Packaging material comprising a vacuum-coated paper layer and a grease barrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging-layer arrangement (110) for producing a packaging container, the packaging-layer arrangement comprising: - a paper layer (112) as a carrier layer, - an oxygen-barrier layer (120), such that an oxygen transmission rate of the packaging-layer arrangement (110) is not more than 1.1 cm³ / (m²·d·bar) according to DIN 53380-3, measured at 23°C and 50% relative humidity, - a metallisation barrier-layer arrangement (122) formed by vacuum deposition, wherein the packaging-layer arrangement (110) additionally comprises a water-vapour-barrier layer (118) such that a water vapour transmission rate of the packaging-layer arrangement (110) is not more than 1.1 g / (m²·d) according to DIN EN ISO 15106-3, measured at 38 °C and 90 % relative humidity, wherein the oxygen-barrier layer (120) is positioned in the layer sequence (LF) between the water-vapour-barrier layer (118) and the metallisation barrier-layer arrangement (122), wherein the packaging-layer arrangement (110) comprises a top layer (124), and the metallisation barrier-layer arrangement (122) is arranged between the paper layer (112) and the top layer (124). The top layer (110) is predominantly formed from a polyolefin blend, or from a styrene-acrylic-based copolymer, or from a thermoplastic elastomer.

Description

[0001] Packaging material with vacuum-coated paper layer and grease barrier

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a packaging layer arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a packaging layer arrangement with both a predetermined minimum barrier effect against the migration of oxygen and against the migration of water vapor is known from DE 10 2021 103 879 A1. The packaging layer arrangement is intended to be suitable for the production of a packaging container in the general sense, i.e., for example, for the formation of a packaging bag. However, it should also not be excluded that the present packaging layer arrangement can be used for wrapping products to be packaged.

[0004] The packaging layer arrangement can be in place at the beginning of the production of packaging as roll material or as at least one sheet, in particular as a stack of sheets, for the production of packaging.

[0005] From US 2005 / 0008800 A1, in particular from Figure 3 thereof, a packaging layer arrangement for manufacturing packaging for perishable goods, such as foodstuffs, is known, which has a liquid-tight layer of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or copolymers thereof on each of its outer sides. According to US 2005 / 0008800 A1, PE and PP are preferred as layer materials because of their printability.

[0006] The outer layer on what will later be the outside of the packaging formed with the known packaging layer arrangement has a coating weight in the range of 25 to 45 g / m². 2The outer layer, which will later be the inner surface, has an application weight in the range of 25 to 35 g / m². 2 .

[0007] Between these outer layers, the familiar packaging layer arrangement includes a paper carrier layer. This paper layer is followed by an adhesive layer, for example, made of PP or PE with a coating weight of 5 to 20 g / m². 2 The bonding agent layer is followed by an additional gas barrier layer made of, for example, EVOH or PVOH. This additional gas barrier layer is then followed by an aluminum foil layer, which serves as the primary gas barrier layer. The additional gas barrier layer is designed to mitigate any reduction in barrier effectiveness caused by cracks or breaks in the aluminum foil.

[0008] A disadvantage of this well-known packaging layer arrangement is its difficult disposal after use. It contains numerous different materials that are not easy to separate. Furthermore, the proportion of aluminum by weight in the packaging layer arrangement is relatively high, which makes its production energy-intensive and therefore expensive.

[0009] From WO 97 / 38853 A1, a multilayer flexible packaging film laminate is known as a packaging layer arrangement, comprising a counterprinted transparent film made of a polyolefin, a polyamide, or a polyester. A primer is applied to the counterprinted layer to provide good adhesion to a gas barrier layer made of an organic polymer, for example, EVOH, PVOH, or PVDC. A metallization layer, specifically an aluminum layer, is applied to the gas barrier layer by vacuum deposition. A heat-sealable layer is laminated to the metallization layer using a separate adhesion promoter. A polyurethane-based primer is given as an example. The gas barrier layer is extruded or applied as a solution or dispersion and then cured or dried.

[0010] The packaging film laminate known from WO 97 / 38853 A1 has a lower aluminum content than the aforementioned packaging layer arrangement, but due to the different plastics used, in particular the reverse-printed transparent film and the heat-sealable layer, it is difficult to recycle. The object of the present invention is to provide a packaging layer arrangement that is as sustainable as possible, with even further improved packaging properties and versatile applicability.

[0011] The present invention solves this problem by providing a packaging layer arrangement with the features of claim 1. The top layer, which shields the metallization barrier layer arrangement, is predominantly formed from a polyolefin blend, a styrene-acrylic copolymer, or a thermoplastic elastomer. These materials enable the formation of a highly advantageous grease barrier within the packaging layer arrangement, effectively reducing or even largely preventing the migration of grease through the packaging layer arrangement.

[0012] Tests have shown that the packaging layer arrangement with the top layer made of one of the aforementioned materials achieves a grease barrier with the highest possible KIT value of 12 according to DIN ISO 16532-2.

[0013] "Predominantly composed of one material" means that the weight fraction of the material in question is the largest weight fraction of all material components in the entire top layer. Preferably, the weight fraction of the material in the entire top layer is greater than 50%, and more preferably greater than 75%, to ensure that the properties of the material in question determine the properties of the top layer as much as possible. Most preferably, the top layer consists of the material in question.

[0014] The top layer, which is predominantly or preferably entirely composed of one of the aforementioned materials, is also heat-sealable. The heat-sealable top layer, which is preferably single-layered to facilitate a simple manufacturing process for the packaging layer arrangement, but can also consist of two or more layers, can be bonded to a compatible layer of another packaging layer arrangement or to a section of a compatible layer of the same packaging layer arrangement, either by heat sealing or by a cold sealing medium, due to the materials used in its formation.For a top layer that provides sufficient mechanical and chemical shielding for the metallization barrier layer arrangement, as well as sufficient bond strength in the case of a hot and / or cold sealing connection, and also provides a very good grease barrier with the aforementioned KIT value of 12, an advantageously low application weight of the top layer in the dried state is sufficient, which is in the range of 1 to 9 g / m². 2 , preferably in the range of 2 to 4 g / m³ 2 lies.

[0015] Preferably, the top layer is applied wet as a dispersion onto a substrate of the packaging layer assembly. After a drying process, it is dry. Further preferably, to avoid an undesirably high number of layers in the packaging layer assembly, the top layer is applied directly onto the metallization barrier layer assembly, i.e., without an intermediate adhesion promoter layer.

[0016] Contrary to the above, the top layer can be a heat-sealable top layer made of materials other than those mentioned above, for example, a biopolymer applied as a solution or dispersion. The biopolymer can be selected from PLA (polylactic acid), PBS (polybutylene succinate), PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate), PBSA (polybutylene succinate adipate), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), PGA (polyglycolic acid), PEF (polyethylene furan dicarboxylate), PVOH, bio-PET, bio-PE, and bio-PP. The aforementioned biopolymers are biodegradable according to DIN 13432. The further developments mentioned in this application, which do not directly relate to a top layer made of a polyolefin blend, a copolymer based on styrene and acrylic, or a thermoplastic elastomer, also apply to a top layer made of one of the aforementioned biopolymers.

[0017] The polyolefin blend preferably comprises LDPE and LLDPE or consists of LDPE and LLDPE. The styrene-based copolymer preferably comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and / or acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) or consists of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and / or acrylonitrile styrene acrylate. To provide cold-sealed joints, the packaging layer arrangement can be coated with a cold-sealant on one of its exposed surfaces. A cold-sealant is a material that seals only against itself at room temperature without heating.

[0018] Preferably, the top layer, being heat-sealable, forms an exposed surface of the packaging layer assembly. Particularly preferably, the top layer faces the product packaged within the packaging layer assembly, meaning it is closer to the packaged product than the paper layer and preferably also closer than the oxygen barrier layer, the metallization barrier layer assembly, and the water vapor barrier layer. The top layer, which is predominantly or preferably entirely composed of a polyolefin blend, a styrene-acrylic copolymer, or a thermoplastic elastomer, exhibits an advantageously low coefficient of friction with metallic materials and is therefore particularly suitable for machine processing. Furthermore, the top layer contributes to enhancing the water vapor barrier properties of the packaging layer assembly.

[0019] As a heat-sealable layer with an exposed surface, the top layer can form the inside of a package made up of multiple layers. To ensure a durable seal at critical points on a package made up of multiple layers, the cold-seal medium can be applied to the top layer. Such critical points might be caused, for example, by seams with layer breaks that are subject to greater mechanical stress than other sections of the package and tend to develop gaps that gradually open. Beyond simple heat sealing, these critical points can be further secured against unwanted opening by applying a cold-seal medium. This is explained in more detail below.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the cold-seal medium comprises or consists of natural rubber and / or synthetic rubber. Particularly preferably, the cold-seal medium comprises or is a natural and / or synthetic latex. Such a cold-seal medium contributes, at its location, to the local support of the lipid barrier formed by the top layer.

[0021] To avoid unnecessarily providing material in areas where it is not needed and to minimize contact between the packaged product and the cold-seal medium, the cold-seal medium is preferably applied in a patterned fashion only to a portion of the exposed surface, while another portion of the same surface remains free of the cold-seal medium. It is not generally excluded that the cold-seal medium is alternatively or additionally applied to the free surface of the packaging layer arrangement facing away from the top layer, although this is not preferred.

[0022] Preferably, the application weight of the cold sealing medium in the dried state is in the range of 1 to 5 g / m². 2 The cold sealing medium is preferably designed to produce a peelable bond.

[0023] To increase the cold-sealability of the surface bearing the cold-seal medium, particularly the top layer comprising or consisting of one of the aforementioned materials, the surface bearing the cold-seal medium can be corona-treated. This can advantageously increase the compatibility of the surface bearing the cold-seal medium with a cold-seal medium preferably based on or consisting of a rubber material. A mild corona treatment with a treatment power of no more than 3500 W is preferred.

[0024] While the top layer hinders the migration of grease and even certain oils through the packaging layer arrangement, it does not significantly impede the migration of mineral oil and mineral oil-based substances. However, the packaging layer arrangement can advantageously be equipped with a mineral oil barrier by comprising a layer consisting of at least two layers, each of which has a vinyl alcohol-based polymer as its main component. The vinyl alcohol-based polymer can comprise or be polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), or butenediol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH).Since the existing oxygen barrier layer can be effectively formed with vinyl alcohol as its main component, the packaging layer arrangement can be equipped with a particularly effective mineral oil barrier without an additional layer by forming the existing oxygen barrier layer from at least two layers, each containing a vinyl alcohol-based polymer as its main component. Preferably, at least one layer consists of a vinyl alcohol-based polymer. Of the vinyl alcohol-based polymers mentioned, PVOH is preferred.

[0025] A mineral oil barrier can be achieved by means of at least a two-layer coating with a polymer based on a vinyl alcohol as the main component, in particular a PVOH coating, with a penetration of less than 1% in a test period of 12.2 days at a test temperature of 60 °C according to SVI test guideline 2015.01.

[0026] The paper layer as a substrate allows for excellent recyclability. Through pulping, at least the fiber content of the paper layer can be recovered and processed back into pulp and fiber material. It is therefore particularly sustainable.

[0027] The term "paper" refers to any material that falls under the definition of paper in DIN 6730. The paper layer preferably has a basis weight in the range of 30 to 100 g / m². 2 to provide sufficient stability as a support layer for the packaging layer arrangement on the one hand, and to avoid excessive weight of the packaging layer arrangement on the other.

[0028] In tests, natural white translucent glassine paper or coated paper with a very smooth and dense surface has proven suitable. Such paper provides the packaging layer assembly with a solid base structure that can support the layers mentioned below. A paper layer made of uncoated paper with a basis weight of around 50 g / m² is particularly preferred. 2 up to 90 g / m² 2 , preferably in the range of 55 g / m³ 2 up to 70 g / m² 2 , and formed with a thickness in the range of 45 pm to 65 pm, preferably in the range of 50 pm to 60 pm. Most preferably, the paper layer is made of a coating-free paper with a basis weight of 63 g / m². 2 formed with a thickness of 53 pm.

[0029] Due to the use of uncoated paper, it initially exhibits a greater roughness than coated paper, which is disadvantageous for vacuum vapor deposition or vacuum deposition. However, it does not contain the materials typical of coated paper. The paper can have a mix of longer and shorter fibers, which is advantageous for paper recycling. Its fiber content per unit volume, i.e., its fiber density, and thus its strength, can be higher than that of coated paper.

[0030] To mitigate the adverse effects of higher paper roughness on vacuum deposition and thus facilitate the deposition of a closed metallization barrier layer from a vacuum, the paper layer can have an acetate-based filler coating on its side facing the metallization barrier layer arrangement. Preferably, the acetate-based filler material comprises or is polyvinyl acetate. An acetate filler coating with a coating weight in the range of 0.9 g / m² 2 up to 1.8 g / m² 2 , especially in a range of 1.0 g / m³ 2 up to 1.5 g / m² 2 , is sufficient.

[0031] To improve printability, the paper layer can have a filler coating of ionic and non-ionic starch applied to the side facing away from the metallization barrier layer arrangement. This filler coating has a weight of approximately 0.9 g / m². 2up to 1.8 g / m² 2 , especially in a range of 1.0 g / m³ 2 up to 1.5 g / m² 2 is sufficient here as well.

[0032] The remaining structure, including any partially differing structure, of the packaging layer arrangement discussed here is explained below: The formation of the metallization barrier layer arrangement by vacuum deposition allows for the creation of a particularly thin metallization barrier layer arrangement, the thickness of which can be adjusted with particular precision by the vacuum deposition process.

[0033] The oxygen barrier layer functionally complements the gas barrier effect of the metallization barrier layer arrangement. The metallization barrier layer arrangement primarily forms a barrier against water vapor, so the additional oxygen barrier layer, in combination with the metallization barrier layer arrangement, provides a comprehensive barrier against the migration of both oxygen and water vapor through the packaging layer arrangement. The packaging layer arrangement is therefore suitable for packaging sensitive, perishable products.

[0034] A preferred direct deposition of the metallization barrier layer arrangement onto the oxygen barrier layer prevents oxygen from undesirably overcoming the metallization barrier layer arrangement locally, for example at a defect in the metallization barrier layer arrangement, and from spreading in a material layer after migration through the metallization barrier layer arrangement.

[0035] The additional formation and arrangement of a water vapor barrier layer further enhances the barrier effect of the metallization barrier layer arrangement, which also primarily acts as a water vapor barrier. This allows the metallization barrier layer arrangement to be made as thin as possible without compromising the overall barrier effect of the packaging layer arrangement. The placement of the oxygen barrier layer in the layer sequence between the water vapor barrier layer and the metallization barrier layer arrangement protects the oxygen barrier layer, which, depending on the materials used in its construction, can be moisture-sensitive and preferably is.The placement of the oxygen barrier layer between the water vapor barrier layer and the metallization barrier layer keeps moisture away from the oxygen barrier layer on both sides, ensuring its stability and long-term effectiveness. Furthermore, the vacuum deposition of the metallization barrier layer allows for a thin and therefore low-mass design, thus minimizing the amount of non-fiber impurities that would otherwise be generated during recycling of the packaging layers, in addition to the fiber material from the paper layer. This, in turn, facilitates recycling, as the recovery of the paper layer's fiber material is minimally affected by non-fiber impurities.

[0036] Although it is theoretically conceivable that the paper layer is located between the oxygen barrier layer and the metallization barrier layer arrangement, in order to achieve the thinnest possible packaging layer arrangement with a stable, continuous and closed metallization barrier layer arrangement, the metallization barrier layer arrangement is preferably deposited directly onto the oxygen barrier layer.

[0037] According to a first embodiment, the metallization barrier layer arrangement can comprise or consist of a metal layer formed by vacuum deposition from a metallic material. The metallic material is preferably metallic aluminum, which has proven effective as a barrier material in packaging technology.

[0038] According to a second embodiment, the metallization barrier layer arrangement can have or consist of a metal oxide layer formed by vacuum deposition. In particular, the case where the metallization barrier layer arrangement has at least one metal oxide layer but no metal layer increases the practical recyclability of the packaging layer arrangement for an unexpected reason: a metal layer, immediately recognizable due to its luster, often leads consumers to dispose of unwanted packaging not in the paper recycling bin, where packaging formed from the packaging layer arrangement described here should be sent for a suitable paper recycling process after use. An essentially transparent metal oxide layer is not, or only less, visually recognizable to the consumer and allows the paper layer to be identified as the substrate of the packaging layer arrangement.As a result, the consumer rightly perceives the packaging as paper packaging and disposes of it accordingly, which in turn ensures its successful recycling.

[0039] According to a third possible embodiment, the metallization barrier layer arrangement can comprise both a metal oxide layer formed by vacuum deposition and a metal layer formed by vacuum deposition from a metallic material. When the metallization barrier layer arrangement comprises both a metal layer and a metal oxide layer, the metal oxide is preferably an oxide of the metal of the metal layer to facilitate the fabrication of the metallization barrier layer arrangement. Preferably, the metal oxide layer, regardless of whether it is the sole layer of the metallization barrier layer arrangement or formed together with a metal layer, is an aluminum oxide layer.

[0040] Although it may be possible to design the metallization barrier layer arrangement with exactly one metal layer and exactly one metal oxide layer, in order to achieve a metallization barrier layer arrangement with a particularly high barrier effect while simultaneously minimizing the thickness of the barrier layer arrangement, it is preferred that the metallization barrier layer arrangement has a metal layer between two metal oxide layers or consists of a metal layer between two metal oxide layers.

[0041] The term "metallization barrier layer arrangement" is to be understood, as explained above, as a metal-based barrier layer arrangement which is based on a metal or a metal compound, in particular a metal oxide.

[0042] Preferably, the metallization barrier layer arrangement is between 6 and 50 nm thick. A metallization barrier layer arrangement in the single-digit nanometer range or in the low double-digit nanometer range can be achieved with a pure metal oxide layer. Preferably, the metallization barrier layer arrangement has a thickness in the range of 30 to 50 nm, wherein, if the metallization barrier layer arrangement includes a metal oxide layer, the metal oxide layer preferably has a thickness of 2.5 to 5 nm. If the metallization barrier layer arrangement includes more than one metal oxide layer, each metal oxide layer preferably has a thickness in the range of 2.5 to 5 nm.

[0043] Expressed in optical density, the metallization barrier layer arrangement preferably has a value in the range of 2.0 to 4.0, more preferably in the range of 2.2 to 2.8, and particularly preferably 2.5. These values ​​apply to a metallization barrier layer arrangement with one metallic layer. A metallization barrier layer arrangement with only one metal oxide layer or several metal oxide layers generally has an optical density of no more than 0.1.

[0044] Although the oxygen barrier layer can be made of polyurethane or polyvinylidene chloride, which is particularly stable and durable, it is preferable for the oxygen barrier layer to be water-soluble in order to improve the recyclability of the packaging layer assembly. The water-soluble oxygen barrier layer can be dissolved by wetting it with water and thus removed from the rest of the packaging layer assembly, especially from the paper layer. Advantageously, dissolving the oxygen barrier layer also removes at least one layer located on the side of the oxygen barrier layer facing away from the paper layer, such as the metallization barrier layer assembly. As a result, the proportion of non-fiber-containing foreign material during the recycling of the paper layer can be further reduced.

[0045] Polyurethane or polyvinylidene chloride can be the main component of the oxygen barrier layer by weight, or even, neglecting unavoidable impurities, the sole component. To be water-soluble, the oxygen barrier layer can contain vinyl alcohol as its main component by weight, or, neglecting unavoidable impurities, consist entirely of vinyl alcohol. Examples of suitable vinyl alcohols include polyvinyl alcohol, butenediol-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. For the aforementioned reasons of forming an advantageous mineral oil barrier, the oxygen barrier layer is preferably composed of at least two layers, and, to avoid unnecessary material consumption, particularly preferably of exactly two layers.

[0046] The oxygen barrier effect, expressed as the oxygen transfer rate of the packaging layer arrangement, is determined according to DIN 53380-3 at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity. The oxygen transfer rate mentioned above is a minimum requirement for the oxygen barrier layer and, as such, an upper limit. Preferably, the packaging layer arrangement has an oxygen transfer rate of no more than 1.0 cm³, and more preferably no more than 0.8 cm³. 3 / (m 2 d bar) to prevent or delay oxidation of a product surrounded by the packaging layer arrangement for as long as possible.

[0047] To further reduce the thickness of the packaging layer arrangement, the oxygen barrier layer is preferably applied as a primer coating, preferably as a dispersion or solution. The oxygen barrier layer can be applied by extrusion, printing, or roller application. In any case, the oxygen barrier layer is preferably applied wet and then dried after application. In the preferred case of an oxygen barrier layer consisting of at least two layers, each with a vinyl alcohol-based polymer as a main component, particularly with at least two PVOH layers, preferably one layer is applied first, followed by another layer, and so on.

[0048] The oxygen barrier layer preferably has a coating weight of 0.9 to 5.5 g / m² when measured in the dried, ready-to-use state. 2 on.

[0049] The water vapor barrier layer may contain an acrylic copolymer or a polyester as its main component, or may, neglecting unavoidable impurities, consist of an acrylic copolymer or a polyester.

[0050] The water vapor barrier layer is also applied as a primer coating to achieve the thinnest possible layer, preferably as a dispersion or solution. The water vapor barrier layer can be applied by extrusion, printing, or roller application. It is preferably applied wet and then dried.

[0051] The water vapor barrier layer preferably has an application weight of 0.9 to 3.3 g / m² when measured in the dried, ready-to-use state. 2In one embodiment, the water vapor barrier layer is applied directly to the paper layer, without an intermediate layer. In another embodiment, the water vapor barrier layer is applied to the paper layer with the aforementioned acetate-based filler layer as an intermediate layer.

[0052] The water vapor barrier effect, expressed as the water vapor transfer rate of the packaging layer arrangement, is determined according to DIN EN ISO 15106-3 at 38 °C and 90% relative humidity. The aforementioned water vapor transfer rate is a minimum requirement for the water vapor barrier layer and, as such, an upper limit for the water vapor transfer rate. Preferably, the packaging layer arrangement has a water vapor transfer rate of no more than 1.0 g / (m²), more preferably no more than 0.8 g / (m²). 2-d) to prevent or delay, for as long as possible, the moistening of a product surrounded by the packaging layer arrangement.

[0053] According to a first embodiment of the packaging layer arrangement, the water vapor barrier layer, the oxygen barrier layer, and the metallization barrier layer arrangement can be arranged on the same side of the paper layer. In this case, the water vapor barrier layer is preferably arranged closest to the paper layer among the aforementioned barrier layers. The oxygen barrier layer can be applied directly to the water vapor barrier layer, and the metallization barrier layer arrangement can be vacuum-deposited onto the oxygen barrier layer. This results in a very compact layer structure in which, in particular, the oxygen barrier layer is virtually inaccessible to moisture from the surrounding atmosphere.

[0054] Alternatively, the paper layer can be positioned between the water vapor barrier layer and the oxygen barrier layer, which can result in a beneficially small number of layers in the packaging arrangement. This is explained below.

[0055] In principle, the packaging layer arrangement can only consist of the layers mentioned above. However, the arrangement of further layers is not excluded.

[0056] Another advantage of the paper layer is its easy and good printability. This allows product information to be easily displayed to the consumer on packaging formed by the layered packaging, especially through multi-color printing.

[0057] The packaging layer arrangement can include a protective layer. Preferably, this protective layer is an outer material layer, i.e., a material layer whose side is exposed to the environment. The paper layer is arranged between the protective layer and the metallization barrier layer arrangement. The protective layer preferably forms a surface of the packaging made up of the packaging layer arrangement that points away from the packaged product.

[0058] When the paper layer is printed, the protective layer is preferably a protective varnish layer that covers the printing ink and thus protects it from external influences, especially mechanical abrasion. In the aforementioned embodiment, in which the paper layer is arranged between the further material layer and the metallization barrier layer arrangement, the water vapor barrier layer can form the externally exposed protective layer of the packaging layer arrangement, thus reducing the number of layers in the packaging arrangement. This protective layer covers and protects the printing ink. In this case, the water vapor barrier layer is the protective layer. The protective layer can generally be made of nitrocellulose, polyurethane, polyester, and / or an acrylic copolymer, to name just a few examples. Preferably, the protective layer has a coating weight, measured in the dry, ready-to-use state, in the range of 0.4 to 2.2 g / m². 2All specifications of an order weight or order weight range in the present application relate to an order in a dry, ready-to-use condition, as it is after 24 hours of exposure to an atmosphere with 0% relative humidity, 1013 hPa and 20°C.

[0059] The packaging layer arrangement can include a second water vapor barrier layer, which can be designed and applied in accordance with the first water vapor barrier layer as described above. The second water vapor barrier layer is preferably arranged on the side of the metallization barrier layer arrangement facing away from the paper layer. For the sake of the most effective yet thin water vapor barrier possible, the second water vapor barrier layer, if included, can preferably be applied directly to the metallization barrier layer arrangement. The top layer can then be applied to this, optionally with an intermediate layer of suitable adhesion promoter.

[0060] To achieve the thinnest possible yet effective packaging layer arrangement, it can only consist of the layers mentioned above.

[0061] For good recyclability, a particularly dominant proportion of paper material by mass or weight and a proportion of foreign materials that is as low as possible relative to this dominant proportion are advantageous. For this reason, preferably no single layer of the packaging layer assembly has a higher basis weight than the paper layer. In the particularly preferred embodiment of a water-soluble oxygen barrier layer, according to which all subsequent layers following the oxygen barrier layer in the direction away from the paper layer can be easily removed from the packaging layer assembly, the paper layer can have a proportion of at least 95 wt.% of the total weight of the partial layer assembly, at least in a partial layer assembly extending from an outer surface of the packaging layer assembly located closer to the paper layer than to the metallization barrier layer assembly, up to and including the metallization barrier layer assembly.Preferably, the paper layer comprises at least 95% by weight of the total weight of the packaging layer assembly. In many legal regulations concerning packaging recycling, this 95% by weight threshold defines the limit below which a multi-layered packaging assembly is considered a single-material product and may be treated as such in secondary raw material recycling. The packaging layer assembly is then considered to consist solely of the material with a weight fraction of at least 95% and is processed according to a recycling process adapted for this material. In this case, this material is preferably the paper of the paper layer.

[0062] Different legal systems may have different threshold values ​​for classifying a packaging material as a mono-material, with the 95% wt. criterion currently being the strictest criterion and therefore fulfilling it is a prerequisite for classification as a mono-material in most or even all legal systems.

[0063] References to standards and regulations provided in this application refer to the standards and regulations in the version applicable on the filing date.

[0064] The present invention also relates to a flexible packaging, in particular food packaging, formed from the packaging layer arrangement described above. The flexible packaging comprises a packaging wall and a packaging space surrounded by the packaging wall. The packaging wall is formed at least partially, preferably predominantly, and particularly preferably completely, from a packaging layer arrangement as described and further developed above.

[0065] The packaging has at least one sealing area in which a section of the top layer of the packaging layer assembly is joined to another section of the top layer or to a section of a compatible layer by heat sealing. The arrangement of the aforementioned cold-seal application media is particularly useful, for example, if the packaging has at least one sealing area that has a discontinuous thickness change along its length and / or includes a gusset.

[0066] In areas with a change in thickness, where the thickness of the sealing area increases abruptly in one direction along the sealing area, the integrity of the greaseproof seal of the packaging layer arrangement is compromised. This is because the opposing areas of the packaging layer arrangement, which are to be sealed together, must overcome the change in thickness over a short distance. There is a risk that, in the area of ​​the thickness change, a gusset of the packaging walls to be sealed together will remain unconnected, or that a seal created in the gusset will only last a short time and will be locally broken again due to mechanical stresses in the flexible packaging material.In order to ensure continuous sealing of the adjacent and overlapping areas of flexible packaging material in the area of ​​abrupt thickness changes, while maintaining the grease barrier effect provided by the top layer, a cold sealing medium is preferably arranged in the sealing area or immediately adjacent to it.

[0067] A critical gusset area, which is critical for the integrity of a seal, can also occur where more than two surfaces to be sealed meet in a single sealing area. In most cases, at least two of these more than two surfaces are curved in the gusset area.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, the cold sealing medium is therefore applied to the packaging layer material where an area of ​​abrupt thickness change and / or a gusset area within the sealing area is to be expected on the packaging formed from the packaging layer material.

[0069] A particularly common occurrence of a sudden change in thickness within a sealed area of ​​packaging is the formation of a layer break along the sealed area, where a section of the packaging layer arrangement is folded back on itself. A layer break is always present when a virtual boundary exists along the sealed area, on one side of which more layers of packaging material are sealed together than on the other side of the virtual boundary. A layer break occurs, for example, in the so-called "W-fold," a well-known technique used to create a stand-up base on a flexible packaging bag.On one side of the virtual boundary of the sealing area, there are four layers. The two outermost layers are sealed to their respective neighboring layers on the inside, while the two neighboring layers face each other on their outer sides and are therefore not sealed to one another. This W-fold allows the packaging fold to spread, forming a flat base for the folded packaging bag. In a preferred embodiment, a cold-sealing medium supports the sealing connection in the sealing area at the layer transition. Accordingly, in this preferred embodiment, the cold-sealing medium is applied locally to the flexible packaging layer arrangement at the point where a layer transition is expected in a sealing area.

[0070] Another potentially crease-forming area in flexible packaging is the transverse seal seam of a VFFS package (VFFS = "Vertical Form, Fill, and Seal"). A VFFS package is filled with a pourable product during its formation, with the longitudinal seal seam progressing between a lower transverse seal seam and a subsequently formed upper transverse seal seam. Where the longitudinal and transverse seal seams meet, three sections of the packaging layer arrangement must be joined, at least two of which are curved at that point. This is just one more example of a possible application of the cold-seal medium.

[0071] Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following list of objects:

[0072] 1. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) for manufacturing a packaging container (90), wherein the packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) comprises: a paper layer (12; 112) as a support layer, an oxygen barrier layer (20; 120), such that an oxygen transfer rate of the packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) does not exceed

[0073] 1.1 cm 3 / (m 2 -d-bar) according to DIN 53380-3, measured at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity, is a metallization barrier layer arrangement (22; 122) formed by vacuum deposition, wherein the packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) additionally has a water vapor barrier layer (18; 118) such that a water vapor transfer rate of the packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) does not exceed 1.1 g / (m²). 2-d) according to DIN EN ISO 15106-3, measured at 38 °C and 90% relative humidity, wherein the oxygen barrier layer (20; 120) is arranged in the layer sequence (LF) between the water vapor barrier layer (18; 118) and the metallization barrier layer arrangement (22; 122), wherein the packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) has a cover layer (24; 124), wherein the metallization barrier layer arrangement (22; 122) is arranged between the paper layer (12; 112) and the cover layer (24; 124), characterized in that the cover layer (10; 110) is predominantly formed from a polyolefin blend or from a copolymer based on styrene and acrylic or from a thermoplastic elastomer. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to object 1, characterized in that the application weight of the top layer (10; 110) in the dried state is in the range of 1 to 9 g / m² 2The packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to article 2, characterized in that the application weight of the top layer (10; 110) in the dried state is in the range of 2 to 4 g / m². 2 The packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the preceding articles, characterized in that the polyolefin blend comprises LDPE and LLDPE or consists of LDPE and LLDPE and / or that the copolymer based on styrene and acrylate comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or / and acrylonitrile styrene acrylate or consists of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene acrylate.

[0074] 5. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the preceding articles, characterized in that the packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) is provided on one of its exposed surfaces (10b; 110b) with a coating (26; 126) of cold sealing medium.

[0075] 6. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to item 5, characterized in that the cold sealing medium comprises natural rubber and / or synthetic rubber or consists of natural rubber and / or synthetic rubber.

[0076] 7. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to article 5 or 6, characterized in that the cold sealing medium is applied in a pattern only to a part of the exposed surface (10b; 110b), while another part of the same surface (10b; 110b) is free of the cold sealing medium.

[0077] 8. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the articles 5 to 7, characterized in that the application weight of the cold sealing medium in the dried state is in a range of 1 to 5 g / m² 2 lies.

[0078] 9. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the articles 5 to 8, characterized in that the cold sealing medium is designed to produce a peelable bond.

[0079] 10. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the articles 5 to 9, characterized in that the surface (10b; 110b) carrying the cold sealing medium is corona-treated.

[0080] 11. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to object 10, characterized in that the surface (10b; 110b) carrying the cold sealing medium is mildly corona-treated, with a treatment power of not more than 3500 W.

[0081] 12. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the preceding articles, characterized in that the oxygen barrier layer (20; 120) is formed from at least two layers (20a, 20b; 120a, 120b), each of which contains a polymer based on vinyl alcohol as the main component.

[0082] 13. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the preceding articles, characterized in that the paper layer (12; 112) is made of a coating-free paper with a basis weight in the range of 50 g / m² 2 up to 90 g / m² 2 formed with a thickness in the range of 45 pm to 65 pm.

[0083] 14. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the preceding articles, characterized in that the paper layer (12; 112) has a filler coating (17; 117) on an acetate base on its side facing the metallization barrier layer arrangement (22; 122) and / or that the paper layer (12; 112) has a filler coating (13; 113) of ionic and non-ionic starch on its side facing away from the metallization barrier layer arrangement (22; 122).

[0084] 15. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to article 14, characterized in that the application weight of the acetate filler application (17; 117) and / or the starch filler application (13; 113) is in a range of 0.9 g / m² 2 up to 1.8 g / m² 2 lies.

[0085] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a packaging layer arrangement according to the invention.

[0086] Fig. 2 shows a rough schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a packaging layer arrangement according to the invention,

[0087] Fig. 3 shows a rough schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a package formed with the packaging layer arrangement of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2, and

[0088] Fig. 4 shows a rough schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a packaging formed with the packaging layer arrangement of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2.

[0089] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a packaging layer arrangement according to the invention, schematically depicted in cross-section and designated 10. In this first embodiment, the packaging layer arrangement 10 comprises a paper layer 12 whose basis weight is preferably not exceeded by any other layer of the packaging layer arrangement 10. The paper layer 12 forms the carrier layer of the packaging layer arrangement 10. The paper layer 12 is made of a coating-free paper with a basis weight of 63 g / m². 2 formed with a thickness of 53 pm.

[0090] To smooth the surfaces of the unprinted paper layer 12, a first filler coating 13 of ionic and non-ionic starch with a coating weight of, for example, 1.2 g / m² is applied to a side 12a of the paper layer 12 facing the outside 10a of the packaging layer arrangement 10, in the sense of an outside 10a of a packaging 90 (see Figure 3) or 140 (see Figure 4) formed from the packaging layer arrangement 10. 2 applied.

[0091] Similarly, on the side 12b of the paper layer 12 facing away from the outside 10a of the packaging layer arrangement 10, a second filler coating 17 made of polyvinyl acetate with a coating weight of, for example, 1.3 g / m² is applied to smooth it. 2 applied.

[0092] The representation of the packaging layer arrangement 10 in Figure 1 is expressly not to scale, especially with regard to the representation of the thicknesses of the individual layers.

[0093] On the outer side 10a of the packaging layer arrangement 10, the packaging layer arrangement 10, in the illustrated embodiment, has a layer 14 with a printing ink layer printed directly onto the paper layer 12 or onto the filler layer 13. The printing ink layer 14 allows the packaging layer arrangement 10, and thus the packaging 90 or 140 formed from it, to be provided with product information about the origin and / or quality and / or quantity of a product packaged with the packaging layer arrangement 10.

[0094] In a particularly simple embodiment of the packaging layer arrangement 10, layer 14 with the printing ink application can be omitted. In a simple embodiment, layer 14 with the printing ink application can be an outer layer, i.e., exposed to the surroundings of the packaging layer arrangement 10.

[0095] However, it is generally desirable to maintain the printed ink application in as pristine quality as possible, since consumers often infer the quality of the packaged product from its easily perceptible appearance. To protect layer 14 with the printed ink application, a protective layer 16 can therefore be placed over it, covering the ink. This protective layer 16 can include a protective varnish, preferably applied wet and then dried. A wet-applied protective varnish forms a thinner layer 16 when dry than a protective film of the same material laminated on top.

[0096] The optional protective layer 16, made of nitrocellulose, polyurethane or polyester, to name just a few material examples, preferably has a coating weight of 0.5 to 2.0 g / m², measurable in the ready-to-use dried state. 2 applied.

[0097] A water vapor barrier layer 18 is applied to the side of the paper layer 12 facing the inner side 10b of the packaging layer arrangement 10, which is opposite the outer side 10a or the filler layer 17. The water vapor barrier layer 18 can, for example, be made of an acrylic copolymer or a polyester, for example with a coating weight of 1 to 3 g / m². 2 , again measured in the ready-to-use, dried state.

[0098] The water vapor barrier layer 18 is preferably applied wet and is dried after application.

[0099] An oxygen barrier layer 20 is wet-applied to the side of the water vapor barrier layer 18 facing away from the paper layer 12, and then dried. The oxygen barrier layer 20, for example made of water-soluble PVOH, has a coating weight of 2 to 5 g / m² in its ready-to-use, dried state. 2 on.

[0100] The oxygen barrier layer 20 can also be made of other materials, such as polyurethane, BVOH, or EVOH. It is preferably made of water-soluble PVOH so that the oxygen barrier layer 20 and all subsequent layers extending away from the paper layer 12 can be easily removed from the paper layer 12 by dissolving the oxygen barrier layer 20.

[0101] Furthermore, a particularly effective mineral oil barrier can be provided with PVOH if the PVOH layer has at least two separately applied layers, since the subsequently applied layer 20b can then seal defects such as cracks or penetrations in the first applied layer 20a. To realize the advantageous mineral oil barrier, the oxygen barrier layer 20 is formed by the individual PVOH layers 20a and 20b. A metallization barrier layer arrangement 22 is applied to the side of the oxygen barrier layer 20 facing away from the paper layer 12 and the water vapor barrier layer 18 by vacuum deposition. The metallization barrier layer arrangement 22 has an optical density of between 2.0 and 4.0, preferably between 2.2 and 2.8, and particularly preferably 2.5. Its thickness is approximately 40 nm in the illustrated example.

[0102] With the arrangement shown, the moisture-sensitive oxygen barrier layer 20 lies in the direction of a layer sequence LF parallel to the thickness direction of the packaging layer arrangement 10 between the layers 18 and 22, which act as a water vapor barrier. Therefore, the oxygen barrier layer 20 can remain stable for a long time, shielded on both sides from attacking moisture, and exert its effect as an oxygen barrier.

[0103] The magnified view shown in Figure 1 depicts the metallization barrier layer arrangement 22 in detail. In the preferred embodiment shown, this arrangement comprises a central, thicker metal layer 22a made of metallic aluminum, which is sandwiched between two thinner metal oxide layers 22b and 22c made of aluminum oxide. The two metal oxide layers 22b and 22c are not naturally occurring but were intentionally produced by vacuum deposition. Each of the two metal oxide layers 22b and 22c has a thickness of approximately 3 to 4 nm, preferably 3.5 nm, so that the intervening metal layer 22a has a thickness of approximately 32 to 34 nm, preferably 33 nm.

[0104] The metal layer 22a and the metal oxide layers 22b and 22c flanking it on both sides exhibit excellent water vapor barrier properties at the indicated low thickness. Furthermore, the two metal oxide layers 22b and 22c protect the metal layer 22a located between them from oxidizing attack by the surrounding atmosphere.

[0105] On the side of the metallization barrier layer arrangement 22 facing away from the paper layer 12, a heat-sealable top layer 24 is applied, for example by extrusion, which ensures that the packaging layer arrangement 10 is sealable, and in particular heat-sealable, at least on its inner side 10b. The top layer 24 is made of a blend of LDPE and LLDPE, or of a copolymer based on styrene and acrylic, such as ABS or ASA, or of a thermoplastic elastomer. The coating weight of the top layer 24, measured in the ready-to-use dried state, is preferably between 2 and 10 g / m². 2 Instead of the aforementioned polymer types, one of the materials mentioned in the introductory description can be used as the top layer 24. When using a biopolymer as the top layer, its application weight, measured in the dry, ready-to-use state, is 5.0 to 30.0 g / m². 2 .

[0106] The top layer 24 provides a barrier effect for the packaging layer arrangement 10 against the migration of grease.

[0107] The top layer 24 is preferably applied as a dispersion by roller application or by another printing application method over the entire surface, optionally with an intermediate adhesion promoter layer.

[0108] The top layer 24 can have a completely exposed surface 24b without any further application.

[0109] For the purpose of illustrating a merely optional, but advantageous further development of the packaging layer arrangement 10, a cold-seal media application 26 is formed on the surface 24b of the cover layer 24, which points away from the paper layer 12 and is otherwise exposed. Where exposed, this surface forms an inner surface 10b of the packaging layer arrangement 10. The application consists, by way of example, of two independent sub-applications 27 and 28 spaced apart from one another. The cold-seal media application 26 is only shown schematically. The surfaces 26b of the cold-seal media application 26, which point away from the paper layer 12, also form exposed inner surfaces 10b of the packaging layer arrangement 10.

[0110] The cold-seal media 26 is applied locally to the top layer 24, preferably as a dispersion using printing technology. The material of the cold-seal media 26 and the material of the top layer 24 are at least compatible with each other. For this purpose, the top layer can be mildly corona-treated on its surface 24b, preferably with a treatment power of no more than 3500 W. This ensures a good and durable bond between the cold-seal media 26 and the top layer 24 when the cold-seal media 26 is preferably applied directly to the top layer 24 without the intermediate placement of an adhesion promoter layer.

[0111] The cold sealing media application 26, if present, covers a cold sealing media area 29 of the surface 24b of the top layer 24, while another, larger area 31 of the surface 24b of the top layer 24 remains exposed.

[0112] The cold sealing media application 26 can support sealing connections of the packaging layer arrangement 10.

[0113] In Figure 2, identical and functionally equivalent components and component sections as in Figure 1 are provided with the same reference numerals, but increased by the number 100. The second embodiment shown in Figure 2 is described below only insofar as it differs from the first embodiment of a packaging layer arrangement shown in Figure 1, to whose description reference is expressly made for the explanation of the second embodiment.

[0114] In the second embodiment of Figure 2, the protective layer 116 is formed by the water vapor barrier layer 118. The moisture-sensitive oxygen barrier layer 120 is thus also located in the second embodiment, in the direction of the layer sequence LF, between the water vapor barrier layer 118 and the metallization barrier layer arrangement 122, so that the oxygen barrier layer 120 is also shielded against attack by moisture on both sides in the second embodiment.

[0115] Optionally, the packaging layer arrangement 110 – or the packaging layer arrangement 10 of the first embodiment – ​​can have a second water vapor barrier layer 125, which is preferably applied directly to the metallization barrier layer arrangement 122 in order to enhance its barrier effect against water vapor migration. The second water vapor barrier layer 125, which essentially corresponds to the water vapor barrier layer 118 with regard to the type of application, its material, and its thickness, is therefore, if provided, preferably arranged between the metallization barrier layer arrangement 122 and the top layer 124.

[0116] As in the first embodiment, the top layer 124 can also be applied directly to the metallization layer arrangement 122, deviating from the illustration in Fig. 2.

[0117] In both embodiments, the oxygen barrier layer 20 or 120 is water-soluble. Due to the shielding of the oxygen barrier layer 20 or 120 on both sides by the water vapor barrier layer 18 or 118 and the metallization barrier layer arrangement 22 or 122, the oxygen barrier layer's sensitivity to moisture does not impair its stability. In a recycling process, the water vapor barrier layers 18, 118, 22, and 122 cannot withstand a massive attack by liquid water, so the oxygen barrier layer 20 or 120 can dissolve during recycling of the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110. This allows all layers located on the side of the oxygen barrier layer 20 or 120 facing away from the paper layer 12 or 112 to be easily removed from the paper layer 12 or 112 and withdrawn from the recycling process focused on the paper layer.This significantly increases the recycling success of the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110.

[0118] Preferably, the proportion of the weight of the paper layer 12 or 112 to the total weight of a partial layer assembly 30 or 130, which extends from the outer surface 10a or 110a of the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110 up to and including the metallization barrier layer arrangement 20 or 120, is at least 95%. Particularly preferably, the proportion of the weight of the paper layer 12 or 112 to the total weight of the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110 is at least 95%. This allows the partial layer assembly 30 or 130, or even the entire packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110, to be classified and recycled as a single material. Figure 3 shows an example of a packaging bag 90 formed from a packaging layer arrangement according to the invention.

[0119] The packaging bag 40 shown in Figure 3 is a stand-up pouch which is formed from a single rectangular blank of the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110.

[0120] The rectangular blank was folded along three folding axes: on folding axes F1 and F3, the inner sides 10b and 110b of the packaging layer arrangement 10 and 110, respectively, were opposite and facing each other, and on folding axis F2, the outer sides 10a and 110a of the packaging layer arrangement 10 and 110, respectively, were opposite and facing each other. This results in a so-called "W-fold" of the bottom area 42 of the packaging 40.

[0121] The parallel longitudinal sides of the packaging 40 are sealed inwards by sealing edges 44 and 46, respectively. Here, the top layer 24 and 124 are heat-sealed against themselves. A transverse sealing seam 48 in the head region 50 of the packaging 40 closes the packaging 40, so that a packaging space 52 inside the packaging 40 is completely enclosed by the packaging layer arrangement 10 and 110, respectively.

[0122] Due to the W-fold of the blank of the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110, a layer jump occurs at the fold axis F2, resulting in a thickness jump in the sealing edges 44 and 46: above the fold axis F2, i.e., starting from the fold axis F2 in the direction of the head area 50, only two layers of the packaging layer material 10 or 110 are sealed together; below the fold axis F2, i.e., starting from the fold axis F2 in the direction of the bottom area 42, four layers of the packaging material 10 or 110 are arranged between the front packaging wall 40a and the opposite rear packaging wall, facing away from the viewer of Figure 3. Accordingly, each of the seal edges 44 and 46 divides at the folding axis F2 in the direction of the base area 42 into two spreading legs 44a and 44b or 46a and 46b.

[0123] At the fold axis F2, a gusset area 54 is created at the sealing edge 44 in the area of ​​the thickness change, and another gusset area 56 is created at the sealing edge 46. In these gusset areas 54 and 56, only the thin material with an area-related application weight in the single-digit range in g / m² can be used. 2 applied top layer 24 or 124, preferably in the range between 2.0 and 4.0 g / m² 2 , achieving a permanently tight seal will be difficult.

[0124] In order to obtain a permanently tight and durable seal at this problem area, a cold sealing media application 26 is locally applied to the inside of the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110, which increases the amount of sealable material in the gusset area 54 and 56 and thus enables the gusset areas 54 and 56 to be filled with sealable and grease-barrier material. The cold sealing media application 26 supports the sealing connection of the sealing edges 44 and 46. Since the position of the folding axis F2 on the blanks or material blanks cut from the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110 for the production of the packaging 40 is already known due to the existing printed image on the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110, the cold sealing media application 26 can be provided with an extremely small additional amount of cold sealing medium on the otherwise free surface 24b or 124b of the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110.

[0125] A second embodiment of a package 140, which can be manufactured with the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110, is shown in Figure 4. Identical and functionally equivalent components and component sections as in the first embodiment of the package 40 of Figure 3 are designated in the second embodiment of the package 140 in Figure 4 with the same reference numerals, but increased by the number 100. The second embodiment of the package 140 will be described below only insofar as it differs from the first embodiment of the package 40 of Figure 3, to whose description reference is otherwise made for the explanation of the embodiment of Figure 4. Figure 4 shows a package 140 as it is typically used in vertical forming, filling, and sealing processes for the manufacture of the package 140. Packages such as the package 140 are also frequently referred to as "flow packs."Such manufacturing processes are referred to as "VFFS" processes due to their English name, and the machines that perform them are accordingly called "VFFS" machines. "VFFS" stands for "Vertical Form Fill and Seal". Packaging 140 is shown only as an example. Packaging other than VFFS packaging can also benefit from the present invention.

[0126] As experts will know, VFFS packagings, such as packaging 140, are bounded longitudinally by two parallel transverse sealing seams 148 and 158, between which, on the reverse side of packaging 140 facing away from the viewer of Figure 4, an inside-to-inside sealed fin seal 160 extends, which connects opposite ends of a quasi-endless blank made of a packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110.

[0127] During the production of the packaging 140, a quasi-continuous belt of the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110 runs vertically from top to bottom, whereby the side edges of the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110 are folded over to form a tube-like structure with a packaging wall 140a that encircles a subsequent packaging space 152 and are overlapped with their respective inner surfaces. During the vertical movement, the overlapping side edges of the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110 are joined to form the fin seal 160 by sliding or rolling sealing tools.

[0128] The transverse seal 148 in the head region 150 of the packaging 140 is the lower part of a larger transverse seal between the packaging space 152 of the packaging 140 and another packaging (not shown) adjoining the transverse seal 148 at the top in Figure 4. The initially materially connected packagings 140 are separated and singulated by cutting along their transverse seals. First, the lower seal 158 of one packaging 140 is formed. As the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110 is moved vertically, the fin seal 160, and with it the packaging space 152 enclosed by the packaging layer arrangement 10 or 110, is cut with increasing height above the

[0129] Seal seam 158 is formed. During the formation of the packaging space 152, it is already being filled until the upper transverse seal seam 148 finally completes the formation of the packaging 140. Critical gusset areas 154 and 156 for the formation of the transverse seal seams are created where the fin seal seam 160 protrudes from the transverse seal seam 148 and the transverse seal seam 158, respectively. To prevent leaks in the seal seam, local cold sealing media applications 126 are provided in the gusset areas 154 and 156. These applications provide additional sealable material in the gusset areas 154 and 156, which supports the resulting seal and contributes to increasing the grease barrier in the gusset areas.

Claims

Claims 1. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) for manufacturing a packaging container (90), wherein the packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) comprises: a paper layer (12; 112) as a support layer, an oxygen barrier layer (20; 120), such that an oxygen transfer rate of the packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) does not exceed 1.1 cm 3 / (m 2 -d-bar) according to DIN 53380-3, measured at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity, is a metallization barrier layer arrangement (22; 122) formed by vacuum deposition, wherein the packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) additionally has a water vapor barrier layer (18; 118) such that a water vapor transfer rate of the packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) does not exceed 1.1 g / (m²). 2-d) according to DIN EN ISO 15106-3, measured at 38 °C and 90% relative humidity, wherein the oxygen barrier layer (20; 120) is arranged in the layer sequence (LF) between the water vapor barrier layer (18; 118) and the metallization barrier layer arrangement (22; 122), wherein the packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) has a cover layer (24; 124), wherein the metallization barrier layer arrangement (22; 122) is arranged between the paper layer (12; 112) and the cover layer (24; 124), characterized in that the cover layer (10; 110) is predominantly formed of a polyolefin blend or of a copolymer based on styrene and acrylic or of a thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) is placed on one of its exposed Surfaces (10b; 110b) are provided with an application (26; 126) of cold sealing medium.

2. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to claim 1, characterized in that the application weight of the top layer (10; 110) in the dried state is in the range of 1 to 9 g / m² 2 lies.

3. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to claim 2, characterized in that the application weight of the top layer (10; 110) in the dried state is in the range of 2 to 4 g / m² 2 lies.

4. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polyolefin blend comprises LDPE and LLDPE or consists of LDPE and LLDPE and / or that the styrene and acrylic-based copolymer comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or / and acrylonitrile styrene acrylate or consists of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene acrylate.

5. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cold sealing medium comprises natural rubber and / or synthetic rubber or consists of natural rubber and / or synthetic rubber.

6. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cold sealing medium is applied in a pattern only to a part of the exposed surface (10b; 110b), while another part of the same surface (10b; 110b) is free of the cold sealing medium.

7. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application weight of the cold sealing medium in the dried state is in a range of 1 to 5 g / m² 2 lies.

8. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cold sealing medium is designed to produce a peelable bond.

9. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface (10b; 110b) carrying the cold sealing medium is corona-treated.

10. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to claim 9, characterized in that the surface (10b; 110b) carrying the cold sealing medium is mildly corona-treated, with a treatment power of not more than 3500 W.

11. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the oxygen barrier layer (20; 120) is formed from at least two layers (20a, 20b; 120a, 120b), each of which contains a polymer based on vinyl alcohol as the main component.

12. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the paper layer (12; 112) is made of a coating-free paper with a basis weight in the range of 50 g / m² 2 up to 90 g / m² 2 formed with a thickness in the range of 45 pm to 65 pm.

13. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the paper layer (12; 112) has a filler coating (17; 117) on an acetate base on its side facing the metallization barrier layer arrangement (22; 122) and / or that the paper layer (12; 112) has a filler coating (13; 113) of ionic and non-ionic starch on its side facing away from the metallization barrier layer arrangement (22; 122).

14. Packaging layer arrangement (10; 110) according to claim 13, characterized in that the application weight of the acetate filler layer (17; 117) and / or the starch filler layer (13; 113) is in the range of 0.9 g / m² 2 up to 1.8 g / m² 2 lies.

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