Primary packaging unit

Abstract

The disclosure provides a controlled-dispense primary packaging unit (110). The packaging unit comprises a rigid element (120) and a compliant element (140). Both the rigid element and the compliant element are formed of a home-compostable material. The primary packagig unit can be in the form of a pipette dropper, a tube and piston or a tube and dispensing aperture, or a bag-in-bottle arrangement.

Description

[0001] PRIMARY PACKAGING UNIT

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a primary packaging unit, and more particularly to controlled-dispense primary packaging units.

[0004] Background

[0005] In cosmetics and personal care industries, as well as foodstuffs, it is common for primary packaging (e.g. packaging in direct contact with the product formulation during shipping and use) to incorporate an integral means of controlled dispensing. These features allow customers to dose a volume of product for use at an expected rate and in an expected location. Some examples of primary packaging units that incorporate controlled dispensing features may include squeezable bottles and tubes, pipette and eye-droppers (also known as Pasteur pipettes), pumps, and balm / lipstick / deodorant applicators. In each of these examples, controlled dispensing occurs via a static element e.g. nozzle or neck, coupled to an element that can change volume based on user actuation. This changeable volume element could be integrated with the static element in a single component, such as in a squeezable tube, or consist of separately manufactured components such as a piston riding in a static pump housing.

[0006] It is an aim of the present invention to provide improved primary packaging units.

[0007] Summary of the invention

[0008] Embodiments of the disclosure aim to provide a controlled-dispense primary packaging unit comprising a rigid element and a compliant element, wherein both the rigid element and the compliant element are formed of a home-compostable material.

[0009] The inventors have recognised that with mixed material packaging (e.g., glass, plastics and rubber), responsible disposal methods become unavailable to the end user. Recycling processes typically require packaging to be sorted into like-materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene and glass, for independent and non-contaminated recovery. Mixed material packaging prevents efficient sorting unless complete disassembly is conducted by the end user, which is rarely performed such that this type of packaging is typically disposed of using low-value techniques such as landfill or energy recovery. The controlled-dispense primary packaging unit disclosed herein may provide the advantage of an alternative and more favourable disposal route for potentially un-recyclable packaging via biodegradation or composting), especially if the compostable materials can biodegrade within reasonable (1-10 year) timeframes in any natural, bacterially rich environment. So, even if the end user disposes of the material in a sub-optimal way, e.g. via landfill, it will still biodegrade into harmless constituent elements rather than leaching microplastics or plastic pollution into the environment.

[0010] The rigid element may be formed of the same home-compostable material as the compliant element. The controlled-dispense primary packaging unit may be a monomaterial.

[0011] The home-compostable material may be a home-compostable polyester. The home- compostable material may comprise thermoplastic starch, TPS. The home-compostable material may comprise polyhydroxyalkanoate, PHA. The PHA may be an amorphous or semicrystalline PHA. The home-compostable material may be polymeric. The home- compostable material may be a bioderived material. The bioderived material may be free from petroleum. The bioderived material may be free from petrochemical derivatives. The home-compostable material may comprise a slip modifier and / or a demoulding agent. The slip modifier may comprise at least one of an aliphatic amide wax or an aliphatic fatty acid ester. The slip modifier may comprise a surface-migratory wax derived from natural vegetable-based materials.

[0012] The rigid element may have a greater crystalline fraction than the compliant element. The rigid element may comprise at least one additive configured to control the stiffness of the rigid element. The at least one additive may comprise at least one of: a plasticiser, a rigid filler, a nucleating agent, and fibres. The nucleating agent may comprise at least one of boron nitride, titanium dioxide, uracil, saccharin and cyanuric acid. The rigid element may have a greater degree of cross-linking or steric hindrance than the compliant element. The rigid element may have a greater wall thickness than the compliant element. The rigid element may comprise at least one structural element configured to increase the stiffness thereof. The at least one structural element may comprise at least one rib.

[0013] The controlled-dispense primary packing unit may be a pipette dropper. The pipette dropper may comprise a pipette assembly. The pipette assembly may be configured to be releasably connected to a bottle of the pipette dropper. The pipette assembly may comprise a dip tube provided by the rigid element. The pipette assembly may comprise a bulb provided by the compliant element.

[0014] The dip tube may comprise a dispense surface. The dispense surface may comprise means to reduce the wettability of the dispense surface. The means may comprise a high gloss finish. The dip tube may comprise a ball tip at the end of the dip tube. The ball tip may be configured to aid the formation of consistent droplet sizes of product. The ball tip may be configured to reduce the impact of dip tube orientation on droplet size.

[0015] The dip tube may comprise a connection surface. The connection surface may be configured to be received by the bulb. The connection surface may comprise a barb. The barb may be configured to retain the bulb around the connection surface.

[0016] The connection surface may comprise a lead-in. The lead-in may be bevelled. The lead-in may be configured to facilitate assembly of the dip tube with the bulb.

[0017] The barb may be configured to provide a fluid-tight seal between the bulb and the dip tube. The barb may be sloped in a radially inward direction towards the bulb, such that an assembly force required to connect the bulb to the dip tube may be lower than a disassembly force required to disconnect the bulb from the dip tube. The barb may be circumferentially disposed around the connection surface.

[0018] The connection surface may comprise at least one stabilising rib. The at least one stabilising rib may be configured to prevent rotation of the bulb relative to the dip tube. The at least one stabilising rib may be configured to prevent rotation of the bulb relative to the dip tube along an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the dip tube, to prevent the bulb from rocking or pivoting with respect to the dip tub.

[0019] The pipette assembly may further comprise a cap. The cap may be configured to provide a releasable connection between the pipette assembly and a bottle of the pipette dropper. The cap may be mounted on the dip tube via the bulb.

[0020] The bulb may comprise a foot. The foot may extend radially outwards from the bulb. The foot may be configured to seal an opening of the bottle.

[0021] The bulb may comprise an increased thickness section on a radially outer surface thereof. The barb may be arranged to be received by the increased thickness section. The barb may be arranged to align with the increased thickness section along a longitudinal axis of the dip tube. The increased thickness section may be provided by a flared section. The flared section may provide a recess configured to receive a cap.

[0022] Embodiments of the disclosure aim to provide a primary packaging unit further comprising: a bottle releasably connectable to the pipette assembly; and a sealing interface between the pipette assembly and the bottle; wherein the sealing interface comprises an angled protrusion configured to provide a line contact interface between the pipette dropper and the bottle.

[0023] The sealing interface may comprise an axial face on a head of the bottle. The axial face may be bevelled. The angular protrusion may be provided at a radially inner region or a radially outer region of the annular face.

[0024] The controlled-dispense primary packaging unit may comprise: a tube configured to contain a solid or liquid formulation; and a piston disposed in the tube and configured to be actuated along the tube to provide a controlled dispense of the solid or liquid formulation.

[0025] The piston may comprise a seal between the piston and an internal wall of the tube. The seal may be provided by the compliant element and the tube may be provided by the rigid element. The seal may be formed of at least one annular protrusion of the piston. The controlled-dispense primary packaging unit may comprise: a tube having a deformable region configured to contain a solid or liquid formulation; and a dispensing aperture at an end of the deformable region; wherein the deformable region is provided by the compliant element and the dispensing aperture is provided by the rigid element.

[0026] The controlled-dispense primary packaging unit may comprise: a bag configured to contain a solid or liquid formulation; and a bottle configured to contain the bag.

[0027] The bag may be provided by the compliant element and the bottle may be provided by the rigid element. The bag may comprise an opening configured to facilitate dispensing of the solid or liquid formulation from the bottle. The bag may be loose within the bottle. Alternatively, the bag may be chemically or physically bonded to an inner wall of the bottle.

[0028] Embodiments of the disclosure aim to provide a pipette assembly for a pipette dropper, the pipette assembly comprising: a dip tube; and a bulb; wherein the dip tube comprises a connection surface configured to be received by the bulb and wherein the connection surface comprises a barb configured to retain the bulb around the connection surface.

[0029] The pipette assembly may have any of the features described hereinabove.

[0030] Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Fig. 1A is an exploded diagram of a pipette assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0033] Fig. 1 B is a sectional diagram of the pipette assembly of Fig. 1 A;

[0034] Fig. 2A is a partial front view of a dip tube according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0035] Fig. 2B is a partial sectional diagram of the pipette assembly of Fig. 1A;

[0036] Fig. 3A is an exploded diagram of a pipette dropper according to embodiments of the disclosure; Fig. 3B is a sectional diagram of the pipette dropped of Fig. 3A;

[0037] Fig. 4A is a partial sectional diagram of a pipette dropper according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0038] Fig. 4B is a partial sectional diagram of a pipette dropper according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0039] Fig. 5A is a sectional diagram of a piston-type dispenser according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0040] Fig. 5B is a perspective view of a piston of the piston-type dispenser of Fig. 5A;

[0041] Fig. 6A is a sectional diagram of a piston tube according to embodiments of the disclosure in a first configuration;

[0042] Fig. 6B is a sectional diagram of the piston tube of Fig. 6A in a second configuration;

[0043] Fig. 7A is a side, front and sectional view of a tube according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0044] Fig. 7B is a side, front and sectional view of a tube according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0045] Detailed description of the drawings

[0046] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a controlled-dispense primary packaging unit, for example for containing and dispensing medicinal and cosmetic formulations or foodstuffs. The controlled-dispense primary packaging unit is home-compostable. In this respect, the packaging unit may be comprised entirely of home-compostable materials. The packaging unit may meet substantially similar home compostable validation criteria for the packaging product in its assembled usage state, or a particular user-achieved partially-disassembled state instigated after usage and prior to disposal such as the removal of a cap or closure but not substantially breaking or dividing the components outside of integrally designed weak points.

[0047] A material may be classed as “home compostable” when, while at conditions as set out in ISO 20200, with the differentiation of ambient temperatures of 25±5°C, material sample plaques of minimum dimensions 15mm x 15mm x 1 mm achieve 90% disintegration to less than 2 mm in 6 months, as determined by size selection by sieving; in conditions according to ISO 14855, with the differentiation of ambient temperatures of 28±2°C, material plaques of minimum dimensions 15mm x 15mm x 1mm achieve 90% absolute biodegradation in 12 months, as determined by CO2 production through acid-base titration or by employing a direct measurement such as infrared or gas chromatography; and testing validates that the resulting decomposed material does not result in ecotoxic effects that negatively affect plant germination and / or plant biomass by 10%. A home-compostable material may degrade without producing microplastics or nanoplastics, which are plastic particles below 5 mm in size that persist in the environment for longer than the 12-month degradation period.

[0048] A packaging product may be classed as home compostable if, in addition to being comprised entirely of home-compostable materials, when empty of formulation (e.g. cosmetics or foodstuff) and under the same conditions as described for the home compostable material, the assembled or partially user-disassembled packaging product achieves 90% disintegration to less than 2 mm in 18 months, as determined by size selection by sieving and achieves 90% absolute biodegradation in 24 months, as determined by CO2 production through acid-base titration. A home-compostable product may degrade without producing microplastics or nanoplastics during its degradation period.

[0049] The controlled-dispense primary packaging unit has at least one rigid and at least one flexible or compliant element. The compliant element is configured to be flexible in response to user-applied deformation. In this way, the unit can be configured to allow a change in volume based on the deformation of an enclosed product chamber or to seal more rigid elements together in the case of a piston. In some examples, the change in stiffness can be achieved by using the same material (i.e., a mono-material) and varying geometry such as wall thickness to induce flexible regions. Additionally or alternatively, multiple materials of different stiffnesses may be used, which may or may not originate from the same materials families. Additionally or alternatively, a laminate structure comprising one or more layers may be added to add toughness and barrier properties to flexible areas. The stiffness of the rigid element and / or the compliant element may be modulated by adjusting the inclusion of at least one additive, the additive being configured to control the stiffness of the home-compostable material. Also disclosed herein is a pipette assembly and a pipette dropper incorporating the pipette assembly. The pipette assembly has a hollow tube in fluid communication with a sealed bulb, wherein dipping the tube in a liquid (for example, the liquid in a bottle of the pipette dropper) and squeezing and releasing the bulb draws the liquid into the hollow tube. The liquid is retained in the tube by a pressure balance until the bulb is squeezed to dispense the liquid. In such an assembly, the bulb is formed of a compliant material such that it can be elastically deformed, while the dip tube is formed of a rigid material. The rigid material and the compliant material may be formed of a home-compostable material, which may be the same home-compostable material.

[0050] Several examples of control-dispense primary packaging units are described in relation to the figures. Any of the elements in such examples may be formed of a home-compostable material. A packaging unit may be entirely made from a home-compostable material. The home-compostable material forming a first element may be the same or different to the home-compostable material forming a second element.

[0051] Examples of home-compostable materials may include a combination of polyesters, polyhydroxyalkanoates, synthetic and naturally occurring polymers, biologically-derived or naturally occurring filler materials, and biologically-derived or naturally-occurring processing additives. The home-compostable material may be a thermoplastic starch (TPS). TPS is a bioderived polysaccharide which is readily broken down by enzymes produced by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, into small molecular weight components, such as glucose. Other examples include polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). PHAs are fully bio-based, home-compostable, and do not release microplastics as part of their bio-degradation process. The home-compostable material may be formed of a copolymer, wherein the ratio of the constituent polymers determines the structural properties, such as the stiffness.

[0052] The entire packaging unit or a group of elements in a packaging unit in any of the examples may be described as a mono-material. A product may be classed as a mono-material when all components of the product that are not designed to be separated during normal use are made from the same material, or from materials that all contain a polymer with at least one conserved repeat-unit, or from materials that all contain a polymer with the same repeat unit. A packaging unit or a group of elements thereof being formed of a mono-material does not necessarily mean that each element has the same structural properties. For example, two elements may be formed of the same type of material but may have different structural features which influence their mechanical properties, such as stiffness. The degree of compliance or rigidity may be provided by adjusting the crystalline fraction and / or the degree of cross-linking and / or the wall thickness accordingly. This includes the addition of structural elements, such as ribs, which can stiffen components by increasing the second moment of area.

[0053] The formulation of these materials may include different processing aids and fillers as long as these components are not polymeric in nature and the polymer component of the material comprises greater than 50% of the overall formulation by weight. The polymers in these materials may themselves comprise a blend of copolymers, containing two or more repeat units where at least one of the repeat units is present in all polymers in the polyblend. A product may be classed as mono-material for the purposes of biodegradation at end of useful life, if all constituent components of the product are made from materials meeting the home composting definition, such that components do not need to be separated to enter organic waste streams.

[0054] Any of the components described herein, such as a flexible or compliant element of a controlled-dispense primary packaging unit, may be configured to provide resistance in demoulding from tooling during manufacture thereof. As such, components may comprise home-compostable slip modifiers and / or demoulding agents. The formulation of a component may comprise at least 0.1 wt% slip modifier. The formulation may comprise between 0.1 wt% and 5wt% slip modifier. The slip modifier may comprise at least one of an aliphatic amide wax or an aliphatic fatty acid ester.

[0055] Figures 1A to 2B illustrate a pipette assembly 110. In particular, Figure 1A is an exploded diagram and Figure 1 B is an assembled sectional diagram of a pipette assembly 110. The pipette assembly 110 comprises a dip tube 120 and a bulb 140. In the arrangement shown, the pipette assembly 110 also comprises a cap 160. The dip tube 120 has a longitudinal axis 101. The bulb 140 and the cap 160 are arranged with the dip tube 120 along the longitudinal axis 101. As shown in Figure 1 B, the dip tube 120 comprises a stem 121 , a channel 122, a tip 123 and a dispense aperture 124. The dip tube 120 has a proximal end and a distal end. The tip 123 is provided at the distal end and the proximal end of the dip tube 120 is connected to the bulb 140. The stem 121 has a generally cylindrical form. The dip tube 120 may comprise a home-compostable material, such as any of the home-compostable materials described herein. The dip tube 120 may be rigid or compliant. The dip tube 120 may be formed of a home-compostable material configured to be rigid or compliant. As such, the dip tube 120 may provide the rigid element or the compliant element of a controlled- dispense primary packaging unit.

[0056] The channel 122 is provided by the dip tube 120 having a hollow interior. In the arrangement shown, the dip tube 120 has a hollow centre to provide the channel 122. The channel 122 extends through the dip tube 120 from the proximal end to the distal end. In the illustrated arrangement, the stem 121 has a gradually decreasing inner diameter from the proximal end to the distal end, which provides a tapered channel 122 along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 101.

[0057] The tip 123 extends from a base of the stem 121 and has a substantially spherical surface. The dispense aperture 124 is arranged at the distal end of the dip tube 120. As shown in Figure 1 B, the dispense aperture 124 is an opening in the tip 123. The dispense aperture 124 is arranged as an opening along the longitudinal axis 101 between the channel 122 and the exterior of the dip tube 120. The channel 122 may have a reduced width portion 122a within the tip 123. The reduced width portion 122a of the channel 122 may accommodate for a reduced width portion of the dip tube 120 between the stem 121 and the tip 123. The tip 123 has a dispense surface 125. The dispense surface 125 comprises means to reduce the wettability of the dip tube 120, in particular the tip 123. For example, the dispense surface 125 may have a high gloss finish.

[0058] In view of the above, the dip tube 120 is configured to facilitate controlled dispense of fluid. The tip 123 is configured to transfer fluid into and out of the channel 122 via the dispense aperture 124. The channel 122 is configured to hold the fluid. The tip 123 is configured to form droplets of fluid when the fluid is expelled from the channel 122. For example, the dispense surface of the tip 123 is configured to reduce the wettability of the dip tube 120.

[0059] Figures 2A and 2B show additional detail of the dip tube 120 and its connection with the bulb 140 and the cap 160. With particular reference to Figure 2A, the dip tube 120 comprises a connection surface 130. The connection surface 130 is arranged at the proximal end of the dip tube 120. As such, the connection surface 130 is provided at an opposite axial end of the dip tube 120 to the tip 123. The connection surface 130 may extend from the stem 121 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 101 and have a generally cylindrical form. The dip tube 120 may comprise a neck 127 between the stem 121 and the connection surface 130. In the arrangement shown, the neck 127 provides a radially outward taper of the stem 121. The connection surface 130 comprises a barb 131 , a lead-in 132, a stabilising rib 133 and an end stop 134. The connection surface 130 may be formed of the same material as the dip tube 120, such as a home-compostable material as described herein.

[0060] The barb 131 is provided as a radial extension of the connection surface 130. In the arrangement shown, the barb 131 is provided as an annulus surrounding the connection surface 130. The barb 131 has an outer diameter which decreases along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis towards the proximal end of the dip tube 120. In other words, the barb 131 becomes narrower towards the axial end of the connection surface 130. In the illustrated arrangement, the barb 131 is sloped in a radially inward direction towards the proximal end of the dip tube 120, wherein the slope is a linear slope. As such, the barb 131 may be frustoconical.

[0061] The lead-in 132 is provided at the proximal end of the dip tube 120. In particular, the lead- in 132 is arranged at the axial end of the connection surface 130. The lead-in 132 is arranged adjacent to the barb 131. The lead-in 132 may provide the connection surface 130 with a bevelled end. In this respect, the lead-in 132 provides a gradually decreasing diameter of the connection surface 130 towards the axial end of the connection surface 130. The diameter may decrease in a linear fashion. In this way, the lead-in 132 may provide a frustoconical surface.

[0062] The stabilising rib 133 is provided as a radial protrusion from the connection surface 130. The stabilising rib 133 extends partly along the connection surface 130 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 101. The stabilising rib 133 may extend radially from the connection surface 130 to match the outer diameter of the barb 131. The stabilising rib 133 is arranged on the connection surface 130 such that the barb 131 is at an axial position between the lead-in 132 and the stabilising rib 133. The stabilising rib 133 may be spaced apart from the barb 131 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 101.

[0063] The stabilising rib 133 may be one of a plurality of stabilising ribs 133. Each of the plurality of stabilising ribs 133 may have any of the features described above. The plurality of stabilising ribs 133 may be distributed around the connection surface 130, for example at the same position along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 101. The plurality of stabilising ribs 133 may comprise at least two stabilising ribs 133. In the arrangement shown, the plurality of stabilising ribs 133 comprises at least four stabilising ribs 133 distributed evenly around the connection surface 130. In other arrangements, there is only one stabilising rib 133, which may extend around the entire radial extent of the connection surface 130. In other words, the stabilising rib 133 may be a full-wrap protrusion.

[0064] The end stop 134 is arranged at the boundary between the stem 121 and the connection surface 130 of the dip tube 120. In particular, the end stop 134 is provided at the end of the neck 127. The end stop 134 provides an axial surface that has a greater diameter than the connection surface 130. In this respect, the end stop 134 provides a platform around a base of the connection surface 130 at an opposite end of the connection surface 130 to the lead-in 132. The end stop 134 is arranged adjacent to the at least one stabilising rib 133. As such, the at least one stabilising rib 133 is arranged axially between the barb 131 and the end stop 134.

[0065] Figure 2B shows a sectional view of part of the pipette assembly 110, in particular at the proximal end of the dip tube 120. In the illustrated arrangement, the bulb 140 has a shell formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a rounded tip at one end and an opening at the other to receive the dip tube 120. In particular, the bulb 140 comprises a tip 141 , a deformable region 142, a flared section 143, an overhang 144, a recess 145 and a foot 146. The bulb 140 has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the bulb 140 is connected to the proximal end of the dip tube 120 via the connection surface 130. In particular, the bulb 140 is provided concentrically around the connection surface 130 of the dip tube 120.

[0066] The bulb 140 may be formed of a home-compostable material, such as any of the home- compostable materials described herein. The bulb 140 is compliant. The bulb 140 may be formed of a home-compostable material configured to be compliant. As such, the bulb 140 may provide the compliant element of a controlled-dispense primary packaging unit.

[0067] The tip 141 is provided at the distal end of the bulb 140. As shown in Figure 2B and also Figure 1A, the tip 141 provides a rounded end to the bulb 140. In particular, the tip 141 may have a hemispherical shape.

[0068] The deformable region 142 provides the main body of the bulb 140, which may be substantially cylindrical and which may comprise the tip 141 at one end. The deformable region 142 comprises a wall, such as a cylindrical wall, in order to provide at least a region of the bulb 140 that is deformable by compressing the space defined radially inwards of the wall. The deformable region 142 extends between the distal end of the bulb 140 and the proximal end of the bulb 140. The deformable region 142 may have a constant outer diameter or may be tapered. For example, the width or the diameter of the deformable region may decrease, preferably gradually, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis towards the distal end of the bulb 140. The inner diameter of the deformable region 142 may vary between the distal end and the proximal end in the same manner as the outer diameter, such that there is a constant wall thickness of the deformable region 142.

[0069] The flared section 143 is arranged towards the proximal end of the bulb 140. The flared section 143 comprises an increased outer diameter portion of the bulb 140. The flared section 143 may be provided by a taper, or a more pronounced taper, of the bulb 140 in a direction away from the proximal end of the bulb 140. The flared section 143 may have a constant inner diameter, or an inner diameter which varies less than that of the deformable region 142. In this way, the flared section 143 may have a wall thickness which gradually increases towards the proximal end, as shown in the illustrated arrangement. The flared section 143 can therefore provide an increased thickness section of the bulb 142. The overhang 144 is arranged at a position along the flared section 143 that has a maximum outer diameter, which is at the proximal-most end of the flared section 143 in the illustrated arrangement. As such, the overhang 144 may be at an axial position of the bulb 140 where the flared section 143 has the greatest wall thickness.

[0070] The recess 145 is provided towards the proximal end of the bulb 140. The recess 145 is adjacent to the overhang 144 and is at least partly defined by the overhang 144. The recess 145 may be provided as an annular groove around the bulb 140.

[0071] The foot 146 is provided at the proximal end of the bulb 140. The foot 146 may provide a flange of the bulb 140 which extends in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis 101. In this respect, the foot 146 comprises an increased diameter portion with respect to the recess 145. In the arrangement shown, the foot 146 is provided by a step change of the outer diameter of the bulb 140 from the recess 145 to the foot 146. The foot 146 may have a constant outer diameter. The outer diameter of the foot 146 may be greater than that of the flared section 143 and the overhang 144. The foot 146 may at least partly define the recess 145. In this way. The recess 145 is a reduced diameter portion between the overhang 144 and the foot 146.

[0072] In view of the above, the bulb 140 may have an inner diameter which is either constant or which varies smoothly or at a constant rate between the proximal end and the tip 141. In other words, the bulb 140 may be arranged such that the inner diameter does not have any step changes, such as a recess.

[0073] As shown in Figure 2B, the bulb 140 is connected to the dip tube 120 via the connection surface 130. The dip tube 120 is partially received within the bulb 140. The lead-in 132 is configured to facilitate connection with the bulb 140, for example by providing a taper of the connection surface 130. The bulb 140 and the dip tube 120 can be configured to limit relative axial movement therebetween after assembly. In particular, when assembled the connection surface 130 abuts an inner surface of the bulb 140. Such inner surface may be adjacent to the deformable region 142. The foot 146 may abut the end stop 134. In this way, the bulb 140 can be limited from travelling axially along the dip tube 120. The barb 131 is configured to engage with the bulb 140. As such, the barb 131 is configured to retain the bulb 140 in connection with the dip tube 120. The barb 131 is configured to provide a fluid-tight seal between the bulb 140 and the dip tube 120. In particular, the barb 131 is configured to grip the inner surface of the bulb 140. In the illustrated example, the pipette assembly 110 is arranged such that when assembled the barb 131 is aligned with the flared section 143, for example at the same axial position as overhang 144, such that the barb 131 is axially aligned with a part of the bulb that has an increased wall thickness. The barb 131 is configured such that an assembly force required to connect the bulb 131 to the dip tube 120 is lower than the disassembly force required to disconnect the bulb 131 from the dip tube 120.

[0074] The at least one stabilising rib 133 is configured to abut the inner surface of the bulb 140. The at least one stabilising rib 133 is configured to prevent rotation of the dip tube 120 relative to the bulb 140. The at least one stabilising rib 133 may prevent rotation of the dip tube 120 relative to the bulb 140 about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis 101. In other words, the at least one stabilising rib 133 may prevent or reduce rocking or pivoting of the dip tube 120 relative to the bulb 140. With reference to Figure 2B, it can be envisaged that without the one or more stabilising ribs 133, the gap between the barb 131 and the end stop 134 may provide space for pivotal movement of the dip tube 120 relative to the bulb 140.

[0075] A chamber 147 is defined between the inner wall of the bulb 140 and the dip tube 120. The dip tube 120 has an opening 126 at the proximal end thereof, opposite to the dispense aperture 124, and in fluid communication with the channel 122. In this respect, the channel 122 extends axially within the connection surface 130. The opening 126 delineates the channel 122 from the chamber 147. The opening 126 is in fluid communication with the chamber 147 by virtue of the bulb 140 being connected to the connection surface 130. As such, the opening 126 facilitates the transfer of fluid, such as air, between the chamber 147 and the channel 122. The deformable region 142 is configured to be deformed so as to reduce the volume of the chamber 147. In this way, it will be appreciated that the chamber 147 facilitates squeezing of the deformable region 142. The bulb 140 is configured to be deformed so as to facilitate a pressure difference in the dip tube 120 to expel or draw in fluid via the dispense aperture 124. The bulb 140 is configured to return to its original shape after deformation, for example by virtue of the compliance of the deformable region 142.

[0076] The pipette assembly 110 may comprise a cap 160. The cap 160 may have a substantially cylindrical form which may be tapered to provide a frustoconical shape. In the arrangement shown in Figure 2B, with additional reference to Figure 1A, the cap 160 resembles a typical bottle cap, but including an opening to receive the bulb 140. The cap 160 may comprise external features for gripping, such as knurling, as shown in Figure 1A. The cap 160 comprises a thread 161 configured to engage with another threaded component, such as a bottle head. One end of the cap 160 comprises a shelf 162. The shelf 162 may be provided as a region of reduced internal diameter of the cap 160. An internal diameter of the shelf 162 may define the opening in which the bulb 140 can be received.

[0077] The cap 160 is configured to engage with the bulb 140. For example, the shelf 162 may be received in the recess 145. The pipette assembly 110 may be arranged such that the deformable region 142 extends outwards from the cap 160. The cap 160 may be assembled with the bulb 140 by inserting the bulb 140, tip first, into the cap 160 such that the shelf 162 moves past the tip 141 , along the deformable region 142, along the flared section 143, past the overhang 144 and into the recess 145. As such, bulb is configured to retain the cap 160 therein, for example via the recess 145 receiving the shelf 162.

[0078] By virtue of the connection between the dip tube 120 and the bulb 140 via the connection surface 130 and the connection between the bulb 140 and the cap 160 via the recess 145, the dip tube 120, bulb 140 and the cap 160 can be assembled into the pipette assembly 110.

[0079] In operation, with reference to Figures 1A to 2B, the pipette assembly 110 is held by a user, for example via the bulb 140, and the dip tube 120 is dipped into a liquid reservoir such that the dispense aperture 124 at least is immersed in the liquid. Air is expelled from the channel 122 and the chamber 147 by squeezing the deformable region 142 of the bulb 140 such that the air escapes the pipette assembly 110 via the dispense aperture 124. Then, as the deformable region 142 is released to return to its original shape, the negative pressure in the chamber 147 causes liquid to be drawn into the channel 122 via the dispense aperture 124. When the dip tube 120 is removed from the liquid reservoir, the liquid in the channel 122 is retained by a pressure balance between the chamber 147 and atmospheric pressure. When a user wishes to dispense the liquid at a target location, this can be achieved by positioning the dispense aperture 124 over the target and squeezing the deformable region 142 of the bulb 140 until a desired volume of liquid is dispensed. In this way, product can be dispensed in a controlled manner through the dispense aperture 124 in dependence on the force applied to the bulb 140.

[0080] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a pipette dropper 100. The pipette dropper 100 comprises a pipette assembly 110, such as the pipette assembly 110 described in relation to Figures 1A to 2B, and a bottle 180. In the illustrated arrangement, the bottle 180 has a main body 181 , a head 182, a thread 183, and a base plug 184. Any or all of the components of the bottle 180 may comprise a home-compostable material, such as any of the home- compostable materials described herein. Any or all of the components of the bottle 180 may be rigid. The bottle 180 may be formed of a home-compostable material configured to be rigid. As such, the bottle 180 may provide the rigid element of a controlled-dispense primary packaging unit.

[0081] The head 182 is provided at the top of the bottle 182 and comprises an opening (see Figure 3B) to receive the dip tube 120. The thread 183 may be provided on the head 182 and configured to engage with the thread 161 of the cap 160 to thereby form a threaded engagement with the pipette assembly 110. As such, the pipette assembly 110 can be engaged and disengaged by relative rotation of the pipette assembly 110 relative to the bottle 180. In the arrangement shown, the base of the bottle 180 is provided by a base plug 184 which may be fixed, for example via an interference fit, into an opening at the bottom of the main body 181. The base plug 184 may be sealed using ultrasonic, friction or laser welding, which do not compromise the home-compostability of the bottle 180 because no additional materials, such as adhesives or solvents, are used in the sealing process.

[0082] The bottle 180 is configured to be connected to the pipette assembly 110, in particular to receive the dip tube 120. The bottle 180 is configured to receive the dip tube 120 in an opening of the head 182. As shown in Figure 3B, the pipette assembly 110 is engageable with the bottle 180 such that the head 182 is received within an annular space formed between the dip tube 120 and the cap 160. Furthermore, the head 182 abuts the bulb 140, in particular the foot 146 thereof.

[0083] Figure 4A illustrates part of a pipette dropper 100, for example the pipette dropper of Figures 3A and 3B. In more detail, the head 182 of the bottle 180 has a sealing surface 185. The sealing surface 185 is defined by an axial end of the head 182 and defines the opening for receiving the dip tube 120 therewithin. In some arrangements, the sealing surface is planar and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 101 , such that it abuts the foot 146 via a flat contact interface. However, in the illustrated arrangement of Figure 4A, the sealing surface 185 is configured to contact the foot 146 via a line contact interface, wherein the line may be a circle. In this way, the sealing surface 185 is an angular protrusion from the head 182. By decreasing the contact area over which the bulb 140 contacts the bottle 180, the contact pressure therebetween is increased which can cause greater local deformation of the flexible interface, such as the foot 146, to absorb macro or micro surface defects that could otherwise compromise the integrity of the seal.

[0084] In view of the above, the sealing surface 185 is not level, but is instead angled. The sealing surface 185 is angled such that an external normal to the sealing surface 185 has a component facing radially outwards with respect to the longitudinal axis 101 . This may be provided by forming an outward bevel on the head 182. In such an arrangement, the height of the head 182 is greater at an inner diameter than at an outer diameter thereof.

[0085] Figure 4B illustrates part of an alternative pipette dropper 100’. The alternative pipette dropper 100’ may comprise a pipette assembly 110, such as the pipette assembly 110 describe in relation to Figures 1A to 2B, and an alternative bottle 190. The bottle 190 is similar to the bottle 180 described in relation to Figures 3A and 3B, except that the bottle 190 has an alternative head 192 which has a different sealing surface 195. In particular, the sealing surface 195, in particular the angular protrusion, is angled in the opposite direction. As such, the sealing surface 195 is angled such that an external normal to the sealing surface 195 has a component facing radially inwards with respect to the longitudinal axis 101. This may be provided by forming an inward bevel on the head 192. In such an arrangement, the height of the head 192 is greater at an outer diameter than at an inner diameter thereof. Similarly to the arrangement shown in Figure 4A, the sealing surface 195 provides a line contact interface which increases the contact pressure between the bulb 140 and the bottle 190. However, since the radius of the circle of contact is greater, the torque required to open and close the bottle is greater. As such, the opening and closing torque of the pipette dropper can be adjusted by controlling the sealing surface of the bottle, in particular by adjusting the radius at which the head contacts the bulb 140.

[0086] In some examples, all of the components of the pipette dropper 100 comprise or consist of a home-compostable material. The components may all be formed of the same home- compostable material. A compliant element of the pipette dropper 100, such as the bulb 140, and a rigid element of the pipette dropper, such as the bottle 180, the dip tube 120, and / or the cap 160, may comprise the same home-compostable material, wherein the compliance or rigidity is provided by adjusting the crystalline fraction and / or the degree of cross-linking and / or the wall thicknesses accordingly. Once the bulb 140 is assembled with the dip tube 120, these components are not designed to be separated. As such, in examples where the bulb 140 and the dip tube 120 comprise the same home-compostable material, albeit with different structural properties to provide the respective compliance and rigidity, the product may be classed as a mono-material.

[0087] The pipette assembly 110 and the pipette dropper 100 described in relation to Figures 1A to 4B represent only a subset of examples of controlled-dispense primary packaging units according to this disclosure. Other examples of controlled-dispense primary packaging units are described in the following.

[0088] Figures 5A and 5B show a piston-type dispenser 200 according to the disclosure. The dispenser 200 is an example of a controlled-dispense primary packaging unit. In particular, Figure 5A is a sectional view of the dispenser 200. The dispenser 200 comprises a bottle 280. The bottle 280 has at least a portion having a constant cross-section along a longitudinal axis of the bottle 280. The bottle 280 has a generally cylindrical form including a head 282 at a top end thereof. The head 282 comprises a dispense aperture 284. A bottom end of the bottle 280 comprises an opening. The bottle 280 may comprise a home- compostable material, such as any of the home-compostable materials described herein. The bottle 280 may be rigid. The bottle 280 may be formed of a home-compostable material configured to be rigid. As such, the bottle 280 may provide the rigid element of a controlled-dispense primary packaging unit.

[0089] The head 282 comprises an engagement means, such as a thread configured for a threaded engagement, to engage with a cap. The cap (not shown) may be a functional cap and may include one or more end effectors, such as an end effector to reduce the size of the dispense aperture for more precise application, or be formed to a contour to aid application such as in the case of a chiselled profile, or increase the number of apertures, and in some cases may be provided with a one-way or two-way valve to either prevent leakage or to prevent air or product returning into the bottle 280.

[0090] The bottle 280 also comprises a piston 240. With particular reference to Figure 5B, the piston 240 has a generally cylindrical form. The piston 240 may be formed of a home- compostable material, such as any of the home-compostable materials described herein. The piston 240, or at least a portion thereof, is compliant. The piston 240 may be formed of a home-compostable material configured to be compliant. As such, the piston 240 may provide the compliant element of a controlled-dispense primary packaging unit.

[0091] An outer diameter of the piston 240 may vary along its longitudinal axis. In the arrangement shown, the piston 240 has a region of maximum outer diameter at each of its axial ends and a region of minimum outer diameter between the axial ends. In particular, a first end 241 and a second end 242 have a greater outer diameter than a central region 243. The outer diameter may vary smoothly along the outer surface of the piston in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. In this way, the piston 240 comprises annular protrusions.

[0092] The piston 240 is configured to be received in the bottle 280, particularly in the portion having a constant cross-section along the longitudinal axis. The piston 240 is configured to provide a product-tight seal between the dispense aperture 284 and the bottom opening of the bottle 280. The piston 240 is arranged concentrically within the bottle 280. The piston 240 is configured to be actuated within the bottle 280 along the longitudinal axis thereof. As such, a variable volume dispensing chamber can be created between the piston 240 and the internal walls of the bottle 280. In operation, the bottle 280 is filled with product to be dispensed. The piston 240 may be actuated manually, for example by a user pushing up the piston 240 via the bottom opening, or may be actuated by additional components (not shown), such as pneumatic components configured to exert a pressure on the piston 240. In this way, product can be dispensed in a controlled manner through the dispense aperture 284 in dependence on the force applied to the piston 240.

[0093] Figures 6A and 6B show another piston-type dispenser 300. The dispenser 300 is another example of a controlled-dispense primary packaging unit. The dispenser 300 comprises a main body 380. The main body 380 has a generally cylindrical form with a base opening 381 at the bottom and a top opening 382 at the top. The main body 380 has a constant cross section. In the arrangement shown, a top portion of the main body 380 has a reduced outer diameter portion configured to receive a cap 360, which is shown in Figure 6A. The cap 360 can be configured to engage around the reduced outer diameter portion of the main body 380, for example via an interference fit. Figure 6B shows the main body 380 without the cap 360.

[0094] The main body 380 may comprise a home-compostable material, such as any of the home- compostable materials described herein. The main body 380 may be rigid. The main body 380 may be formed of a home-compostable material configured to be rigid. As such, the main body 380 may provide the rigid element of a controlled-dispense primary packaging unit. The cap 360 may comprise a home-compostable material, which may be the same material or a different material as the main body 380.

[0095] The dispenser 300 also comprises a piston 340. The piston 340 may be formed of a home- compostable material, such as any of the home-compostable materials described herein. The piston 340, or at least a portion thereof, is compliant. The piston 340 may be formed of a home-compostable material configured to be compliant. As such, the piston 340 may provide the compliant element of a controlled-dispense primary packaging unit.

[0096] The dispenser 300 may be particularly suited to thicker liquids, balms or solid products such as deodorants or lipsticks. In this respect, the piston 340 may comprise means to retain the product. In the arrangement shown, the piston 340 comprises product retention ribs 341. In this way, a product, such as a lipstick, can be moulded over the product retention ribs 341 to facilitate dispensing the product out of the top opening 382.

[0097] The piston 340 is configured to be received in the main body 380. The piston 380 is configured to provide a product-tight seal between the top opening 382 and the base opening 381 of the main body 380. The piston 340 is arranged concentrically within the main body 380. The piston 340 is configured to be actuated within the main body 380 along the longitudinal axis thereof.

[0098] In operation, the cap 360 can be removed from the main body 380. The piston 340 may begin towards the bottom of the main body 380 adjacent to the base opening 381 , as shown in the position shown in Figure 6A. To dispense the product contained in the main body 380, the piston 340 can be moved towards the top opening 382, for example by a user pushing the piston 340 upwards via the base opening 381 such that the product is dispensed from the top opening 381 . As the piston 340 is gradually moved towards the top opening 382 after multiple uses, the piston 340 will eventually be positioned adjacent to the top opening 382, as shown in Figure 6B, at which point the product is nearing depletion. In view of the above, product can be dispensed in a controlled manner through the top opening 381 in dependence on the force applied to the piston 340.

[0099] Figures 7A and 7B show embodiments of the disclosure in the form of tubes 400, 500. The tubes 400, 500 are further examples of controlled-dispense primary packaging units. Each of the tubes 400, 500 may have the general form of a toothpaste tube, with a rigid head having a tube orifice and a flexible body configured to be squeezed to dispense product out of the tube orifice.

[0100] Figure 7A illustrates a tube 400 in a crimped configuration. The tube 400 comprises a deformable region in the form of a first part 410 and a second part 420. The first part 410 and the second part 420 are sealed together by a sealing process, for example to produce a crimped closure 430, to create a reservoir within for holding product. The tube 400 comprises a shoulder 440 and a head 450. The shoulder 440 is configured to connect the head 450, which comprises the tube orifice 460, with the deformable region. Figure 7B illustrates a tube 500 in a moulded configuration. The tube 500 comprises a deformable region in the form of a moulded body 510. The moulded body 510 comprises a base region 530, which may be an integral moulding with the moulded body 510. As such, a reservoir is provided within the moulded body 510 for holding product. The tube 500 comprises a shoulder 540 and a head 550. The shoulder 540 is configured to connect the head 550, which comprises the tube orifice 560, with the deformable region.

[0101] In each of Figures 7A and 7B, the deformable region of the tube 400, 500 may be formed of a home-compostable material, such as any of the home-compostable materials described herein. The deformable region is compliant. The deformable region may be formed of a home-compostable material configured to be compliant. As such, the deformable region may provide the compliant element of a controlled-dispense primary packaging unit.

[0102] In each of Figures 7A and 7B, the shoulder 440, 540 and / or the head 450, 550 may be formed of a home-compostable material, such as any of the home-compostable materials described herein. Any or all of these components may be rigid. Any or all of these components may be formed of a home-compostable material configured to be rigid. As such, any or all of these components may provide the rigid element of a controlled- dispense primary packaging unit.

[0103] In operation, the deformable region of the tube 400, 500 is squeezed to dispense a controlled volume of product via the tube orifice 460, 560. As such, product can be dispensed in a controlled manner through the tube orifice 460, 560 in dependence on the force applied to the deformable region.

[0104] Other embodiments are envisaged. For example, a bag-in-bottle arrangement is envisaged. In such an arrangement, a bag is configured to contain a solid or liquid formulation. A bottle is configured to contain the bag. The bag comprises an opening configured to facilitate dispensing of the solid or liquid formulation from the bottle. The bag may be provided by the compliant element and the bottle may be provided by the rigid element. The bag may be bonded to the inside of the bottle such that the components form a multilayer laminate, for example over at least the deformable region. ln the arrangement of Figure 1 B, the stem 121 has a constant outer diameter, but it will be appreciated that the stem 121 may exhibit an increasing or decreasing taper along the longitudinal axis 101.

[0105] In the arrangement of Figure 2A, the connection surface 130 is an integral part of the dip tube 120, but it will be appreciated that the connection surface 130 may be a separate component provided in fixed relation to the dip tube 120.

[0106] The dip tube 120 may be an integral part of the cap 160. In such an arrangement, the pipette assembly 110 may also comprise a deformable annular sealing component assembled around the dip tube 120 to provide a seal with the sealing surface 185.

[0107] In the arrangement of Figure 2A, the barb 131 is provided as a continuous annulus surrounding the connection surface 130, but it will be appreciated the barb 131 may be provided by a plurality of discrete barb elements distributed around the connection surface 130, for example in an annular arrangement.

[0108] In the arrangement of Figure 3B, the bottle 180 comprises a base plug 184 to provide the base of the bottle 180, but it will be appreciated that the base of the bottle 180 may instead be integrally formed with the main body 181 instead of being provided by a separate component fixed thereto.

[0109] It will be appreciated from the above description that many features of the different examples are interchangeable and combinable. The disclosure extends to further examples comprising features from different examples combined together in ways not specifically mentioned. Indeed, there are many features presented in the above examples and it will be apparent to the skilled person that these may be advantageously combined with one another.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A controlled-dispense primary packaging unit comprising a rigid element and a compliant element, wherein both the rigid element and the compliant element are formed of a home-compostable material.

2. The primary packaging unit of claim 1 , wherein the rigid element is formed of the same home-compostable material as the compliant element.

3. The primary packaging unit of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the controlled-dispense primary packaging unit is a mono-material.

4. The primary packaging unit of any preceding claim, wherein the home-compostable material is a home-compostable polyester.

5. The primary packaging unit of any preceding claim, wherein the home-compostable material comprises thermoplastic starch, TPS.

6. The primary packaging unit of any preceding claim, wherein the home-compostable material comprises polyhydroxyalkanoate, PHA.

7. The primary packaging unit of any preceding claim, wherein the home-compostable material comprises a slip modifier and / or a demoulding agent.

8. The primary packaging unit of any preceding claim, wherein the rigid element has a greater crystalline fraction than the compliant element.

9. The primary packaging unit of any preceding claim, wherein the rigid element comprises at least one additive configured to control the stiffness of the rigid element.

10. The primary packaging unit of any preceding claim, wherein the rigid element has a greater degree of cross-linking or steric hindrance than the compliant element.

11. The primary packaging unit of any preceding claim, wherein the controlled- dispense primary packing unit is a pipette dropper.

12. The primary packaging unit of claim 11 , wherein the pipette dropper comprises a pipette assembly configured to be releasably connected to a bottle of the pipette dropper, the pipette assembly comprising: a dip tube provided by the rigid element; and a bulb provided by the compliant element.

13. The primary packaging unit of claim 12, wherein the dip tube comprises a connection surface configured to be received by the bulb and wherein the connection surface comprises a barb configured to retain the bulb around the connection surface.

14. The primary packaging unit of claim 13, wherein the barb is configured to provide a fluid-tight seal between the bulb and the dip tube.

15. The primary packaging unit of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the barb is sloped in a radially inward direction towards the bulb, such that an assembly force required to connect the bulb to the dip tube is lower than the disassembly force required to disconnect the bulb from the dip tube.

16. The primary packaging unit of any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the connection surface comprises at least one stabilising rib configured to prevent rotation of the bulb relative to the dip tube.

17. The primary packaging unit of any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the bulb comprises an increased thickness section on a radially outer surface thereof, and wherein the barb is arranged to be received by the increased thickness section.

18. The primary packaging unit of any of claims 12 to 16, further comprising: a bottle releasably connectable to the pipette assembly; and a sealing interface between the pipette assembly and the bottle;wherein the sealing interface comprises an angled protrusion configured to provide a line contact interface between the pipette dropper and the bottle.

19. The packaging unit of any of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a tube configured to contain a solid or liquid formulation; and a piston disposed in the tube and configured to be actuated along the tube to provide a controlled dispense of the solid or liquid formulation.

20. The primary packaging unit of claim 19, wherein the piston comprises a seal between the piston and an internal wall of the tube, and wherein the seal is provided by the compliant element and the tube is provided by the rigid element.

21. The primary packaging unit of claim 20, wherein the seal is formed of at least one annular protrusion of the piston.

22. The primary packaging unit of any of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a tube having deformable region configured to contain a solid or liquid formulation; and a dispensing aperture at an end of the deformable region; wherein the deformable region is provided by the compliant element and the dispensing aperture is provided by the rigid element.

23. The primary packaging unit of any of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a bag configured to contain a solid or liquid formulation; and a bottle configured to contain the bag.

24. The primary packaging unit of claim 23, wherein the bag is provided by the compliant element and wherein the bottle is provided by the rigid element.

25. A pipette assembly for a pipette dropper, the pipette assembly comprising: a dip tube; and a bulb; wherein the dip tube comprises a connection surface configured to be received bythe bulb and wherein the connection surface comprises a barb configured to retain the bulb around the connection surface.

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