Multi-layer packaging material for confectionery products on stick

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-layer packaging material for confectionery products on stick with easy opening and suitable for packaging with high-speed machines and to a method for the preparation thereof.

Description

[0001] MULTI-LAYER PACKAGING MATERIAL FOR CONFECTIONERY PRODUCTS ON

[0002] STICK

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a multi-layer packaging material for confectionery products on stick with easy opening and suitable for packaging with high-speed machines.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Multi-layer packaging materials for confectionery products on stick are known, as illustrated in W02004071892 which describes a flexible packaging material for lollipops, suitable for high-speed packaging machines, capable of improving the ease of opening packaged lollipops.

[0007] The material of which the multi-layer packaging described in W02004071892 is composed comprises a flexible multi-layer substrate with at least one functional outer and / or inner coating layer. The outer functional coating has combined properties of high heat resistance and controlled seal strength, while the inner functional coating has combined properties of controlled seal strength and low seal initiation temperature to improve machine speed and ease of opening the packaging. Such a coating is applied directly onto the film surface.

[0008] It is common practice that the flexible packaging materials (substrates) used for these lollipop wrappings mainly consist of wax-coated paper and regenerated cellulose film (cellophane); recently, especially for economic reasons, other materials have become common such as biaxially oriented polypropylene film (BOPP), cast film of a mixture of polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS), polyolefin copolymer film (PO), mono-axially oriented high-density polyethylene film (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride film (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate film (PET) coated with a heat-sealable lacquer.

[0009] When used on suitable packaging lines, most of these materials can reach a speed of a few hundred pieces per minute. Unlike biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film coated in acrylic, which has by now become a standard choice as a lollipop packaging material mainly due to its excellent heat sealing capacity, which allows to reach a packaging speed of about 300 lollipops per minute. Furthermore, such material requires sealing temperatures of about 180°C.

[0010] In addition to the mechanical technology needed to build and operate the packaging machines, a further increase in the speed and productivity of the machines has been limited by aspects related to the material used, more specifically by its error-free flow through the machine and its sealing properties. In fact, the desirable properties of the packaging material include a delicate balance between non-deformability, resistance to curling, cuttability and friction against the machinery components. With regard to the sealing properties, it should be noted that, unlike other packaging materials, biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, also called biaxially oriented polypropylene, coated with acrylic polymer, does not retain its position when twisted, but rather tends to open again; for this reason, a certain amount of heat must be applied to the film to heat-seal it in its twisted position.

[0011] The solution offered by W02004071892 envisages that both films (outer and inner) are heat-sealable and coated. This solution ensures the sealing of the product, compromising however the ease of opening the packaging, since both coatings are subjected to a heat-sealing process capable of providing a strong and reliable seal.

[0012] A similar solution is provided by US20090087648A1, which describes a multilayer biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, known to exhibit excellent scalability in terms of high weld strength and low weld initiation, composed of one or more heat-sealable layers. A different solution is illustrated in US5792549, which describes a cold seal packaging film, coextruded and biaxially oriented, including a core layer of polyolefin polymer, with a cold seal release layer on one side of the core and a cold seal receptive skin layer on the opposite side, specifically designed for enhanced cold seal performance.

[0013] Another solution to the problem is offered by EP1447347, wherein a lollipop packaging material suitable for high-speed packaging machines is disclosed, comprising a single or multilayer flexible substrate, wherein said packaging material further comprises at least one functional coating layer on the outside and / or inside of said flexible substrate, said outer functional coating layer having high heat resistance and / or controlled sealing strength properties, and said inner functional coating layer having controlled sealing strength and / or low sealing initiation temperature properties. The flexible multi-layer substrate is a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film comprising a heat sealable acrylic paint on each side, wherein the high temperature resistant coating layer is nitrocellulose-based. Such outer and inner layers are sealable and not subject to a lamination process.

[0014] A similar problem related to difficulty opening packaging has been addressed by Fiesta (Kojak brand), which uses two layers of plastic film (PP 15 pm and PVC 15 pm) laminated by means of a partial lamination, in which the glue is applied only on some specific areas of the first film, which is then coupled to the second, thus generating a structure in which some areas are characterized by two films free to slide on each other while other areas are characterized by two films firmly constrained together by the glue layer. This technique requires the use of a specific roller for the application of the adhesive on the film, generating delays in production and additional costs.

[0015] Partial lamination is also known from US20220258449A1, where it is obtained through a specific heat sealing method. Such a method does not use adhesives and mainly relates to the visual aspect of the film.

[0016] Other technologies for easy opening, such as the cold adhesive applied according to a particular pattern described in EP891930A1, present difficulties similar to those highlighted for partial lamination.

[0017] Another solution to the problem is described in US20180346222A1, where the invention pertains to a label lid designed to seal an opening in a packaging container. The label comprises a facestock layer, a removable adhesive layer, a heat-seal layer, and optionally a release coating, wherein the removable adhesive layer is devoid of a release liner.Films with a heat-sealable surface and a non-heat-sealable surface are known, for example from US3202528A, which discloses a method for producing heat-sealable oriented polypropylene films obtained by applying an organic solvent solution of a heat-sealable polymer. However, there is no suggestion to use a combination of non-heat sealing BOPP (BOPP NT) and heat sealing co-extruded BOPP (BOPP COEX) in the "bunch wrap"-type packaging of lollipops.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In view of the above, the task of the present invention is to make a multi-layer packaging material for confectionery products on stick with easy opening that overcomes the limits of the prior art and which can therefore be worked on high-speed machines (up to 800 pieces per minute) to make a twisted wrapper around the stick and wrapping the edible part (said bunch wrap).

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to make a packaging material which is easy to open.

[0021] A further object of the invention is to make a packaging material which is able to give the broadest guarantees of reliability and safety in use and which is workable on high-speed machines.

[0022] A further object of the invention is that the material allows to make a bunch-wrap wrapper which is at the same time easy to open by the consumer, but firmly closed during the storage, transport and display for sale phases in order to preserve the integrity of the edible product, protecting it from atmospheric factors or pests.

[0023] Such objects of the present invention are achieved by means of a multi-layer packaging material for confectionery products on stick comprising a double layer of biaxially oriented polypropylene, of which a heat-sealable outer layer made of biaxially oriented co-extruded heat-sealable polypropylene (BOPP-COEX) and an inner layer of biaxially oriented polypropylene which is not heat-sealable (BOPP NT), joined together by means of a partial or complete lamination.

[0024] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the exemplary but non-limiting disclosure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrated with the aid of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026] • Figure 1: Schematic view of the multi-layer packaging material according to the invention.

[0027] • Figure 2: Cross-section of the packaging material showing the complete lamination of the two layers of BOPP, comparing the invention with the standard material.

[0028] • Figure 3: Detail of the types of lamination which can be used

[0029] • Figure 4: Bar chart related to the measurement of the time required for opening the multi-layer packaging material for lollipops

[0030] • Figure 5: Detail of the multi-layer packaging material according to the invention showing the spiral winding thereof on a lollipop and the section below the edible portion, where the layers of the multi-layered packaging material overlap on the paper stick.

[0031] • Figure 6: Detail of the type of folds that the multi-layer packaging material according to the invention has.

[0032] • Figure 7: Detailed view of half of a paper stick, in the section below the edible portion, where the layers of the multi-layered packaging material overlap on the paper stick. These folds are arranged in a spiral or at an angle to the paper stick, depending on the preferred direction. These folds bring the BOPP -NT into contact with itself, generating unsealed areas, and simultaneously bring the BOPP-COEX into contact with itself, generating sealed areas.

[0033] • Figure 8: Detail of the section where the layers of the multi-layered packaging material overlap around the paper stick below the edible portion. In the figure the continuous line is the external sealing part (BOPP COEX) and the dotted line is the internal non-sealing part, in contact with the paper stick and the edible part (BOPP - NT).

[0034] • Figure 9: Summary view of half of a paper stick, where the layers of the multilayered packaging material overlap on the paper stick below the edible portion and a detail of the section where the sealing and non-sealing layers of the multi-layered packaging material overlap around the paper stick below the edible portion.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The object of the invention is a multi-layer packaging material for confectionery products on stick with easy opening and suitable for packaging with high-speed machines, comprising:

[0037] (i) an outer layer of biaxially oriented co-extruded heat-sealable polypropylene (BOPP COEX)

[0038] (ii) an inner layer of biaxially oriented polypropylene which is not heat-sealable (BOPP NT)

[0039] (iii) an adhesive layer interposed between layers (i) and (ii) capable of laminating said layers (i) and (ii).

[0040] For the purpose of this invention, “inner layer” means the layer of packaging material facing and in contact with the edible part (candy mass). “Outer layer” means the layer of packaging material facing the consumer and / or the surrounding environment (see Fig. 1)

[0041] The combination of the two layers of BOPP with different properties (heat-sealable and non-heat-sealable) allows to obtain a bunch wrap-type packaging that can be easily opened, improving the end user experience. Furthermore, the lamination, preferably extended to the entire surface, ensures optimal strength and adhesion between the layers, allowing efficient workability on high-speed machines. Such a combination boasts excellent workability, transparency, slidability, anti-static properties and is suitable for food contact.

[0042] To impart the heat-sealing property, an amorphous polypropylene (PP) film, preferably consisting of a copolymer of polypropylene with ethylene or butene, is applied to one or both surfaces of said outer layer of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP). The addition of the amorphous polypropylene (PP) film by means of co-extrusion further improves the adhesion properties and strength of the packaging. In particular, co-extrusion ensures uniformity and continuity in the film application process, improving the overall mechanical features of the material which is then identified as biaxially oriented co-extruded polypropylene (BOPP COEX). Heat sealing ensures that the food product, in this case the edible part of the lollipop, is well protected from external contamination, keeping the freshness and quality of the product intact and preventing access to pests.

[0043] The packaging material according to the invention further comprises an adhesive layer interposed between the outer sealing and inner non-sealing layers. The introduction of an adhesive layer ensures cohesion between the two BOPP layers, contributing to greater stability and robustness of the packaging. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive is applied by means of a complete lamination, i.e., covering the entire contact surface between the outer and inner layers. Said adhesive can be either water-based, organic solvent-based or even without solvent or UV lamination type. Preferred adhesives are those based on ethyl acetate or without solvent based on the formation of polyurethane polymers.

[0044] The addition of a printing layer, made with multiple inks and dyes, allows to customise the packaging with graphics and information. The printing layer preferentially adheres to the inner surface of the outer film, without compromising the quality of adhesion provided by the adhesive. Among the types of inks that can be used in this type of embodiment, those with modified nitro (acrylic, polyurethane resins, cellulose esters) are preferred.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface of the biaxially oriented co-extruded polypropylene (BOPP-COEX) and optionally also the inner surface of the nonheat sealing biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP -NT) are subjected to corona treatment. Corona treatment increases the surface tension of the treated surfaces, improving the adhesion of ink and the adhesive layer and ensuring a longer packaging life. This surface treatment does not alter either the strength or the appearance of the material.

[0046] The inner layer of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP -NT) is not heat sealable and this feature ensures an easy opening of the packaging, facilitating access to the product without the aid of additional tools or excessive force.

[0047] The ease of opening the packaging of the invention is expressed in terms of average opening times and not the opening force of the seal. Therefore, consumers are able to open the lollipop with the inventive packaging in an average of less time with respect to standard packaging.

[0048] In other preferred embodiments of the invention, independent of each other:

[0049] (i) each layer of biaxially oriented co-extruded polypropylene (BOPP COEX) or nonheat sealing biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP NT) has a thickness between 15 and 50 pm, preferably a thickness between 15 and 25 pm;

[0050] (ii) the total thickness of the multi-layer packaging material is between 30 and 70 pm, preferably between 33 and 60 pm;

[0051] (iii) the confectionery product on stick is a lollipop;

[0052] (iv) the packing material of the single lollipop has a square, rectangular or circular shape.

[0053] The invention also provides a method for producing a multi-layer packaging material with easy opening by means of the use of high-speed packaging machines, as described herein, comprising the following steps:

[0054] (i) providing a BOPP COEX film and a BOPP NT film in wide band reels, preferably from 20 cm to 3 m;

[0055] (ii) optionally, printing the inner surface of the BOPP COEX film of step (i) by means of ink application, preferably of thickness between 1 to 3 microns, more preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 microns;

[0056] (iii) completely laminating the BOPP-COEX by means of adhesive, optionally printed on the BOPP NT, making mother reels of laminated material;

[0057] (iv) making daughter reels of end band preferably from 5 to 20 cm by cutting the mother reels.

[0058] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for packaging a confectionery product on stick wrapped by a packaging material according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

[0059] (i) loading the reels of packaging material according to the invention onto a packaging machine and obtaining individual packaging formats according to the invention, preferably the individual formats are square or rectangular in size according to the dimensions dictated by the band of the reel;

[0060] (ii) loading the confectionery product on stick into a packaging machine,

[0061] (iii) leaving the packaging machine to order said product by capturing, optionally, the edible part by means of a rotating plate with holes of dimensions corresponding to the edible part of the confectionery product, and also by capturing the stick combined with the edible part by means of grippers or mechanical fingers;

[0062] (iv) pairing the individual sheets of packaging material of the invention with individual pieces of confectionery products on stick so that the non-sealing part of BOPP -NT is in contact with the edible part;

[0063] (v) wrapping the packaging material of the invention around the edible part and twisting packaging material around the stick as it advances by screwing it and folding it on itself and exposing it to temperatures >150°C, preferably between 150°C and 250°C, even more preferably between 190°C and 210°C, exerting a pressure.

[0064] (vi) collecting the product obtained from step v) and sending it to the subsequent packaging, distribution and sale phases.

[0065] In step (v) the stick is wrapped, preventing contamination of the edible part and at the same time a series of folds of film are made on itself, accordion-like (as shown in Figures 5 and 6). Such folds are arranged to form a spiral or are arranged at an angle with respect to the stick according to a preferred direction. Said folds put the BOPP-NT into contact with itself, generating non-sealed areas and simultaneously bring the BOPP-COEX into contact with itself, generating sealed areas (as shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9).

[0066] The folds formed in step (v) put the BOPP-NT in contact with itself and BOPP-COEX with itself, the temperature and pressure exerted by the machine on the film in this step ensure the sealing of the BOPP-COEX on itself (non-sealed areas) in the overlapping areas (as shown in Figures 8 and 9). The same step generates areas where the BOPP -NT is in contact with itself and in a very reduced manner, in the film termination areas, of the small BOPP-COEX overlaps on BOPP -NT (non-sealed areas). The non-sealed areas form the sliding areas of the wrapping closed on itself, promoting the opening thereof by the consumer through a counter-rotating movement with respect to the direction of the spiral or opposite with respect to the angle towards the stick (as shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9).

[0067] Surprisingly, despite the non-sealing areas, it has been found that the bunch wrap remains firmly closed if the consumer does not intervene to open it, thus ensuring the preservation of the product and protection from pests.

[0068] The multi-layer packaging material for confectionery products on stick with easy opening, according to the present invention, fulfils the task as well as the intended objects in that it allows to improve the ease of opening of the packaging and to optimize the packaging process on high-speed machines.

[0069] Another advantage of the multi-layer packaging material, according to the invention, consists in the fact of allowing a customisation thanks to the printing layer, without compromising the adhesion and strength properties of the adhesive layer.

[0070] Surprisingly, the packaging thus made, despite having half a sealing surface with respect to a material with double BOPP COEX film, effectively protects the edible part during the life of the product and prevents contamination by pests, such as insects and larvae, even if counterintuitively the sealing surface in the structure according to the invention is oriented towards the outside of the package.

[0071] The so-designed packaging material is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept. Furthermore, all the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent features. In practice, the materials used, as long as they are compatible for the specific use, as well as the dimensions and the contingent shapes, can be adjusted according to requirements.

[0072] Examples

[0073] Example 1 - material preparation

[0074] Features of the materials:

[0075] BOPP NT: biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP): 15 micron non-sealing thickness, corona treatment on one surface.

[0076] BOPP COEX: biaxially oriented co-extruded polypropylene (BOPP) on both surfaces with polypropylene copolymer with ethylene (0.5 to >= 4%) or with butene (cast polypropylene or amorphous PP), generating biaxially oriented co-extruded polypropylene (BOPP COEX) sealing on both surfaces. Corona treatment on one surface.

[0077] Adhesive: polyurethane without solvent.

[0078] Ink: modified nitro (acrylic, polyurethane, cellulose esters) based on ethyl acetate and ethyl alcohol.

[0079] Printing technique: flexographic.

[0080] The corona-treated surface of the BOPP COEX is printed in four colours by means of a Uteco Coral 675 flexo machine, generating printed reels.

[0081] The surface with cora treatment of the BOPP NT is coated with polyurethane adhesive on the entire surface of the corona treatment.

[0082] The two films are coupled to generate wide-band mother reels.

[0083] The mother reels are cut into smaller reels with a reduced band of 9.5 cm (band corresponding to a confectionery product on stick).

[0084] Example 2 - preparation of a confectionery product on stick (lollipop)

[0085] (i) provide edible raw materials including sugar, glucose syrup, milk derivatives, flavourings, colourings and other additives or minor ingredients;

[0086] (ii) dissolve and cooking a mixture of water, sugar and glucose syrup, optionally mixed with milk derivatives to obtain a low residual-humidity cooked mass;

[0087] (iii) add flavourings, dyes, other additives and minor ingredients to said mass;

[0088] (iv) shape the mass of step (iv) into the final shape of the confectionery product;

[0089] (v) provide sticks suitable for contact with food;

[0090] (vi) insert said sticks into the mass with the final shape of step (v), obtaining the confectionery product on stick (lollipop);

[0091] (vii) allow the confectionery product on stick to cool.

[0092] Example 3 - lollipop packaging process a) The daughter reels are loaded on an Aquarius packaging machine which obtains individual sizes of packaging according to the invention measuring 9.5 x 9.5 cm; b) Load the confectionery product on stick in a packaging machine, said product weighing lOg / piece with the edible part of spheroidal shape with a diameter of 2.5 cm with a central ring and the stick with a diameter of 0.4 cm protruding by 6.5 cm;

[0093] (iii) Leave the packaging machine to order said product by capturing, optionally, the edible part by means of a rotating plate with holes of dimensions corresponding to the edible part of the product of steps 2.6 or 2.7, and also by capturing the stick combined with the edible part by means of grippers or mechanical fingers;

[0094] (iv) Pair the individual sheets of packaging material of the invention with individual pieces of confectionery products on stick so that the non-sealing part of BOPP -NT is in contact with the edible part; e) wrap the packaging material of the invention around the edible part and twist packaging material around the stick as it advances, simultaneously twisting it on itself and exposing it to temperatures >200°C and to pressure, thus making a multitude of folds of film on itself; f) collect the product obtained from step e) and send it to the subsequent packaging steps, for example on wheels for display on counters, in bags or boxes, and then proceed with storage, distribution and sale.

[0095] Example 4 - Evaluation test for the use of different types of lamination for the multi-layer packaging material for lollipops (evaluate whether to insert or not)

[0096] ETO = Easy To Open

[0097] DTO= Difficult To Open

[0098] A very thin layer of amorphous polypropylene (PP) is co-extruded onto the inner side of the outer layer of BOPP to make it heat sealable. No additional co-extruded layer is provided for the inner layer of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), but only the corona-treated BOPP core which facilitates the subsequent complete lamination. Therefore, the resulting packaging material features two distinct layers of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), each with unique properties to optimize both functionality and ease of use, enabling easy opening without compromising product integrity.

[0099] Up to 9 different material structures were tested before selecting this final structure as the best candidate to improve the easy opening of the multi-layer packaging material for lollipops. The tests were performed based on: i. structures of other materials ii. different combinations of sealing only the outer layer or sealing only the inner layer iii. both layers sealable or only one sealable iv. different partial or complete lamination patterns

[0100] The combination capable of best solving the technical problem of the ease of opening the multi-layer packaging material for lollipops was found to be the one that uses: o an outer layer of biaxially oriented heat-sealable polypropylene (BOPP COEX) o an inner layer of biaxially oriented polypropylene which is not heat-sealable (BOPP NT) o wherein said layers are joined by means of a complete lamination.

[0101] Example 5 - Lollipop packaging opening test

[0102] The purpose of the test is to find alternative and simpler solutions to the one currently in use for easier opening of lollipops by consumers. Tests were carried out with the objective of comparing the multi-layer Test wrapper (BOPP15 COEX / BOPP15 NT - non-heat-sealable inner layer) with the STD wrapper (sealable double layer BOPP 15 COEX / BOPP 15 COEX). Both samples were completely laminated.

[0103] The objective measurement of the time required to remove the wrapper from the lollipops was used as a measure of easy opening.

[0104] The lollipops were coded with three-digit codes and blind tested by a panel of 30 judges. Each panellist was asked to remove the wrapper from each sample using only their "natural tools" (no scissors or objects, but only hands and possibly teeth), recording the time needed to perform the task. The two products were tested with 4 blind replicates, following a randomized presentation design. After measuring the time, for each sample the investigator was asked to confirm whether he / she had succeeded in the task. Thus, the number of failures was recorded.

[0105] In addition, the judge was asked to explain with an open-ended question whether he / she had applied any alternative procedures for removing the wrapper from the sample (e.g., use of teeth - Table 2).

[0106] The two-sample Kruskal-Wallis test was applied only to the data for the positive samples, to compare the amount of time required for opening the two products. The difference was considered significant with a p-value < 0.05.

[0107] The 30 judges were given a total of 240 lollipops, of which 120 packaged according to the reference standard (STD) and the other 120 packaged according to the invention (Table 1).

[0108] Table 1

[0109] Table 2

[0110] Each case declared positive was discarded if the use of teeth was reported. This is because our experience shows that the use of teeth causes the breakage of the wrapper at the top of the candy, without unrolling it from the stick. Therefore, such cases were reclassified as unsuccessful.

[0111] Overall, 11 participants reported using their teeth during the removal of the BOPP 15 COEX / BOPP15 COEX- STD sample wrapper, while 8 of them during the removal of the BOPP 15 COEX / BOPP15 NT sample wrapper.

[0112] 2. Measuring the time for opening the multi-layer packaging material for lollipops

[0113] The results of these tests show that a total of 210 lollipops out of 240 were opened correctly (Figure 4).

[0114] In terms of the time required to open the lollipops, there were significant differences between the products compared (p=0.001), with BOPP15 COEX / BOPP15 NT - Invention - showing significantly better opening performance, opening in less than 20 seconds on average with respect to BOPP 15 COEX / BOPP15 COEX - STD, opening in more than 25 seconds. Furthermore the judges failed to open 20 lollipops wrapped according to the known art compared to the 10 unopened lollipops when wrapped according to the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Multi-layer packaging material for confectionery products on stick with easy opening and suitable for packaging with high-speed machines, comprising:(i) an outer layer of biaxially oriented co-extruded heat-sealable polypropylene (BOPP COEX);(ii) an inner layer of non-heat sealable biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP -NT), wherein said inner layer is in contact with the edible part of the product;(iii) an adhesive layer interposed between layers (i) and (ii) providing a lamination which is extended over the entire surface of the two layers (i) and (ii).

2. Packaging material according to claim 1, wherein said outer layer of biaxially oriented co-extruded heat-sealable polypropylene consists of a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film in which an amorphous polypropylene film is applied to one or both surfaces of said BOPP film.

3. Packaging material according to claim 2, wherein said amorphous propylene consists of a copolymer of polypropylene with ethylene or with butene.

4. Packaging material according to claim 2, wherein said amorphous polypropylene film is applied to the biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) by co-extrusion, thereby making a biaxially oriented co-extruded heat-sealable polypropylene film.

5. Packaging material according to claim 1, further comprising a printing layer interposed between the outer and inner layers, preferably adhered to the inner surface of the outer layer.

6. Packaging material according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the biaxially oriented co-extruded propylene layer and optionally the inner surface of the non-heatsealing biaxially oriented polypropylene are subjected to the corona treatment.

7. Packaging material according to claim 1, wherein the biaxially oriented co-extruded heat-sealing polypropylene layer and the amorphous polypropylene layer each have a thickness between 15 and 50 pm, preferably between 15 and 25 pm.

8. Packaging material according to claim 1, wherein said adhesive layer has a thickness between 0.3 and 1.7 pm.

9. Packaging material according to claim 1, wherein the total thickness of the multilayer packaging material is between 30 and 70 pm, preferably between 33 and 60 pm.

10. Packaging material according to claim 1, wherein the confectionery product on stick is a lollipop.

11. Packaging material according to claim 10, having a polygonal or circular shape,preferably square or rectangular.

12. Method for producing a multi-layer packaging material for confectionery products on stick with easy opening and suitable for packaging with high-speed machines according to the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: (i) providing a BOPP COEX film and a BOPP NT film in wide band reels, preferably from 20 cm to 3 m;(ii) optionally, printing the inner surface of the BOPP COEX film of step (i) by means of ink application, preferably of thickness between 1 to 3 microns, more preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 microns; (iii) completely laminating the BOPP-COEX by means of adhesive, optionally printed on the BOPP NT, making mother reels of laminated material;(iv) making daughter reels of end band preferably from 5 to 20 cm by cutting the mother reels.

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