used package product must be disposed of along with food component sticking to it.

[0005] However, the used package product, for example a used coffee capsule, cannot be easily recycled or composted as the impervious packaging is not made of recyclable, biodegradable and / or compostable material. As a result, a certain amount of waste can be produced. Yet, there is a general effort to reduce waste and to increase the disposability, compostability and / or recyclability of used package products. Summary

[0006] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a package product comprising: a container body defining a cavity and an opening of the cavity, a dose of food component contained within the cavity, the dose of food component being suitable for interacting with a fluid introduced into the cavity so as to prepare a food product, and a packaging comprising:

[0007] - a protection sheet arranged to cover an outer side of the container body and to not cover the opening, and - a closure sheet arranged to cover the opening and at least part of the protection sheet, such that the container body is enclosed, preferably sealed close, between the protection sheet and the closure sheet, wherein the closure sheet and the container body are attached to each other along a body attaching section, the body attaching section extending around the opening such that the closure sheet defines a membrane portion sealing the cavity, and wherein the closure sheet and the protection sheet are attached to each other along a sheet attaching section, the sheet attaching section extending around the body attaching section.

[0008] Thus, the container body and the membrane portion can form a standalone container that can be safely manipulated and processed in a food or beverage preparation machine. Further, as the protection sheet covers and protects the container body during storage of the package product, the container body can be made of materials that are not completely impervious to oxygen and humidity. This is especially the case when the containers are sealed close by closure and protection sheets that are impervious to air and water vapor.

[0009] As a result, the container body can be made of various materials, in particular biodegradable and / or compostable materials, which reduces the quantity of waste that is not easily recyclable.

[0010] Besides, as the closure sheet covers the opening, the quantity of materials necessary for manufacturing the package product can be reduced with respect to former capsules which require both a membrane and a packaging cover layer.

[0011] In particular, the container body may have an inner surface defining the cavity and an outer surface extending opposite the cavity, the protection sheet being arranged to cover the outer surface of the container body. Preferably, the closure sheet and the container body may be sealed tight to each other along the body attaching section. In particular, the protection sheet may be arranged to tightly cover an outer surface of the container body. Thus, air and vapor cannot ingress between the protection sheet and the container body. Preferably, the closure sheet may be fastened directly to the container body. Preferably, the protection sheet may be thermoformed on the container body.

[0012] Preferably, the closure sheet and the protection sheet may be sealed to each other along the sheet attaching section. Thus, air and vapor cannot ingress between the protection sheet and the container body. In some implementations, the container body may substantially have a shape with a symmetry of revolution, for example a frustoconical shape, and wherein, preferably, the opening has substantially a circular perimeter.

[0013] Thus, a substantially round container can facilitate the manufacturing and packaging of the container body, while providing a relatively light container body, hence reducing the quantity of material to be composted, recycled or disposed of.

[0014] In the present disclosure, the term "container" may be understood as designating any container that contains a dose of food component(s), for example a rigid capsule or cartridge or a semirigid pod. The container may substantially be of a symmetrical or asymmetrical, frustoconical, and / or spheroidal shape. Such dose of food component(s) may be suitable for preparing one beverage (single-serve), two or a few beverages.

[0015] The food component may be a beverage component selected within the list of: roast and ground coffee, a soluble ingredient such as milk-based, chocolate, soup, infusion or herbal tea ingredients as well as nutritional soluble compositions, and more generally any liquid edible composition for human or animal consumption, and / or mixtures thereof. During preparation of a food product, the food component may be made to interact with a fluid, for example water or milk, injected in the container in order to produce an ingestible substance, for example coffee, tea, milk, cream, soup, puree, medication, etc.

[0016] In some implementations, the body attaching section and the sheet attaching section may be joined to or integral with one another. Conversely, the body attaching section and the sheet attaching section may be distant from one another.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the closure sheet may have a line of weakness extending around part or all of the body attaching section, preferably along part or all of the sheet attaching section, such that the closure sheet defines a lid portion, the line of weakness being configured such that it allows at least partial separation of the lid portion from the rest of the closure sheet so as to define a release opening in the closure sheet for the container body and the membrane portion to be released from the protection sheet. Thus, a user can easily detach the assembly of the container body, the food component and the membrane portion, hence a container, by pushing the container body so as to tear open the line of weakness, thus releasing the container.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the line of weakness may extend around the sheet attaching section, preferably along the sheet attaching section, so as to define a release opening in the closure sheet to allow release of the container body from the protection sheet.

[0019] Thus, a user can easily detach the container and release it from the protection sheet through the release opening.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the line of weakness may be made of a perforation line, a score line or a combination thereof, the line of weakness being preferably formed mechanically or by laser.

[0021] Thus, the line of weakness can easily be made and provide a consistent mechanical resistance among a series of package products.

[0022] A score line may extend only partly through the closure sheet, which can maintain a certain tightness across the closure sheet. A perforation line may extend all the way through the closure sheet, which can make it very easy for a user to tear the line of weakness.

[0023] The line of weakness can be made before or after attaching, resp. sealing, sealing of the closure sheet.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the container body may comprise a flange extending around the opening, the flange having substantially an annular shape, preferably a planar ring shape, the body attaching section extending along the flange, and the protection sheet extending preferably around the flange.

[0025] Thus, the flange can provide a support for the body attaching section on the container body.

[0026] The flange may preferably be integral, for example one-piece, with the container body. Alternatively, the protection sheet may extend on and around the flange. In some implementations, the flange may substantially have an annular shape, for example the shape of a circular ring. According to an embodiment, at least one of the body attaching section and the sheet attaching section may be formed by a thermic weld, a laser weld, a glue weld, a ultrasonic weld, a compression weld, a friction weld, and / or any combination thereof.

[0027] Thus, such a weld can provide a seal that is substantially impervious, which can prevent delamination of the respective attaching due to a pressure difference, as well as ingress of dust, humidity and / or air, which in turn lengthens the shelf life of the package product. Preferably, the body attaching section may be completely impervious.

[0028] According to an embodiment, a maximal gap between the container body and the protection sheet may be less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, more preferably less than 0,25 mm, still more preferably 0 mm.

[0029] Thus, no or very few air can be present in the packaging, which helps preserve the quality of the food component, e.g. aroma, and lengthens the shelf life of the package product.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the body attaching section and the sheet attaching section may extend about the same plane substantially parallel to the opening, - the body attaching section being preferably integral, for example one-piece, with the sheet attaching section, or a distance between the body attaching section and the sheet attaching section being preferably comprised between 1 mm and 20 mm.

[0031] Thus, as the body attaching section and the sheet attaching section may extend substantially at the same level, the package product can be relatively compact, which reduces the quantity of material to be composted, recycled or disposed of.

[0032] In some implementations, the closure sheet may be substantially flat. In particular, the closure sheet may extend near the opening.

[0033] In some implementations, the largest dimension of the membrane portion, for example its diameter, is ranging from 15 mm to 150 mm, preferably from 10 mm to 100 mm, more preferably from 12 mm to 70 mm.

[0034] According to an embodiment, at least one, preferably each one, of the protection sheet and the closure sheet may have an Oxygen Transmission Rate of less than 1 cm3 / m2 / day / bar [cubic centimeter per square meter per day per bar] and a Water Vapor Transmission Rate of less than 1 g / m2 / day / bar [gram per square meter per day per bar] at 23°C [Celsius] and 50% of Relative

[0035] Humidity. Thus, the protection sheet and / or the closure sheet can form a reliable barrier to oxygen and humidity, which helps preserve the quality, e.g. aroma, of the food component, and lengthens the shelf life of the package product.

[0036] According to an embodiment, at least one of the protection sheet and the closure sheet has an average thickness comprised between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, the closure sheet being preferably planar.

[0037] Thus, the protection sheet and / or the closure sheet can form a reliable barrier to oxygen and humidity, which helps preserve the quality, e.g. aroma, of the food component, and lengthens the shelf life of the package product. According to an embodiment, at least one of the protection sheet and the closure sheet may be made of: a biodegradable or compostable material comprising: o a biopolymer-based material with one or more layers selected from the group consisting of: poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), poly(butylene succinatecolactide) (PBSL), poly(butylene succinate-co-terephthalate) (PBST), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), lactic acid derived polymers (PLA), polycaprolactones (PCL), polyesteramines (PEA), polyglycolide (PGA), poly(methylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PTMAT), polyvinyl alcohol, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) or a mixture thereof; and / or o a fiber-based material with one or more layers selected from the group consisting of: cellulose, paper, pulp, wood, wood derivates MFC, NFC and CNC), bamboo, hemp, flax, sisal, kenaf, miscanthus, and nettle and any combination thereof, said fiber-based material having received a chemical pre-treatement or not; said biodegradable or compostable material being provided with at least one barrier layer, the barrier layer being preferably selected from the group consisting of: ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyglycolide (PGA), and a metallization layer preferably made of aluminum, and any combination thereof; a recyclable material comprising: a polymer-based material selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyamide (PA), and poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF); preferably, said recyclable material being provided with at least one barrier layer, the barrier layer being preferably selected from the group consisting of: ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyglycolide (PGA), and a metallization layer preferably made of aluminum, and any combination thereof.

[0038] At least one of or each one of the protection and the closure sheet can be made of at least two layers. Besides, the container body can partly or fully be biodegradable and / or compostable.

[0039] The fiber-based material can increase the mechanical resistance of the closure sheet and / or the protection sheet. The biopolymer-based material may be implemented as a laminate, a film, an injected part, or a dispersion coating.

[0040] The, or each barrier layer can help stop or minimize transmission of oxygen (OTR) and / or of water vapor (WVTR). The, or each barrier layer may be applied by thermoforming, dipping, or spray coating.

[0041] Some of the afore-listed materials can provide the following technical effects: - Polyethylene (PE) is a very common plastic available in the field of packaging; PE offers good sealing properties.

[0042] - Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer that can be processed via extrusion and molding, with injection molding being a common shaping technique. PP is recyclable.

[0043] - Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can provide a relatively good gas and moisture barrier. PET is recyclable.

[0044] - Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable polyesters. They can be thermoplastic with melting points ranging from 40 to 180°C. In industrial production, PHAs are produced by microbial fermentation of sugar or glucose and extracted and purified from the bacteria. PHAs can be mainly processed via injection molding, extrusion and extrusion bubbles into films and hollow bodies.

[0045] One of the simplest and most commonly occurring form of PH A is polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). Thus, PHB is a bio-derived and biodegradable plastic. PHB is non-toxic and biocompatible and is suitable for medical applications. Further, PHB is a relatively good oxygen barrier. Furthermore, it can provide a dimensionally stable body, since it is biodegradable and biocompostable. - Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is a thermoplastic polyester, which is usually (semi- )crystalline and resistant to solvents. PBT shrinks very little during forming and it is mechanically strong and heat-resistant up to about 150 °C.

[0046] - Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) can be obtained from renewable resources, such as corn starch or sugarcane. PLA is available both as a single enantiomer polymer, i.e. as poly-L- lactide (PLLA) or poly-D-lactide (PDLA), or as a mixture of the two enantiomers. PLA can be processed by extrusion, injection molding, film and sheet casting, as well as spinning. PLA can be recycled to the monomer by thermal depolymerizaton or hydrolysis. When purified, said monomer can be used for the manufacture of virgin PLA with no loss of original properties. - Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) is a water-soluble synthetic polymer having excellent film forming, emulsifying and high tensile strength and adhesive properties. It can exhibit a high flexibility, as well as high oxygen and aroma barrier properties. PVOH is preferably used in combination with a suitable stabilizer, such as a PET film, and can be cross-linked to stabilize against moisture. - Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) is commonly used in food applications. Its primary purpose is to provide barrier properties, primarily as an oxygen barrier for improved food packaging shelf life and as a hydrocarbon barrier. EVOH is typically co-extruded or laminated as a thin layer between cardboard, foil, or other plastics.

[0047] - Polyglycolide or polyglycolic acid (PGA) is a biodegradable, thermoplastic polymer. PGA can be a tough fiber-forming polymer. It has a relatively high hydrolytic stability, which allows the use of PGA in rigid packaging applications without direct food contact. By combining, blending or laminating films or resins of PGA with PET, PLA or PHB, it can be sufficiently stabilized to serve as a barrier material for food packaging.

[0048] In some implementations, mineral fillers like talk or calcium carbonate may be added to the protection sheet and / or to the closure sheet.

[0049] In some implementations, the container body may be made of at least two layers, each layer being made of a material selected from the afore-listed group.

[0050] Preferably, the container body may comprise: a fiber-based material or derivates or coproducts thereof, said fiber-based being selected from the group consisting of: hemp, flax, bamboo, sisal, kenaf, miscanthus, nettle, wood derivates (MFC, NFC, CNC), a cellulose-based material selected from the group consisting of: paper, wood, bamboo in form of paper, cardboard or pulp-molded parts, a bio-polymer selected from the group consisting of: PLA, PBAT, PCL, PBS, PBSL, PBSA, PBST, PGA, PHA in films (molded, formed) or injected part, and / or - any combination thereof.

[0051] It is another object of the present invention to provide a package set comprising a plurality of package products, each package product being in accordance with any one of the preceding object, embodiments or implementations, wherein part or all of the package products are arranged in a row or in a lattice, and wherein the protection sheets of the package products form a first integral sheet and wherein the closure sheets form a second integral sheet.

[0052] As the packagings are joined in a row or in a lattice by the protection sheets and closure sheets, the protection sheets on the one hand and the closure sheets on the other hand form a sort of continuum enclosing all package products of the package set. In other words the package products share a common protection sheet and a common closure sheet. Thus, several package products can be manipulated and transported conveniently.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the package set may include:

[0054] - a first subset of package products arranged at least in a first row or in a first lattice and

[0055] - a second subset of package products arranged at least in a second row or in a second lattice, wherein, in an assembled state, the package products of the first subset fully or partly mesh with the package products of the second subset such that: i) several package products of the first subset extend fully or partly in interspaces respectively present between consecutive package products of the second subset, and ii) several package products of the second subset extend fully or partly in interspaces respectively present between consecutive package products of the first subset.

[0056] Thus, the package set can provide a compact arrangement of the package products, which in turn reduces the storage space thereof or the size of a secondary cover as the case may be.

[0057] As the package products of the first subset fully mesh with the package products of the second subset, there can be a complete overlap in a height dimension of the package products, e.g. the capsules, of the first and second subsets, in which case the package set can be more compact in a height dimension. As the package products of the first subset mesh only partially with the package products of the second subset, there can be a partial overlap in the height dimension of the package products, e.g. the capsules, of the first and second subsets, in which case the package set should be less compact in a height dimension but it can be more compact in a width and / or length dimension(s) depending on the shape of each package product.

[0058] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing a package product, the method comprising:

[0059] - providing a container body defining a cavity and an opening of the cavity,

[0060] - introducing a dose of food component within the cavity, the dose of food component being suitable for interacting with a fluid introduced into the cavity so as to prepare a food product, and

[0061] - forming a packaging by:

[0062] • arranging a protection sheet to cover the container body and to not cover the opening, and • arranging a closure sheet to cover the opening and at least part of the protection sheet such that the container body is enclosed between the protection sheet and the closure sheet,

[0063] • attaching the closure sheet to the container body along a body attaching section, the body attaching section extending around the opening so as to define a membrane portion configured to seal the cavity, and

[0064] • attaching the protection sheet to the closure sheet along a sheet attaching section, the sheet attaching section extending around the body attaching section.

[0065] Said steps of providing a container body, introducing a dose of food component, and forming a packaging can be put in various orders. These steps can be consecutive steps or there may be some intermediate steps in between said steps.

[0066] In some implementations, the protection sheet is arranged to tightly cover an outer surface of the container body.

[0067] In some implementations, the protection sheet may be thermoformed around an outer surface of the container body. Alternatively, the method may further comprise preforming the protection sheet to have a shape corresponding to an outer surface of the container body.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the arranging of the protection sheet comprises thermoforming the protection sheet to fit on the container body by: forming the protection sheet directly on the container body, or first forming the protection sheet on a mold shaped substantially like the container body and then attaching the protection sheet to the container body.

[0069] When the protection sheet is formed directly on the container body (online technique), the method can require less steps for manufacturing the package product(s). When the protection sheet is first formed on the container body and then attached to it (offline technique), some method steps can be easier to carry out for manufacturing the package product(s).

[0070] Alternatively to thermoforming, the protection sheet to fit on the container body, blown forming or vacuum forming may also be used. The words "comprise", "include", "have" and their derivatives are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. The term "and / or" used in the context of "X and / or Y" should be interpreted as "X," or "Y," or "X and Y."

[0071] Brief description of drawings Further features, details and advantages of the present invention are described hereinafter, in particular in relation to the appended figures, which illustrate some of the afore-described aspects, embodiments and implementations thereof, and in which:

[0072] Fig.l shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a package product according to an embodiment; Fig.2 shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing the package product of Fig.l;

[0073] Figs.3A, 3B and 3C show a schematic cross-sectional view of a package set according to another embodiment at three stages of a manufacturing method according to an embodiment;

[0074] Fig.4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a package set according to yet another embodiment in an unfolded state; Fig.5 shows the package set of Fig.4 in a folded state;

[0075] Fig.6 shows a schematic perspective view of the package set of Fig.3. Detailed description

[0076] Fig.1 shows a package product 1 comprising a container body 2 and a dose of food component 4. The container body 2 defines a cavity 6, in which the dose of food component 4 is contained. The cavity 6 has an opening 8 that is defined by the container body 2. The container body 2 may have an inner surface 2.1, which may form the cavity 6, and an outer side 2.2, which may extend opposite the cavity 6. The container body 2 may have a frustoconical shape with a symmetry of revolution. The cavity 6 may also have a frustoconical shape. Further, the container body 2 may comprise a flange 2.3 extending around the opening 8. The flange 2.3 may be one-piece with the container body 2. The flange 2.3 may substantially be in the shape of a planar circular ring.

[0077] The dose of food component 4 is suitable for interacting with a fluid introduced into the cavity 6 so as to prepare a food product. The food component 4 may be ground coffee. In the example of Figs.l and 2 the container 1 is a rigid capsule, and the dose of ground coffee is suitable for preparing a single-serve beverage. When the container 1 is being processed in a not shown preparation machine, hot water, may be injected into the cavity 6 where it can interact with the food component 4 in order to prepare a coffee beverage as the food product to be dispensed by the preparation machine.

[0078] The package product 1 further comprises a packaging 10. The packaging 10 comprises a protection sheet 14, which is arranged to cover the outer side 2.2 of the container body 2 and to not cover the opening 8. In particular, the protection sheet 14 may be arranged to cover the outer surface 2.2 of the container body 2.

[0079] The packaging 10 further comprises a closure sheet 12, which is arranged to cover the opening 8 and the protection sheet 14, such that the container body 2 may be sealed close between the protection sheet 14 and the closure sheet 12. The closure sheet 12 may preferably be planar. The closure sheet 12 and the container body 2 may be sealed tight to each other along the body attaching section 16. The closure sheet 12 may be fastened directly to the container body 2. The protection sheet 14 may be arranged to tightly cover an outer surface of the container body 2. The protection sheet 14 may be thermoformed on the container body 2. The closure sheet 12 and the protection sheet 14 may be sealed to each other along the sheet attaching section 20. The closure sheet 12 and the protection sheet 14 may be airtight and watertight. The closure sheet 12 and / or the protection sheet 14 may be a multilayered sheet. The closure sheet 12 and / or the protection sheet 14 may for example comprise an inner layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) arranged between two outer layers of polypropylene (PP). Each one of the protection sheet 14 and the closure sheet 12 may have an average thickness of about 0,5 mm. Each one of the protection sheet 14 and the closure sheet 12 may have an Oxygen Transmission Rate of less than 1 cm3 / m2 / day / bar and a Water Vapor Transmission Rate of less than 1 g / m2 / day / bar at 23°C and 50% of Relative Humidity. The protection sheet 14 and the closure sheet 12 can form barriers to dust, oxygen and humidity.

[0080] The container 1 may be sealed close by the impervious closure and protection sheets 12 and 14. The protection sheet 14 may be arranged to tightly cover the outer surface 2.2 of the container body 2. The protection sheet 14 may be thermoformed on the container body 2.

[0081] A maximal gap between the container body 2 and the protection sheet 14 may be less than 0,25 mm and preferably 0 mm. The quality of the food component 4 can be well preserved as air and vapor cannot ingress between protection sheet 14 and container body 2 and / or as no or very few air can be present in the packaging 10.

[0082] The closure sheet 12 and the container body 2 are attached to each other along a body attaching section 16. The body attaching section 16 extends around the opening 8 such that the closure sheet 12 defines a membrane portion 18 that seals the cavity 6. The closure sheet 12 may be attached directly, preferably sealed, to the container body 2, preferably to the flange 2.3.

[0083] When the opening s has a circular perimeter and the flange has a circular shape, the body attaching section 16 may also have a circular perimeter of larger diameter. The closure sheet 12 may have an annular shape. The membrane portion 18 may have a diameter of about 30 mm. The closure sheet 12 and the protection sheet 14 are attached to each other along a sheet attaching section 20. The sheet attaching section 20 extends around the body attaching section 16. A distance between the body attaching section 16 and the sheet attaching section 20 may be about 5 mm and may be substantially constant.

[0084] The protection sheet 14 may extend around and outside the flange 2.3. The body attaching section 16 may extend along the flange 2.3. The body attaching section 16 and the sheet attaching section 20 may extend about the same plane, which may be defined by a top face of the flange 2.3 and which may be substantially parallel to the opening 8. In the example of Fig.l, the body attaching section 16 and the sheet attaching section 20 may be slightly distant from one another. The flange 2.3 can provide a support for the body attaching section 16 on the container body 2.

[0085] As the body attaching section 16 may have a circular perimeter, the sheet attaching section 20 may also have a circular perimeter of a larger diameter. In the example of Figs. l and 2, welds may be formed respectively at the body attaching section 16 and at the sheet attaching section 20. These welds can provide a seal that is substantially impervious to dust, humidity and air, which helps preserve the quality of the food component 4. Most or all of the container body 2 can be biodegradable and / or compostable. The container body 2 may be made of a bio-polymer like polylactic acid (PLA). During storage of the package product 1 the container body 2 may be protected from outside oxygen and humidity by the protection sheet 14 covering it.

[0086] The closure sheet 12 may have a line of weakness 22, which extends all around the body attaching section 16 and in particular along the sheet attaching section 20, so as to define a lid portion 24. The line of weakness 22 may be configured such that it allows a full separation of the lid portion 24 from the rest of the closure sheet 12. The line of weakness 22 may be a score line, which extends only partly through the closure sheet 12.

[0087] The line of weakness 22 may define, in the closure sheet 12, a release opening (not shown), which can enable the container body 2 and the membrane portion to be released together from the protection sheet 14 after separation of the lid portion 24 from the rest of the closure sheet 12. The line of weakness 22 may extend along the sheet attaching section 20, so as to define the release opening in the closure sheet 12.

[0088] The line of weakness 22 may be made by mechanical stamping or indenting. The line of weakness 22 may be a score line, which extends only partly through the closure sheet 12, hence not through the whole thickness of the closure sheet 12, thus enhancing the water- and airtightness of the package product 1.

[0089] A user can easily detach the assembly of the container body 2, the food component 4 and the membrane portion 18, hence a standalone container, e.g. a capsule, by pushing the container body 2 so as to tear open the line of weakness 22, and then release the container through the opening 8. The standalone container, which includes the container body 2, the food component 4 and the membrane portion 18, can be safely manipulated and processed in a not shown beverage preparation machine.

[0090] Fig.2 shows a method 100 for manufacturing the package product 1. The method 100 comprises: - 102) providing the container body 2 defining the cavity 6 and the opening 8 of the cavity 6,

[0091] - 104) introducing the dose of food component 4 within the cavity 6, and

[0092] - 106) forming the packaging 10 by: • 108) arranging the protection sheet 14 to cover the container body 2 and to not cover the opening 8, and

[0093] • 110) arranging the closure sheet 12 to cover the opening 8 and part of the protection sheet 14 such that the container body 2 is sealed close between the protection sheet 14 and the closure sheet 12,

[0094] • 112) attaching the closure sheet 12 to the container body 2 along the body attaching section 16, for example by laser welding, the body attaching section 16 extending around the opening 8 so as to define the membrane portion 18 sealing the cavity 6, and

[0095] • 114) attaching the protection sheet 14 to the closure sheet 12 along the sheet attaching section 10, the sheet attaching section 10 extending around the body attaching section

[0096] 16.

[0097] Further, the method 100 may comprise, either before or after placing the food component 4 within the cavity 6, 116) thermoforming the protection sheet 14 around the outer surface 2.3 of the container body 2, hence directly on the container body 2. Figs.3A-3C show a package set 201 in a manufacturing process. The package set 201 comprises a plurality of package products 1. Each of the two illustrated package products 1 is substantially as described above. The package products 1 are arranged in a row. Their protection sheets 12 form a first integral sheet 212 and their closure sheets 14 form a second integral sheet 214.

[0098] As the packagings 10 are joined side-by-side by the protection sheets 12 and closure sheets 14, the protection sheets 12 on the one hand and the closure sheets 14 on the other hand form a sort of continuum enclosing all package products 1 of the package set 1. In other words the package products 1 share i) a common protection sheet, i.e. the first integral sheet 212, and ii) a common closure sheet, i.e. the second integral sheet 214. The package products 1 can be manipulated and transported conveniently. As visible in the sequence of Figs.3A and 3B, the common protection sheet 212 may be provided and thermoformed, in a mold M, onto the container bodies 2 of the package products 1. In a non-illustrated alternative, the protection sheets could be first formed on a mold shaped substantially like the container body and then attached, preferably sealed, to the container body. After the thermoforming stage of Fig.3B, the common closure sheet 214 and the container bodies 2 may be attached, e.g. by laser welding, at the body attaching section. Also, the common protection sheet (first integral sheet 212) and the common closure sheet (second integral sheet 214) may be attached, e.g. by laser welding, at the sheet attaching section (ref.2O in Fig.l). Figs.3-5 show a package set 201 similar to the one shown in Figs.3A-3C and which may include a first subset 201.1 of package products 1, which are arranged in a first row of say 5 package products, and a second subset 201.2 of package products 1, which are arranged in a second row of say 5 package products: In an assembled state ( Fig.4), the package products 1 of the first subset 201.1 mesh almost fully with the package products 1 of the second subset 201.2 such that each package product 1 of the first subset 201.1 extend almost fully in an interspace 230 present between two consecutive package products 1 of the second subset 201.2.

[0099] In the assembled state (Fig.4), the package products 1 of the second subset 201.2 mesh almost fully with the package products 1 of the first subset 201.1 such that each package product 1 of the second subset 201.2 extend almost fully in an interspace 230 present between two consecutive package products 1 of the first subset 201.1.

[0100] The package set 201 may further comprise a foldable portion 222 which links the first subset 201.1 with the second subset 201.2. The foldable portion 222 may preferably include respective portions of the closure sheet 12 and of the protection sheet 14. The package set 201 can provide a compact arrangement of the package products 1, which in turn reduces the storage space thereof or the size of an optional secondary cover 240.

[0101] To release a container from the first subset 201.1 or the second subset 201.2, a user can tear open the secondary cover 240 and then push the container 1 upwards to press it against the lid portion 24 until the line of weakness 22 tears open and the container can be released through the release opening.

[0102] The invention defined in the appended claims is not limited to the afore-described objects, aspects, embodiments and implementations, most of which may be combined.

Claims

Claims1. Package product (1) comprising: a container body (2) defining a cavity (6) and an opening (8) of the cavity (6), a dose of food component (4) contained within the cavity (6), the dose of food component (4) being suitable for interacting with a fluid introduced into the cavity (6) so as to prepare a food product, and a packaging (10) comprising: a protection sheet (14) arranged to cover an outer side (2.2) of the container body (2) and to not cover the opening (8), and a closure sheet (12) arranged to cover the opening (8) and at least part of the protection sheet (14), such that the container body (2) is enclosed, preferably sealed close, between the protection sheet (14) and the closure sheet (12), wherein the closure sheet (12) and the container body (2) are attached to each other along a body attaching section (16), the body attaching section (16) extending around the opening (8) such that the closure sheet (12) defines a membrane portion (18) sealing the cavity (6), and wherein the closure sheet (12) and the protection sheet (14) are attached to each other along a sheet attaching section (20), the sheet attaching section (20) extending around the body attaching section (16).

2. Package product (1) according to claim 1, wherein the closure sheet (12) has a line of weakness (22) extending around part or all of the body attaching section (16), preferably along part or all of the sheet attaching section (20), such that the closure sheet (12) defines a lid portion (24), the line of weakness (22) being configured such that it allows at least partial separation of the lid portion (24) from the rest of the closure sheet (12) so as to define a release opening in the closure sheet (12) for the container body (2) and the membrane portion (18) to be released from the protection sheet (14).

3. Package product (1) according to claim 2, wherein the line of weakness (22) extends around the sheet attaching section (20), preferably along the sheet attaching section (20), so as to define a release opening in the closure sheet (12) to allow release of the container body (2) from the protection sheet (14).

4. Package product (1) according to any one of the claims 2 to 3, wherein the line of weakness (22) is made of a perforation line, a score line or a combination thereof, the line of weakness (22) being preferably formed mechanically or by laser.

5. Package product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container body (2) comprises a flange (2.3) extending around the opening, the flange (2.3) having substantially an annular shape, preferably a planar ring shape, the body attaching section (16) extending along the flange (2.3), and the protection sheet (14) extending preferably around the flange (2.3).

6. Package product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the body attaching section (16) and the sheet attaching section (20) are formed by a thermic weld, a laser weld, a glue weld, a ultrasonic weld, a compression weld, a friction weld, and / or any combination thereof.

7. Package product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a maximal gap between the container body (2) and the protection sheet (14) is preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm, still more preferably less than 0,25 mm, still more preferably 0 mm, and wherein the protection sheet (14) is thermoformed to fit on the container body (2), the protection sheet (14) being formed directly on the container body (2), or the protection sheet (14) being first formed on a mold shaped substantially like the container body (2), and the protection sheet (14) being then attached to the container body (2).

8. Package product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body attaching section (16) and the sheet attaching section (20) extend about the same plane substantially parallel to the opening (8), - the body attaching section (16) being preferably integral with the sheet attaching section (20), ora distance between the body attaching section (16) and the sheet attaching section (20) being preferably comprised between 1 mm and 20 mm.

9. Package product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably each one, of the protection sheet (14) and the closure sheet (12) has an OxygenTransmission Rate of less than 1 cm3 / m2 / day / bar and a Water Vapor Transmission Rate of less than 1 g / m2 / day / bar at 23°C and 50% of Relative Humidity.

10. Package product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the protection sheet (14) and the closure sheet (12) has an average thickness comprised between0.1 mm and 10 mm, the closure sheet (12) being preferably planar.

11. Package product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the protection sheet (14) and the closure sheet (12) is made of: - a biodegradable or compostable material comprising: o a biopolymer-based material with one or more layers selected from the group consisting of: poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), poly(butylene succinatecolactide) (PBSL), poly(butylene succinate-co-terephthalate) (PBST), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), lactic acid derived polymers (PLA), polycaprolactones (PCL), polyesteramines (PEA), polyglycolide (PGA), poly(methylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PTMAT), polyvinyl alcohol, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) or a mixture thereof; and / or o a fiber-based material with one or more layers selected from the group consisting of: cellulose, paper, pulp, wood, wood derivates MFC, NFC and CNC), bamboo, hemp, flax, sisal, kenaf, miscanthus, and nettle and any combination thereof, said fiber-based material having received a chemical pre-treatement or not; said biodegradable or compostable material being provided with at least one barrier layer, the barrier layer being preferably selected from the group consisting of: ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyglycolide (PGA), and a metallization layer preferably made of aluminum, and any combination thereof;a recyclable material comprising: a polymer-based material selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyamide (PA), and poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF); preferably, said recyclable material being provided with at least one barrier layer, the barrier layer being preferably selected from the group consisting of: ethylene vinyl alcohol(EVOH), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyglycolide (PGA), and a metallization layer preferably made of aluminum, and any combination thereof.

12. Package set (201) comprising a plurality of package products (1), each package product (1) being in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein part or all of the package products (1) are arranged in a row or in a lattice, and wherein the protection sheets (12) of the package products (1) form a first integral sheet (212) and wherein the closure sheets (14) of the package products (1) form a second integral sheet (214).

13. Package set (1) according to claim 12, including: a first subset (201.1) of package products (1) arranged at least in a first row or in a first lattice, and a second subset (201.2) of package products (1) arranged at least in a second row or in a second lattice, wherein, in an assembled state, the package products (1) of the first subset (201.1) fully or partly mesh with the package products (1) of the second subset (201.2) such that: i) several package products (1) of the first subset (201.1) extend fully or partly in interspaces (230) respectively present between consecutive package products (1) of the second subset (201.2), and ii) several package products (1) of the second subset (201.2) extend fully or partly in interspaces respectively present between consecutive package products (1) of the first subset (201.1).

14. Method (100) for manufacturing a package product (1), the method (100) comprising:102) providing a container body (2) defining a cavity (6) and an opening of the cavity (6),104) introducing a dose of food component (4) within the cavity (6), the dose of food component (4) being suitable for interacting with a fluid introduced into the cavity (6) so as to prepare a food product, and106) forming a packaging (10) by: • arranging a protection sheet (14) to cover the container body (2) and to not cover the opening (8), and• arranging a closure sheet (12) to cover the opening (8) and at least part of the protection sheet (14) such that the container body (2) is enclosed between the protection sheet (14) and the closure sheet (12), • attaching the closure sheet (12) to the container body (2) along a body attaching section (16), the body attaching section (16) extending around the opening (8) so as to define a membrane portion (18) configured to seal the cavity (6), and• attaching the protection sheet (14) to the closure sheet (12) along a sheet attaching section (10), the sheet attaching section (10) extending around the body attaching section (16).

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the arranging of the protection sheet (14) comprises one of thermoforming, blown forming or vacuum forming the protection sheet (14) to fit on the container body (2) by: - forming the protection sheet (14) directly on the container body (2), or first forming the protection sheet (14) on a mold shaped substantially like the container body (2) and then attaching the protection sheet (14) to the container body (2).

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