Capsule having a capsule body made from a polysaccharide composite

Abstract

The invention relates to a preferably compostable capsule having a capsule body (4b), wherein the capsule body (4b) is filled with a filler material, and a closure element (10). The capsule body (4b) has a polysaccharide composite. The polysaccharide composite comprises a matrix material, composed of at least one polysaccharide, and at least one reinforcing material, and preferably consists of same. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a capsule.

Description

[0001] Capsule with a capsule body made of a polysaccharide composite

[0002] The invention relates to a capsule and a method for producing such a capsule according to the preambles of the independent claims.

[0003] Prior art processes are known for the production of compostable capsules with an oxygen barrier. Typically, an existing capsule body, such as a fiber-cast body, is coated with a composite material composed of a biopolymer and a material with a certain oxygen barrier.

[0004] Furthermore, paper capsules are known in the prior art and are described as environmentally friendly. For example, a paper capsule is described in WO 2023 / 104711. However, paper capsules have the disadvantage that, contrary to popular belief, they are not particularly compostable. Pure paper capsules have a problem with compostability because they contain an additional layer for an oxygen barrier.

[0005] EP3225566 describes a process in which a capsule body is coated with a cross-linked polysaccharide compound in a separate step. EP3736228 describes a process for producing a capsule body and an additional coating step with a polyvinyl alcohol.

[0006] What all these processes have in common is that they are complex and expensive, since two work steps or technologies are required, e.g., fiber casting and film production, including their processing or coating of a separately produced carrier material. It is therefore an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a stable capsule with the best possible aroma protection and a specific oxygen barrier, which does not require an additional layer.

[0007] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a, preferably compostable, capsule comprising a capsule body, wherein the capsule body is filled with a filling material, and a closure element. The capsule body comprises a polysaccharide composite. Preferably, the capsule body consists of a polysaccharide composite. The polysaccharide composite comprises a matrix material made of at least one polysaccharide and at least one reinforcing material, and preferably consists of this.

[0009] By using a polysaccharide composite, the properties of the capsule body can be modified in a variety of ways. For example, the stability of the capsule body, its layer thickness, and its oxygen permeability can be tailored to the specific application.

[0010] The capsule body can essentially have a single-layer structure. This single-layer structure enables cost-effective production, as no additional manufacturing steps are necessary. "Essentially single-layer" means that the capsule body may only be colored with one color to distinguish between different filling materials. The capsule body can consist of a homogeneous material mix. A homogeneous material mix facilitates the reusability of the material; no material separation is necessary.

[0011] The capsule body can be designed to provide a form. It can determine the shape of the capsule or, for example, be precisely applied to a filling material pellet.

[0012] The capsule body can be in direct contact with the filling material. Accordingly, an additional layer between the capsule body and the filling material or a coating of the capsule body can be omitted.

[0013] The polysaccharide composite can achieve an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of less than 100 cm at a layer thickness of 100 m. 3 / m 2 * Day* 0 . 21 bar, preferably less than 50 cm 3 / m 2 * Day* 0 . 21 bar and especially preferably less than 10 cm 3 / m 2 * Day* 0 . 21 bar, . An OTR of less than 5 cm is particularly preferred 3 / m 2 * Day* 0 . 21 bar .

[0014] This creates a good oxygen barrier without the need for an additional layer.

[0015] Furthermore, conventional paper capsules are often difficult to compost, which is another advantage of the polysaccharide composite. Composite materials based on conventional paper capsules made of biopolymer and materials with a certain oxygen barrier are also often difficult to compost and decompose slowly. However, since they account for less than 10% of the total composite in terms of quantity, they are not considered significant under existing compostability certification programs. With a polysaccharide composite capsule, the requirements of the following home compostability certification programs are not only met, but significantly exceeded.

[0016] "Compostable" means that the material is at least home compostable according to the certification programs NF T 51-800:2015-11-14 (Plastics - Specifications for plastics suitable for home composting) and AS 5810:2010 (Biodegradable plastics - Biodegradable plastics suitable for home composting). This means decomposition (biodegradation) of at least 90% of the material with release of CO2 within 12 months at a temperature of 25±5°C and fragmentation (disintegration) of at least 90% of the material within 6 months at a temperature of 25±5°C.

[0017] The capsule is characterized by its dimensional stability, which does not dissolve or change significantly during the extraction process. Furthermore, the composite serves as a barrier material, e.g., against aroma loss, migration of foreign aromas into the contents, and oxygen penetration.

[0018] The polysaccharide composite preferably comprises a matrix material made of a cross-linked polysaccharide. Cross-linking can be covalent, ionic, and / or coordinate.

[0019] Crosslinking via covalent bonds enables a highly stable composite. Crosslinking via covalent bonds typically occurs through the reaction of the at least one polysaccharide with a suitable crosslinker. Particularly suitable crosslinkers are functional organic compounds, with the functional groups being selected, for example, from the group consisting of carboxylic acids, salts of carboxylic acids, activated carboxylic acids, amines, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones. Activated carboxylic acids in this context are understood to mean carboxylic acid halides, active esters of carboxylic acids, anhydrides of carboxylic acids, or other reactive derivatives of carboxylic acids.

[0020] Polysaccharides crosslinked by ionic and / or coordinative bonds are particularly easy to produce and do not impair the biodegradability of the polysaccharide used. Ionic and / or coordinative crosslinking can be achieved, for example, using polysaccharides containing anionic groups, such as carboxylate or sulfonate groups. By introducing divalent or higher-valent cations, particularly alkaline earth metal ions, ionic or coordinative crosslinking of the anionic groups of the polysaccharide occurs to form a stable composite.

[0021] In this context, a coordinate bond refers to an interaction between an electron pair donor and an electron pair acceptor, such as can occur between free electron pairs of oxygen atoms in hydroxyl groups and cations.

[0022] Advantageously, the matrix material is selected from the group: alginates, starches, modified starches, celluloses, chitin, chitosan, carrageenans, pectins, agar, xanthan, gellan, dextrans, galactomannan, glucomannan, guar gum, carubin, gum arabic, scleroglucan, pullulan, derivatives, or mixtures thereof. Alginate is preferred.

[0023] These matrix materials are readily biodegradable and approved as food additives, and are safe. Preferably, the matrix material provides an oxygen barrier. Alginate, in particular, exhibits a very good OTR for a natural substance when dried. The good barrier effect is presumably based on a dense network of OH groups, which allow polar gases like water vapor to permeate very well, but nonpolar gases like oxygen to permeate.

[0024] The reinforcing material may comprise fibers. Preferably, the fibers are selected from the group consisting of: cellulose fibers; calcium alginate fibers; viscose fibers; PLA fibers; polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) fibers; mineral fibers, preferably made of silicon dioxide; plastic fibers, preferably aramid, polyethylene, and polyamide fibers. Compostable fibers are particularly preferred, and cellulose fibers are most preferred.

[0025] The fibers give the polysaccharide composite additional stability.

[0026] The fibers preferably have a length between 0 . 02 and 10 . 0 mm, preferably 0 . 04 and 5 . 0 mm and particularly preferably between 0 . 06 and 1 . 0 mm .

[0027] The reinforcing material may additionally or alternatively comprise a powder composed of at least one organic or at least one mineral component. This can serve as an additional filler and thus also provide at least some additional stability. Talc or other mineral powders, such as silicon dioxide, are conceivable in this case.

[0028] The filling material is preferably a powder, a powder mixture, a pellet, a liquid or a liquid mixture. The filling material can be selected from the group: ground

[0029] Coffee, instant coffee, cereal coffee, ground coffee, tea, tea granules, drinking chocolate, milk, plant-based drink, instant soup.

[0030] Such a capsule according to the invention is characterized by particular dimensional stability. It should not break or disintegrate during transport or use by the user. Such a capsule can, particularly after filling with filling material, absorb a maximum force in the breaking strength test of at least 25 N, in particular at least 50 N, particularly preferably at least 100 N.

[0031] For the breaking strength test, the capsule is positioned between two parallel plates of a tensile-compression testing machine (e.g. equipped with an Xforce P force transducer from Zwick / Roell). The capsule is aligned centrally on the lower platen in the extraction direction, or in the compression direction in the case of a rotationally symmetrical compact, e.g. spherical or cubic in shape. The plates have a diameter that is at least 50% larger than the maximum capsule diameter. The parallel plates are slowly moved together and a force-displacement diagram is recorded. The load is increased until the shell is damaged. Simultaneously with this crack or break, a drop in force is recorded. The breaking strength test is terminated when the measured force falls below the force drop threshold of 40% of the maximum force. The maximum measured force without damage to the shell is output as the breaking strength.

[0032] The closure element can be a cover film made of an aroma-tight material, such as polyvinyl alcohol or corresponding copolymers. The closure element can also be made of a cross-linked polysaccharide or another readily biodegradable material. So-called bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyhydroxybutyric acid (PHB), and thermoplastic starch (TPS) are also possible.

[0033] However, it is also possible for the capsule to consist of two half-shells. In this case, a first half-shell would form the capsule body, and a second half-shell would form the closure element. In this case, both the capsule body and the closure element can be manufactured identically.

[0034] A polysaccharide composite is thus a composite material consisting of a matrix material composed of at least one polysaccharide and at least one reinforcing agent. The composite material can also contain other additives, such as plasticizers, fillers, pigments, dyes, retention aids, flocculants, wet strength agents, sizing agents, and / or polyvinyl alcohols or polyvinyl alcohol copolymers (PVOH). For example, high-molecular-weight PVOH can be used as an emulsifier and can thus provide an additional stabilizing effect. Low-molecular-weight PVOH can also be used due to its barrier properties.

[0035] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a capsule, in particular a capsule as described above. The method comprises the steps: a) providing a capsule matrix, b) providing a molded body complementary in shape to the capsule matrix, preferably a wire mesh sleeve, followed optionally by: c1) introducing the capsule matrix into a polysaccharide composite

[0036] Suspension of at least one polysaccharide and at least one reinforcing material for producing a, preferably uncrosslinked, capsule body on the capsule matrix, dl) optionally introducing the capsule body obtained in step cl) into a crosslinking solution, el) applying the shaped body to the, preferably wetted, capsule body; or c2) introducing a polysaccharide composite suspension into the shaped body, d2) introducing the capsule matrix into the shaped body for producing a, preferably uncrosslinked, capsule body on the capsule matrix, e2) optionally wetting the capsule body formed in step d2) with a crosslinking solution; further followed by: f) drying the preferably crosslinked capsule body obtained after step d1) or d2), optionally after step e1) or e2), g) filling the capsule obtained after step f) with a filling material, h) closing the capsule with a closure element.

[0037] The molded body can be a membrane or a perforated film. Perforated sheets, screens, or semipermeable films, such as aluminum, are also possible. The molded body can also be designed in the form of a male mold as a counterpart to the capsule female mold. "Male mold" refers, in particular, to the negative mold of a capsule.

[0038] The capsule matrix can also be a wire mesh sleeve or made of a perforated material as described for the membrane, or it can be a compact form without perforations or meshes. The capsule matrix can also be a preheated metal mold with steam holes. The term "capsule matrix" refers specifically to the positive mold of a capsule.

[0039] Preferably, the drying step is carried out on the shaped body and / or in the capsule matrix.

[0040] "Introduction" in step c2) can mean that the molded body is at least partially filled with the suspension. It is possible that the suspension is sucked in. However, it can also be the case that the suspension is applied to the walls of the molded body, e.g., in the case of a male part.

[0041] Wetting in optional steps e1) or e2) may involve immersing the molded article in a crosslinking solution or bringing the crosslinking solution into contact with the molded article by other means, e.g., spraying or pouring. Wetting may occur inside the molded article, but may also occur outside the molded article.

[0042] The process is characterized by the fact that a stable, aroma-tight capsule can be produced without the need for a separate coating step. The process is faster, more economical, and less expensive than previous processes requiring a separate coating step.

[0043] The drying in step f) can be carried out using a preheated pressing tool, preferably with steam holes. The drying in step f) can alternatively or additionally be carried out in an oven and / or desiccator or by means of a pressing tool in one or more hot pressing steps. Drying in the oven takes place for less than 3 hours, preferably 90 minutes and particularly preferably less than 60 minutes. The temperature in the oven is advantageously between 70 and 250°C at 5% relative humidity. For example, a Binder oven (ventilation and dehumidification (5% RH)) can be used. Drying in the desiccator preferably takes place between 6 and 12 hours, particularly preferably between 8 and 10 hours. During hot pressing, the temperatures are between 100°C and 300°C for 5 - 120 s. In principle, the drying can comprise several identical or different drying steps.

[0044] The at least one polysaccharide of the polysaccharide composite suspension can be selected from the group: alginates, starches, modified starches, cellulose, chitin, chitosan, carrageenans, pectins, agar, xanthan, gellan, dextrans, galactomannans, glucomannans, guar gum, carubin, gum arabic, scleroglucan, pullulan, derivatives, or mixtures thereof. Alginate is preferred.

[0045] The reinforcing material is preferably as previously described.

[0046] The capsule matrix can be of any conceivable capsule shape. Examples include: sphere, cube, cuboid, prism, pyramid, cylinder, truncated cone, cone, torus, ellipsoid, etc. It is important to note that any corners and edges should preferably be rounded rather than sharp.

[0047] The polysaccharide composite suspension is particularly preferably an alginate-cellulose mixture.

[0048] The alginate-cellulose mixture preferably contains a concentration of 0.1 to 10%, preferably 0.5% to 5% and particularly preferably 1.0%, of alginate, preferably sodium alginate, and 0.1 to 10.0%, preferably 0.5% to 7.0% and particularly preferably 1.0% to 5.0%, of cellulose fibers, preferably with a length between 0.02 and 10 mm, preferably 0.04 and 5 mm and particularly preferably between 0.06 and 1 mm. In particular, the low concentrations are produced with high-viscosity alginate, while the higher concentrations tend to be produced with low-viscosity alginate.

[0049] The percentages given with regard to the invention refer, unless otherwise stated, to percentages by weight (or % (w / w)).

[0050] The alginate-cellulose mixture has a viscosity greater than or equal to 500 mPas, preferably greater than 1000 mPas, particularly preferably greater than 4000 mPas, as measured with a rheometer.

[0051] The yield point of the alginate-cellulose mixture is greater than or equal to 50 Pa, preferably greater than 100 Pa and particularly preferably greater than 150 Pa, measured at 30 ° C using a rheometer with a plate-plate measuring system with a plate diameter of 50 mm.

[0052] The viscosity and yield point are determined by recording the viscosity curve using shear rheology (5-100 1 / s linear shear rate, t=56 s) at 30 °C using a rheometer with a plate-on-plate measuring system with a 50 mm plate diameter, and then evaluating the results using Casson / Steiner regression. For example, the viscosity and yield point can be determined using an Anton Paar MCR 72 rheometer.

[0053] The preferably uncrosslinked capsule body can be wetted with a crosslinking solution consisting of an alkaline earth metal salt solution. However, other solutions of divalent or higher-valent cations are also conceivable, particularly alkaline earth metal ions. Of course, crosslinking solutions consisting of difunctional organic compounds are also possible, with the functional groups being selected, for example, from the group consisting of carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid salts, activated carboxylic acids, amines, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones.

[0054] The crosslinking solution is particularly preferably a calcium chloride dihydrate solution, preferably with a concentration of 5-20%, preferably 10%. This solution has proven particularly effective in crosslinking polysaccharides, especially alginates. Furthermore, it is simple and cost-effective to produce. Calcium chloride dihydrate is approved as a food additive.

[0055] The polysaccharide composite suspension may contain a polyol, preferably in a concentration between 1 to 30%, preferably 5 to 25% and particularly preferably 10%.

[0056] Advantageously, the at least one polyol is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic polyols, preferably ethylene glycol, propanediol, butylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, sorbitol, erythritol, xylitol and very particularly preferably glycerol; cyclic polyols, preferably glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, oligofructose, inulin, isomaltulose, trehalose; sugar substitutes, preferably mannitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol; and aromatic polyols, preferably cyanidin, corilagin, digallic acid, tannic acid and gallic acid; and combinations thereof.

[0057] The polyol can serve as an additional crosslinker or be incorporated into the coating, e.g., through electrostatic interaction. The polyol can be used to adjust the mechanical properties of the coating with regard to elasticity.

[0058] The filling material can be a powder, a powder mixture, a pressed product, a liquid or a liquid mixture and is preferably selected from the group: ground coffee, instant coffee, grain coffee, malt coffee, tea, tea granules, drinking chocolate, milk, plant drink, instant soup.

[0059] Advantageously, the shaped body is a wire mesh sleeve. The wire mesh sleeve can be made of stainless steel. The wire mesh sleeve preferably has a mesh size of 0.01 to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.02 to 0.21 mm, particularly preferably 0.04 to 0.08 mm, and most preferably 0.05 to 0.075 mm.

[0060] The mesh size has the advantage that the polysaccharide composite suspension cannot pass through the mesh, while the crosslinking solution, especially calcium ions, can penetrate through.

[0061] The wire mesh sleeve can have a wire thickness of 0.01 to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.02 to 0.2 mm, particularly preferably 0.03 to 0.1 mm and very particularly preferably 0.04 to 0.06 mm and most preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm.

[0062] The wire mesh sleeve is preferably heated so that drying and evaporation of the water is easier.

[0063] A further aspect of the invention relates to a capsule produced using a method as described above. The invention is explained in more detail using examples and figures. These represent only preferred embodiments and are not to be understood as limiting. Like reference numerals denote like elements. They show:

[0064] Figure 1 The different process steps of a process according to the invention for producing a capsule according to the invention.

[0065] Figure 2 A dried half-shell body produced according to principle B) under air drying.

[0066] In Al), a capsule matrix 1a made of a compact material is first immersed in an alginate fiber suspension 2. The alginate fiber suspension 2 adheres to the capsule matrix 1a, forms an uncrosslinked capsule body 2a and is then immersed in a calcium chloride bath 3. A wire mesh sleeve 5 is placed over the gelled capsule body 4a. The capsule is then dried according to 6. The capsule matrix 1a, dried capsule 4b and wire mesh sleeve 5 are then separated according to 7. The capsule 4b is filled in step 8 and then closed at 9 in an airtight atmosphere with a closure element 10. Preferably, the capsule 4b is gassed with a protective gas, such as nitrogen, or closed under a modified atmosphere during closure.

[0067] A2) differs primarily in the type of capsule matrix 1b. This is made of wire mesh to improve the drying and detachment of the alginate fiber capsule 4b.

[0068] In example B), the alginate fiber suspension 2 is first poured into the wire mesh sleeve 5. The mesh of the wire mesh sleeve 5 is so close-meshed that the alginate fiber suspension 2 cannot escape. The capsule matrix 1a is then inserted into the wire mesh sleeve 5 and displaces the alginate fiber suspension. The shape of the capsule body 4a is created. The assembly of wire mesh sleeve 5, capsule mold 4a, and capsule matrix 1a is then immersed in a calcium chloride solution 3. The calcium can penetrate through the mesh of the wire mesh sleeve 5 and gel the capsule mold 4a. The resulting capsule body 4a is then dried 6, separated 7, filled 8, and sealed 9.

[0069] In example C), the molded body is provided in the form of a male mold 11 made of a wire mesh. An alginate fiber suspension 2 is applied to the walls of the male mold 11. The capsule matrix 1a is then inserted into the male mold 11. After the capsule body has been formed, it is wetted with a calcium chloride solution 3 for crosslinking. A preheated pressing tool 12 with steam holes is placed on the gelled capsule body 4a. This is followed by drying 6, separation 7 of the pressing tool 12, capsule body 4b, and capsule matrix 1a, filling 8, and sealing 9.

[0070] For B), the wire mesh sleeve preferably has a mesh size of 0.01 to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.02 to 0.21 mm, particularly preferably 0.04 to 0.08 mm and most preferably 0.05 to 0.075 mm.

[0071] For all embodiments other than B, in particular for C), the mesh size may additionally have the following common mesh sizes:

[0072] 1) Coarse Mesh: Coarse 2.5 mm - 4.8 mm (6 to 20 openings per linear inch)

[0073] 2) Medium Mesh: approx. 0.5 mm - 1 mm (25 to 50 openings per linear inch) 3) Fine Mesh: approx. 0. 25 mm - 0. 42 mm or smaller (60 to 100+ openings per linear inch)

[0074] Figure 2 shows a dried half-shell body produced according to principle B) under air drying.

[0075] EXAMPLE 1

[0076] According to a first example, a 1 . 00 % alginate solution was prepared which additionally contained 5 . 00 % cellulose . In addition, the solution contained 7 . 00 % sorbitol

[0077] Furthermore, a wire mesh sleeve with a mesh size of 0 . 063 mm and a wire thickness of 0 . 050 mm was used as the capsule matrix and wire mesh sleeve.

[0078] Between 1 - 3 g of alginate-fiber mixture was applied to the inside of a first curved wire mesh sleeve. Then a second wire mesh sleeve was placed on the inside of the first wire mesh sleeve and the alginate-fiber mixture was distributed between the two wire mesh sleeves using pressure and rotating movements. The layer thickness of the alginate-fiber body can be varied by the amount of alginate-fiber mixture and the pressure applied. Excess alginate-fiber mixture that escapes can be removed at the exit points on the edge of the two wire mesh sleeves. The two wire mesh sleeves containing the alginate-fiber mixture were completely immersed in a 10% calcium chloride dihydrate solution for 6 s and then rinsed with softened water.To hold the wire mesh sleeve and the alginate-fiber mixture between them in position, they were temporarily pressed together with two clothespins and then dried for 18 minutes at 75 °C in a Binder oven (ventilated and dehumidified (5% RH)). For further drying, the wire mesh sleeves were placed in a desiccator overnight. The next day, the alginate-fiber capsule body could be demolded by careful twisting.

[0079] EXAMPLE 2

[0080] According to a second example, a 1 . 00 % alginate solution was prepared which additionally contained 5 . 00 % cellulose and no sorbitol .

[0081] Furthermore, a wire mesh sleeve in the form of a male part was used as the mold body, and a preheated metal mold with steam holes was used as the capsule female part. The wire mesh sleeve had a mesh size of 0.063 mm and a wire thickness of 0.050 mm.

[0082] An aluminum pressing tool roughened with sandpaper in the shape of the capsule outer contour with fine steam holes was prepared and moistened with l Otiger calcium chloride dihydrate solution.

[0083] Approximately 2 g were applied to the inside of the curved wire mesh sleeve. Alternatively, it can be sucked in using negative pressure in an industrial process. The capsule matrix was then inserted by hand and pressed into place. The alginate-fiber mixture was distributed between the wire mesh sleeve and the capsule matrix using pressure and rotating movements. The layer thickness of the alginate-fiber body can be varied by the amount of alginate-fiber mixture and the pressure applied. Excess alginate-fiber mixture that escapes can be removed at the exit point at the edge between the wire mesh sleeve and the capsule matrix. The wire mesh sleeve is then removed, and the resulting alginate-fiber mixture is cross-linked on the capsule matrix using 10% calcium chloride dihydrate solution and then rinsed off with softened water.The preheated aluminum press tool with steam holes was then attached, and the parts were rotated into each other to prevent the gelled alginate fiber mixture from sticking to the tool. By securing and pressing the structure together with metal clamps, deformation of the capsule body was prevented during the rapid first drying. The capsule was then dried overnight in a desiccator.

[0084] The alginate fiber capsule body was dried completely. The next day, it could be demolded by careful twisting.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Capsule, preferably compostable, comprising a capsule body (4b), wherein the capsule body (4b) is filled with a filling material, and a closure element (10), wherein the capsule body (4b) comprises a polysaccharide composite, in particular consists of a polysaccharide composite, characterized in that the polysaccharide composite comprises a matrix material made of at least one polysaccharide and at least one reinforcing material, and preferably consists of this.

2. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the polysaccharide composite has an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of less than 30 cm at a layer thickness of 100 µm 3 / m 2 *Day*0.21 bar, preferably less than 20 cm 3 / m 2 *Day*0.21 bar, particularly preferably less than 10 cm 3 / m 2 *Day*0.21 bar and especially preferably an OTR less than 5 cm 3 / m 2*Day*0.21 bar.

3. Capsule according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polysaccharide composite comprises a matrix material made of a cross-linked polysaccharide.

4. Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the matrix material is selected from the group: alginates, starches, modified starches, cellulose, chitin, chitosan, carrageenans, pectins, agar, xanthan, gellan, dextrans, galactomannans, glucomannans, guar gum, carubin, gum arabic, scleroglucan, pullulan, derivatives or mixtures thereof, preferably alginate.

5. Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reinforcing material comprises fibers, preferably selected from the group consisting of: cellulose fibers; calcium alginate fibers, viscose fibers; PLA fibers, PVOH fibers; mineral fibers, preferably made of silicon dioxide; plastic fibers, preferably aramid, polyethylene and polyamide fibers.

6. Capsule according to claim 5, wherein the fibers have a length between 0.02 and 10.0 mm, preferably 0.04 and 5.0 mm and particularly preferably between 0.06 and 1.0 mm.

7. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing material comprises a powder of at least one organic or at least one mineral component.

8. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling material is a powder, a powder mixture, a pellet, a liquid or a liquid mixture.

9. Capsule according to claim 8, wherein the filling material is selected from the group: ground coffee, instant coffee, grain coffee, malt coffee, tea, tea granules, drinking chocolate, milk, plant drink, instant soup.

10. A method for producing a capsule, in particular a capsule according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps: a) providing a capsule matrix (1a, 1b), b) providing a molded body complementary in shape to the capsule matrix (1a, 1b), preferably a wire mesh sleeve (5), Followed by optionally: cl) introducing the capsule matrix (1a, 1b) into a polysaccharide composite suspension (2) of at least one polysaccharide and at least one reinforcing material to produce a, preferably uncrosslinked, capsule body (2a) on the capsule matrix (1a, 1b), dl) optionally introducing the capsule body (2a) obtained in step cl) into a crosslinking solution (3), el) applying the shaped body to the, preferably wetted, capsule body (4a); or c2) introducing a polysaccharide composite suspension (2) into the shaped body, d2) introducing the capsule matrix (1a, 1b) into the shaped body to produce a preferably uncrosslinked capsule body (2a) on the capsule matrix (1a, 1b), e2) optionally wetting the capsule body (2a) formed in step d2) with a crosslinking solution (2);further followed by: f) drying (6) the preferably crosslinked capsule body obtained after step d1) or d2), optionally after step e1) or e2), g) filling (8) the capsule (4b) obtained after step f) with a filling material, h) closing (9) the capsule with a closure element (10); 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the drying in step f) takes place in a preheated pressing tool, preferably with steam holes.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one polysaccharide of the polysaccharide composite suspension (2) is selected from the group: alginates, starches, modified starches, cellulose, chitin, chitosan, carrageenans, pectins, agar, xanthan, gellan, dextrans, galactomannans, glucomannans, guar gum, carubin, gum arabic, scleroglucan, pullulan, derivatives or mixtures thereof, preferably alginate.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the polysaccharide composite suspension (2) is an alginate-cellulose mixture.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the alginate-cellulose mixture contains a concentration of 0.1% to 10%, preferably 0.5% to 5% and particularly preferably 1.0%, of alginate, preferably sodium alginate, and 0.1% to 10.0%, preferably 0.5% to 7.0% and particularly preferably 1.0 to 5.0%, of cellulose fibers, preferably with a length between 0.02 and 10 mm, preferably 0.04 and 5 mm and particularly preferably between 0.06 and 1 mm.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the preferably uncrosslinked capsule body is wetted with a crosslinking solution (3) comprising an alkaline earth metal salt solution.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the crosslinking solution (3) is a calcium chloride solution, preferably with a concentration of 5-20%, preferably 10%, of a calcium chloride dihydrate solution.

17. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the polysaccharide composite suspension (2) contains a polyol, preferably in a concentration between 1% to 30%, preferably 5% to 25% and particularly preferably 10%.

18. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the filling material is a powder, a powder mixture, a pressed product, a liquid or a liquid mixture and is preferably selected from the group: ground coffee, instant coffee, grain coffee, malt coffee, tea, tea granules, drinking chocolate, milk, plant drink, instant soup.

19. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 18, wherein the shaped body is a wire mesh sleeve (5) with a mesh size of 0.01 to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.02 to 0.21 mm, particularly preferably 0.04 to 0.08 mm and most preferably 0.05 to 0.075 mm.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the wire mesh sleeve (5) has a wire thickness of 0.01 to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.02 to 0.2 mm, particularly preferably 0.03 to 0.1 mm and very particularly preferably 0.04 to 0.06 mm and most preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm.

21. Capsule produced by a process according to any one of claims 9 to 20.

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