Container configured to receive food

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (200) configured to receive food, for example a dairy product such as yogurt, the container (200) comprising: - an upper opening (201), - a bottom (202), - a side wall (220) extending between the bottom (202) and the upper opening (201), the side wall (220) being in particular of substantially cylindrical or frustoconical shape and being formed by a coated support (120) comprising: · a support containing fibres, in particular paper or cardboard, · an inner coated layer (122A) on an inner face (203) and / or an outer coated layer (122B) on an outer face (204) of the support, which contains at least one film-forming component, in particular a film-forming polymer, a seal line (221), in particular sealed by ultrasound, which joins two edges of the coated support (120), the seal line (221) extending from the bottom (202) to the upper opening (201).

Description

Container configured to receive food

[0001] The present invention relates in particular to a container configured to receive a food, for example a dairy product such as a yogurt.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a flexible support, in particular paper, having one face (front or back) or two faces (front and back) with a coated layer composed of one or more film-forming barrier and heat-sealing polymers.

[0003] The invention also relates to a coated flexible support. The invention also relates to a packaging comprising the coated flexible support according to the invention.

[0004] The use of film-forming polymers is widespread in the field of surface coatings, particularly in the field of coating, lamination or complexing on a support, in particular paper or cardboard.

[0005] Indeed, these film-forming polymers make it possible to waterproof a surface in order to make it a barrier to elements such as grease.

[0006] For example, patent application FR 3107529 A describes these film-forming polymers comprising a thermoplastic material based on casein and / or caseinate, intended to coat a layer of paper or cardboard.

[0007] These polymers, for example initially in the form of a solution or a liquid, may or may not require additional treatment to stabilize the functionalities.

[0008] The invention aims in particular to develop a new coated flexible support.

[0009] Additionally, most cardboard containers have a thin layer of plastic inside to prevent leaks. This plastic coating, usually polyethylene (PE), is made from naphtha, a petroleum derivative. This means that this type of coating relies on the use of limited natural resources.

[0010] Although the plastic used for this coating is safe for health, it poses a major obstacle to the recycling of cardboard containers. Indeed, the presence of this thin plastic layer prevents their processing in conventional recycling channels. As a result, cardboard containers are difficult to recycle due to this plastic coating.

[0011] The present invention notably provides a new and improved container.

[0012] The invention thus relates to a container configured to receive a food, for example a dairy product such as a yogurt, the container comprising: an upper opening, a bottom, a side wall extending between the bottom and the upper opening, the side wall being in particular of substantially cylindrical or frustoconical shape, and being made of a coated support comprising: a support containing fibers, in particular paper or cardboard, an internal coated layer on an internal face and / or an external coated layer on an external face of the support, which preferably contains at least one film-forming component, in particular a film-forming polymer, a joint line, in particular sealed by ultrasound, which joins two edges of the coated support, the joint line extending from the bottom to the upper opening.

[0013] The food is notably of the semi-solid or pasty or viscous or fluid or creamy type.

[0014] The invention has a significant advantage in that it has been observed that there is no transfer of compounds (particularly of the plastic type) from the container to the food it contains, after a prolonged period of storage (for example between 20 days and 30 days), particularly in the cold in a refrigerator. This result is particularly beneficial, as it makes it possible to meet regulatory requirements in terms of food compatibility.

[0015] For example, where applicable, it has been unexpectedly found that ink particles present on the outer surface of the container do not migrate inwards and towards the food. This contributes to the food compatibility aspect of the container.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the support is a paper / cardboard having a grammage of 120 g / m2 to 450 g / m2, preferably between 150 g / m2 and 310 g / m2 or between 310 g / m2 and 450 g / m2.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the sidewall comprises an inner coated layer and an outer coated layer, and in particular the outer coated layer having a lower density than the inner coated layer.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the inner coated layer has a density of 6 to 22 g / m2, in particular 8 to 16 g / m2 or 18 g / m² to 22 g / m², and the outer coated layer has a density of 1 to 16 g / m2, in particular 2 to 5 g / m2 or 12 g / m² to 16 g / m².

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the base is made from a coated support identical to the coated support of the side wall, and in particular being heat-sealed to the side wall, in particular by a flow of hot air.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the bottom of the container is flat and in particular has a circular circumference.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper opening of the container has a circular circumference.

[0022] The container defines for example a pot, in particular a yogurt pot.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall has a printed external face, in particular with patterns printed by offset printing using a liquid ink compatible with food contact, said ink being dried by an ultraviolet process.

[0024] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "printed patterns" means any printed graphic, textual or visual element. These patterns may include, but are not limited to: Textual elements, such as product information (e.g., name, description, ingredients) or regulatory data (e.g., expiration dates, batch numbers), Graphic elements, such as logos, illustrations, symbols, decorations, geometric patterns, Functional elements, such as QR codes or barcodes.

[0025] The ultrasonically sealed joint line advantageously has high mechanical tightness and resistance.

[0026] In addition, ultrasonic sealing of the joint line allows for reduced energy consumption compared to traditional sealing processes, such as heat sealing using air or hot irons, thus contributing to the reduction of the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the inner coated layer of the coated support is configured to be in direct contact with the food contained in the container.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the outer coated layer of the coated support is configured to receive a pattern print.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall of the container comprises a collar which borders the upper opening.

[0030] This collar is configured to allow the application of a seal capable of hermetically closing the container.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the collar is formed by a fold of the coated support, in particular the fold comprises several successive folds, so that the fold is rolled up on itself.

[0032] For example, the fold has two U-shaped folds nested inside each other.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the collar comprises a flat for fixing the cover. This flat has a radial dimension (measured in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the side wall) greater than 2 mm or 3 mm or 3.5 mm, being for example between 2.5 mm and 5 mm, being for example between 3 and 4 mm.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the fold is sealed ultrasonically.

[0035] This gives the collar great rigidity and provides an enlarged flat surface to receive the cover.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover is made from aluminum.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the seal is fixed to the collar by heat sealing or, alternatively, by ultrasonic sealing.

[0038] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a container configured to receive a food, the method comprising the following steps:Providing a coated support having a support containing fibers, in particular paper or cardboard, and an internal coated layer on an internal face of the support and / or an external coated layer on an external face of the support, said coated layer containing at least one film-forming component, in particular a film-forming polymer;Forming a side wall from the coated support, said side wall extending between a bottom and an upper opening of the container;Sealing, in particular by ultrasound, a joint line connecting two edges of the coated support to form the side wall, the joint line extending from the bottom to the upper opening.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the step of cutting the coated support into a predetermined shape before forming the side wall.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises a step of printing patterns on the external face of the support using an ink which is in particular compatible with food contact, for example said printing being carried out by an offset process and dried by ultraviolet radiation.

[0041] For example, the patterns printed on the outer face of the support are made using liquid ink, said ink being dried by ultraviolet.

[0042] Alternatively, printing can be flexographic. This printing technique combines a flexible engraving plate with a raised pattern.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the step of forming a flat bottom from the same coated support as that used for the side wall, the bottom being heat sealed to the side wall, in particular by a flow of hot air.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the step of forming a collar around the upper opening of the side wall, said collar being produced by folding the coated support comprising in particular several rolled folds.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the step of ultrasonically sealing the fold of the collar.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises a step of symmetrically winding the coated support onto the top of the container to form a collar.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the formed collar is subjected to a press, in particular of the hydraulic type, applying uniform pressure to compact the superimposed layers.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises a step of passing the collar under an ultrasonic head, said head sealing the superimposed layers.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the step of fixing a seal on the collar, in particular the seal being made from aluminum and fixed by heat sealing or by ultrasonic sealing.

[0050] If the container is printed, the printing step is done before cutting and folding the coated media to form the container.

[0051] After printing, the flexible support is cut and then passed through a machine which folds it into the shape of a container with a side wall, in particular a cylindrical or truncated cone.

[0052] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a coated flexible support, intended for the manufacture of a finished product, in particular packaging, the coated flexible support having a flat shape when it is freely laid flat, this coated flexible support comprising a flexible support containing, by weight, at least 90%, or at least 95%, of a first natural material, this flexible support being coated with a coated layer containing, by weight, at least 50%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, of a second natural material formed by at least one heat-sealing polymer, this or these heat-sealing polymers having in particular at least one of the following properties: oxygen barrier, oil / grease barrier, water barrier.

[0053] The coated flexible support below corresponds to the coated support described above.

[0054] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to obtain a naturally coated flexible support, having grease and / or water and / or steam and / or gas barrier properties and / or being heat-sealing. This is particularly advantageous in terms of compliance with environmental protection.

[0055] According to the invention, the finished coated flexible support may contain, by weight, at least 80% or at least 90%, or even at least 95%, of natural materials, when taking into account both the first natural material of the flexible support and the second natural material formed by the heat-sealing polymer.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat-sealing polymer(s) forming the coated layer comprise at least one natural wax such as a carnauba wax, a soy wax, a beeswax, a pine wax or even a rice wax.

[0057] According to another aspect of the invention, the heat-sealing polymer(s) forming the coated layer are based on polysaccharides such as alginate or starch, or chitosan or a cellulose derivative.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat-sealing polymer is biodegradable such as a polyhydroxyalkanoate acid (PHA), a polyhydroxybutyrate acid (PHB), a polylactic acid (PLA) or a lignin.

[0059] According to another aspect of the invention, the heat-sealing polymer(s) forming the coated layer comprise:

[0060] - at least one caseinate and / or at least one casein.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat-sealing polymer(s), in particular wax, are present in the coated layer with a percentage by weight of between 1% and 30%, in particular between 5% and 20%, in particular between 10% and 15%, in particular between 5% and 15%.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the weight of the coated flexible support is between 20 and 350 g / m2, preferably between 40 and 100 g / m2.

[0063] The invention also relates to packaging comprising two zones belonging to the same coated flexible support as described above, or belonging respectively to two coated flexible supports as described above, these zones being applied against each other by their respective coated faces.

[0064] Thus, the sealing is preferably carried out from one coated face to another coated face, this sealing also being called flesh-to-flesh sealing. The sealing can, alternatively, be of the flesh-to-skin type.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat-sealing polymer is chosen to obtain a sealing force between the areas sealed together which is greater than or equal to 2.5 N / 15 mm and preferably greater than or equal to 3.5 N / 15 mm.

[0066] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing packaging comprising the following steps: providing two zones of coated flexible support as described above, sealing these two zones together by pressing these two zones against each other while applying heat, in particular by means of heating jaws, so as to obtain the packaging.

[0067] Sealing can be done with flow-pack machines to produce different types of packaging, this is called heat sealing. Under the effect of heat, the heat-sealing polymer will seal the two areas of coated flexible support together to obtain a package. It is also possible to use other technologies such as ultrasonic sealing which will allow the flow of the heat-sealing polymer until a hermetic seal is obtained. Sealing can be both vertical and horizontal.

[0068] The manufacturing process may include the step of coating the flexible support on a front side and / or a back side, with one or more water-based sauces containing one or more film-forming barrier and heat-sealing polymers.

[0069] The manufacturing process may then include a step of drying the coated flexible support.

[0070] We distinguish between "flexible support" and "coated flexible support". The flexible support is raw, not yet coated. The coated flexible support corresponds to the flexible support that has received the coated layer.

[0071] This is also applicable for any type of flexible media, namely “paper” and “coated paper”.

[0072] For example, the heat-sealing barrier film-forming polymer deposited on the coated flexible support is sufficient in itself to heat-seal the coated flexible support. In other words, said heat-sealing film-forming polymer does not require an additional adhesive layer or an additional polymer layer in order to heat-seal the coated flexible support.

[0073] Thus, a number of layers required for the coated flexible support is reduced in order to simplify the structure of said coated flexible support, while optimizing the optimal mechanical and chemical properties.

[0074] This is particularly advantageous in that the process according to the invention is more environmentally friendly and more economical than the conventional process involving several layers, because fewer steps, less material, less energy and less time are required to obtain a coated flexible support with optimal properties.

[0075] According to one aspect of the invention, the weight of the flexible support is between 20 and 350 g / m2, is between 20 and 100 g / m2, preferably is between 40 and 100 g / m2.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, the surface density of the deposit of the heat-sealing film-forming polymer, measured by the difference in weight between the dry coated flexible support and the dry flexible support, is between 2 and 18 g / m 2 .

[0077] In these areal density ranges, barrier properties can be optimally achieved. The soft support and coated soft support were dried before weighing to remove any residual water.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, it is possible to apply the heat-sealing film-forming polymer at least twice to the front and / or back of the flexible support so as to obtain a layer of the heat-sealing film-forming polymer.

[0079] For example, in the case of a deposition layer of the heat-sealing film-forming polymer of 10 g / m 2 , this deposit can be carried out by two successive coating stations of the same polymer of 5 g / m 2 . Thus, the layer of heat-sealing film-forming polymer has a uniform surface and good sealing.

[0080] According to one aspect of the invention, the drying temperature during is greater than or equal to 100°C.

[0081] According to one aspect of the invention, wherein the deposition method is chosen between coating or printing.

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, the flexible support is chosen from paper, cardboard or any other flexible material composed of natural polymer, existing in its natural state. This or these polymers are thus without specific chemical transformation modifying their nature. For example, the paper has at least one smooth face obtained by at least one of the following methods: rubbing, calendering or coating. Advantageously, the flexible support contains the first natural material formed by natural fibers. This flexible support is for example a paper made of natural fibers.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the paper is chosen from offset paper, recycled paper, tracing paper, greaseproof paper, Kraft paper, CupStock paper, coated paper.

[0084] For example, Kraft paper, whose characteristics are known in itself, has optimal mechanical resistance given the paper weight.

[0085] According to one aspect of the invention, the paper has a white appearance or a brown appearance.

[0086] The barrier and heat-sealing polymer is coated homogeneously and has a uniform thickness on the front side of the flexible support. Thus, the coating of the barrier and heat-sealing polymer thus obtained is very regular and without marks, scratches or faults through which a fluid (gas, liquid) could enter the coated flexible support and generate softening or leaks of said coated flexible support.

[0087] Among the different coating techniques, the air knife coater or the curtain coater equipped with a coating nozzle, allows precise control of the coating deposit with high quality and ensures a uniform and regular coating on the flexible support.

[0088] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat-sealing film-forming polymer has one or a combination of the following properties: oxygen barrier, oil / grease barrier, water barrier, water vapor barrier, and / or antifungal barrier.

[0089] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat-sealing film-forming polymer has one or a combination of the following properties: oxygen barrier, oil / grease barrier.

[0090] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat-sealing film-forming polymer is food compatible.

[0091] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat-sealing film-forming polymer comprises a thermoplastic polymer.

[0092] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat-sealing film-forming polymer has at least one of the following properties: bio-sourced, biodegradable, compostable. In any event, the coated flexible support is advantageously at least 90% natural.

[0093] According to one aspect of the invention, the coated flexible support has at least one of the following properties: biosourced, biodegradable, compostable and / or repulpable.

[0094] According to one aspect of the invention, the coated flexible support has the following properties: biosourced, biodegradable, compostable and repulpable.

[0095] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat-sealing film-forming polymer comprising at least one caseinate and / or one casein having oil / grease barrier and oxygen barrier properties.

[0096] The amount of water in the coating solution (also called coating sauce) depends on the desired viscosity and may depend on the nature of the flexible support.

[0097] According to one aspect of the invention, the viscosity of the coating sauce is less than 1000 or 250 mPa.s, or less than 200 or 120 mPa.s.

[0098] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat-sealing film-forming polymer further comprises:

[0099] – water; and

[0100] – at least one plasticizer other than water.

[0101] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat-sealing film-forming polymer comprises: at least one water-soluble polymer, namely a water-soluble polymer, preferably soluble in water at room temperature when the mass concentration of the water-soluble polymer is greater than or equal to 2.5%.

[0102] Thus, the heat-sealing film-forming polymer has improved mechanical and chemical properties.

[0103] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat-sealing film-forming polymer is associated with: at least one water-soluble polymer, namely a water-soluble polymer, preferably soluble at room temperature.

[0104] Thus, the heat-sealing film-forming polymer has improved mechanical and chemical properties.

[0105] Preferably, the water-soluble polymers comprise hydrophilic units. For example, the water-soluble polymers may comprise heteroatoms such as O or N in their main chain. The water-soluble polymers may also comprise hydrophilic groups such as -OH, -NH2, -NH-, -CO2-, or -SO3-.

[0106] According to one aspect of the invention, the water-soluble polymer is chosen from non-ionic water-soluble polymers, amphoteric water-soluble polymers, cationic water-soluble polymers, anionic water-soluble polymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0107] According to one aspect of the invention, the water-soluble polymer is chosen from polyvinyl alcohols, polyoxyalkylenes, polyvinylpyrrolidones, poly(meth)acrylic acids, cationic polymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0108] Among the water-soluble polymers, we can also mention polyacrylamides.

[0109] According to one aspect of the invention, the elements of the coating sauce are chosen from polyols, glycerol acetates, glycerol propionates and mixtures thereof. Examples of polyols include glycerol, hexane triol, mannitol, sorbitol, glycols, including ethylene glycol and their derivatives. Preferably, the elements of the coating sauce are chosen from glycerol, sorbitol, and mixtures thereof. According to one embodiment, the plasticizer is glycerol.

[0110] Thus, the elements of the coating sauce make it possible to increase the mechanical properties of the heat-sealing film-forming polymer against humidity.

[0111] According to one aspect of the invention, the surfactant is chosen from lecithin, diacetylenic phosphonates, polysorbates. Preferably, the surfactant is lecithin.

[0112] According to one aspect of the invention, the hydrophobic agent may be chosen from:

[0113] - polycarboxylic acid esters;

[0114] - C3-C33 carboxylic acids, preferably C4-C28 fatty acids, and even more preferably C6-C28 unsaturated fatty acids; and

[0115] - their mixtures.

[0116] The polycarboxylic acid esters may be derived from at least one polycarboxylic acid and at least one alcohol, preferably a C1-C18 alcohol.

[0117] Among the polycarboxylic acids preferably retained within the framework of the invention, mention may be made of citric acid, hydroxycitric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid.

[0118] Among the preferred alcohols in accordance with the invention, mention may be made of C2-C6 alcohols, such as for example ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol and tert-butanol.

[0119] According to one aspect of the invention, the hydrophobic agent is chosen from triethyl citrate, tributyl O-acetyl citrate, tributyl citrate and mixtures thereof.

[0120] According to one aspect of the invention, the hydrophobic agent is a C3-C33 carboxylic acid, preferably a C4-C28 fatty acid, and even more preferably an unsaturated C6-C28 fatty acid.

[0121] Among the C4-C28 fatty acids retained within the scope of the invention, mention may be made of caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0122] Particularly interesting C6-C28 unsaturated fatty acids include palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0123] According to one aspect of the invention, the coated flexible support can be printable and / or printed.

[0124] The Kit level for obtaining the oil and / or grease barrier property of the heat-sealing film-forming polymer is greater than or equal to 7, preferably greater than or equal to 10.

[0125] According to one aspect of the invention, the water barrier property of the heat-sealing film-forming polymer has a Cobb 1800 index of less than or equal to 15 g / m 2 , preferably less than or equal to 5 g / m 2 , more particularly between 1 and 2.5 g / m 2 .

[0126] The manufacturing method may comprise the following steps: depositing a first coating sauce, in particular water-based, containing one or more barrier and heat-sealing polymers, in particular on the front side; depositing a second coating sauce, in particular water-based, in particular containing one or more barrier and heat-sealing polymers, in particular on the back side; drying said coated flexible support.

[0127] The sauces, after drying, form the coated layers of the coated flexible support.

[0128] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the first and second coating sauces contains at least one caseinate and / or one casein.

[0129] The first and second water-based coating sauces may exhibit some or all of the characteristics described above in connection with the barrier and heat-sealing film-forming polymer(s).

[0130] According to one aspect of the invention, the first and second coating sauces both comprise at least one caseinate and / or one casein.

[0131] According to another embodiment of the invention, the deposition method is chosen from extrusion-coating and lamination, complexing.

[0132] The deposition of the heat-sealing film-forming polymer in the form of a film with low humidity, i.e. less than 8%, can be carried out on the front side of the flexible support in order to form a coated flexible support. The heat emitted by the machine used to carry out the deposition allows this residual humidity to be removed.

[0133] The invention also relates to a coated flexible support obtained by the method according to the invention.

[0134] The invention also relates to packaging comprising the coated flexible support obtained by the method according to the invention.

[0135] According to one aspect of the invention, the packaging comprises a stack of several flexible supports obtained by the method according to the invention.

[0136] According to one aspect of the invention, the packaging is obtained from a coated flexible support by heat-sealing certain areas of coated flexible support together.

[0137] According to one aspect of the invention, the flexible support has an appearance chosen from: white appearance, brown appearance, matte appearance, silk effect appearance, or glossy appearance.

[0138] According to one aspect of the invention, the packaging is manufactured by lamination, coating, laminating, co-extrusion or extrusion-coating processes.

[0139] The invention also relates to a packaged product comprising:

[0140] - a content, for example a foodstuff, solid or liquid; and

[0141] - the packaging according to the invention enveloping the contents.

[0142] According to one aspect of the invention, the content is chosen from pharmaceutical, food, chemical and cosmetic products.

[0143] According to one aspect of the invention, the foodstuff of the contents of the packaged product is, for example, chosen from meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, pastries, Viennese pastries, food additives, ingredients, dry foods, dry preparations, food powders, tea and herbal tea bags, dried tea leaves, animal feed.

[0144] According to one aspect of the invention, the content is selected from newspapers, magazines and advertisements.

[0145] Definitions

[0146] By "coating" is meant, for example, a surface treatment consisting of applying a generally liquid coating to a support. The coating may have a composition such as a film-forming polymer.

[0147] By "complexing" we mean, for example, a mechanical action allowing two or more materials with different mechanical and physicochemical properties to be assembled in an inseparable manner.

[0148] By "lamination" we mean, for example, a mechanical action allowing a film to be applied to a support

[0149] By "extrusion coating" we mean, for example, the technique of coating a support by depositing a layer of molten polymer on it by extrusion.

[0150] By "printing" we mean, for example, the application of a coating via a printing system such as flexography or gravure.

[0151] Moisture refers to the water or water vapor content of a substance. It can be expressed as a percentage by mass, i.e., a ratio of the mass of water to the total mass of the substance.

[0152] "Grammage" is a quantity characterizing a flexible, uncoated support, such as paper, corresponding to its surface mass, that is to say its mass per unit of surface. The grammage includes residual humidity which varies in particular between 4 and 8% of the total weight of the flexible support, in particular paper.

[0153] The weight of a flexible support such as paper is between 20 and 350 g / m 2 , preferably between 40 and 100 g / m 2 .

[0154] A "thin" paper has a weight between 10 and 60 g / m 2 , advantageously between 30 and 50 g / m 2 .

[0155] By "heat sealing" is meant, for example, a process in which the edges of the substrate are welded using heat, with or without direct contact with the substrate.

[0156] By "heat sealant" we mean, for example, the quality of a material to be welded by heat sealing without the addition of an additional adhesive layer, an additional polymer layer or an additive. In other words, the heat sealant material is sufficient in itself to achieve a heat seal.

[0157] By "barrier" we mean, for example, the properties that protect the contents of a package formed by the support against external aggressions and substances, or that protect the exterior of the contents of the package. The most common barriers are those against oxygen, oil, grease, water, water vapor, and fungi and microorganisms.

[0158] An "oxygen barrier" means, for example, a barrier with a low oxygen permeability level, i.e. less than 100 cm 3 / (m 2 .24h) and preferably less than 10 cm 3 / (m 2 .24h). This property may be required, for example, for food products that need to be protected from oxidation such as chocolate, cheese or dry foods.

[0159] An "oil or grease barrier" means, for example, a barrier with a Kit level of between 6 and 12. This property may be required, for example, for food products such as pastries or fast food.

[0160] By "water barrier" is meant, for example, a barrier whose Cobb index is advantageously less than or equal to 15 g / m², preferably less than or equal to 5 g / m 2and for the Cobb duration of 1800 seconds. This property may be required, for example, for food products such as fruits and vegetables and disposable tableware.

[0161] A "water vapor barrier" means, for example, a barrier with a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of less than 10 g / (m 2 .24h) and ideally less than 5 g / (m 2 .24h) in standard conditions (23°C / 50%RH). The WVTR coefficient is less than 100 g / (m 2 .24h) and ideally less than 50 g / (m 2 .24h) in tropical conditions (38°C / 90%RH).

[0162] An "antifungal barrier" means, for example, a resistant barrier against the proliferation of fungi and microorganisms. This property may be required, for example, for food products such as soft fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries.

[0163] The Cobb test measures the amount of water a flexible substrate, such as paper, can absorb over a set period of time. For example, the Cobb1800 rating means the Cobb test was performed for 1,800 seconds, or 30 minutes.

[0164] This Cobb 1800 index is expressed in grams per square meter (g / m²). The lower the Cobb1800 index value, the better the water barrier. Values ​​below 15 g / m² correspond to very good water barriers for Cobb1800.

[0165] This Cobb test is performed by pouring 100 ml of distilled or demineralized water onto a sample of treated paper with a surface area of ​​100 cm² for 30 minutes (ISO 535:2014 standard). The difference in weight before and after the test corresponds to the quantity of water absorbed and therefore to the Cobb index.

[0166] Water vapor permeation or water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) measurements,

[0167] These measurements assess the amount of water vapor that passes through the substrate in 24 hours at predefined temperature and humidity conditions. Generally, these tests are either carried out under "standard" conditions at 23°C / 50% relative humidity (RH), or under "tropical" conditions at 38°C / 90% RH.

[0168] The test is carried out according to ISO 2528, a cup of anhydrous CaCl2 is sealed by the support to be tested. The assembly is placed in a regulated climatic chamber. The water vapor passing through the support is trapped by the CaCl2. The difference in weight of the CaCl2 measured between the initial moment and that measured after 24 h corresponds to the WVTR value expressed in g / m 2 / 24 h.

[0169] The lower the WVTR value, the better the water vapor barrier.

[0170] The “Test Kit” allows you to determine the resistance of a paper to the penetration of greasy products such as grease or oil.

[0171] This test kit includes, for example, at least 12 reagent mixtures containing varying amounts of castor oil, toluene, and heptane. The test consists of determining the number of the highest mixture for which there is no penetration or soiling of the surface. The barrier level increases from 1 to 12.

[0172] A drop of the mixture is placed on a sheet, then it is wiped off after 15 seconds, and the appearance of the paper is observed (ISO 16532-2 standard).

[0173] For some particular applications, more drastic tests can be carried out by increasing the surface area to be tested, and by carrying out tests at elevated temperatures, namely above room temperature, or by increasing the proportion of the most aggressive reagent in the mixtures, namely heptane.

[0174] The oil Cobb test is based on the same principle as the aforementioned water Cobb test, but this time using castor oil (SCAN-P 37 standard).

[0175] A palm oil impermeability test can also be carried out (ISO 16532-1 standard), if the results are good enough, the turpentine test can be carried out (ISO 16532-3 standard).

[0176] The term "film-forming" means, for example, a material that can be applied in a thin layer, mainly in liquid form, to a support, and which then becomes a solid film, a film, or a sheet. This film-forming material can also be applied in another form, for example by extrusion-coating in the form of a softened or molten material. Generally speaking, the term "film-forming" means, in particular, the tendency of a material to form a film.

[0177] A "polymer" means, for example, long-chain molecules of high molecular mass. A polymer can, for example, be a substance consisting of molecules characterized by the sequence of one or more types of monomer units. A "natural" polymer can include, for example, proteins.

[0178] By "thermoplastic" we mean, for example, a material which becomes malleable and pliable above a given temperature, the glass transition temperature Tg, but which below this Tg becomes hard again, these transformations being reversible.

[0179] By "plasticizer" we mean, for example, a substance that lowers the glass transition temperature Tg of the material.

[0180] By "surfactant" we mean, for example, an amphiphilic molecule, that is to say a molecule possessing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties.

[0181] For example, "hydrophobic" means a compound that has little affinity for water and tends not to dissolve in it. Typically, this is a predominantly non-polar compound.

[0182] For example, "hydrophilic" means a compound that has an affinity for water and tends to dissolve in it. Typically, this is a compound with polar groups capable of forming hydrogen bonds.

[0183] Water-soluble means, for example, something that dissolves in water, preferably at room temperature. The water solubility of a polymer can be measured as follows: a polymer is added to water at a mass concentration of 2.5%. After stirring for 48 hours, the solution is filtered to check for any remaining particles. When there are no particles in the filter, the polymer is considered water-soluble.

[0184] By "bio-sourced" we mean, for example, a material containing all or part of elements of natural or renewable origin. Bio-sourced material is, for example, paper containing cellulose extracted from trees or plants for various applications.

[0185] “Natural matter” means matter that exists naturally in the environment and has not undergone chemical modification, in particular matter whose chemical structure remains unchanged, even if it has been subjected to a chemical process or treatment or a physical process of mineralogical transformation, for example to remove impurities.

[0186] By "biodegradable" we mean a material that can be decomposed by the action of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae, etc.). The result of this decomposition is the formation of water, CO2 and / or methane and possibly by-products (residues, new biomass) that are non-toxic to the environment. This is, for example, a biodegradable material according to the European standard EN NF 13432.

[0187] By "compostable" we mean, for example, a biodegradable product that completes the product cycle according to standard EN 13432.

[0188] According to this standard EN13432, a material can be described as “compostable” if it has the following characteristics:

[0189] - be able to achieve 90% biodegradation in less than 6 months if subjected to an environment rich in carbon dioxide; these values ​​are tested with the standard method EN14046 (also called ISO14855);

[0190] - when placed in contact with organic waste for 3 months, the mass of material must consist of at least 90% residues less than 2 mm in diameter; these values ​​are tested with the standard method EN14045;

[0191] - the material must not have negative effects on the composting process;

[0192] - a low concentration of heavy metals;

[0193] - pH values ​​within established limits;

[0194] - a mineral salt content within the established limits;

[0195] - a concentration of volatile solid elements within the established limits;

[0196] - a concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium within the established limits.

[0197] It should be noted that a “bio-sourced” material can be compostable.

[0198] By "repulpable" is meant, for example, a fibrous material, in particular paper, for which it is possible to disperse the fibers in an aqueous medium in order to produce a paste called pulp. Thus, the repulpable material can be reintegrated into the paper processing chain. This "repulpable" characteristic does not apply to certain polymers such as polyolefins, for example polyethylene, or polypropylene. These polymers are not soluble in water and interfere with the process of dispersing fibers in an aqueous medium, thus preventing a flexible support coated with such polyolefins or polypropylene from being made "repulpable". This "repulpable" characteristic also does not apply to waxes, for example polyethylene- or alkane-based waxes, or ester waxes, for example beeswax.Indeed, these waxes are not water-soluble, thus making it possible to make a flexible support coated with such waxes “repulpable”.

[0199] By "caseinate" is meant, for example, a casein salt whose counter cation is chosen from the group comprising calcium, potassium, ammonium, sodium and magnesium.

[0200] Casein is a protein derived from milk that is mainly obtained by precipitation by adding an acid (acid casein) or rennet (rennet casein) to milk, or by filtration (micellar casein). There are several types of casein in milk, namely alpha, beta, gamma and kappa caseins.

[0201] Caseinate and casein form a biodegradable, compostable, and food-safe heat-sealing film-forming polymer. Casein and caseinate are also compatible with a bio-based, biodegradable, compostable, and / or repulpable coated flexible substrate.

[0202] Unless otherwise stated, percentages are expressed by mass relative to the total mass of the material.

[0203] The present invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a coated flexible support, intended for the manufacture of a finished product, in particular packaging, this coated flexible support comprising:a flexible support containing fibers, in particular paper, cardboard or any other flexible structure such as a non-woven fabric for example, this flexible support having in particular at least one smooth and preferably closed face, that is to say one whose absorption is not too high, and preferably the flexible support has a prior mass treatment or a light coating which gives it in particular first barrier properties to water vapor and / or grease,a coated layer on the flexible support, in particular on the smooth face, the coated layer containing at least one film-forming component, in particular a film-forming polymer,the coated layer being in particular in the form of a film capable of waterproofing the surface of the fibers of the flexible support by covering them entirely.,

[0204] Advantageously, the layer coated on the flexible support is produced by two successive deposits of a coating material.

[0205] Thus the first deposit of coating material is made to erase irregularities in the support, and the second deposit of coating material is made to erase irregularities in the first deposit.

[0206] The application methods for these coating material deposits are diverse, preferably this or these deposits are of the air knife and curtain coating type.

[0207] Thus the coating does not have any defects, being in particular free of pinholes. The coated layer which forms a coating is applied in the most homogeneous manner.

[0208] According to one aspect of the invention, the coated layer has undergone drying, in particular at 100°C or more.

[0209] According to one aspect of the invention, drying must not be too strong too quickly, otherwise there will be a very significant evaporation of water, which can lead to defects such as pinholes or air bubbles. In addition, certain polymers, mainly waxes, require a minimum temperature to develop their full properties.

[0210] The invention also relates to packaging comprising two zones belonging to the same coated flexible support as described above, or belonging respectively to two coated flexible supports as described above, these zones being applied against each other by their respective coated faces.

[0211] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a coated flexible support, comprising the following steps: providing a flexible support containing fibers, in particular paper, cardboard or any other flexible structure such as a non-woven fabric for example, and preferably the flexible support has a prior mass treatment or coating which gives it in particular first barrier properties to water vapor and / or grease, coating the flexible support with at least one coating material to form a coated layer, in particular on the smooth face, the coated layer containing at least one film-forming component, in particular a film-forming polymer, the coated layer being in particular in the form of a film capable of waterproofing the surface of the fibers of the flexible support by covering them entirely.

[0212] According to one aspect of the invention, the layer coated on the flexible support comes from two successive deposits of coating material.

[0213] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises a step of drying the coated flexible support, in particular at at least 100°C.

[0214] According to one aspect of the invention, the coated layer contains one or more waxes, in particular which require a minimum temperature to develop all of their properties. Brief description of the figures

[0215] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0216] is a schematic view of the automated manufacturing line of the coated flexible support according to the invention,

[0217] is a schematic view of a coated paper, in cross-section, obtained by the process according to the invention,

[0218] is a schematic view of a coated paper, in cross-section, obtained by a variant of the process according to the invention,

[0219] is a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembly of two heat-sealed coated papers,

[0220] is a schematic view, in cross-section, of an assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0221] is a schematic view, in cross-section, of an assembly according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0222] is a schematic view, in cross-section, of an assembly according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0223] is a schematic view, in cross-section, of an assembly according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0224] is a schematic side view of a container forming a yogurt pot according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0225] is a schematic view of the step of compressing the collar of the container of the,

[0226] is a schematic view of the ultrasonic sealing step of the collar of the.

[0227] Detailed description of the figures

[0228] There is shown an automated manufacturing line 2 making it possible to implement the method according to the invention for manufacturing coated paper samples 4 having a front face 6 coated 8 with a barrier and heat-sealing film-forming polymer 10. The reference 10 also designates the coated layer obtained at the end of the process.

[0229] The heat-sealing polymer(s) of the coated layer 10 comprise at least one synthetic wax.

[0230] The paper 12 used for coated paper 4 has a grammage between 20 and 350 g / m 2 .

[0231] The method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

[0232] a) depositing a coating sauce in order to form the coated layer 10 on the front face 6 of each paper 12;

[0233] b) drying the coated paper 4 so that the humidity of the coated paper 4 is between 1% and 12%;

[0234] c) applying water to a back side 16 of the coated paper 4, possibly so as to create a difference in humidity between the front side 6 and the back side 16 of each coated paper 4; and

[0235] d) dry the coated paper 4.

[0236] Step a) of the method according to the invention is implemented by means of a coating technique which is an air knife coater 18 which comprises rollers 22, an air knife 24 and a tray of heat-sealing film-forming polymer 26.

[0237] The coating sauce contained in a tank 26 is abundantly deposited on the front face 6 of the paper 12 by one of the rollers 22 which is directly in contact with said heat-sealing film-forming polymer 10.

[0238] The excess of the heat-sealing film-forming polymer 10 is removed by means of an air jet emitted by the air blade 24. This excess is recovered in the recovery tank 28 arranged to recycle said excess in the tank of the heat-sealing film-forming polymer 10.

[0239] This 18 air knife coater allows for high quality coating deposition and ensures uniform and regular coating on 12 paper.

[0240] The coating deposit having a surface density of 5 to 15 g / m 2 , carried out with this air knife coater 18 makes it possible to confer water barrier properties to the coated paper 4.

[0241] Thus, coated paper 4 has a Cobb index 1800 (water) of 0 to 15 g / m2.

[0242] Step b) of the method according to the invention is carried out by means of a dryer 30.

[0243] Step c) of the method according to the invention is carried out with water applied to the back face 16 of the coated paper 4 using a rotating roller 22 in contact with water contained in a water tank 32. It is also possible to carry out an application of water or a layer in the case of a yogurt pot treated on both sides.

[0244] A coated paper 4 obtained by the method according to the invention is shown schematically in cross-section.

[0245] The coated paper 4 comprising the front 6 and back 16 faces, comprises on its front 6 face a coated layer 10 while the back 16 face of said coated paper 4 does not comprise a heat-sealing film-forming polymer 10.

[0246] A coated paper 400 obtained by a variant of the method according to the invention is shown schematically in cross-section.

[0247] The coated paper 400 thus obtained has a front face 6 on which a coated layer 50 is deposited and a back face 16 on which a second layer 60 is deposited, the first and second coated layers 50, 60 comprising natural polymers with the compositions presented above.

[0248] There is shown, schematically, in cross-section, an assembly 70 by heat-sealing two coated papers 4 obtained by the method according to the invention.

[0249] Two coated papers 4 having a front face 6 and a back face 16, each coated paper 4 having on its front face 6 a coated layer 10, are assembled without it being necessary to insert an additional adhesive layer (not shown) between each layer of the heat-sealing film-forming polymer 10.

[0250] It is remarkable to note that the method according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a coated paper 4 intended for packaging, said coated paper 4 being biosourced, biodegradable, compostable and repulpable with mechanical and chemical properties equivalent to a paper coated with a non-biodegradable film-forming polymer (not shown), namely a plastic film-forming polymer commonly used commercially.

[0251] Furthermore, the method according to the invention allows the industrial manufacture of said coated paper 4 in an automated paper manufacturing line whereas such coated paper 4 could not be obtained via this manufacturing line until now due to the winding effect of the coated paper 4.

[0252] Furthermore, the method according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the number of layers required for the coated paper 4 while making it more ecological, economical and compatible with various applications such as packaging applications, in particular food packaging applications.

[0253] In a variant of the invention, the coated layer is based on a natural wax such as carnauba wax, soy wax, beeswax, pine wax or even rice wax.

[0254] Preferably, the heat-sealing polymer(s), in particular wax, are present in the coated layer with a weight percentage of between 1% and 30%, in particular between 5% and 20%, in particular between 10% and 15%, in particular between 5% and 15%.

[0255] Example P1:

[0256] For this example, a coated flexible support 120 comprising a paper 121 (which is the flexible support) or cardboard with water, grease and heat-sealing barrier properties, in particular obtained by the method described above, has been described with reference to an example according to the invention. For example, the support is a paper / cardboard of 120 g / m2 to 450 g / m2, preferably between 150 g / m2 and 310 g / m2.

[0257] The formulation of the coating material of the coated layer 122 is carried out using one or more film-forming binders, also called latexes. They are in the form of aqueous dispersions or emulsions and can be of different chemical natures, preferably chosen from styrene butadiene, or acrylics or polyolefins. Preferably, the latex used is a carboxylated styrene butadiene.

[0258] The formulation may include the addition of one or more additives to strengthen the barrier properties: preferably a wax chosen from natural waxes (carnauba, soy, rice, etc.) or synthetic waxes (paraffin, PE, PP, etc.). Preferably, the additive is a paraffin wax.

[0259] The wax is preferably a paraffin emulsion and its melting point is preferably less than 80°C and advantageously less than 65°C.

[0260] The formulation is therefore based on latex (polymer dispersion) and wax in order to coat different types of paper and cardboard to give them barrier and heat-sealing properties.

[0261] The formulation is made by mixing one or more latexes with one or more waxes.

[0262] Other additives such as antifoams, rheological agents, crosslinkers, mineral fillers or co-binders / plasticizers can be used in the formulation.

[0263] Coating can be carried out on any type of support with any type of machine conventionally used for coating a liquid coating (air knife coating, curtain, bar, spray, printing, etc.). The deposition can be carried out in one or more passes.

[0264] The support preferably has a smooth face for depositing. The drying temperature is preferably greater than 80°C and preferably greater than or equal to 100°C.

[0265] For example, the coated layer obtained by the deposition has a density between 4 and 14 g / m2, preferably between 6 and 12 g / m2.

[0266] Other values ​​are possible, for example the dry deposit is 5 to 10 g / m2 and preferably between 6 and 8 g / m2.

[0267] Another example may be a backing coated on both sides, with a deposit of coated layer of 6 to 22 g / m2, in particular 8 to 16 g / m2, on the inside to ensure good sealing, and a deposit of thinner coated layer on the outside, for example 1 to 16 g / m2, in particular 2 to 5 g / m2, to improve resistance in a refrigerator and assist with flesh-to-skin heat sealing.

[0268] This provides a water barrier and heat-sealing functionality. The choice of substrate is crucial to optimizing barrier properties.

[0269] The finished product is recyclable in the paper sector.

[0270] The flexible support according to the invention is suitable for applications, for example of the flowpack type, namely on a flow-pack machine (or in English "flow-pack machines"), whether the flexible support is food-grade or not. This is made possible by the water barrier properties, and / or the heat sealability.

[0271] To increase the barrier properties, it is possible to add the film-forming polymer(s) with waxes, whether petrochemical (paraffin) or bio-sourced (carnauba, rice, pine, soy, bee, etc.).

[0272] It is also possible to add some mineral fillers (calcium carbonate, talc, kaolin, etc.) to limit blocking and improve print quality.

[0273] Example P2:

[0274] For this example, an example according to the invention has been described with reference to a coated flexible support 125 comprising a paper 121 or cardboard with grease barrier and heat-sealing properties.

[0275] In this example, the formulation is made using one or more film-forming polymers with grease barrier properties. Preferably, polyvinyl alcohol, modified starch, acrylic or styrene butadiene are chosen. It is also possible to add additives such as mineral fillers, preferably lamellar ones such as talc, waxes or other rheological agents.

[0276] Even if interesting barrier properties can be obtained by making a single deposit, at least two successive deposits 127 (which form a finished coated layer) are preferably made to obtain the best possible barrier. Indeed, for equal deposits, the barrier performances and particularly the grease barrier are much better when two successive deposits are made instead of a single deposit.

[0277] For example, the grease barrier is greatly improved when two passes are made at 2*3.5 g / m2 instead of a single pass at 1*7 g / m2.

[0278] Coating can be carried out on any type of paper or cardboard but the best results are obtained on pre-treated paper or cardboard.

[0279] So we use a support that is pre-treated with a grease barrier. A light coating / treatment allows us to obtain an intermediate grease barrier, before the coating of the two successive deposits.

[0280] Example P3:

[0281] For this example, a flexible coated support 128 comprising a paper 121 or cardboard with barrier properties to water vapor, water, oxygen, grease and heat-sealing has been described with reference to an example according to the invention.

[0282] In this example, it is necessary to use at least two different layers 129 and 130, in order to obtain a barrier to water vapor, water, oxygen and grease while being heat-sealing. The properties of each layer 129 and 130 are different from the other layer to obtain the most complete barrier possible.

[0283] The first layer 129 can, for example, provide a barrier to oxygen, water vapor, and grease with the use of a polyvinyl alcohol. The polyvinyl alcohol can have a fully hydrolyzed grade, for example a 15-99 or a 28-99. This makes it possible to increase the oxygen barrier in particular. The second layer 130 completes the properties, for example, using the formulation of example P1 to provide a barrier to water vapor, water, and grease while being heat-sealing. The first layer and the second layer 130 thus form a final layer with the required properties.

[0284] It is possible to insert between the two previous layers 129 and 130, a thin inorganic layer 131 (notably of a few nanometers), for example an inorganic layer preferably resulting from an AlOx or SiOx treatment (see).

[0285] In this example, the method comprises the step of applying a first barrier layer to a cellulosic substrate, drying it, and then applying a second barrier and heat-sealing layer.

[0286] It is also possible to produce a first water-based barrier coating, a second inorganic layer of the order of a few nanometers, then a third water-based barrier and heat-sealing layer.

[0287] The total deposit is between 4 and 14 g / m2, preferably between 6 and 10 g / m2.

[0288] The packaging has the following performances: WVTR ≤ 50 g / (m2.24h), preferably ≤ 30 g / (m2.24h) and even more preferably ≤ 10 g / (m2.24h); OTR ≤ 100 cm3 / (m2.24h), preferably ≤ 50 cm3 / (m2.24h) and even more preferably ≤ 10 cm3 / (m2.24h) (OTR for "oxygen transmission rate"); Cobb1800 (water) ≤ 15 g / m2, preferably ≤ 10 g / m2 and even more preferably ≤ 5 g / m2; Kit ≥ 10 and even more preferably ≥ 12; Sealing force ≥ 3 N / 15mm, even more preferably ≥ 4 N / 15mm and preferably ≥ 5 N / 15mm.

[0289] 9 to 11, a container 200 configured to receive a food, here a dairy product such as a yogurt, the container 200 comprising: an upper opening 201, a bottom 202, a side wall 220 extending between the bottom 202 and the upper opening 201, the side wall 220 being of substantially cylindrical or frustoconical shape, and being made of a coated support 120 as described in example P1 above, and comprising: a support 121 containing fibers, in particular paper or cardboard, an internal coated layer 122A on an internal face 203 and / or an external coated layer 122B on an external face 204 of the support 121, which contains at least one film-forming component, here a film-forming polymer, a joint line 221, in particular sealed by ultrasound, which joins two edges of the coated support, the joint line 221 extending from the bottom 202 to the upper opening 201.

[0290] The food is in particular of the semi-solid or pasty or viscous or fluid or creamy type. The container 200 has for example a capacity between 150 ml and 250 ml, for example being 200 ml or 220 ml.

[0291] It has been unexpectedly found that the coated support 120 as described in example P1 above is particularly well suited to ultrasonic sealing.

[0292] The invention has a significant advantage in that it has been observed that there is no transfer of compounds (particularly of the plastic type) from the container 200 to the food it contains, after a prolonged period of storage (for example between 20 days and 30 days), particularly in the cold in a refrigerator. This result is particularly beneficial, as it makes it possible to meet regulatory requirements in terms of food compatibility.

[0293] For example, where applicable, it has been found that ink particles present on the outer face of the container 200 do not migrate inward and toward the food.

[0294] The 121 support is a paper / cardboard having a grammage of 120 g / m² to 450 g / m², preferably between 150 g / m² and 310 g / m² or between 310 g / m² and 450 g / m².

[0295] The sidewall 220 comprises an inner coated layer 122A and an outer coated layer 122B, and the outer coated layer 122B has a lower density than the inner coated layer 122A.

[0296] The inner coated layer 122A has a density of 6 to 22 g / m², especially 8 to 16 g / m² or 18 g / m² to 22 g / m², and the outer coated layer 122B has a density of 1 to 16 g / m², especially 2 to 5 g / m² or 12 g / m² to 16 g / m².

[0297] The bottom 202 is made from a coated support identical to the coated support of the side wall 220, and being in particular heat-sealed to the side wall 220, in particular by a flow of hot air.

[0298] The bottom 202 of the container 200 is flat and in particular has a circular circumference.

[0299] The upper opening 201 of the container 200 has a circular circumference.

[0300] Container 200 defines, for example, a pot, in particular a yogurt pot.

[0301] The side wall 220 has an external face 204 printed, with printed patterns 225 by offset printing using a liquid ink compatible with food contact, said ink being dried by an ultraviolet process.

[0302] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "printed patterns" means any printed graphic, textual or visual element. These patterns may include, but are not limited to: Textual elements, such as product information (e.g., name, description, ingredients) or regulatory data (e.g., expiration dates, batch numbers), Graphic elements, such as logos, illustrations, symbols, decorations, geometric patterns, Functional elements, such as QR codes or barcodes.

[0303] The ultrasonically sealed 221 joint line advantageously exhibits high mechanical tightness and strength.

[0304] Additionally, ultrasonic sealing of the 221 joint line allows for reduced energy consumption compared to traditional sealing processes, such as heat sealing using air or hot irons, thus contributing to the reduction of the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process.

[0305] The inner coated layer 122A of the coated support is configured to be in direct contact with the food contained in the container 200.

[0306] The outer coated layer 122B of the coated support is configured to receive pattern printing.

[0307] The side wall 220 of the container 200 comprises a collar 226 which borders the upper opening 201.

[0308] This collar 226 is configured to allow the application of a seal 227 capable of hermetically closing the container 200.

[0309] The collar 226 is formed by a fold 228 of the coated support 120, in particular the fold 228 comprises several successive folds so that the fold 228 is rolled up on itself.

[0310] For example, when viewed in a transverse plane containing the longitudinal axis X of the container 200, the fold 228 comprises two U-shaped folds in a row, which are nested within each other.

[0311] The collar 226 comprises a flat 229 for fixing the cover 227. This flat 229 has a radial dimension D1 (measured in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the side wall 220) greater than 2 mm or 3 mm or 3.5 mm, being for example between 2.5 mm and 5 mm, between 3 mm and 4 mm. The radial dimension D1 is taken between the upper opening 201 and the external periphery of the collar 226.

[0312] The 228 fold is ultrasonically sealed.

[0313] This makes it possible to give the collar 226 great rigidity and provides an enlarged flat surface (flat 229) intended to receive the cover 227.

[0314] The 227 cover is made of aluminum.

[0315] The seal 227 is fixed to the collar 226 by heat sealing or, alternatively, by ultrasonic sealing.

[0316] The method for manufacturing the container 200 comprises the following steps:Providing a coated support 120 having a support containing fibers, in particular paper or cardboard, and an inner coated layer 122A on an inner face 203 of the support and / or an outer coated layer 122B on an outer face 204 of the support, said coated layer containing at least one film-forming component, in particular a film-forming polymer;Forming a side wall 220 from the coated support, said side wall 220 extending between a bottom 202 and an upper opening 201 of the container 200;Sealing, in particular by ultrasound, a joint line 221 connecting two edges of the coated support to form the side wall 220, the joint line 221 extending from the bottom 202 to the upper opening 201.

[0317] The method includes the step of cutting the coated support into a predetermined shape before forming the sidewall 220.

[0318] The method comprises a step of printing patterns on the external face 204 of the support using an ink which is in particular compatible with food contact, for example said printing being carried out by an offset process and dried by ultraviolet radiation.

[0319] For example, the patterns printed on the external face 204 of the support are produced using a liquid ink, said ink being dried by ultraviolet.

[0320] Alternatively, printing can be flexographic. This printing technique combines a flexible engraving plate with a raised pattern.

[0321] The method comprises the step of forming a flat bottom 202 from the same coated support as that used for the side wall 220, the bottom being heat sealed to the side wall 220, in particular by a flow of hot air.

[0322] The method comprises the step of forming a collar 226 around the upper opening 201 of the side wall 220, said collar 226 being produced by a fold 228 of the coated support comprising in particular several rolled folds.

[0323] The method includes the step of ultrasonically sealing the fold of the collar 226.

[0324] The method comprises a step of symmetrically winding the coated support onto the top of the container 200 to form a collar 226.

[0325] The formed collar 226 is subjected to a press 230 (see), in particular of the hydraulic type, applying uniform pressure to compact the superimposed layers of the fold 228.

[0326] The method comprises a step of passing the collar 226 under an ultrasonic head 231 (see), said head sealing the superimposed layers of the fold 228.

[0327] The method comprises the step of fixing a cover 227 on the collar 226, in particular the cover 227 being made from aluminum and fixed by heat sealing or by ultrasonic sealing.

[0328] If the container 200 is printed, the printing step is done before cutting and folding the coated support 120 to form the container 200.

[0329] After printing, the flexible support is cut and then passes through a machine which folds it into the shape of a container 200 with the side wall 220, in particular cylindrical or truncated.

[0330] The features of the different embodiments of the invention described above may be combined with each other, if appropriate.

Claims

Container (200) configured to receive a food, for example a dairy product such as a yogurt, the container (200) comprising: an upper opening (201), a bottom (202), a side wall (220) extending between the bottom (202) and the upper opening (201), the side wall (220) being in particular of substantially cylindrical or frustoconical shape, and being made of a coated support (120) comprising: a support containing fibers, in particular paper or cardboard, an internal coated layer (122A) on an internal face (203) and / or an external coated layer (122B) on an external face (204) of the support, which contains at least one film-forming component, in particular a film-forming polymer, a joint line (221), in particular sealed by ultrasound, which joins two edges of the coated support (120), the joint line (221) extending from the bottom (202) to the upper opening (201). Container (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support is a paper / cardboard having a grammage of 120 g / m2 to 450 g / m2, preferably between 150 g / m2 and 310 g / m2 or between 310 g / m2 and 450 g / m2. Container (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (220) comprises an inner coated layer (122A) and an outer coated layer (122B), and in particular the outer coated layer (122B) having a lower density than the inner coated layer (122A), and the inner coated layer (122A) has a density of 6 to 22 g / m2, in particular 8 to 16 g / m2 or 18 g / m² to 22 g / m², and the outer coated layer (122B) has a density of 1 to 16 g / m2, in particular 2 to 5 g / m2 or 12 g / m² to 16 g / m². Container (200) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the side wall (220) has an external face (204) printed, in particular with printed patterns (225) by offset printing using a liquid ink compatible with food contact, said ink being dried by an ultraviolet process. Container (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal line (221) is sealed ultrasonically. Container (200) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the side wall (220) of the container (200) comprises a collar (226) which borders the upper opening (201), this collar (226) being in particular configured to allow the application of a seal (227) capable of hermetically closing the container (200), and the collar (226) is formed by a fold (228) of the coated support (120), in particular the fold (228) comprises several successive folds, so that the fold (228) is rolled up on itself, the fold (228) being in particular sealed by ultrasound. Container (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coated layer (122) contains one or more waxes. A method of manufacturing a container (200) configured to receive a food, the method comprising the following steps:Providing a coated support (120) having a fiber-containing support, in particular paper or cardboard, and an inner coated layer (122A) on an inner face (203) of the support and / or an outer coated layer (122B) on an outer face (204) of the support, said coated layer containing at least one film-forming component, in particular a film-forming polymer;Forming a side wall (220) from the coated support (120), said side wall (220) extending between a bottom (202) and an upper opening (201) of the container (200);Sealing, in particular by ultrasound, a joint line (221) connecting two edges of the coated support (120) to form the side wall (220), the joint line (221) extending from the bottom (202) to the upper opening (201). Method according to the preceding claim, comprising the step of forming a collar (226) around the upper opening (201) of the side wall (220), said collar (226) being produced by a fold (228) of the coated support (120) comprising in particular several rolled folds, and the step of ultrasonically sealing the fold (228) of the collar (226). Method according to the preceding claim, in which the collar (226) formed is subjected to a press (230), in particular of the hydraulic type, applying uniform pressure to compact the superimposed layers, then a step of passing the collar (226) under an ultrasonic head (231), said head carrying out the sealing of the superimposed layers. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, in which each coated layer (122) on the support comes from two successive deposits (127) of a coating material, for example the first deposit of coating material is made to erase irregularities of the support, and the second deposit of coating material is made to erase irregularities of the first deposit.

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