Beverage or foodstuff preparation system comprising a pulp-based container

Abstract

The invention relates to a system comprising - a single-use beverage container hosting a beverage component and comprising: a body portion having a flange portion (66) and a rim (91) formed of a molded pulp-based material, and having a dry state in which no liquid is absorbed by the molded pulp-based material, and a wet state in which liquid is absorbed by the molded pulp-based material; a barrier element to provide a barrier function to the body portion (62); and a closing membrane (60) for closing a storage portion (64) of the body portion (62), and - a machine for preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff thereof including a brewing unit which in use is movable to transfer the container between a receiving position to a processing position. The brewing unit comprises a retaining arrangement having hooking members arranged to retain the rim of the flange portion to transfer the container from the processing position; an ejection arrangement with ejectors for ejection of the flange portion from the hooking members, and a supply channel for supply of a container to the brewing unit, the supply channel comprising stops to locate a container in a holding position. The pulp-based material of the flange portion is made from a pulp composition comprising: an amount of cellulose fibers; an amount of a sizing agent; an amount of a wet strength agent, and optionally, an amount of a dry strength agent; and comprises a rim diameter D at the location of the rim of the flange portion in which the difference of the diameter D between the dry state and the wet state is at most 1,4% to enable - in the dry state, engagement with the stops of the supply channel and the rim to fit into a cavity of the hooking members, and - in the wet state, engagement with the ejectors and ejection the rim of the container from the cavity of the hooking members.

Description

[0001] 19701-EP-EPA

[0002] BEVERAGE OR FOODSTUFF PREPARATION SYSTEM COMPRISING A PULP-BASED

[0003] CONTAINER

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present invention is directed to a pulp composition for the production of a molded fiber product, mainly cellulose based, to be used in the food and beverage industry and to a method for producing said pulp composition.

[0006] The invention further relates to a compostable molded fiber pulp product and components, forming a functional packaging container. In particular, the proposed molded pulp container may be a single-use container, e.g. a capsule, comprising a beverage ingredient, to be used in a beverage machine to produce a beverage, e.g. a coffee or a tea beverage.

[0007] In addition, the invention also relates to methods for producing said compostable molded pulp products and to methods and use of these compostable pulp products for preparing beverages.

[0008] The invention is further directed to a beverage extraction system implementing the proposed compostable pulp product in the form of a single-use beverage container.

[0009] BACKGROUND

[0010] An example of such a beverage extraction system comprises the Nespresso Original capsule system. Said system comprises a Nespresso Original capsule, which is aluminium based, and a Nespresso Original machine configured for extracting coffee from said capsule. Said machine comprises a capsule processing unit, and example of which is described in WO2011124484 Al.

[0011] In such system, the capsule comprises a single-serving of a beverage component forming precursor material, e.g. ground coffee or tea and the beverage preparation machine is arranged to execute a beverage preparation process on the capsule, typically by the exposure of pressurized, heated water to said precursor material. As part of this preparation 19701-EP-EPA process, the capsule is guided through the machine by a series of complex interactions to load, process and eject the capsule by various mechanisms of the machine and principally a flange portion of the capsule.

[0012] Due to the complex movement of the capsule through the machine and the exposure to pressurized, heated water, to date only an aluminium based capsule has been implemented with a high degree of reliability.

[0013] With the rising environment awareness, capsules with other materials have been proposed, e.g. for improved biodegradability and, recently, cellulose-based materials have been proposed to manufacture coffee capsules. Such capsules are, for example, disclosed in WO2023 / 052352 Al.

[0014] However, by changing the base material of the capsule from aluminium to a biodegradable material, e.g. cellulose-based pulp or paper, it has been found that said materials may be prone to sticking, including a failed ejection in which the spent capsule remains in the machine, or cause other material related errors.

[0015] The successful implementation of a cellulose-based capsule formed from pulp molding technologies relies on the pulp properties and related production process, which directly impact the overall performance and quality of the beverage extraction process.

[0016] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide new and improved pulp recipe and production process leading to improved pulp molded containers used for beverage extraction.

[0017] SUMMARY

[0018] [Pulp composition and use]

[0019] In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a pulp composition for producing a molded fiber product such as a container, and particularly a single-use coffee container, withstanding coffee extraction conditions and providing improved processing of the container within a beverage preparation machine. 19701-EP-EPA

[0020] A pulp composition is proposed to be used for the production of a molded pulp fiber container body to be used in the food and beverage industry and in particular in single-use container in beverage systems.

[0021] The proposed pulp composition comprises: an amount of raw cellulose-based pulp material comprising cellulose fibers defining a dry fiber content; a sizing agent; and a wet strength agent.

[0022] The sizing agent is present in a concentration to the total amount of dry fiber content of 0.1 wt.% to 2 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 1,5 wt.%, most preferably about 0.5 wt.%; and

[0023] The wet strength agent is present in a concentration to the total amount of dry fiber content of 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, preferably 0.2 wt.% to 2 wt.%, most preferably about 0.4 wt.%.

[0024] By providing liquid, in particular water, repellency and resistance to individual fibers, the combination in the pulp composition forming a network of fibers, of both the sizing agent and the wet strength agent in a molded pulp product, allows improving the product's resistance when exposed to liquid or moisture. Additionally, concentration below 2 wt.% provides required food contact safety and cost effectiveness when considering single-use beverage container.

[0025] In embodiment, the pulp composition further comprises a dry strength agent. It is proposed that the dry strength agent be in a concentration to the total amount of dry fiber content of 0.1 wt.% to 4 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 2 wt.%, most preferably about 0.6 wt.%.

[0026] In addition to the advantages of the previous additives, the dry strength agent may improve the formed pulp products strength and durability in dry conditions (without any exposure to water or moisture). This is of particular advantage in the field of pulp molded single-use containers.

[0027] As for the proposed additives to the pulp composition, it is proposed that the sizing agent be selected within the list of Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD), alkyl succinic anhydride (ASA), rosin and combination thereof. 19701-EP-EPA

[0028] Selecting AKD as commercially available, well known and cheap material may clearly be an advantage. On the other hand, ASA and rosin have a higher melting point compared to AKD and may be suitable for high temperature application of the resulting pulp molded product.

[0029] The sizing agent may be defined as an internal or surface sizing agent depending on the way it will interact with the pulp material and with the cellulose based fibers.

[0030] The sizing agent may be used in combination with one or more additional component to enhance its interaction, stability over time or retention with the cellulose base fibers. Additional components may be cationic starch or alum.

[0031] Coming to the wet strength agent, it may be selected within the list of polyamideepichlorohydrin (PAE), urea-formaldehyde (UF), melamine-formaldehyde (MF) and combination thereof. PAE as preferred wet strength agent is commercially available, and economically cheap. UF and MF are possible alternatives.

[0032] By way of example, the dry strength agent may be selected within the list of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HPC), polyacrylamide (PAM) or Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and combination thereof. CMC is of particular interest as being a biodegradable cellulose derivative.

[0033] In embodiment, the pulp composition may further comprise a fiber binder in the form of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester in a concentration to the total amount of dry fiber content in the range of 0.5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1 wt.% to 15 wt.%.

[0034] The preferred fiber binder is preferably selected in the list of Polybutylene succinate (PBS), Polybutylene succinate-co-adipate (PBSA), Polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB), Polyhydroxy alkanoate (PHA), Polycaprolactone (PCL), Polylactic acid (PLA), Polyglycolic acid (PGA), Polybutylene sebacate-co-terephthalate (PBSeT), Polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT), Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH) and Poly(3- hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and combination thereof.

[0035] Advantageously, the aliphatic polyester fiber binder enhances fiber-to-fiber bonding and improves the resistance to water in the resulting molded pulp product. Additionally, the 19701-EP-EPA selected aliphatic polyester are biodegradable polymers thereby increasing the biodegradable and / or compostable content of the formed molded pulp product.

[0036] According to a further feature, at least a part of the amount of the raw cellulose- based pulp of the pulp composition may be made or may comprise refined cellulose fibers. Refining the cellulose fibers promotes the fiber-to-fiber bond strength thanks to mechanical entanglement and mechanical interlocking of the fibers. Using refining will ultimately yield to a molded pulp product with an increased tensile strength and tensile stiffness when wet or exposed to moisture, but also without any exposure to water or moisture.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment the raw cellulose-based pulp material of the pulp composition and resulting pulp molded container comprises wood fibers and / or nonwood fibers.

[0038] Non-wood fibers are cheaper compared to wood fibers and can be sourced from fast growing plants or agricultural waste. However, wood fibers are of greater quality compared to non-wood fibers (e.g. the fiber length to width ratio). Therefore, wood fiber products typically have higher strength, higher stiffness and lower water absorption properties compared to similar product made from non-wood fibers.

[0039] Hence it is proposed that amount of non-wood fibers in the pulp composition and resulting molded container be at least 5 wt.% of the raw cellulose-based pulp material, preferably at least 10 wt. %, more preferably at least 30 wt.%, and at most 60 wt.%. The use of a combination of wood and non-wood fibers, allows for a balance between performance, cost, and environmental impact.

[0040] According to a further feature, the wood fibers comprise softwood and / or hardwood fibers. Generally speaking, the softwood fibers having a fiber length of about 2 mm to 4 mm, preferably about 3 mm, and the hardwood fibers having a fiber length of about 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably about 1mm.

[0041] The length of the fibers may clearly have an impact on the final properties of the pulp composition and resulting pulp-molded container: the longer the fibers, the longer the drainage time during the molding process and the higher the tensile strength and the lower the tensile stiffness of the resulting molded container products. 19701-EP-EPA

[0042] It is proposed that the wood fibers of the pulp composition and resulting molded container comprise softwood and / or hardwood fibers, and the ratio of softwood to hardwood fibers is in the range of 80-20 to 20-80, preferably 60-40 to 40-60, most preferably 70-30. The combination of hardwood and softwood in the pulp composition allows for a balance between performance and cost.

[0043] According to possible features, the wood fibers are selected in the list of Pine, Spruce, Redwood, Maple, Oak, Ash, Eucalyptus, Maple, Birch, Walnut, Beech and combination thereof and the non-wood fibers are selected in the list of rice, manila hemp, sisal, jute, bamboo, maize, sugar cane, sugar cane residues (bagasse), banana peels, coffee ground and combination thereof.

[0044] More particularly, the pulp composition may be processed using a wet or dry pulp molding process to form containers and container's components (like a container body portion), preferably single-use containers for use in beverage preparation machine, comprising cup-shaped container body.

[0045] It is to be noted that the proposed pulp composition may be used in a wet pulp molding process and thus comprises water in a range of about 96,5 wt.% to 99,5 wt.% and a cellulose fiber content in a range of about 0,5 wt.% to 3,5 wt.%. The proposed fiber content dispersed in water allows for good fiber formation, and fast dewatering.

[0046] More particularly, the pulp composition used for the wet pulp molding process comprises a pH of the pulp composition comprised between 5 and 7,5. The proposed pH range eases the pulp composition preparation. Furthermore, the pulp composition may comprise a cationic demand is less than 55 pekV.g-1, preferably around 40 pekV.g1characteristic of good distribution of the electrical charges in the pulp composition ensuring improved stability of the composition

[0047] Alternatively, the proposed pulp composition may be used in a dry pulp molding process and thus comprises a cellulose fibers content in a range of about 92 wt.% to 96 wt.% and water in a range of about 4 wt.% to 8 wt.%. As an advantage, dry pulp molding process may be conceived as a continuous process with short cycle time (typically around 4 seconds for a small container), thus, typically suited for high volume applications like single-use coffee containers. 19701-EP-EPA

[0048] Preferably, the formed container body (through wet or dry pulp molding process) is configured for holding a beverage component, preferably roast and ground coffee, for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage production machine.

[0049] Hence, the pulp composition may be used to form molded pulp fiber container such as a single-use capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation machine in which the container comprising a pulp molded cup-shaped container body, a barrier element providing a barrier to gas and / or moisture to the container body and a closing membrane for closing the container body. The cup-shaped container body and the closing membrane thereby define a closed storage portion for holding a beverage and / or foodstuff ingredient, preferably roast and ground coffee.

[0050] [Method for producing a pulp composition]

[0051] It is proposed that the pulp composition, for the production of a molded fiber container to be used in the food and beverage industry, be made according to a specific method. The method comprises the step of: a) Providing a raw cellulose-based pulp material comprising cellulose fibers b) Refining the cellulose fibers up to transferring an amount of energy of 240 kWh.t1per ton of dry cellulose fibers; c) Adding a sizing agent in a concentration to the total amount of dry fiber content of 0.1 wt.% to 2 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 1,5 wt.%, most preferably about 0.5 wt.%; d) Mixing the composition for at least 5 min until stabilization of the pH around 7,5 and cationic demand of 50 pekV.g-1; e) Adding a wet strength agent, in a concentration to the total amount of dry fiber content of 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, preferably 0.2 wt.% to 2 wt.%, most preferably about 0.4 wt.%. f) Mixing the composition for at least 5 min until stabilization of the cationic demand and pH to obtain the final pulp composition.

[0052] As mentioned, refining advantageously promotes fiber-fiber bond strength caused by the mechanical entanglement and mechanical interlocking of fibers. Refining the cellulose 19701-EP-EPA fibers up to 240 kWh t1allows to reach high Shopper Riegler (typically up to 40), without compromising costs caused by high energy consumption.

[0053] After addition of the sizing agent or of the wet strength agent, the mixing for at least 5 min greatly allows for a stabilization of the pH and cationic demand. Reaching a cationic demand of around 50 pekV.g1after addition of the sizing agent enables a good fixing of the next chemical compound to be added.

[0054] For instance, the cationic demand of the final pulp composition is less than cationic demand measured in step d), and preferably of about 40 pekV.g-1. Reaching a lower cationic demand of the final pulp composition compared to the initial one is a proof of the good fixing of the different additives and in particular of the wet strength agent.

[0055] In embodiment, the method for producing a pulp composition further comprises two additional steps g) and h) which are added between steps d) and e): g) Adding a dry strength agent, in a concentration to the total amount of dry fiber content of 0.1 wt.% to 4 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 2 wt.%, most preferably about 0.6 wt.%; and h) Mixing the composition for at least 5 min until stabilization of the pH of the composition around 7,5 or until the composition reaches a cationic demand of at least 55 pekV.g-1.

[0056] In addition to the advantage of adding a dry strength agent in the pulp composition, controlling the pH of the composition allows easing its preparation and ensuring good distribution of the different additives.

[0057] In a proposed embodiment, the fibers are bleached, preferably prior to the refining step. Bleaching the fibers allows whitening the pulp composition and the resulting product are of whiter color.

[0058] When the pulp composition is intended to be used in a pulp molding process, according to an additional feature, the method for producing the pulp composition further comprises a step al) of mixing the raw cellulose-based pulp material with a liquid, preferably water, to form a slurry, prior to the refining step b).

[0059] Specifically, the slurry comprises about 5 wt.% to 10 wt.% of cellulose fibers. 19701-EP-EPA

[0060] According to a further additional feature, the method for producing the pulp composition comprises a step bl) of diluting the slurry to a pulp fiber concentration of 0,5 wt.% to 3,5 wt.% after the refining of step b) and before the sizing agent addition of step c). A fiber content of 0,5 wt.% to 3,5 wt. % in water allows for good fiber formation, and fast dewatering during the pulp molding process.

[0061] Preferably, the method is carried out at ambient temperature, preferably between 12 degrees and 25 degrees Celsius, thereby avoid further costs, for example heating costs.

[0062] It is to be noted that the raw cellulose-based pulp material used in the preparation of the pulp composition may comprise wood fibers and / or non-wood fibers and the wood fibers may comprise softwood and / or hardwood fibers in the previously mentioned ratios and presenting the above discussed advantages.

[0063] The sizing agent, the dry strength agent and the dry strength agent which are added during the production of the pulp composition are selected in the selection previously mentioned.

[0064] Further to forming the pulp composition, the pulp composition may be used, for example in a wet pulp molding process, to form molded pulp products, for example molded pulp single-use container to be used in the production of a beverage.

[0065] [Molded pulp fiber container and container body and use]

[0066] The molded pulp fiber container body resulting from the molding process of the proposed pulp composition is preferably in the form of a cup. The container body may be associated with a, preferably compostable, closing membrane for closing the container body thereby defining a molded pulp fiber container comprising a closed storage portion for holding a beverage and / or foodstuff component, for example a beverage ingredient, preferably roast and ground coffee. The proposed container may hence be used for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation machine.

[0067] To allow the extraction of the beverage component stored in the molded pulp fiber container, the cup-shaped container body may have: 19701-EP-EPA a circumferential sidewall laterally defining a storage portion for the beverage ingredient suitable for preparing a beverage, a base wall closing the storage portion at a first end of the sidewall, an outwardly annular flange connected to the lateral sidewall at a second end of the sidewall for the closing membrane to seal thereon.

[0068] For instance, the outwardly annular flange is formed of pulp molded based material made from the proposed pulp composition.

[0069] Specifically, the outwardly extending flange portion has a rim with a rim diameter D.

[0070] Generally, the molded pulp container also comprises a barrier member lining in the storage portion to provide a gas and / or moisture barrier to the container body portion thereby ensuring optimized protection and preservation of the beverage component stored in the cavity of the storage portion.

[0071] The barrier member may, for example, be a coating or a laminated multi-layer liner.

[0072] Thanks to the above presented additives added to the cellulose fiber-based pulp composition, the properties and behavior of the resulting molded pulp container, during extraction in a beverage preparation machine is improved. More specifically, thanks to the sizing agent added to the pulp composition, the water penetration by capillarity into the flange portion of the formed container when the container's body is in direct contact with water during extraction of the container, is reduced. In addition, the wet strength agent improves the container strength, especially in the flange portion during extraction of the container. Complementary, the dry strength agent increases the rim stiffness when the rim of the flange portion is exposed to limited amount of moisture and water.

[0073] In embodiment it is proposed a container having at least for use in a beverage preparation machine in which at least the flange portion is made of a molded pulp-based material through molding of the previously proposed pulp composition.

[0074] In particular, the molded pulp container (and container body) for use in a beverage preparation machine including means for injecting fluid in the container, is defined as having: a dry state in which the container is not exposed to liquid and therefore no liquid is absorbed by the molded pulp-based material, and 19701-EP-EPA a wet state in which liquid is absorbed by the molded pulp-based material, the wet state being defined as during or subsequent to being exposed of the container to the liquid from the beverage preparation machine in the process of preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff.

[0075] As proposed, the difference of diameter D of the rim of the flange portion between the dry state and the wet state is at most 1,4%.

[0076] The controlled difference of diameter D between wet and dry state allows for an optimized interaction with the different surfaces of the beverage preparation machine during all the extraction process, meaning from the insertion of the container in the beverage preparation machine to the ejection of the container after its extraction in the beverage machine brewing unit.

[0077] Hence, in the present case, the lower the difference of rim diameter D between wet and dry state, the better the interaction with the different surfaces of the beverage preparation machine is.

[0078] Specifically, when used in a beverage preparation machine including means for injecting fluid in the container, the rim diameter D when the container is in the wet state is at most 37,6mm ± 1 mm. The proposed rim diameter D in the wet state maximizes the contact surfaces of the rim and flange portion with the ejectors of the brewing unit while minimizing the non-functional contact of surfaces of the container with the beverage preparation machine.

[0079] Similarly, the rim diameter D in the dry state should be at least 36.6 mm ± 1 mm to ensure proper interaction between the flange portion of the container and the ejectors of the brewing unit.

[0080] During or after extraction when the container is in the wet state, the quantity of water absorbed by the flange portion is lower than the quantity of water absorbed by the storage portion of the container. 19701-EP-EPA

[0081] [Method of manufacturing a beverage single-use container]

[0082] A method of forming a molded pulp (single-use) container for use with a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage is further proposed.

[0083] The method comprises: a. Providing a pulp composition with the cellulose fibers and additives previously proposed; b. Forming the container, including a body portion, a storage portion and the flange portion, using a mold by pulp molding technology; c. Releasing the container from the mold; d. Drying the formed container; and e. Cutting the rim portion at rim diameter D when it is in the dry state.

[0084] In embodiment, the container is molded using a wet pulp molding process or alternatively a dry pulp molding process.

[0085] According to an additional feature, the method further comprises the steps of: f. applying a barrier element to the container, preferably to the body portion of the container or within the storage portion to provide gas and / or moisture barrier function to the body portion ; g. filling the storage portion with a beverage component, preferably roast and ground coffee; and h. closing the container with a closing membrane connected to the flange portion.

[0086] The proposed method allows the manufacture and production of a compostable molded pulp single-use container for use with a beverage preparation machine minimizing sticking and blockage of the container within the machine during extraction. 19701-EP-EPA

[0087] [Method of preparing a beverage and use of the container]

[0088] According to a further aspect, a method of preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff with the above disclosed container in a beverage preparation machine is proposed. The method comprising: supplying a container comprising a flange portion to a brewing unit of a container processing unit from a supply channel; arranging the container, in a dry state, in a holding position in the brewing unit; transferring the container, in the dry state, to a processing position and engaging hooking members of a retaining arrangement with a rim of a flange portion of the container; supplying liquid to the container in the processing position to process the container; transferring the container, in the wet state, from the processing position by engagement of the hooking members with the rim of a flange portion of the container; ejecting the container, in the wet state, from the hooking members by engaging an ejector of an ejection arrangement with the rim;

[0089] In the proposed method, the rim of the flange portion formed of molded pulp-based material through molding of the proposed pulp composition has a rim diameter D. It is proposed that the container has a difference of rim diameter D between the dry state and the wet state that is at most 1,4%.

[0090] The proposed difference in rim diameter D allows defining a container for extraction that, when engaged in the brewing unit of the beverage machine, will not be blocked inside the machine after extraction.

[0091] The use of the previously disclosed container having at least a flange portion made of molded pulp, for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine is also proposed. The machine includes: a container processing unit for processing precursor material of the container, the container processing unit comprising: a brewing unit having a holding portion arranged to hold the storage portion of the container, and a closing portion arranged to 19701-EP-EPA close the holding portion around a held container, the holding portion and closing portion relatively movable to transfer a container between receiving position a processing position; a retaining arrangement having hooking members arranged to retain the rim 91 of the flange portion to transfer the container from the processing position; an ejection arrangement with ejectors for ejection of the flange portion from the hooking members, and; a supply channel for supply of a container to the brewing unit, the supply channel comprising stops to locate a container in a holding position.

[0092] As understood, the proposed container and container components are optimized for the use of the container in interaction with the beverage machine elements.

[0093] [System and use]

[0094] The present disclosure provides a system comprising a container of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein and a machine for preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff. Specifically, the container for containing a food and / or beverage component as precursor material for use with the machine, comprises the following elements : a body portion having a storage portion for storage of the beverage component and a flange portion having a rim, at least the flange portion formed of a molded pulp-based material, and having a dry state in which no liquid is absorbed by the molded pulp-based material, and a wet state in which liquid is absorbed by the molded pulp-based material; a barrier element providing a gas and / or barrier function to the body portion; and a closing membrane to closed the storage portion.

[0095] In embodiments, the machine includes: a processing unit for processing the beverage component of the container in which processing the beverage component includes one or more of the following processes: injecting conditioned fluid into the container via inlets at the perforation region in a base of the container formed by the machine; increasing a pressure of fluid in the container until a rupturing portion of the container ruptures to provide the beverage, and; ejecting a spent container from the container processing unit.

[0096] Specifically, the container processing unit of the machine comprises a brewing unit having a holding portion arranged to hold the storage portion of the container, and a closing portion arranged to close the holding portion around a held container. The holding portion 19701-EP-EPA and closing portion are relatively movable to transfer a container between receiving position a processing position.

[0097] The brewing unit further comprises a retaining arrangement having hooking members arranged to retain the rim of the flange portion to transfer the container from the processing position; an ejection arrangement with ejectors for ejection of the flange portion from the hooking members, and a supply channel for supply of a container to the brewing unit, the supply channel comprising stops to locate a container in a holding position.

[0098] At least the flange portion of the container of the proposed system comprises pulpbased material made from a pulp composition comprising: an amount of cellulose fibers; an amount of a sizing agent; an amount of a wet strength agent, and optionally, an amount of a dry strength agent.

[0099] Furthermore, the flange portion comprises a rim having a rim diameter D of the rim in which the difference of the diameter D between the dry state and the wet state is at most 1,4% to enable: in the dry state, engagement with the stops of the supply channel and the rim to fit into a cavity of the hooking members, and in the wet state, engagement with the ejectors and ejection the rim of the container from the cavity of the hooking members.

[0100] Thanks to the proposed pulp composition, the rim diameter D of the container is sufficiently stable in dimensions during the container extraction to allow for efficient ejection of the container from the preparation machine with reduced blocking in the machine.

[0101] In the disclosed system, the dry state is determined at ambient conditions when the container is not exposed to liquid and therefore no liquid is absorbed by the molded pulp- 19701-EP-EPA based material, and the wet state is defined as during or subsequent to the container being exposed to water from a preparation process.

[0102] More particularly, with the proposed container in the processing position, the container processing unit is arranged to expose to liquid an exterior of the storage portion and the flange portion to hydraulically seal the container in the processing position. However, with the specific pulp composition, liquid absorption by the flange portion and more specifically by the rim is reduced.

[0103] Indeed, during extraction and in the processing position the flange and / or rim portion made from a pulp composition comprising an amount of a sizing agent, an amount of a wet strength agent, and optionally, an amount of a dry strength agent, have reduced liquid absorption compared to a flange portion and / or rim made from a pulp composition that do not comprise any sizing agent, wet strength and / or any a dry strength agent. This allows for improved processing and ejection of the container in the preparation machine.

[0104] For instance, in the wet state, the rim bending stiffness of the rim of the flange portion is selected to enable projection of the container from the hooking members with an energy above a predetermined amount for ejection of the container to an ejection channel of the container processing unit.

[0105] More particularly, the value of the rim bending stiffness, in the wet state, providing the predetermined amount of energy for ejection of the container to the ejection channel of the container processing unit is at least 3 N.mm1.

[0106] The rim diameter D of the rim when the container is in the wet state is at most 37,6mm ± 0.1mm to engage with the ejectors of the brewing unit.

[0107] In the proposed embodiment, the rim diameter D when the container is in the dry state is at least 36,6mm ± 0.1mm to engage with the stops of the supply channel during insertion of the container in the preparation machine.

[0108] As mentioned, the flange portion, and more preferably the body portion of the container, is molded, and the rim of the flange portion is further cut to achieve a rim diameter D, in the dry state, of at least 36,6mm ± 0.1mm, preferably greater than 36.6 mm.

[0109] It is to be noted that the rim diameter D is selected to reduce, in the wet state, a likelihood of a failed ejection condition of: 19701-EP-EPA a container resting against the ejection channel and the ejectors, and / or; the container not being successfully ejected by the ejectors from the hooking members.

[0110] Specifically, the pulp composition of the container of the proposed system comprises cellulose fibers comprising wood fibers, including softwood and / or hardwood fibers, and / or non-wood fibers. Additives such as sizing agent, wet strength agent and dry strength agent in the previously disclosed concentration and according to the previously disclosed selection, are added bringing the already discussed advantages.

[0111] Additionally, the container of the proposed system further comprises a gas and / or moisture barrier member lining the container body potion and / or an interior of the storage portion.

[0112] The barrier member may be in the form of a coating and / or a laminated multilayer liner. A proposed laminated multilayer liner may comprise one or more of following layers: an innermost cover layer comprising an amount of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester; a first intermediate layer of a biodegradable material for connecting and / or sealing adjacent layers; a functional layer comprising a vinyl alcohol polymer; a second intermediate layer of a biodegradable material for connecting and / or sealing adjacent layers; and an outermost cover layer comprising an amount of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester.

[0113] According to selection of the different layers, such barrier multilayer liner may be conceived as a biodegradable and / or compostable element.

[0114] A barrier member using one or more coatings may also be considered.

[0115] In addition, a closing membrane sea lingly connected to the flange portion on the side of the flange portion facing away from the storage portion and technically defined to be pierced by opening means of the beverage machine is provided. Such closing membrane may also be conceived as a biodegradable and / or compostable element 19701-EP-EPA

[0116] The present disclosure also provides use of the pulp composition of any preceding embodiment to manufacture a molded pulp fiber container and / or container body in a mold using a molding process.

[0117] Use of the proposed molded pulp fiber container body as part of a pulp molded single-use beverage container for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage production machine is also intended.

[0118] Use of the container of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein with a machine for preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff according to the disclosed system is also encompassed.

[0119] The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some embodiments to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and / or proceeding embodiments may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further embodiments. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description of Embodiments, Brief Description of Figures, and Claims.

[0120] Any reference to prior art documents in this specification is not to be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

[0121] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0122] The invention is further described with reference to the following examples. It will be appreciated that the invention as claimed is not intended to be limited in any way by these examples.

[0123] Aspects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments in reference to the appended drawings in which like numerals denote like elements. 19701-EP-EPA

[0124] Figure 1 is a block system diagram showing an embodiment system for the preparation of a beverage or foodstuff through the processing of a body portion of a pre-portioned container in a beverage machine.

[0125] Figure 1A is an illustrative diagram showing an embodiment fluid conditioning system of the beverage machine of Figure 1.

[0126] Figures 2A and 2H are illustrative diagrams showing an embodiment container processing system of the machine of figure 2.

[0127] Figure 3 is a flow diagram showing an embodiment preparation process, which is performed by the system of figure 1.

[0128] Figure 4A and 4B are schematic perspective and side cross-sectional views showing a container of the system of figure 1.

[0129] Figure 5 is a side view showing an exemplified container of the container of Figures 4A and 4B.

[0130] Figure 6 is a side view showing another exemplified container of the container of Figures 4A and 4B.

[0131] Figures 7A and 7B respectively show perspective and top views of a container, according to Figure 5, made with the reference pulp composition, after extraction.

[0132] Figures 8A and 8B respectively show perspective and top views of a container, according to Figure 5, made with the pulp composition of the invention, after extraction.

[0133] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0134] Before describing several embodiments of the system, it is to be understood that the system is not limited to the details of construction or process steps set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. 19701-EP-EPA

[0135] [Definitions]

[0136] The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations:

[0137] As used herein, the term "machine" may refer to an electrically operated device that can prepare, from a precursor material of a container a beverage and / or foodstuff. The machine may implement said preparation by one or more of the following processes: dilution; heating; pressurisation; cooling; mixing; whisking; dissolution; soaking; steeping; extraction; conditioning; infusion; grinding, and; other like process. The machine may be dimensioned for use on a work top, e.g. it may be less than 70 cm in length, width and height.

[0138] As used herein, the term "prepare" in respect of a beverage and / or foodstuff may refer to the preparation of at least part of the beverage and / or foodstuff (e.g. a beverage is prepared by said machine in its entirety or part prepared to which the end-user may manually add extra fluid prior to consumption, including milk and / or water).

[0139] As used herein, the term "container" or "capsule" or "pod" may refer to any configuration to contain the precursor material, e.g. as a single-serving, pre-portioned amount. The container may have a maximum capacity such that it can only contain a single serving of precursor material. The container may be single use, e.g. it is physically altered after a preparation process, which can include one or more of: perforation to supply fluid; for example a liquid like water, to the precursor material; perforation to supply the beverage / foodstuff from the container; opening by a user to extract the precursor material. The container may be configured for operation with a container processing unit of the machine, e.g. it may include a flange for alignment and directing the container through or arrangement on said unit. The container may include a rupturing portion, which is arranged to rupture when subject to a particular pressure to deliver the beverage / foodstuff. The container may have a membrane for closing the container. The container may have various forms, including one or more of: frustoconical; cylindrical; disk; hemispherical, and other like form. The container may be formed from various materials, such as metal or plastic or wood pulp based and combination thereof. The material may be selected such that it is: food-safe; it can withstand the pressure and / or temperature of a preparation process. The container 19701-EP-EPA may be defined as a capsule or as a pod, wherein a capsule or pod may have an internal volume of 5 - 100 ml. The container includes a coffee capsule or pod, e.g. a Nespresso® capsule (including an Original Line, Professional, Vertuo Line, or other capsules).

[0140] As used herein, the term "system" or "beverage or foodstuff preparation system" may refer to a combination of the beverage or foodstuff preparation machine and the container and optionally a server system or external device.

[0141] As used herein, the term "beverage" may refer to any substance capable of being processed to a potable substance, which may be chilled or hot. The beverage may be one or more of: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste. The beverage may include one or a combination of: tea; coffee; hot chocolate; milk; cordial; vitamin composition; herbal tea / infusion; infused / flavoured water, and other extractable substance. As used herein, the term "foodstuff" may refer to any substance capable of being processed to a nutriment for eating, which may be chilled or hot. The foodstuff may be one or more of: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste. The foodstuff may include yoghurt; mousse; parfait; soup; ice cream; sorbet; custard; smoothies; other substance. It will be appreciated that there is a degree of overlap between the definitions of a beverage and foodstuff, e.g. a beverage can also be a foodstuff and thus a machine that is said to prepare a beverage or foodstuff does not preclude the preparation of both.

[0142] As used herein, the term "precursor material", "beverage component" or "beverage ingredient" may refer to any material capable of being processed to form part or all of the beverage or foodstuff. The precursor material can be one or more of a: powder; crystalline; liquid; gel; solid, and other. Examples of a beverage forming precursor material include ground coffee; milk powder; tea leaves; coco powder; vitamin composition; herbs, e.g. for forming an herbal / infusion tea; a flavouring, and other like material. Examples of a foodstuff forming precursor material include dried vegetables or stock as anhydrous soup powder; powdered milk; flour-based powders including custard; powdered yoghurt or ice-cream, and; other like material. A precursor material may also refer to any pre-precursor material capable of being processed to a precursor material as defined above, i.e. any precursor material that can subsequently be processed to a beverage and / or foodstuff. In an example, the precursor material can be roasted and ground coffee. 19701-EP-EPA

[0143] As used herein, the term "fluid" or "liquid" (in respect of fluid supplied by a fluid conditioning system) may refer to water. As used herein, the term "conditioning" in respect of a fluid may refer to changing a physical property of the fluid and can include heating and / or pressurisation e.g. to a brewing pressure.

[0144] As used herein, the term "preparation process" may refer to a process to prepare a beverage or foodstuff from a precursor material. A preparation process may refer to the processes electrical circuitry executes and / or a user manually executed to control the container processing unit to process said precursor material.

[0145] As used herein, the term "processing unit" may refer to an arrangement that can process precursor material to a beverage or foodstuff. It may be operated manually and / or electrically.

[0146] As used herein, the term "container processing unit" may refer to an arrangement that can process a container to derive an associated beverage or foodstuff from a precursor material. The container processing unit may be arranged to process the precursor material by one of more of the following: heating; soaking; steeping; extraction; pressurisation, or other processing step. The container processing unit may implement one or more of a: container processing position; a container holding position; a pre-ejection position, and an ejection position. As used herein the term "container processing position" may refer to a position of the container in the container processing unit / the container processing unit itself, in which the container is arranged for proceeding, e.g. it may be sealed in a brewing unit and arranged to receive fluid from a fluid conditioning system. As used herein the term "container holding position" may refer to a position of the container in the container processing unit / the container processing unit itself, in which a container is held in a supply channel ready for capturing by the brewing unit. As used herein the term "pre-ejection position" may refer to a position of the container in the container processing unit / the container processing unit itself, in which the container is separated from an extraction plate ready for ejection from a container holding portion of the brewing unit. As used herein the term "ejection position" may refer to a position of the container in the container processing unit / the container processing unit itself, in which the container is ejected from a container holding portion of the brewing unit by means of an ejection arrangement. 19701-EP-EPA

[0147] As used herein the term "moulded pulp" or "molded pulp-based" may refer to the or a portion of material forming the container which is one or more of: porous; fibrous; cellulosic; formed of cellulosic material; formed of natural cellulosic material; formed of reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material; non-woven; is composed entirely of or is a composition of cellulosic pulp; formed of wood-pulp, and; is wet formed. A thickness of the moulded pulp-based material may be 0.08 mm to 0.90 mm, for example between 0.10 mm and 0.75 mm or generally about 0.15 - 0.5 mm. The moulded pulp-based material may be 200-400 gsm. Examples of pulp based material are provided in WO 2021 / 145764.

[0148] As used herein the term "non-woven" may refer to a fabric-like material which is not woven or knitted. A non-woven material may be made from bonded together fibres. As used herein the term "porous" may refer to material configured with interstices to transmit water (or other liquid) therethrough. As used herein the term "fibrous" may refer to material comprised of fibres, which may be present in one or more of the material constituents.

[0149] As used herein the term "cellulosic", "cellulose-based" or "cellulosic material" may refer to conventionally woody (from soft wood and / or hard wood species) and / or non- woody materials. These materials may be bleached and unbleached and may include a regenerated or reconstituted cellulose. Examples of softwood are Pine, Spruce, Redwood etc. Examples of hardwood are Maple, Oak, Ash, Eucalyptus, Maple, Birch, Walnut, Beech etc. Examples of non-woody origin cellulose-based material are rice, manila hemp, sisal, jute, bamboo, maize, sugar cane, sugar cane residues (bagasse), banana peels, coffee ground.

[0150] As used herein the term "natural cellulosic material" may refer to conventionally woody materials or non-woody materials, which are not regenerated. As used herein the term "reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material" may refer natural cellulosic material subject to processing that comprises reconstitution or regeneration, examples include rayon and lyocell.

[0151] As used herein the term "wood pulp" may refer to a lignocellulosic fibrous material, which may be prepared by mechanical or chemical separation of cellulose fibers from one or more of wood, fiber crops, paper, or rags. As used herein the term "wet formed" may refer to a process of forming from an aqueous solution of fibers. The aqueous solution of fibers may be heated and pressed in a mold to set the material and remove water therefrom. As 19701-EP-EPA used herein the term "dry formed" may refer to a process of forming not using aqueous solution of fibers.

[0152] As used herein the term "biodegradable" may be understood as the possible conversion of a product or object into CO2, CH4 or biomass through natural processes. Biodegradation can be tested following standards such as ISO 14855, ISO 17556 or ISO 14851. Biodegradation is the natural breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. It is generally assumed to be a natural process. The term biodegradable is defined with reference to EN 13432:2000 (including anaerobic conditions, disintegration etc) and / or EN 14046:2004 (aerobic conditions).

[0153] As used herein the term "compostable" may be understood as meaning that a material may be substantially broken down into organic matter within a few weeks or months when it is composted. Composting is a human-driven process in which biodegradation occurs under a specific set of circumstance. This may be accomplished in industrial composting sites and / or home composters. Specific conditions relating to wind, sunlight, drainage and other factors may exist at such sites. At the end of a composting process, the earth may be supplied with nutrients once the material has completely broken down. International standards, such as EU 13432 or US ASTM D6400, provide a legal framework for specifying technical requirements and procedures for determining compostability of a material.

[0154] As used herein the term "Sizing agent" may refer to a chemical compound that is added to the pulp during paper making or wet / dry pulp molding processes to improve paper and products resistance to water or other liquids (e.g. oil).

[0155] As used herein the term "Wet strength agent" may refer to a chemical compound that is added to the pulp during paper making or wet / dry pulp molding processes to improve paper and products strength and durability when wet or exposed to moisture.

[0156] As used herein the term "Dry strength agent" may refer to a chemical compound that is added to the pulp during paper making or wet / dry pulp molding processes to improve paper and products strength and durability without any exposure to water or moisture. 19701-EP-EPA

[0157] As used herein the term "Lignin" may refer to a group of organic polymers providing structural support and microbial protection to most plants and wood.

[0158] As used herein the term "Elasticity" may express the relationship between force and elastic deformation of a material. It is expressed in MPa.

[0159] As used herein the term "Stiffness" may express the relationship between force and deformation of an object. It is expressed in MPa.

[0160] As used herein the term "Wet tensile strength" may refer to the ability of a material or object to resist breaking (or tearing) when the material is wet. It is expressed in MPa.

[0161] As used herein the term "Dry tensile strength" may refer to the ability of a material or object to resist breaking (or tearing) when the material is dry. It is expressed in MPa.

[0162] As used herein the term "Cobb" refers to a standard test which measures the amount of water absorbed by a given surface of paper, tissue or cardboard. It is expressed in g.nr2.

[0163] As used herein the term "Bending stiffness" may express the relationship between force and deflection of an object (taking into consideration its geometry). It is expressed in N.m2.

[0164] As used herein the term "Rim bending stiffness" may refer to a functional measure of the bending stiffness of the rim of the container's flange. It is expressed in N.mm4.

[0165] As used herein, the term "cationic demand" may refer to the quantity of cations needed to counterbalance neutralize the negative charges of slurry and / or pulp.

[0166] As used herein, the term "Zeta potential" may refer to the magnitude of the electrostatic repulsion or attraction between particles in the slurry and / or pulp composition.

[0167] As used herein, the term "Shopper Riegler" may refer to a test and a dimensionless number quantifying the speed at which a diluted pulp suspension can be dewatered (the higher the more difficult to dewater). 19701-EP-EPA

[0168] [General Presentation of the description]

[0169] The present disclosure is related to a molded pulp single-use container, made from a pulp composition, used in a beverage system comprising a beverage preparation machine. The beverage system will first be described along with the beverage preparation machine and container. The pulp composition and preparation process will then be presented entering into detail of the effect of the pulp composition of the molded container on the interaction between the container and the beverage preparation machine.

[0170] [General system description]

[0171] Referring to figure 1, the system 2 comprises a machine 4, a container 6, a server system 8 and a peripheral device 10. The server system 8 is in communication with the machine 4 via a computer network 12. The peripheral device 10 is also in communication with the machine 4 via the computer network 12. In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the peripheral device and / or server system is omitted. Although the computer network 12 is illustrated as the same between the machine 4, server system 8 and peripheral device 10, other configurations are possible, including: a different computer network for intercommunication between each device: the server system communicates with the machine via the peripheral device rather than directly. In a particular example: the peripheral device communicates with the machine via a communication interface, e.g. with a Bluetooth™ protocol, and the server system communicates with the machine via a via a wireless interface, e.g. with an IEE 802.11 standard, and also via the internet.

[0172] The machine 4 of system 2 comprises: a processing unit 14 for processing the container 6 and an electrical circuitry 16 implemented as control electrical circuitry 48. The electrical circuitry 16 uses the preparation information (which can be stored on an electrician memory of the electrical circuitry) to control the processing unit 14 to execute a preparation process, in which precursor material of the container 6 is process to a beverage or foodstuff or a precursor thereof. In variant embodiments: the processing unit may also be manually operated (e.g. by a user actuated loading and / or ejection mechanism) which may operate fully manually or partially manually in combination with the electrical circuitry (e.g. with said manual mechanism and electrical circuitry to control a fluid conditioning system). 19701-EP-EPA

[0173] In the embodiment of Figure 1, for illustrative purposes, the processing unit 14 is exemplified as comprising the container processing unit 20 and a fluid conditioning system 22. The container processing unit 20 is arranged to process the container 6 to derive a beverage or foodstuff from precursor material (not illustrated) therein. The fluid conditioning system 22 conditions fluid supplied to the container processing unit 20.

[0174] [Fluid conditioning system]

[0175] Referring to Figure 1A, the fluid conditioning system 22 of the processing unit 14, includes a reservoir 24, a pump 26, a heat exchanger 28, and an outlet 30 for the conditioned fluid. The reservoir 24 contains fluid, typically sufficient for multiple preparation processes. The pump 26 displaces fluid from the reservoir 24, through the heat exchanger 28 and to the outlet 30 (which is connected to the container processing unit 20 as will be discussed). The pump 26 can be implement as any suitable device to drive fluid, including: a reciprocating; a rotary pump; other suitable arrangement. The heat exchanger 28 is implemented to heat the fluid, and can include: an in-line, thermo-block type heater; a heating element to heat the fluid directly in the reservoir; other suitable arrangement. In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the pump is omitted, e.g. the fluid is fed by gravity to the container processing unit or is pressurised by a mains water supply; the reservoir is omitted, e.g. water is supplied by a mains water supply; the heat exchanger is arranged to cool the fluid, e.g. it may include a refrigeration-type cycle heat pump); the heat exchanger is omitted, e.g. a mains water supply supplies the water at the desired temperature.

[0176] [Container processing unit]

[0177] Referring to figures 2A - 2H, the container processing unit 20 includes: a brewing unit 34 that comprises container holding portion 36 and a closing portion 38, which are translationally movable relative each other in a global longitudinal direction 100 to implement various states of operation, with the holding portion 36 to include a cavity to correspond in shape to a storage portion 64 of the container 6 and the closing portion 38 to correspond in shape to a flange portion 66 and a closing portion 60 of the container 6 (as described in connection with Figures 4A and 4B) such that the flange portion 66 is pressed between a rim of the holding portion 36 and the closing portion 38 to seal the container 6 in 1 19701-EP-EPA the brewing unit 34 (as will be discussed); a supply inlet channel 40 to direct a user supplied container 6 in a gravitationally fed global depth direction 104 to the brewing unit 34, and; an ejection channel 42 for ejection of a spent container 6 from the brewing unit 34.

[0178] Different operative states of the container processing unit 20 comprise:

[0179] 1) A container receiving state (figure 2A), in which the container holding portion 36 and a closing portion 38 of the brewing unit 34 are separated in the longitudinal direction 100 in a container receiving position to enable insertion of the container 6 supplied from the inlet channel 40 therebetween.

[0180] Specifically, the inlet channel 40 includes stops 48, which are arranged to retain the container 6 in a holding position via engagement with the flange portion 66. Guide rails (not illustrated) correspond in shape to and guide the flange portion to the stops 48. The holding position is such that as the brewing unit 34 is moved to the closed position (discussed following) it is closed around the container 6.

[0181] 2) A container processing state (figure 2B), in which the holding portion 36 and a closing portion 38 of the brewing unit 34 are translated relative each other in the longitudinal direction 100 from the container receiving position (figure 2A) together to a closed container processing position in which the brewing unit 34 is closed around the container 8.

[0182] More specifically, referring to figures 2C and 2D, a retaining arrangement 43 of the holding portion 36 comprises hooking members 44. In the example there are two hooking members, which are positioned diametrical opposed relative the container 6. The hooking members 44 are arranged as a hook with a cavity formed of an elastically deformable material, e.g. rubber. The cavity is configured to correspond in shape to a rim of the flange portion 66, and hence is arrangeable in an engaged position (figure 2B - 2D) and a disengaged position (figure 2A) relative said rim. In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, there are other numbers of hooking members.

[0183] As the container processing unit 20 transitions from the container receiving state to the container processing state, the hooking members 44 are pressed to snap fit from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The hooking members 44 hook around the flange portion 66 to retain the container 6 with the storage portion 64. 19701-EP-EPA

[0184] Referring to figures 2C, the holding portion 36 comprises a perforator 49, which is driven into the container 6 when transitioning from the container receiving state (figure 4A) to the container processing state (figure 2B). The perforator 49 perforates a base 84 of the storage portion 64 of the container 6 to enable fluid to be transferred via the outlet 30 of the fluid conditioning system 22 into the storage portion 64. The perforator 49 is arranged as perforation elements with a total cross-sectional area of 2 - 5 mm2(e.g. as experienced by the container, as defined in a plane aligned to the lateral direction 102 and depth direction 104, which may be referred to as an equivalent wetted area). The perforator 49 applies a combined force (i.e. through all of the perforation elements summed together) of 1 - 50 N or 2 - 20 N in the longitudinal direction 100 into a perforation region of the container. The perforation region can be perforated by various failure modes including incision and / or brittle fracture, as will be discussed. The perforator 49 comprises three blades, which are disposed circumferentially about the axis 106 of the container 6 as will be discussed. The perforation elements may integrate the outlet 30 (e.g. as an injector) or have a separate injector operatively coupled thereto. In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the perforator comprises other numbers of blades, e.g. 1, 2 or 4; the perforator has a different total cross-sectional area, e.g. 1 - 10 mm2; the perforator applies a different force. The perforator 49 can be fixed to move with the holding portion 36 or independently actuatable, e.g. actuated by hydraulic pressure from the fluid conditioning system 22.

[0185] Referring to figure 2C, with the container in a processing position, the outlet 30 of the fluid conditioning system 22 (shown in figure 3) is operatively connected to the holding portion 36 and injects fluid into the container 6 in the container processing state.

[0186] The fluid is typically pressurised (e.g. at 10 - 20 Bar) and heated (e.g. at 50 - 98 degrees C). The pressure is increased over a predetermined amount of time until a pressure of a rupturing portion, which is the closing member of the container 6 reaches a threshold. This causes rupture of said member and the beverage to be dispensed to the beverage outlet (not illustrated) through the closing portion 38.

[0187] The closing portion 38 implements an extraction plate with apertures for outlet (not illustrated) of the beverage / food stuff from the storage portion 64. The outlet is fluidically connected to an outlet of the machine 4 (also not illustrated). When the fluid pressure 19701-EP-EPA

[0188] (controlled by the pump 26 of the fluid conditioning system 22) in the storage portion 64 is increased to said threshold, the closing member 60 of the container 6 ruptures to effect said outlet.

[0189] 3) A container pre-ejection state (figure 2E), in which the holding portion 36 and a closing portion 38 of the brewing unit 34 are translated relative each other in the longitudinal direction 100 from the closed position to an open pre-ejection position. Specifically, the hooking members 44 (as discussed in association with figure 2C and 2D) retain the flange portion 66 of the container 6 to move with the holding portion 36 and therefore pull the closing member 60 of the container 6 from the closing member 38 of the of the brewing unit 34.

[0190] 4) A container ejection state (Figure 2F), in which the container 6 is ejected from the hooking members 44. Specifically, the container processing unit 20 includes an ejection arrangement 45. The ejection arrangement 45 comprises a sleeve 46 that sleeves the holding portion 36 and is independently translatable in the longitudinal direction 100 relative thereto. The ejection arrangement 45 includes ejectors 47 (as best seen in figure 2C and 2G). In the example there are ejectors 47, which are positioned proximal the hooking members 44. The ejectors 47 engage the flange portion 66 when transitioning from the pre-ejection state (figure 2E) to the container ejection state (Figure 2F) to push the flange portion 66 from the hooking members 44, hence from an engaged position to a disengaged position.

[0191] Referring to figure 2H), the container processing unit 20 is restored from the container ejection state (Figure 2F) to the container receiving state (Figure 2A). The container 6, that has been pushed from the hooking members 44 is released with sufficient energy for it to be transmitted to the ejection channel 42 through which it is transmitted. The energy may be above a predetermined amount sufficient to propel the container 6 at above a particular velocity into the ejection channel 42.

[0192] In particular, during opening of the brewing unit 34, the ejectors 47 engage the flange portion 66 which is then positioned between the hooking members 44 and the ejectors 47. As the opening proceeds, the forces exerted by the ejectors on the flange portion 66 overcome the ones maintaining the flange portion 66 hooked by the hooking members 44 and retaining the container 6 with the storage portion 64. 19701-EP-EPA

[0193] During pushing of the container by the ejectors 47 and freeing of the container 6 from the hooking members, the rim bending stiffness of the container rim 91 should be sufficient to resist against the hooking members 44 and to be released with the required energy for transmission of the container 6 to the ejection channel 46.

[0194] The brewing unit 34 can be actuator driven or manually movable between the aforementioned positions. Typically, the closing portion 38 remains in a fixed position relative a body of the machine 4 whilst the holding portion 36 is translated. In variant embodiments, the container processing unit can be alternatively implemented, e.g. with rotation between the holding portion 36 and a closing portion 38. An example of a suitable container processing unit is provided in WO2011124484 Al.

[0195] [Control electrical circuitry]

[0196] Referring to Figure 1, the electrical circuitry 16 is implemented as control electrical circuitry 48 to control the processing unit 14 to execute a preparation process.

[0197] The electrical circuitry 16, 48 (not represented in detail) may at least partially implements (e.g. in combination with hardware) an: input unit to receive an input from a user confirming that the machine 4 is to execute a preparation process; a processor to receive the input from the input unit and to provide a control output to the processing unit 14; and a feedback system to provide feedback to the processor during the preparation process, which may be used to control the preparation process.

[0198] The input unit is implemented as a user interface, which can include one or more of: buttons, e.g. a joystick button or press button; joystick; LEDs; graphic or character LDCs; graphical screen with touch sensing and / or screen edge buttons; other like device; a sensor to determine whether a container has been supplied to the machine by a user.

[0199] The feedback system can implement one or more of the following or other feedback control based operations: 19701-EP-EPA a flow sensor to determine a flow rate / volume of the fluid to the outlet 30 of the fluid supply system 22, which may be used to meter the correct amount of fluid to the container 6 and thus regulate the power to the pump 26; a temperature sensor to determine a temperature of the fluid to the outlet 30 of the fluid supply unit 22, which may be used to ensure the temperature of fluid to the container 6 is at a target temperature and thus regulate the power to the heat exchanger 28; a level sensor to determine a level of fluid in the reservoir 24 as being sufficient for a preparation process; a position sensor to determine a position of the brewing unit 34 (e.g. a container receiving position or a container processing position).

[0200] It will be understood that the electrical circuitry 16, 48 is suitably adapted for the various examples of the processing unit 14, e.g. for an actuator driven or manually driven brewing unit 34.

[0201] [Beverage Preparation Process]

[0202] Referring to Figures 2A - 2H and Figure 3, the execution of a process for preparing a beverage / foodstuff from precursor material is illustrated. In Figure 3, the block diagram discloses:

[0203] Block B70: a user supplies a container 6 to the machine 4, e.g. via the supply channel 40, with the container processing unit 14 in the container receiving state (figure 4A) such that the container is held in the holding position;

[0204] Block B72: the container processing unit 20 is moved to the container processing state (figure 4B) such that the container in the holding position is captured and the hooking members 44 engage the rim 91 of the flange portion 66 as the container 6 is transitioned to the processing position and the container is perforated by the perforator 49;

[0205] Block B74: the electrical circuitry 16 (e.g. the input unit thereof) receives a user instruction to prepare a beverage / foodstuff from precursor, and the electrical circuitry 16 (e.g. the processor) initiates said process; 19701-EP-EPA

[0206] Block B76: the electrical circuitry 16 controls the processing unit 14, e.g. the fluid conditioning system 22, to supply fluid to the perforated container 6. The fluid temperature, pressure, and time duration can be specified in preparation information stored on electrical memory of the electrical circuitry 16;

[0207] Block B78: the container processing unit 20 is moved to the container pre-ejection state (figure 4E). Specifically, the hooking members 44 drag the spent container 6 from the extraction plate of the closing member 38. The container processing unit 20 then is moved to the container ejection state (figure 4F) to eject the container 6. Specifically, the ejectors 47 engage the flange portion 66 to disengage it from the hooking members 44 and the release kinetic energy propels the container 6 to the ejection channel 42.

[0208] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the above blocks can be executed in a different order, e.g. block B74 before block B70 or B72; some block can be omitted, e.g. where a machine stores a magazine of containers block B70 can be omitted. As part of the preparation process, the electrical circuitry 16 can obtain additional preparation information via the computer network 12 from the server system 8 and / or peripheral device 10 using a communication interface (not illustrated) of the machine.

[0209] As understood and discussed previously in connection with Figures 1 to 3, the interaction between the container processing unit 20 of the beverage preparation machine 4 and the container 6, especially its flange portion 66 is key. The container 6 will be described below in detail.

[0210] [Container]

[0211] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, a container 6, that if formed / processed by the system 2, that is for use with a machine (not illustrated) includes in fully assembled form: a closing member 60 and a body portion 62. The body portion 62 comprises a storage portion 64 and a flange portion 66.

[0212] A local container coordinate axis includes a longitudinal direction 100, lateral direction 102, and a depth direction 104. A rotational axis 106 extends in the depth direction

[0213] 104 and defines a radial direction 108, which is in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction 100, and the lateral direction 102. 19701-EP-EPA

[0214] The container 6 has a circular cross-section when viewed in the plane defined by the longitudinal direction 100, and the lateral direction 102, it is therefore fully rotationally symmetric about the axis 106.

[0215] The closing member 60 is arranged in the plane defined by the longitudinal direction 100, and the lateral direction 102. The closing member 60 closes the storage portion 64 and comprises a flexible membrane. The closing member 60 has an interior surface 68 that faces towards the storage portion 64, and an exterior surface 70 that faces away from the storage portion 64.

[0216] The flange portion 66 is arranged to interconnect the storage portion 64 and closing member 60 to hermetically seal precursor material. The flange portion 6 is arranged as an annular ring, which extends in the radial direction 108 from an interior edge 72 to an exterior edge 74. The flange portion 66 presents an upper surface, which is arranged in the plane defined by the longitudinal direction 100, and the lateral direction 102. The upper surface is connected by an adhesive or by sealing to a periphery of the interior surface of the closing member 60. A lower surface of the flange portion 66 faces towards the storage portion 64.

[0217] The storage portion 64 includes a cavity 80 for storage of the precursor material (not illustrated). The cavity 80 includes a sidewall 82 and a base 84. The sidewall 82 extends principally in the depth direction 104 from a distal edge 88 to a proximal edge 86, wherein proximal and distal are defined relative the base 84. The sidewall 82 tapers with a decreasing radial dimension from the distal edge 88 to the proximal edge 86. The base 84 extends principally in the radial direction 108, but also has a lesser component in the depth direction 104.

[0218] The base 84 extends from the axis 106 to a peripheral edge 90 that adjoins the proximal edge 86 of the sidewall 82. The distal edge 88 of the sidewall 82 adjoins the interior edge 72 of the flange portion 66. The storage portion 64 and flange portion 66 are integrally formed.

[0219] The closing member 60 is preferably made as a laminate of multiple material layers having different and specific properties. The closing member 60 preferably integrate at least 19701-EP-EPA one of a filter layer, a carrier layer, a gas and / or moisture barrier layer and an adhesive layer. It is preferably made of biodegradable and most preferably of compostable materials, so it is itself biodegradable and / or compostable. A perfect sealing of the closing member 60 onto the flange 26 is ensured by appropriate selection of the adhesive layer and connecting technology.

[0220] The container 6 further comprises a barrier element in the form of a liner or coating (not represented), applied within the body portion 60 and adhering to the inner surface of the storage portion 64. The liner or coating has barrier function and provides gas (oxygen in particular) and / or moisture barrier function to the body portion 60 in order to avoid oxidation of the beverage ingredients stored in the cavity 80.

[0221] The liner may be a laminated multilayer liner applied on the inner surface of the body portion, for example by thermoforming. A proposed barrier liner, by way of non-limiting examples, may comprise one or more of following layers: an outermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected for example within the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA / bioPBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivates, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA), or a combination thereof, a first tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin, a barrier layer comprising a polymer selected for example within the list of: butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, a polyglycolide (PGA) or a combination thereof, a second tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin, an innermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected for example within the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivates, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA) or a combination thereof. 19701-EP-EPA

[0222] Another proposed laminated multilayer liner is, for example, described in

[0223] WO2023 / 061891 Al, the content of which is incorporated by reference.

[0224] As an alternative to the multilayer liner, a coating may be applied within the body portion 60. The coating may be formed of a number of subsequent coatings of different materials each providing different properties, including barrier properties to gas and / or moisture.

[0225] The liner and / or coating is preferably applied within the body portion 60 on the inner surface of the storage portion 64 however, it may also be applied to the outer surface of the body portion 60.

[0226] The body portion 62, the closing membrane 60 and the barrier liner / coating are made of home compostable materials (for example in one or more of the materials listed above) so, that it is possible to throw the body portion it in the household compostable waste.

[0227] The container 6 has a diameter of 2 - 5 cm and an axial length of 2 - 4 cm.

[0228] Exemplified containers are proposed in Figures 5 and 6.

[0229] Recently published WO2023 / 052352A1, the content of which is incorporated by hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a pulp-molded compostable capsule of similar design as container 6 as represented in Figure 5. This publication and in particular its structure and forming process. This container, containing preferably roast and ground coffee, developed and marketed by Nespresso® is a complementary solution to aluminium capsules and is intended to be used in a Nespresso® Original Line beverage machine in the same way as the Nespresso® Original Line aluminium capsules.

[0230] The container of figure 5 is intended to be used in a beverage extraction machine, for example a Nespresso® Original Line beverage machine which system is disclosed in connection with Figures 1 to 3. Constructional, manufacturing and / or (beverage) extraction details of containers (made in aluminium) and / or closing members are for instance also disclosed in EP0512468A1, EP0512470A1, EP1646305A1 or EP1165398A1. 19701-EP-EPA

[0231] Specifically, the proposed capsule has a flange design and material adapted to be used in the previously mentioned beverage production machine and adapted to avoid any sticking or blockage of the container in the beverage preparation machine 4.

[0232] The container 6 represented in Figure 6 is a pulp-molded compostable capsule designed to be used in a Nespresso® Vertuo Line beverage machine in which the brewing principle uses centrifugation. Beverage extraction and machine construction details are for instance disclosed in EP 2316310A1, EP2155019A1, EP2210539A, EP2155021A1, EP2000062A1 and EP2208449 A2. Constructional details of aluminium capsules and / or closing members to be used in said system are for instance disclosed in EP 2152608A1, EP2378932A1, EP2470053A1, EP2509473A1 and EP 2528485A1. Such container may also be made from the proposed pulp composition.

[0233] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the container may have other cross-section shapes, including square, other polygons, or elliptical; the closing member may be rigid or other non-membrane formation; the flange is alternatively connected to the upper surface of the closing member, e.g. by crimping; the sidewall is alternatively arranged, including with the reverse taper or is aligned to the depth direction, or is curved; the base is alternatively arranged, including with as flat or curved; the flange portion is connected to the storage portion rather than being integrally formed; the closing member is arranged as a storage portion, e.g. it comprises a cavity, and; the flange portion is omitted, e.g. the closing member connects directly to the storage portion.

[0234] [Production of the container]

[0235] The proposed container body portion 62 of container 6, for example as described in connection with Figures 5 or 6 may be produced using a wet pulp molding process or alternatively a dry pulp molding process.

[0236] When the container body portion 62 is manufactured using wet pulp molding technology, once the pulp composition is prepared, the preparation of which will be described in detail below, the pulp composition is poured or sucked into capsule molds and the water of the pulp composition drained out, leaving behind pulp that conforms to the shape of the mold. The mold is transferred to a forming press, where vacuum is applied to 19701-EP-EPA remove moisture from the pulp into a self-standing capsule. The self-standing capsule is transferred to a drying press where heat and vacuum are applied to remove moisture, finally, the capsule is transferred to a calibration press where heat and vacuum are applied to remove the remaining moisture and density the pulp into rigid pulp capsule. This process is known in the art.

[0237] The container body 62 may also be formed using a dry pulp molding technology. This process involves the formation of a dry mat from cellulose fibers. The dry mat may be formed with a hammer mill or a grinder and is then called fluff or air-laid. Additives may be added by spraying onto the fluff material. This mat can further be combined with tissue on both sides. This dry cellulose-based mat is then formed into a shape using a mold and a forming press process at high temperature and high pressure.

[0238] [Pulp composition]

[0239] As indicated previously, the proposed container 6 is made of pulp molded material. In order to provide optimized interaction between the container 6 and the beverage preparation machine 4, it is proposed to form the container 6 from a pulp composition comprising specific additives to enhance the mechanical and physical properties of the molded container made from said pulp composition.

[0240] Fibers

[0241] The pulp composition of the proposed container comprises an amount of raw cellulose base pulp material. The cellulose based pulp material comprises fiber materials in particular cellulose fibers from wood and / or non-wood origin.

[0242] Wood fibers materials comprise softwood and / or hardwood fibers. The ratio of softwood to hardwood fibers is about 80-20 to 20-80, preferably 60-40 to 40-60, most preferably 70-30. However, in some embodiment, only softwood fibers are used.

[0243] The softwood fibers have a length of about 2 mm to 4 mm, preferably 3 mm, and relates, for example, to Pine, Spruce or Redwood etc.

[0244] The hardwood fibers have a length of about 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably 1mm and relates, for example to Maple, Oak, Ash, Eucalyptus, Maple, Birch, Walnut or Beech etc.

[0245] Experiment showed increased density of the product and specifically in the flange and rim 19701-EP-EPA area of the container as a function of the hardwood content, increasing tensile stiffness, and decreasing water absorption.

[0246] Non-wood fibers materials are, for examples, rice, manila hemp, sisal, jute, bamboo, maize, sugar cane, sugar cane residues (bagasse), banana peels or spent coffee grounds. However, many other non-wood fibers may be considered. A combination of these materials may also be used.

[0247] As these fibers may be found in important quantity in agriculture for example as waste material, non-wood fibers may be popular to be considered as the main source of fiber materials. However, it is generally preferred to have a mixture of wood and non-wood fibers is used.

[0248] Indeed, it has been observed that a 2D paper made of 100% bagasse (when considering 2D material tests) has a lower wet tensile strength and a higher Cobb (i.e. water absorption) than a 100% softwood sheets. This means that even though it may be of interest for economic reasons to prefer non-wood fibers, due to their higher Cobb in comparison to soft-wood fibers it may be appropriate to have in the pulp composition a controlled and limited amount of non-wood fibers. For example, the amount of non-wood fibers may be of at least 5 wt.% of the raw cellulose-based pulp material, preferably at least 10 wt. %, more preferably at least 30 wt.%, and at most 60 wt.%

[0249] For the purpose of the present application, it is proposed that the ratio between non- wood and wood fibers shall not exceed 60 / 40 to keep the benefit and properties of the wood fibers on the formed molded pulp container.

[0250] The lignin content of fibers, measured according to known method ISO 302 resulting in a Kappa number, is also a parameter to take into account.

[0251] In the proposed composition, the fibers which are used have a Kappa number between 35 and 45.

[0252] In a presently preferred embodiment, the cellulose fibers are refined according to a known process and using known equipment. The cellulose fibers are, for example, refined to a Shopper Riegler of 15, preferably 20, more preferably 25, most preferably 30. Refining the cellulose fibers has the effect of mechanically interlocking the fibers together. The lower the Shopper Riegler is, the lower the fibers are interlocked.

[0253] In the present pulp composition, the fibers comprise refined cellulose fibers using a

[0254] Shopper Rigler of 30. 19701-EP-EPA

[0255] In some embodiments, the fibers may also not be refined.

[0256] Additionally, the cellulose fibers may be bleached according to known technology. Bleaching the fibers consists in reducing the lignin content of the fibers.

[0257] It has been observed that using bleached fibers may help in fixing sizing agent into the fibers, but it has also been observed that bleached fibers have a higher water absorption compared to unbleached fibers (having a higher lignin content).

[0258] In a proposed composition, unbleached fibers are used. However, a mix of bleached and unbleached cellulose fibers may also be used.

[0259] As understood, the proposed container is made with a pulp composition having, in addition to specific cellulose fibers, specific additives to provide the formed container with mechanical properties allowing for improved and optimized interaction with the beverage preparation machine during the container's extraction.

[0260] These additives comprise among others at least a sizing agent and a wet strength agent and optionally a dry strength agent.

[0261] Sizing agent

[0262] The sizing agent is present in the pulp composition in a concentration to the total amount of dry fiber content of 0.1 wt.% to 2 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 2 wt.%, most preferably 0.5 wt.%.

[0263] The sizing agent may comprise Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD), alkyl succinic anhydride (ASA), rosin or combination thereof. However, AKD is used most preferably.

[0264] The sizing agent may be defined as an internal or surface sizing agent depending on the way it will interact with the pulp material and with the cellulose based fibers. For dry pulp molding, surface sizing agent will be preferably added to the composition to be molded whereas for wet pulp molding process, internal sizing agent will preferably be added to the pulp composition.

[0265] The sizing agent may be used in combination with one or more additional component to enhance its interaction, stability over time or retention with the cellulose base fibers.

[0266] Additional components may be cationic starch or alum. 19701-EP-EPA

[0267] The sizing agent when incorporated in the pulp composition prevents water to penetrate the pulp molded product made from the composition. In particular, and as disclosed in connection with Figures 2C and 2D, when the container 6 is in the processing process and the flange 66 and rim 91 of the container 6 are subjected to and contacted by high pressure water during the high-pressure extraction process.

[0268] In the Nespresso® Original Line high-pressure extraction process, the temperature of the water ranges from 50°C to 95°C, preferably 80°C to 90°C, preferably 90°C and the pressure of the extraction ranges from 1 bar to 19 bar, preferably 5 bar to 15 bars, most preferably around 12 bar.

[0269] The use of a sizing agents allows reaching a Cobb number of 40 g.m2to 20 g.m2on fiber-based flat materials (2D paper sheets). In comparison the Cobb number of a fiberbased flat material without any sizing agent is around 120 m.g-2.

[0270] Wet strength agent

[0271] The pulp composition used to make the container 6 further comprises at least a wet strength agent.

[0272] The wet strength agent is comprised in the pulp composition in a concentration to the total amount of dry fiber content, of 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, preferably 0.2 wt.% to 5 wt.%, most preferably 0.4 wt.%. Proposed wet strength agents comprises, polyamideepichlorohydrin (PAE), urea-formaldehyde (UF), melamine-formaldehyde (MF) or combination thereof. However, PAE is generally preferred.

[0273] The function of the wet strength agent is to preserve the mechanical properties of the molded production when in contact with water or other liquid. In the proposed invention the addition of wet strength agent to the pulp composition allows the container made from said pulp composition to keep its mechanical properties during high pressure and hot water extraction. In particular, the flange 66 and rim portion 91 of the container 6 have reduced water absorption and also reduced water intake by capillarity (from the other portions of the container body) during extraction of the container in the beverage machine.

[0274] According to the invention, the use of a wet strength agent leads to an increase of the wet tensile stiffness up 1 GPa and to a wet tensile strength of 40 MPa compared to initial 19701-EP-EPA wet tensile stiffness of about 0;34 GPa and wet tensile strength of about 6 MPa, measured on fiber-based flat materials (2D paper sheets) without any wet strength agent.

[0275] Dry strength agent

[0276] The pulp composition from which the container 6 is produced further comprises a dry strength agent. The dry strength agent may be selected in the list comprising carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HPC), polyacrylamide (PAM) or Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or combination thereof. However, it is preferred to use CMC as it is a fully biodegradable material.

[0277] The dry strength agent is added in the pulp composition, in a concentration to the total amount of dry fiber content of 0.1 wt.% to 4 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 2 wt.%, most preferably 0.6 wt.%.

[0278] In some embodiment, when measuring the tensile strength dry of fiber-based 2D flat materials, 68,7 MPa and 81,1 is obtained for lwt% of CMC and 3wt% of CMC respectively.

[0279] In addition to improving the dry tensile strength of the cellulose fibers, the dry strength agent may be used to attach and retain the wet-strength and / or the sizing agents with the cellulose fibers in the proposed pulp composition.

[0280] Additives ratio

[0281] In some embodiment, it is proposed to combine the above-mentioned additives with different ratios to optimize both the pulp composition preparation process and the properties of the resulting container.

[0282] For optimal result on container's extraction during the interaction between the container and the beverage preparation machine, and in order to be able to define the container as being biodegradable / compostable according to the current regulation, the preferred ratios between the proposed additives may be the following: ratio of sizing agent to wet strength agent within the range of 0.8 to 3; ratio of dry strength agent to sizing agent within the range of 0.5 to 3; and ratio of dry strength agent to wet strength agent within the range of 0.5 to 2. 19701-EP-EPA

[0283] In this configuration, a proposed example of additives ratios is visible in Table 1 hereunder.

[0284] Table 1: Example of proposed additives in wt.%

[0285] Additional additives

[0286] The pulp composition of the invention may also contain additional additives and components such as a fiber binder, a pigment, retention aids or process aids (flocculation agents, dewatering agent etc.).

[0287] The fiber binder aims at linking the cellulose fibers in the pulp composition and keeping the cellulose fibers coupled and connected together in the final pulp fiber container.

[0288] The fiber binder may be in the form of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester. The biodegradable aliphatic polyester is preferably selected within the list of Polybutylene succinate (PBS), Polybutylene succinate-co-adipate (PBSA), Polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB), Polyhydroxy alkanoate (PHA), Polycaprolactone (PCL), Polylactic acid (PLA), Polyglycolic acid (PGA), Polybutylene sebacate-co-terephthalate (PBSeT), Polybutylene adipate-co- terephthalate (PBAT), Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH) and Poly(3- hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and combination thereof.

[0289] The fiber binder is added in the pulp composition in a concentration to the total amount of dry fiber content in the range of 0.5 wt.% to 2 Owt.%, more preferably in the range of 1 wt.% to 15 wt.%.

[0290] Pigments may also be used to provide a final-colored molded container. The coloration of the molded pulp fiber container may be used to differentiate the container, in particular according to its content (coffee varieties, decaffeinated coffee, flavored coffee...). 19701-EP-EPA

[0291] The pigment may be selected in the list comprising kaolin, carbon black, titanium dioxide (TiO2), calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and combination thereof.

[0292] Retention aids may also be used to retain chemicals in the system during the process. Retention aids may be selected within the list comprising polyacrylamide, polyethyleneimine, silica and combination thereof.

[0293] Process aids may also be used to improve the molding process. For instance, by decreasing the dewatering time in wet pulp molding process. Process aid may be selected in this non exhaustive list comprising, aluminum sulfate (alum), polyacrylamide (PAM), latex for example. Combination of process aids mays also be used.

[0294] [Pulp composition production process]

[0295] When the pulp composition is intended to be used in a wet pulp molding process, the preparation process of the pulp composition starts by mixing cellulose fibers with water to create a slurry at about 4 wt.% of cellulose fibers. The slurry is then mixed for about 24 hours to allow for de-bundling and swelling of the cellulose fibers. A refining step is then operated in which the slurry is refined in a refiner up to transferring an amount of energy of 240 kWh per tons of dry cellulose fibers.

[0296] Before addition of any additives, the slurry is diluted to a cellulose fibers' concentration of about 2 wt.%.

[0297] As proposed, different additives (sizing agent, wet strength agent and optional dry strength) are added in the previously proposed concentration (to the total amount of dry fiber content) when discussing the pulp composition, sequentially, mixed and left to react for 5 to 20 min each, respectively.

[0298] In particular, the sizing agent is added first in the pulp composition. The composition is mixed for at least 5 min until stabilization of the pH around 7,5 and cationic demand of 50 pekV.g-1.

[0299] The sizing agent is first mixed and reacted with the pulp fibers to allow for an optimal sizing efficiency of the final pulp composition. This is particularly of interest when the pulp 19701-EP-EPA composition is used to produce single use containers to be used in hot water and high- pressure extraction.

[0300] The dry strength agent is then added and mixed to react with the composition for at least 5 min until stabilization of the pH of the composition around 7,5 and until the composition reaches a cationic demand of at least 55 pekV g1.

[0301] The wet strength agent is further added in the composition and the composition is mixed for at least 5 min until stabilization of the cationic demand and pH to obtain the final pulp composition. The cationic demand of the final pulp composition after addition and mixing of the wet strength agent is about 40 pekV.g-1.

[0302] The cationic demand, the pH and zeta potential are measured throughout each addition of additive to ensure full mixing and dispersion of the additives in the composition and bonding between the different materials in the composition.

[0303] For example, it is hypothesized that, in the pulp composition, the sizing agent is protected by the polyelectrolyte layer created by the dry strength and wet strength agent on top of the sizing agent. This allows maximizing the benefit of the sizing agent in the pulp composition and formed container.

[0304] When the pulp composition is intended to be used in a dry pulp molding process, the preparation process of the pulp composition starts by the formation of a dry mat with a hammer mill or a grinder. The same (above mentioned) additives may be added one by one and in the proposed order by spraying onto the fluff material.

[0305] [Test results]

[0306] In order to validate the proposed pulp composition, tests were performed on 2D flat materials and on 3D products. 2D flat materials and 3D products (single-use capsule for extraction in Nespresso® machine) were produced using the proposed pulp composition and a reference composition.

[0307] Table 2 shows the reference pulp composition and an example of the proposed pulp composition. 19701-EP-EPA

[0308] Table 2: Reference pulp composition & example of proposed pulp composition

[0309] 2D flat materials. Paper sheets were produced using the following process.

[0310] Flat materials were produced from pulp composition using a sheet forming tool (PTA Rapid-Kohten IDM, Germany). All the sheets were prepared with 100 g.nr2of pulp composition. The sheet was dried 10 min at 93°C under vacuum. The initial paper samples were disks of 20 cm diameter.

[0311] All the tests were performed at 23 °C and 50%RH (residual humidity) and six specimens were tested for each paper sample.

[0312] The following tests and measurements were performed:

[0313] Dry tensile tests were performed on samples of 160mm x 15 mm cut from the initial paper disks. The tensile tests (Zwick allround, Zwick, Germany) were performed at a speed of 50 mm.s1until rupture. The initial grip separation was set to 100 mm. The force was measured using a 500 N load cell, the strain was calculated using the crosshead displacement and the stress was calculated with the thickness t and the width w of the sample, with the following

[0314] F formula <J = — . The dry tensile stiffness is defined as the steepest slope of the stress - strain curve; and the dry tensile strength is defined as the maximal stress of the stress - strain curve.

[0315] Wet tensile tests were performed by wetting the samples of 160mm x 15 mm cut from the initial paper disks, in 90 °C water for 20 s in a way that the clamped areas of the samples 19701-EP-EPA were kept dry. The samples were tested immediately after their immersion. The wet tensile stiffness and wet tensile strength are defined similarly to the dry tensile test.

[0316] Cobb tests were performed according to ISO 535 (2023) to assess the paper's ability to absorb water. A manual Cobb (Rycobel, Germany) was used with a cylinder of 10 cm2. 25 mL of water were poured inside the Cobb ring. After 20 s, the water was removed, the sample was placed between two blotting papers and the excess of water was removed using a 2.5 kg hand roller.

[0317] The impact of additives is first demonstrated on 2D flat materials.

[0318] Using unbleached fiber with a Kappa of 40 and a Shopper-Riegler of 30, it is measured that the dry tensile strength increases from 45,3 to 71,1, the wet tensile strength from 6,9 to 38,1 and the Cobb decreases from 131,0 to 21,6 with the proposed recipe (Table 2) compared to the reference composition (without additives).

[0319] Table 3 summarizes the mechanical and water absorption performance of the pulp recipe on 2D flat sheets.

[0320] Table 3: dry tensile strength, dry tensile stiffness, wet tensile strength, wet tensile stiffness and Cobb of 2D sheets

[0321] Table 3 shows that, with the proposed pulp composition, the tensile strength is 40% higher compared to the reference pulp composition; the tensile strength wet is 4.7 times higher than the reference; the tensile stiffness wet is 60% higher than the reference and the Cobb is 6,5 times lower than the reference. 19701-EP-EPA

[0322] It shows that the sizing agent is efficiently decreasing the water absorption, and that the wet strength agent efficiently improves the wet tensile strength and the wet tensile stiffness on 2D flat materials. It is hypothesized that the combination of improved tensile strength wet, as well as decrease in water absorption will help in reducing blockage in the cage due to improve wet properties of the 3D container.

[0323] To understand the individual effect of the different proposed additives on the pulp material (made from the composition), tests were made on 2D flat materials produced with pulp composition comprising one or more of the proposed additives.

[0324] Table 4 shows the wet tensile strength of 2D flat paper sheets produced with individual additives and with combination of additives: 1) sizing agent; 2) wet strength agent; 3) wet strength agent and dry strength agent; and 4) sizing agent, wet strength agent and dry strength agent, as well as a reference (without any of the proposed additives) for comparison.

[0325] Table 4: Tensile strength of papers produced with sizing, wet strength and dry strength, and combination thereof.

[0326] The results show that, with sizing, wet strength and dry the strength (test 4), the difference of wet tensile strength with the reference is 30 MPa. This value is higher than the addition of the difference of wet tensile strength with the reference of test 1 (7,8 Mpa ) and 2 (18,8 MPa ) : 30 MPa vs. 26,6 MPa. In some embodiment, it is suggested that the sizing 19701-EP-EPA agent and wet strength agent have complementary effects on the wet fiber-fiber joint in a pulp molding process. The sizing agent is believed to prevent water from breaking the fiberfiberjoint, thereby maintaining its integrity. On the other hand, the wet strength agent is thought to strengthen the wet fiber-fiber joint, making it more resistant to breaking. This phenomenon of improved joint strength when both agents are combined can be attributed to the additive effects of their individual mechanisms of action on fibers which would break if only of the additive is used.

[0327] It is also suggested that the dry strength has limited action on the wet tensile strength properties, and mainly helps improving the dry mechanical properties of the formed pulp product. beverage capsules similar to the container of Figure 5 were prepared using a wet pulp molding process using the proposed pulp composition and the same reference composition as for the 2D tests. The weight and rim diameter D of the capsule were measured after at least 24 h of conditioning at 23 °C and 50 %RH, meaning in dry conditions (dry state). In the dry state, the capsule is not exposed to liquid and therefore no liquid is absorbed by the molded pulp-based material of the capsule.

[0328] The capsules were filled with 5 g of coffee, sealed with a closing member and extracted.

[0329] The following tests and measurements were performed on the capsules.

[0330] The rim bending stiffness and rim diameter D of the capsule were measured immediately after extraction, meaning when the capsule is in a wet state. In the wet state, the capsule is or has been exposed to a liquid from the preparation machine during the beverage preparation process and liquid has been absorbed by the molded pulp-based material.

[0331] The rim stiffness is a functional measure of the elasticity of the rim It is measured by extracting the strain - force curve when passing the ejector of the machine through the rim of the capsule (similarly at what is happening during extraction of the capsule between the steps of Figure 2E and Figure 2F in the brewing unit) at a relative displacement of 5 mm.s4. 19701-EP-EPA water measure was performed by cutting the flange portion of the capsule with a laser and immerging the flange in 90°C water for 20 seconds. The mass of the flange portion was measured before and after immersion. The flange water absorption is computed with the following formula:

[0332] Table 5 shows statistics results of tests done on the interaction of a capsule of similar geometry to the one of Figure 5 with the coffee preparation machine as disclosed in connection with Figures 2A to 2H. These tests were made on capsules produced with the reference composition and on capsules made with the proposed pulp composition (with the additives and ratios presented in Table 1). These statistics are presenting the capsules blocked in the brewing unit after extraction (expressed in blocking percentage), as well as parameters measured on the capsule, such as the mass of the capsule, the density of the capsule, the rim bending stiffness, the difference of diameter between wet and dry state, and the water absorption of the flange area.

[0333] Table 5: Comparison of blockage rate, RBS and dimension of capsules made from different compositions

[0334] It is shown that, in capsules made with the proposed pulp composition: the rim bending stiffness is 50% higher compared to the reference; 19701-EP-EPA the difference of rim diameter between wet and dry is 20% lower compared to the reference; and that the flange water absorption is 40% lower compared to the reference.

[0335] These results are achieved at similar capsule mass and density.

[0336] From the above results, it can be concluded that, at least the flange portion of the capsule with the proposed pulp composition, is less impacted by the water exposure occurred during the extraction of the capsule in the machine than the capsule with the pulp composition of reference.

[0337] It is hypothesized that the sizing and wet strength agent prevent water from entering in the rim flange portion of the capsule by capillary action (as the rim of the flange portion is not in direct contact with water during the extraction of the capsule in the preparation machine. As the rim and flange portion of the capsule made from the proposed pulp composition are less impacted by water, the rim bending stiffness is increased. These aspects will be discussed in connection with Figures 7A to 8B in the next section.

[0338] [Interaction container / machine]

[0339] Figures 7A to 8B show containers similar to the one disclosed in Figure 5, made with the reference pulp composition (Figures 7A and 7B) and with the proposed pulp composition (Figures 8A and 8B), after extraction in a Nespresso® Original Line Inissia® beverage machine with a processing system according to the disclosure of Figures 1 to 3.

[0340] Figures 7A and 7B respectively show perspective and top photos of extracted molded capsules made from the reference pulp composition, after they have been extracted (capsule in wet state). These capsules correspond to capsules made with the reference composition as illustrated in Table 5.

[0341] The figures illustrate a wet capsule body and a wet flange area (the flange and rim's colors are equivalent to the body's) indicating similar water absorption by the molded pulp material in all portions of the capsule body portion 62 and flange portion 66. Turning to the interaction of the capsule with the beverage machine, due to the rim 91 of the capsule 6 being wet, in some cases, the ejectors 47 of the brewing unit 34 let go the capsule rim 91 and are therefore not able to drag the capsule 6 towards the ejection channel 42. In these 19701-EP-EPA cases, the separation of the capsule from the brewing unit is therefore not possible and the capsule remains blocked inside the beverage preparation machine.

[0342] Figures 8A and 8B respectively show perspective and top photos of extracted molded capsules made from the proposed pulp composition (containing additives), after they have been extracted (capsule in wet state). These capsules correspond to capsules made with the proposed pulp composition with additives as illustrated in Table 5.

[0343] The figures illustrate a wet capsule body and a dry flange area (the color of the rim and flange portions are different from the color of the body and storage portion of the capsule) indicating different levels of water absorption by the molded pulp material in the capsule body portion 62 and flange portion 66. With the proposed pulp composition containing additives, the flange of the capsule remains dry during and after extraction. In conjunction with the results of Table 5, the rim bending stiffness of the capsules of Figures 8A and 8B is higher than the one of the capsule of Figures 7A and 7B in which the rim and flange are both wet.

[0344] Turning to the interaction of the capsule with the beverage machine, as the rim 91 and flange portion 66 are dry, the contact between the capsule's rim 91 and the ejectors 47 is optimized allowing the separation of the capsule from the brewing unit: the ejectors 47 are interacting with the rim 91 and dragging the capsule 6 towards the ejection channel 42.

[0345] Thanks to the proposed pulp composition, the resulting molded pulp container is optimized for the brewing unit of the proposed container processing unit and system and complete ejection of the container is ensured after extraction.

[0346] As used in this specification, any formulation used of the style "at least one of A, B or C", and the formulation "at least one of A, B and C" use a disjunctive "or" and a disjunctive "and" such that those formulations comprise any and all joint and several permutations of A, B, C, that is, A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in any order, A and C in any order, B and C in any order and A, B, C in any order. There may be more or less than three features used in such formulations. 19701-EP-EPA

[0347] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word 'comprising' does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps then those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an." The same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0348] Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, example or claims prevent such a combination, the features of the foregoing embodiments and examples, and of the following claims may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an "ex post facto" benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of the example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of the claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase "in one embodiment", "according to an embodiment" and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to 'an', 'one' or 'some' embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and / or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment.

[0349] As used herein, any machine executable instructions, or compute readable media, may carry out a disclosed method, and may therefore be used synonymously with the term method, or each other. 19701-EP-EPA

[0350] The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various implementations of the present disclosure.

[0351] 19701-EP-EPA

[0352] LIST OF REFERENCES

[0353] 2 System

[0354] 4 Machine

[0355] 14 Processing unit

[0356] 20 Container processing unit

[0357] 34 Brewing unit

[0358] 36 Holding portion

[0359] 43 Retaining arrangement

[0360] 44 Hooking members

[0361] 49 Perforator

[0362] 38 Closing portion

[0363] 45 Ejection arrangement

[0364] 46 Sleeve

[0365] 47 Ejectors

[0366] 40 Supply channel

[0367] 48 Stops

[0368] 42 Ejection channel

[0369] 22 Fluid conditioning system

[0370] 24 Reservoir

[0371] 26 Pump

[0372] 28 Heat exchanger

[0373] 30 Outlet

[0374] 16 Electrical circuitry

[0375] 48 Control electrical circuitry

[0376] 6 Container

[0377] 60 Closing member

[0378] 68 Interior surface

[0379] 70 Exterior surface

[0380] 62 Body portion

[0381] 64 Storage portion

[0382] 80 Cavity

[0383] 82 Sidewall

[0384] 86 Proximal edge

[0385] 88 Distal edge

[0386] 84 Base

[0387] 90 Peripheral edge

[0388] 66 Flange portion

[0389] 72 Interior edge

[0390] 74 Exterior edge

[0391] 91 Rim

[0392] 76 Upper surface

[0393] 78 Lower surface

[0394] 8 Server system

[0395] 10 Peripheral device

[0396] 12 Computer network

Claims

1. 19701-EP-EPACLAIMS1. A system (2) comprising a container (6) and a machine (4) for preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff thereof, the container (6) for containing a food and / or beverage component as precursor material for use with the machine (4), the container comprising: a body portion (62) having a storage portion (64) for storage of the beverage component and a flange portion (66) having a rim (91), at least the flange portion formed of a molded pulp-based material, and having a dry state in which no liquid is absorbed by the molded pulp-based material, and a wet state in which liquid is absorbed by the molded pulp-based material, a barrier element to provide a barrier function to the body portion (62), and a closing membrane (60) for closing the storage portion (64) the machine (4) including: a container processing unit for processing precursor material of the container, the container processing unit comprising: a brewing unit having a holding portion arranged to hold the storage portion of the container, and a closing portion arranged to close the holding portion around a held container, the holding portion and closing portion relatively movable to transfer a container between a receiving position and a processing position; a retaining arrangement having hooking members arranged to retain the rim of the flange portion to transfer the container from the processing position; an ejection arrangement with ejectors for ejection of the flange portion from the hooking members, and a supply channel for supply of a container to the brewing unit, the supply channel comprising stops to locate a container in a holding position, wherein the pulp-based material of the flange portion is made from a pulp composition comprising:5619701-EP-EPA an amount of cellulose fibers; an amount of a sizing agent; an amount of a wet strength agent, and optionally, an amount of a dry strength agent. and comprises a rim diameter D at the location of the rim of the flange portion in which the difference of the diameter D between the dry state and the wet state is at most 1,4% to enable in the dry state, engagement with the stops of the supply channel and the rim to fit into a cavity of the hooking members, and in the wet state, engagement with the ejectors and ejection the rim of the container from the cavity of the hooking members.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the dry state is determined at ambient conditions when the container is not exposed to liquid and therefore no liquid is absorbed by the molded pulp-based material, and / or; the wet state is defined as during or subsequent to the container being exposed to water from a preparation process.

3. The system of either of claim 1 or 2, wherein with the container in the processing position, the container processing unit is arranged to expose to liquid an exterior of the storage portion and the flange portion to hydraulically seal the container in the processing position.

4. The system of either of claim 1 or 2, wherein during extraction and in the processing position the flange and / or rim portion made from a pulp composition comprising an amount of a sizing agent, an amount of a wet strength agent, and optionally, an amount of a dry strength agent, have reduced liquid absorption compared to a flange portion and / or rim made from a pulp composition that do not comprise any sizing agent, wet strength and / or any a dry strength agent.5719701-EP-EPA5. The system of either of claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the wet state, the rim bending stiffness of the rim of the flange portion is selected to enable projection of the container from the hooking members with an energy above a predetermined amount for ejection of the container to an ejection channel of the container processing unit.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the value of the rim bending stiffness, in the wet state, providing the predetermined amount of energy for ejection of the container to the ejection channel of the container processing unit is least 3 N.mnr i7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the rim diameter D when the container is in the wet state is at most 37,6mm ± 0.1mm to engage with the ejectors of the brewing unit.

8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the rim diameter D when the container is in the dry state is at least 36,6mm ± 0.1mm to engage with the stops of the supply channel during insertion of the container in the preparation machine.

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion of the container is molded, and the rim of the flange portion is cut to achieve a rim diameter D, in the dry state, of at least 36,6mm ± 0.1mm.

10. The system of any preceding claims, wherein the rim diameter D is selected to reduce, in the wet state, a likelihood of a failed ejection condition of: a container resting against the ejection channel and the ejectors, and / or; the container not being successfully ejected by the ejectors from the hooking members.5819701-EP-EPA11. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the cellulose fibers comprise wood fibers, including softwood and / or hardwood fibers, and / or non-wood fibers.

12. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the cellulose fibers comprise an amount of non-wood fibers of at least 5 wt.%, preferably at least 10 wt. %, more preferably at least 30 wt.%, and at most 60 wt.% and / or a ratio of softwood to hardwood fibers is in the range of 80-20 to 20-80, preferably 60-40 to 40-60, most preferably 70-30.

13. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the sizing agent is present in the pulp composition in a concentration to the total amount of dry fiber content of 0.1 wt.% to 2 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 1,5 wt.%, most preferably about 0.5 wt.% and is an internal and / or a surface sizing agent selected within the list of Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD), alkyl succinic anhydride (ASA), rosin and combination thereof.

14. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the wet strength is present in the pulp material in a concentration to the total amount of dry fiber content of 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, preferably 0.2 wt.% to 2wt.%, most preferably about 0.4wt.% and is selected within the list of polyamide-epichlorohydrin (PAE), urea-formaldehyde (UF), melamine-formaldehyde (MF) and combination thereof.

15. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the dry strength is present in the pulp material in a concentration to the total amount of dry fiber content of 0.1 wt.% to 4 wt.%, preferably 0.2 to 2 wt.%, most preferably about 0.6 wt.% and is selected within the list of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HPC), polyacrylamide (PAM) or Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and combination thereof.

16. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the barrier element comprises a gas and / or moisture barrier member lining an interior of the storage portion and / or wherein the closing membrane (60) is sealingly connected to the flange portion on the side of the flange portion facing away from the storage portion.5919701-EP-EPA17. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the barrier element is a laminated multilayer liner comprising one or more of following layers: an innermost cover layer comprising an amount of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester; a first intermediate layer of a biodegradable material for connecting and / or sealing adjacent layers; a functional layer comprising a vinyl alcohol polymer; a second intermediate layer of a biodegradable material for connecting and / or sealing adjacent layers; and an outermost cover layer comprising an amount of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester,18. A container for use with a machine for preparing a beverage and / or foodstuff according to the system of any preceding claims.60

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